Fall Fishing Bonanza
August 25, 2010 by admin
By Doug Leier
It comes as no surprise that when August begins losing to September, for many North Dakota residents hunting starts to win out over fishing in the competition for free-time activities.
But I’d also suggest, if you’ve bagged plenty of days pounding the North Dakota prairie, without experiencing the thrill of fall fishing, you might [...]
Walleye Confidence
June 1, 2010 by admin
By Jason Mitchell
We all have something we are very confident in. That confidence lure or tactic may vary from lake to lake or change over the years but we all have our go to weapon. One of the most difficult things I encounter as an angler is fishing when I have no or [...]
Slot Limits
May 27, 2010 by admin
By Doug Leier
I’ve got one lunker fish to my credit and I won’t lie, it was more about luck than skill, and that’s how it usually works for me.
Save for the hardcore anglers who spend more time fishing than sleeping, the majority of us are not on the water fishing three hours a day for [...]
Fishing Gear to Remember
May 10, 2010 by admin
By Bob Jensen
When we go fishing, so often we spend a lot of time making sure we have the right lures, fresh line, charged boat batteries, and all those other things that are part of the actual fishing process. And, no doubt, those are important considerations. But there are some other things we [...]
Small Baits Big Fish
May 2, 2010 by admin
By Jason Mitchell
On many walleye fisheries across the Midwest, young of the year fish hatches play a huge role in where to fish and what to fish with. Really strong reproductive efforts of just about any fish species are taken advantage of. Heavy predation has been documented on just about every species of [...]
Understanding Walleyes
Things to Think about while Wishing for Walleyes
Surefire walleye techniques that’ll be served hot in my boat this spring and summer.
By Brian “Bro” Brosdahl
It’s early in the season. The labor of spawning is a fling of the past – the breeders are well rested. Water temps are in that magical range – above 50 [...]
Horizontal Jigging
April 19, 2010 by admin
By Nick Simonson
Have you ever watched the way minnows move? When I was in Grand Forks, N.D. attending “The School that Shall Not Be Named” I had multiple chances to jump the Red River into East Grand Forks, Minn., and watch as trout, bass and pike preyed upon minnows that the staff had dumped [...]
Hair Jigs
April 14, 2010 by admin
The hair transplant was a success: Bucktail Jigs make a big comeback with the walleye bigwigs
By Tom Neustrom
I was a twelve-year-old dock boy living the dream at a resort in Northern Wisconsin. By day, I’d hang out with minnows and men who tell fish stories, while earning a little walking around money for my efforts. [...]
Bobber Fishing Tips for the Spring
April 8, 2010 by admin
The Ultimate Live Bait Rigging Solution?
By Tony Roach with Doc Samson
In the “Roach world” pretty much everything revolves around convincing walleyes and other fish to bite. Even when I’m not in the boat doing what I need to do to make that happen, I just can’t stop my mind from swimming around different possibilities. It [...]
Shallow Walleye Fishing Tips
April 8, 2010 by admin
By Jason Mitchell
If the weather is stable, walleyes can often be found in shallow water during spring and early summer… shallow being less than ten feet. Obviously, every fishery is different, not to mention a multitude of factors like forage or weather can relocate fish. During May and June however on many bodies [...]
Walleyes and Water Temps
April 1, 2010 by admin
By Jason Mitchell
Factors like water temperature and wind seem increasingly important during spring. Often, the most important piece of equipment is a temperature gauge as activity often revolves around water temperature. A temperature gauge also enables an angler to gauge the influence of wind. Water temperature is relative in the sense that [...]
ND Fishing Reg Changes
March 31, 2010 by admin
By Doug Leier
Rather than wholesale changes on a yearly basis, the bulk of North Dakota’s fishing rules and regulations are implemented every two years, and 2010 is one of the years when we get a new fishing proclamation. The new regulations begin April 1 and are in place until March 31, 2012.
By no means does [...]
Fishing Diary
March 30, 2010 by admin
By Nick Simonson
There have been a lot of changes in my life over the past five years. I’ve lived in two states and three towns and have had six different jobs, with this one being the most consistent. In that time I’ve fished over 60 lakes and rivers, gaining some level of familiarity [...]
