ND Live Fishing Reports

Fishing reports are updated every Friday and follow the ND Live radio program heard throughout North Dakota

Greg Schoneck

I could of snapped my rod in half over my knee

How about this for a morning wake up call. The stout scents of fish guts and slime permeating your senses, clothing and hair followed by a good dose of fish fat. I’ll just stay with the stout scent of morning coffee, thanks anyway.

That is where I found Jim, owner of Westbay Resort early this morning as we pulled in for a day of fun. Scrubbing down the fish cleaning station is not my idea of how to get the day started. However, if I owned a resort I guess I would have to be grateful fish are biting. Kind of like when I come home and give my little Sarah a hug after a day on the water. She always says, “Dad you smell like fish.” I reply,        “Thank you Sarah.” Smelling like fish means I had a good day.

Jim and Diane recovered from disaster by resurrecting a flooded family farm, converting it into a sweet resort west of DL. Like any resurrection, not easily done. Westbay comes complete with family style hospitality, cabins and overnight RV sites. The bonus section includes Devils Lake walleyes right out your front door. If I tried this, distraction would have me broke the first year. Too close to the water.

Eric, a local guide on DL suggested we give the Golden Highway some attention. This underwater road comes complete with blacktop, ditches and riprap. Perfect walleye structure. It tops out right now around 16 feet, easy access for cranks, my favorite presentation. The road is basically flat, straight and long. Made for cranking.

We started the show with a Bomber 24A, Little Ripper Deep, and a couple of jointed 5’s. A Bomber 24 got us first fish and after dropping it in the livewell I noticed the second fish hanging on to the Reef Runner. I’ll take ’em anyway I can get ’em.

Normally when I have a fish on I pull the kicker out of gear and let the wind keep me moving slowly forward.  Once in a while the slow down results in a double. If this happens twice I generally wake up to the fact that I may be pulling too fast. A simple adjustment in speed and often the livewell is loaded.

Rain was predicted and rain we got. About 45 minutes into fishing it started with gusto and then really let lose. After a couple of hours we decided to head back and dry off. You know it’s raining when shoreline disappears. It’s seldom I need the GPS to get off the water but today it was nice to know I was headed toward the truck heater.  

With renewed attitude we headed out of the Westbay ramp and thought, “Why not start right here?” Down went a couple of jointed 5’s in Firetiger and Red Crawdad. Up came a few walleyes and more than our share of Northern. The Northern seemed to be getting bigger and smaller. They came in two sizes today. Medium at 5-8 pounds and extra small at 10 inches. Once in a while a bigger fish latched on for the ride to the boat and a picture.

Blue Bill Point is just west of the ramp and I gave it a serious look over today. It is easy to fish as it juts out into the lake in a classic long, slowly tapering, walleye looking style. We started up in 10 feet and by the end of the day made the change to 14. Numbers were better in 10 but size was better in 14. Red Crawdad gets best color award. If you’re coming to DL in July or August I suggest bringing a few along.

Blue Bill is also where I released my best fish of the day. After a long, clicker screaming, hard run I got the motor slowed and out of gear. Drag light and with a gentle touch I carefully closed the distance. We filmed the entire effort and had the fish on the surface right next to the boat.  My heart was smiling as if I was on the platform and they were hanging the Gold around my neck. What a way to finish the day!

NOT! Rotten fish did a Houdini and with the flick of a gill left me staring into empty water. I could of snapped my rod in half over my knee, twisted my big motor off the transom, kicked a hole in the bottom of my boat, dogpaddled to shore and never looked back.

I guess they are biting on the weed lines. Maybe see ya there.

Greg Schoneck for ND Live

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Remember fishing is a learned sport. More you practice the better you get, so better get fishing!

Greg Schoneck for ND Live