ND Live Fishing Reports

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

Greg Schoneck

Weeds ‘n Reeds

This is far exceeding my expectations. Everyone is talking 13 inch fish and we are fast on to our second fish over 20!

Secluded cabins, complete with everything, including the sounds of waves washing the beach and steaks sizzling on the grill. Westbay Resort is located on the NW Shore of Minnewaukan flats just off of Hwy 19. Easy access, easy fishing, I guess that’s why they call it the easy life.

Eric, a local guide gave us some pointers on where to start. Winds were predicted to blow 25 out of the WNW and sure enough the weather man was right on. First stop was in 10 feet with cranks. Didn’t feel right so 10 minutes later we are pulling lead in 17 and in another 10 we are on the way to our third stop.  

Wind is really starting to blow and it just so happens that Eric’s suggestion leads us to a protected area completely out of the wind. As soon as we put down, action began and it wasn’t long before I had to take a break. If I broke any more plaque loose from my over-pressured arteries I was gonna blow a fuse.

It’s Sept 1^st and while the dog days may be in full effect their full effect is minimal here in Devils Lake. Fishing 9 feet may seem shallow according to walleye wisdom but I like to let the walleyes do the talking and they are talking 9 feet.

The strategy is to stay between the reeds that are inside in 7 feet and the weeds that are outside in 10-12 feet. In some areas that leaves a path or alleyway that is somewhat open and free of weeds. Just enough room for a boat and 4 cranks to follow along behind.

Plenty of time is spent cleaning weeds from lines but more time is spent reeling in walleyes. Things did settle down by noon and we got a chance to catch our breath and count fish. A quick look around and we were off to another area that looked similar.

The move got us our biggest fish of the day and into what looks like a pattern that can be used all over the lake. The green reeds seem to be holding bait as the deeper weeds are dying off. This is moving fish into the shallows where they are chasing young of the year everything. Our fish were feeding on small Shad Rap sized perch.

They were also feeding on plastic. RS-4’s with Blk/Gold being the best in the morning. Later in the day that switched to Blue/Chrome. Our best fish came on a Salmo Hornet but the most consistent bite was from the Ripshads. My number one lure for the past two years has been a Wonderbread Red in Reef Runner Ripshad.

No matter what you read, see or hear about walleye fishing, let the walleyes chose the lure. I spend too much time over thinking this fishing game. Just go fishing, try it all and let the walleyes decide what is best.

The best on western Devils Lake is without question Westbay Resort. Jim and Dianne will show you firsthand what western hospitality is all about. Cabins are open year-round and one DL guide just revealed to me that he expects this winter’s perch action to be the best he has seen in years.

By now you have certainly heard about the big fish bite on Pelican. I suspect you have also heard that access is tuff. By next spring that will likely be history. Jim from Westbay and the ND Game and Fish are working on a ramp that will provide protected, easy access.  I did a dry run through the location and this has the potential to be the best ramp on all of Devils Lake.

When I run for Governor my plan is one mandatory day off every week to fish somewhere you have never fished before. Until then you will have to make your own plans. I suggest you let the walleyes do the talking. Shus- - quiet, I think I hear them, “Catch me in Devils Lake”. See you there.

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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