President Obama Attacking Fishing Industry
March 22, 2010 by admin
Sport Anglers Alarmed by Proposed Obama Policy
A controversy has erupted in the sport fishing community over a new federal management plan for oceans and Great Lakes waters. Recent opinion pieces circulating on the internet and reported on numerous radio stations have stoked the flames through revelations that the policy, if implemented, would prohibit recreational fishing [...]
Catch and Release Fishing
March 4, 2010 by admin
‘Swimming Pools’ for Fish
A Little Advice on Caring for Your Catch
By Tony Roach
Have you ever caught the same fish twice in a single day? How about the same fish two or three times inside a week? I’ll bet many of you have. Even on a massive fish factory like Mille Lacs in Central Minnesota, [...]
Walleyes on Soft Plastics
February 4, 2010 by admin
Walleyes Come as No Fluke
By Brian “Bro” Brosdahl with Mark Courts
Admittedly, I’m a meat and potatoes sort of guy. I’m eyeing the porterhouse steak on the menu long before the canary food, organic “meals under 500 calories”. In fact, I’ll take the whole right side of the menu, please. This instinctive weakness for hearty meat [...]
Building Fish Habitat
January 20, 2010 by admin
By Doug Leier
More than 40 years ago the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, in an effort to create structure for fish and create artificial habitat within Heart Butte Dam (Lake Tschida) in Grant County, sunk some old car bodies into the reservoir.
As you might expect, the practice of using car bodies for building fish [...]
Life List Lunkers
January 20, 2010 by admin
By Nick Simonson
There are hundreds of days booked in my fishing logs and countless others banked in my memories. From watching a field of tip-up flags pop for northern pike on a chilly winter morning to a steamy July evening spent fishing an inexhaustible school of white bass, it is tough to keep track [...]
Trolling on the Ice
December 11, 2009 by admin
“New Wave” Fish Finding Tactics on Ice
By Tony Roach
When you spend your winters guiding on a huge lake like Central Minnesota’s Mille Lacs, doing all the things it takes to find biting fish can test your resolve. There’s only one way to the fish – drilling lots and lots of holes. My guides and I [...]
Live Bait Rig Fishing
November 10, 2009 by admin
Walleye fishing icons Gary Roach and Doc Samson won’t be giving up live bait anytime soon
By Ted Pilgrim
Livebait is back, baby. You better believe it. Despite the buzz about plastics, the reality is, walleyes eat live bait. Period. In the end, all artificial lures lack two potent, inimitable ingredients: organic random movement and instinctive flight [...]
Raising Nightcrawlers off the Bottom
‘Nightcrawler Secrets’ Revisited
By Ted Pilgrim with Tom Neustrom
“Never before have I asked you, or anyone, to keep an angling secret. I’m going to break this rule now and ask you point-blank NOT to pass on this information. It is much too deadly, it took many years to accumulate, and it’s worth too much to just [...]
Learning Crawler Rigs and Roach Rigs on Walleyes
October 20, 2009 by admin
Please Pass the Meat…the Fresh Stuff
Walleye fishing icons Gary Roach and Doc Samson won’t be giving up live bait anytime soon
By Ted Pilgrim
Livebait is back, baby. You better believe it. Despite the buzz about plastics, the reality is, walleyes eat live bait. Period. In the end, all artificial lures lack two potent, inimitable ingredients: [...]
Man Made Walleye Heaven
February 23, 2009 by admin
By Chris Hustad
I caught up with an old high school friend from Fargo earlier this spring. Evidentially he found his way to the Nodak Outdoors forum during the spring snow goose season and we stayed in touch. We spent some time catching up on a couple short fishing trips across the region and he had [...]
Backwards Walleye Movements
February 23, 2009 by admin
By Jason Mitchell
For years, anglers have had this preconceived notion pounded into their heads. This notion is that walleye will lounge or rest in deeper water and feed in shallow water. Many anglers imagine fish resting in deeper water relating to the break, moving up the break and feeding in the shallow water. This movement [...]
Walleyes and the Wind
February 23, 2009 by admin
By Jason Mitchell
The affect of wind on walleye is almost cliché. Follow the wind or fish the windy shore. Wind stacks up baitfish and then the walleye follow. The reality is however that this cliché is only right half the time so this theory is just another half truth. There are so many scenarios where [...]
Trolling the Night Bite for Walleyes
February 23, 2009 by admin
By PJ Maguire
There are a lot of theories in walleye circles about when the peak feeding time is for walleyes throughout the year. It’s well documented that walleyes with their cloudy, marble eyes were designed to prey on baitfish in low-light conditions. So with that being said you’d expect the peak to often be early [...]
Walleye Trolling Concepts
February 23, 2009 by admin
By Jason Mitchell
Regardless of whether you look for walleye in a river, lake or reservoir, trolling crank baits are incredibly effective come mid to late summer. The reasons that trolling can be so effective stem from the fact that fish will generally pull out into areas that are easy to troll. When fish suspend over [...]
Bottom Bouncers
By Jason Mitchell
The bottom bouncer is an incredibly effective and versatile piece of equipment for walleye anglers. Over the past few years, there seems to have been an emphasis on using the bottom bouncer as more of a rigging tool. The bottom bouncer can become a tool for efficiently presenting a live bait snell or [...]
Fish Tags
February 23, 2009 by admin
By Doug Leier
Most hunters are aware of bird bands. Those most familiar are the metallic leg bands on ducks and geese.
The band will typically include instructions for reporting identifying numbers or letters related to the organization doing the research. Hunters have always embraced and understood their roll in these scientific studies, and banded birds are [...]
Trolling for Walleyes
February 23, 2009 by admin
By Chris Hustad
This is a 2-part series on a beginners guide to trolling for walleyes.
Also see the 2nd part of the series – Walleye Trolling Boards and Trolling Deep
My newest passion in walleye fishing the past couple years has been trolling. I will admit it, I flat out love trolling for walleyes. Don’t get me [...]
Walleye Trolling Boards & Trolling Deep for Walleyes
February 23, 2009 by admin
By Chris Hustad
This is a second part of a 2-part series on a beginners guide to trolling for walleyes.
Also see the 1st part of the series – Trolling for Walleyes
I am a big fan of planer boards for walleyes, but it wasn’t always this way. My first time using planer boards was on Lake Superior [...]
Fishing Leadcore
February 23, 2009 by admin
By Jason Mitchell
Over the past ten years, trolling with lead core line has gained in popularity amongst the walleye crowd. Lead core enables anglers to put any crankbait in the tackle box in front of fish regardless of how deep. This in itself is a huge advantage but you can also accomplish the same task [...]
A Reason for Walleye Restrictions
February 23, 2009 by admin
By Doug Leier
Over the years, North Dakota Game and Fish has developed a body of fishing regulations based on sound fisheries biology and management practices. A general rule of thumb is that if a regulation isn’t going to help the resource, then don’t put it in place, and conversely, if a regulation is no longer [...]
Suspended Walleyes & Slip Bobbers
February 23, 2009 by admin
By Jason Mitchell
Walleye suspend an awful lot, much more I bet than most anglers want to imagine. I say, “want to imagine,” because many anglers do in fact hate the idea of fishing in “no man’s land.” That is off the bottom. The bottom is such a nice constant, something so definite. When we fish [...]
Walleye River Fishing Tips
February 23, 2009 by admin
By Bill Ortiz
With all of the tools available now to the modern walleye angler, one of the oldest and most effective tools for catching walleye on rivers early in the year continues to be a good anchor. What surprises me is how many fishing rigs don’t even have anchors or at least anchors that can [...]
Fine Tuning Your Boat Control
February 23, 2009 by admin
By Sheldon Meidinger
Easily keeping the boat on a small spot for most of the day can help anglers catch just about any kind of fish from bass and sunfish to musky and walleye. The greatest evolution on boat control however, has been in walleye fishing applications. From reservoirs and natural lakes to rivers and flowages, [...]
Follow the Leader
February 23, 2009 by admin
By Jason Mitchell
The idea that walleye may indeed follow a lure for a significant distance before striking surprises many anglers. Many anglers have this mental picture that fish just lash out and strike a lure as the lure appears, like an ambush. While there is no doubt that plenty of ambushing is going on under [...]
Spring Open Water Fishing is Here
February 23, 2009 by admin
By Jason Mitchell
Spring fishing is always good for people. The signs of spring put people in better state of mind. For many lake anglers in the upper Midwest, this month is the time to get the boat out. The first time to use a long rod in over six months. We wait for spring all [...]
River Walleyes on Plastics
February 23, 2009 by admin
By Troy Morris
Plastics have really made an impact on river walleye fishing. Plastics allow anglers to change shapes, colors and size with an ease that cannot be accomplished with the traditional minnow or shiner. Jigs tipped with a plastic body often shine in river fishing conditions for a variety of reasons.
First off, the current present [...]
Fishing Opener
February 23, 2009 by admin
By Doug Leier
I might miss the North Dakota fishing opener this year, but I will have my own first day of open water fishing. It may come earlier than last year or a few days later, depending on how spring arrives, but it will be here soon and I can’t wait.
If you’re a bit confused, [...]
Redifining Rock Structure in the Winter
February 23, 2009 by admin
By Jason Mitchell
Look for hard bottom areas to catch more fish this winter. Bars, points and saddles that are covered with rock are a good bet if you are looking for perch or walleyes. At least that is what I have been told. Walleye anglers in particular are infatuated with this structural element. Watch an [...]
It’s About the Little Things
February 23, 2009 by admin
Our Outdoors
Nick Simonson
It’s the little things in life that matter; a couple bluegills on the flyrod to pass a sunny afternoon at the lake or a few golden walleye fillets sizzling in the frying pan for an evening meal. And it is these little things that make angling so much fun. Getting to that point [...]
Devils Lake Walleyes
February 23, 2009 by admin
By PJ Maguire
Minnesota is the land in which nothing is legal. Every year it seems as though they tighten restrictions on outdoor activities. Especially when it comes to the most popular fish in the land of 10,000 lakes, the walleye. It should come as no surprise that people look to North Dakota, for the simple [...]
Walleyes – You Gotta Love ‘Em
February 23, 2009 by admin
By Chris Hustad
Versatility – that’s what makes walleye fishing so unique. Over the course of the open water season in the upper Midwest, I will typically fish for walleyes, pike, musky, smallmouth & largemouth bass, catfish, crappies, and a whole assortment of other species by accident. When I think about fishing for panfish, smallies or [...]
Spring River Walleye Fishing
February 23, 2009 by admin
Our Outdoors
Nick Simonson
Spring in the upper Midwest is unpredictable; seventy-two and sunny one weekend, twenty-seven and snowing the next. However, there is one thing about spring that is a given; fish will go through the same process in preparation to beget more fish. It is during this time of year – the prespawn period – [...]
Fishing in May
February 23, 2009 by admin
Our Outdoors
Nick Simonson
“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” This line, an eye-to-eye plea by Matthew Broderick as the title character in the 1986 film Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, sums up our very existence.
For anglers, month of May moves even faster. Between graduations, [...]
The Reason for Year Around Fishing
February 23, 2009 by admin
By Doug Leier
Every year about this time, a few anglers question North Dakota’s year-round fishing season. It’s not so much an opposition as it is a curiosity, because many North Dakotans are aware that Minnesota closes its season for game fish from late February to mid-May.
South Dakota’s regulations are much like North Dakota’s. Most waters [...]
Spinner Rigs
February 23, 2009 by admin
By Ted Takasaki and Scott Richardson
You can’t beat live bait…or can you? There is a presentation that combines both the natural scent, look and feel of live bait and the flash and attraction of a lure. Spinner rigs offer the best of both worlds and they work especially well on many different lakes across the [...]
Walleyes in the Weeds
February 23, 2009 by admin
By PJ Maguire
The lake that I fish the most is not what you would classify as a “traditional” walleye lake. The lake does not contain any mud flats or rocky points. It is a weedy lake, and the walleyes are weed walleyes. I have found that cabbage flats that are ten to fourteen feet can [...]
Weight Forward Spinners
February 23, 2009 by admin
By Lindy Fishing Tackle
The dramatic comeback of Lake Erie walleye fishing has brought widespread attention to a lure that’s been around for a long time, the weight forward spinner. The weight forward spinner is basically a chunk of lead with a shafted spinner and a trailing hook. It is generally fished with a live crawler [...]
Walleye Fever – Trophy Walleye Fishing
February 23, 2009 by admin
Our Outdoors
Nick Simonson
Call it the result of a lucky catch, call it an unwanted side effect of Minnesota fishing opener (I guess now I see why ND really got rid of opening dates for fishing) but I’ve been stricken with walleye fever.
Chance Encounter
The symptoms started last Tuesday when fishing with a couple of buddies on [...]
Devils Lake Walleye Fishing
February 23, 2009 by admin
By PJ Maguire
It’s canny how some of my most memorable outdoor experiences have been last minute operations.
Once again, a last minute trip was planned for Devil’s Lake while I was at work. When I got done at 9 pm, I packed up my fishing gear and forgot about everything else going on in my life. [...]
Jig Fishing Tips
February 23, 2009 by admin
By Lindy Fishing Tackle
The leadhead jig is probably the most universal of artificial lures. Originally used for saltwater species, the jigging method became a freshwater angling “revolution” in the 1950’s and early 1960’s. Anglers soon discovered that jigs take all inland sport fish, especially walleyes, crappies, and bass. Even with today’s assortment of baits and [...]
Lindy Rigs – Everything You Need to Know
February 23, 2009 by admin
Lindy Fishing Tackle
Lindy Rigging revolutionized live bait fishing in the 1960’s and is still one of the most popular and productive methods for taking walleyes throughout the country.
Lindy Rigs can take panfish, walleyes, bass, northern pike, trout and any bottom feeding fish wherever they are–in natural lakes, man-made reservoirs, rivers and streams. With Lindy Rigs [...]
Midsize Baits and Sundry Traits of the Midday Walleye
February 23, 2009 by admin
By Noel Vick
Dave Genz, admittedly, dislikes morning bites. Well…in reality, that’s not completely fair. He digs a buttocks-over-teakettle morning feed as much as the next guy. What he despises, however, is a bombastic daybreak that evolves into an afternoon of nothingness. Genz, in fact, has devoted a lifetime to finding fish at high noon. No [...]
Shallow Water Walleyes…in 100-Degree Heat
February 23, 2009 by admin
By Chris Hustad
Scenario: It’s the end of June, almost 100 degrees and high humidity…what do you do? Well, I would say it all depends on the lake and the ecosystem in place. I would assume most walleye anglers would’ve been seeking out the deeper breaks looking for baitfish off deep ledges and humps. In the [...]
Suspended Walleyes
February 23, 2009 by admin
By Chris Hustad
Scenario: You wake up and spend all morning working deep or shallow water walleyes off structure, humps, points and breaks. The results…nothing. While the graph is showing a few spotty fish here and there off the bottom, you move on trying to work another piece of structure in search of fish. The whole [...]
Walleye Fishing Rods, Reels and Line
By Eric Hustad
The story goes like this: I was fishing with my dad last spring for walleyes. I was talking up the new rods I had picked up for feeling those light walleye bites while dad was using his “old faithful.” I kept giving him a hard time because “old faithful” doesn’t have as much [...]
Walleye and Crappie Fishing Rods, Reels, and Line Reviews
February 21, 2009 by admin
By Eric Hustad
This spring I put some new walleye gear to the test and I promised opinions on where a person should throw some hard earned money. I put G. Loomis’s IMX rod up against St.Croix’s Legend Elite, and I have to say that I was really impressed with the St. Croix rod. It has [...]
Walleye Recipes
February 21, 2009 by admin
Here’s some favorite walleye recipes of ours.
Broiled Walleye Recipe :
2 lbs of Walleye fillets
Cut fillets into about 1/2″ strips
4-5 Tablespoons of Lemon Juice
3-4 Garlic cloves, minced
3 Tablespoons of Soy Oil
3 1/2 Tablespoons White Wine
3 pinches of fresh chopped sweet Basil
Salt & Pepper to Taste
Blend all ingredients together. It should be a paste-like texture.
Place walleye fillet [...]
Tips for Spring Walleyes in Minnesota
February 21, 2009 by admin
By Eric Hustad
I can always tell when winter is coming to an end because I put another new tackle box together. I spend hours figuring out inventory, and deciding what I need for the upcoming spring. Don’t forget the time spent checking out the latest in new fishing lures at the sporting goods stores. I get [...]
North Dakota Water Levels
February 21, 2009 by admin
Baldhill Dam
Cannonball River – Breien
Devils Lake – Devils Lake
Fort Peck-
Garrison Dam
Heart River – Mandan
Jamestown Dam
Knife River – Hazen
Lake Darling – Foxholm
Lake Oahe
Lake Oahe –
Lake Sakakawea
Missouri River – Bismarck
Missouri River – Washburn
Missouri River – Schmidt
Missouri River – Stanton
North Dakota Statewide
Pipestem Dam
Red River – Fargo
Red River – Grand Forks
Red River – Wahpeton
Missouri River & Lake Oahe Boat Ramp Access Update
February 21, 2009 by admin
Updated 5-18-04
Elevation 1581.2
Site
Type
Bottom
Status
Contact
Langeliers Bay (main)
32′
wide concrete
Unusable
Alex Jahner 254-5491
Langeliers Bay (low-water)
14′
wide slide-in metal
Unusable
Alex Jahner 254-5491
State Line Area (low-water)
14′
wide slide-in metal
Unusable
State Line Resort 336-7765
Cattail Bay
15′
wide concrete/plank
Unusable
Ralph Gabrysh 255-0015
Fort Yates
30′
wide concrete
Unusable
Ralph Gabrysh 255-0015
Rivery (Jennerville)
16′
wide concrete plank
Usable
Ralph Gabrysh 255-0015
Beavery Bay (main)
60′
wide concrete
Unusable
Ralph Gabrysh 255-0015
Beaver Bay (COE-LW)
12′
wide concrete plank
Unusable
Ralph Gabrysh 255-0015
Beaver Bay (Spawning Shed)
12′
wide concrete plank
Unusable
ND Game & Fish 328-6300
Beaver Bay [...]
10 Steps to Better Jigging
February 21, 2009 by admin
By Ted Takasaki
Most anglers believe that they know all about jigs just because jigs have been around ever since man first pinched lead shot on a hook. But, that’s just not so. Jigging basics may seem simple enough and mastering the fundamental of jigging technique can mean the difference between catching fish and not. Try [...]
Devils Lake – Lake Sakakawea Water Conditions
February 21, 2009 by admin
By Doug Leier
Like night and day. Comparing apples to oranges. Pick your cliché that refers to contrasting situations, and apply it to North Dakota’s two largest bodies of water, Lake Sakakawea and Devils Lake.
Sakakawea, a reservoir on the Missouri River, is at its lowest water level since it first filled nearly 40 years ago. If [...]
Matching Floats for Slip Bobber Fishing
February 21, 2009 by admin
From Lindy Fishing Tackle
There are a lot of opportunities at slip bobber fishing, and this method can be used for a lot of fish species. Thill® has done a lot with their bobbers, or they call, “floats” to increase your fishing success. These aren’t the bobbers of yesterday, and we’ve come a long ways from [...]
Missouri River Fishing
February 21, 2009 by admin
By Jed Fluhrer
The stretch of the Missouri River in North Dakota from the tailrace to the North Dakota South Dakota State line offers anglers a variety of challenges. This portion of the river is know for its exceptional walleye fishing but also offers anglers the chance at northern pike, rainbow trout, brown trout, cutthroat trout, [...]
Fishing Deepwater Crankbaits
February 21, 2009 by admin
Lindy Tackle Team
The Lindy Tackle team has put together some tips to help you target and effectively use crankbaits in deepwater situations.
On Deep Mud Flats:
Many of the country’s reservoirs contain large mud flats. Walleyes will inhabit these flats, especially when insect hatches are coming off the mud. When it’s calm, the bigger like to hang [...]
Fishing Rod Building Tips
February 21, 2009 by admin
By Taylor Fitterer
Making your own custom fishing rods can be a fun experience. Each rod normally takes about 2-3 hours to manufacture, and the finish drying time can take from a few hours to a few days depending on the type of finish, temperature and humidity. We have learned through trial and error and I [...]
No Snag Secrets to Lindy Rigging
February 20, 2009 by admin
By Ron Lindner
- Use a lighter line from the swivel to the hook, preferably 2-4lb less than the main line on your reel.
- Because of the unique cam action, you may feel some resistance, much like an increasing pressure. Usually a sharp tight-line yank will pull it free–or set the hook on a fish.
- Shorter [...]
The Red River of the North
February 20, 2009 by admin
July 2005 – Fishery of the Month
The Red River of the North is quietly one of the state’s best fisheries. It’s one of the country’s best location to target big catfish; and some would argue hold’s the next state record walleye. One thing if for sure though, there’s a lot of big fish in this [...]
Big Bang Baitfish
February 11, 2009 by admin
Our Outdoors
Nick Simonson
In cooler waters of May and June the shallows can seem almost bare. Nothing but the occasional waterboatman or roaming bluegill disturbs the water bordering shore. Then as summer peaks, it seems the shallows are suddenly alive and teeming with small fish, as if they exploded out of nowhere! This big bang of [...]
The Heck with Tech
February 11, 2009 by admin
Our Outdoors
Nick Simonson
Some of the best days I can recall involve zipping up the Sheyenne River in an old canoe using paddle power until I reached my favorite feeder creek. With a jig and minnow, I felt for the subtle tap of a walleye or the vicious strike of a smallmouth. All the while I [...]
The Rapala X-Rap
February 11, 2009 by admin
Our Outdoors
Nick Simonson
Whether your treasure on the water is colored gold, bronze or silver, the X-Rap by Rapala (www.rapala.com) marks the spot for great fishing.
My experience with crankbaits has been limited; being predominately a river angler has restricted my usual arsenal to jigs and soft plastics which are comparatively inexpensive to most other lures. Crankbaits, [...]
Hot Fishing Lures for 2007
February 11, 2009 by admin
Our Outdoors
Nick Simonson
Hang in there, it can’t snow forever.
As if spring fever wasn’t bad enough, a fresh 16 inches of snow over the last week has put the “cabin” into “cabin fever.” But while nature-induced lockdown might dampen most spirits; anglers know that now is the time to stock up on tackle and read up [...]
Catch and Release 101
February 9, 2009 by admin
Our Outdoors
Nick Simonson
A dead-weight tug on the end of my line signaled that the largemouth bass under the dock was indeed hungry. I swept the rod back and the four-pound fish rocketed up out of the water. She battled every foot of the way to my hand.
I reached down, tweaked the hook and felt it [...]
Extra Hooks Bring the Sting
February 9, 2009 by admin
Our Outdoors
Nick Simonson
In one of the best Simpsons episodes, Moe uses a punch-absorbing Homer to relive his glory days as a boxer. But when Homer ends up having to fight the heavyweight champion, the all too Tyson-like Drederick Tatum, Moe searches through his bag of tricks to find the weapon that will help hapless Homer [...]
Freshen Up Your Skills
February 9, 2009 by admin
Our Outdoors
Nick Simonson
The season for big fish has come! The snow is rapidly melting, the ice is weakening, and the fish are preparing for the spawn. It is a picture perfect time for spring angling. If you plan to take some photos of your angling success this openwater season, here are some tips for ensuring [...]
Mid-Winter Walleyes
February 9, 2009 by admin
By Dave Genz
When the going gets tough, the tough go offshore.
During a recent seminar, a fresh-faced, high-school aged kid asked me to summarize ice fishing in one piece of advice. That’s near impossible to do, of course, but in retrospect, I liked my off-the-cuff response: Avoid the crowds.
I’ve caught a lot of fish through the [...]
Walleyes at First Ice – Clinging to the Current
February 9, 2009 by admin
By Captain Pat Kalmerton
You can take this one of two ways. Because I’m a fishing guide, you might think I’m all talk and keeping the good stuff to myself. Or, you might trust my experience and assume that you’re getting my A-game. Well, it’s some of both. I’ll be up front and offer honest, time-tested [...]
Approaching Late Ice
February 9, 2009 by admin
By Jason Mitchell
Late ice patterns can vary. People often preach about fishing shallow. Others stress the importance of finding moving water. Late ice is often hailed as the best fishing of the year. The fish are supposed to be biting as well as they have all winter. Anglers eagerly await the last hurrah. The reality, [...]
Finding More Walleyes Below the Ice
February 9, 2009 by admin
By Mark Strand
Conduct your own search for walleyes, one of the prized fish of the Ice Belt.
The conversation, for a brief time, sounds like we’re talking about the Internet.
“We’re such an information society,” says Brian Brosdahl.
Believe it or not, he’s talking about how to go out on the ice and find your own walleyes.
His point: [...]
Timing the Walleye Bite
February 9, 2009 by admin
By Jason Mitchell
Usually, ninety percent of the fish are caught during ten percent of the time we are actually on the ice. There are windows of opportunity. More often than not, the low sun of morning and or evening signal this opportunity. There is a prime time when everything happens so to speak. That time [...]
Early Ice Walleyes
February 9, 2009 by admin
By Jason Mitchell
If there is a mistake that many anglers make, including myself during the first ice period, we are guilty of fishing too deep when targeting walleye. Granted, there are a lot of options at first ice with some of these options being both shallow and deep but if anything, I tend to overlook [...]
Ice Fishing Stationary Mobility
February 9, 2009 by admin
By Ice Team Power Stick Dennis Foster
This statement just doesn’t make sense, on the surface; particularly coming from a guy who is deeply committed to aggressive tactics while on the ice. I’m an Ice Team “Powerstick” and will tout the virtues of Dave Genz’s proven philosophy of mobility on hardwater as long as anyone will [...]
Icing Walleyes in April
February 9, 2009 by admin
By Mark Strand
Do you consider ice fishing in April crazy? Especially because a lot of people still regard ice fishing as a sport you reluctantly participate in while the ice covers your favorite lakes, people look at Dave Genz like he’s got to be nuts in April.
By then, many rivers are open, and many anglers [...]
Ice Fishing at Night
February 9, 2009 by admin
By Mark Strand
During ice fishing season, the sun often sets before you can wrap up the workday. Because of this, an awful lot of people don’t even think about going fishing except during daylight hours on the weekends.
If you can miss the boat when lakes are frozen over, you are missing the boat if you’re [...]
Understanding Walleyes Under the Ice
February 7, 2009 by admin
Ice Team
If we could see the way walleyes do, we would know them, through and through.
There’s a reason we call ‘em ‘eyes.
Those eyes are amazing.
Positioned behind the walleye’s retina is a reflective membrane called the tapetum lucidum. This substance is exceptionally white, its purpose to gather, and reflect, light.
Its potential brought to full fruition in [...]
Catch More Walleyes During the Day
February 7, 2009 by admin
By Dave Genz
Walleyes, as if you didn’t already know this, possess these amazing eyes. They feature a reflective pigment that helps walleyes see well in dim light, giving them a vision advantage over most of their prey, especially in those minutes when light levels change rapidly.
So it is that walleye fishing stories are filled with [...]
Big Water Walleyes
February 5, 2009 by admin
By Dave Genz
He’s been everywhere, man…he’s been everywhere. Travel? He’s done his share, man, Dave’s been everywhere…Erie, Ontario, Michigan, Huron, Bay of Quinte, Bass Islands, Saginaw Bay, Bays de Noc, Green Bay…yeah, he’s been everywhere, man, he’s been everywhere…
It’s not one of those things they keep statistics on, so we really don’t know whether anybody [...]
Standard Fishing Knot – The Palomar
February 5, 2009 by admin
This is a common fishing knot around the world. It is very easy to tie.This fishing knot can be used many different ways and is one of the strongest knots known. Very common with tackle, and is also used for flying fishing when connecting the tippet. With the braided line brands of today, it’s one [...]
North Dakota Map
February 5, 2009 by admin
Click on North Dakota Map for a larger image.
North Dakota State Maps
North Dakota Lake Contour Maps
Extensive ND Game & Fish Map – NEW
North Dakota State Wildlife Management Areas Map
North Dakota PLOTS Map
North Dakota Road Condition Reports
North Dakota Road Construction Map
North Dakota County Map
Snow Line and Depth Maps
MapQuest
TerraServer
THE SMALL LAKES: Good Fishing For Everyone
February 5, 2009 by admin
By Bill Mitzel
For as long as I can remember, I’ve touted the joyous benefits of fishing the small lakes. They’re abundant, they’re easy to access, they’re productive and they have few limitations in terms of weather, crowding or lack of fish. Yet sometimes, when I look at the copious crowds fishing the Missouri River, Lake [...]
Prepping for an Ice Season
February 4, 2009 by admin
By the Ice Team
Here’s a toast to your best ice season ever.
To help you get off to a good start, here are a few key things you can do.
They’re all important, but in no particular order.
Keep Your Line Prime
One of the most important– and universally overlooked– things you can do: keep the line on all [...]
Catch & Release Tips
February 4, 2009 by admin
By Doug Leier
I’ve always preferred simple tackle for fishing – bobbers, jigs, spoons and hooks – though I’m not categorically against using the latest tools and technology. Provided, of course, their use is within the constraints of the law.
I call it low impact angling. Some call it bobbers and worms. Whatever you declare, it’s more [...]
Fishing Laydowns
February 4, 2009 by admin
Joe Zentner
Bank sloping trees that have fallen into the water, known as lay-downs, attract fish throughout the Midwest. Long-time anglers are keenly aware of the value of immersed trees. The primary cover choice of freshwater fish is, in fact, submerged wood.
A lay-down is a tree that has fallen into the water and is somewhat if [...]
The Legend of the Grumman Boat
February 2, 2009 by admin
Our Outdoors
Nick Simonson
The fisherman’s dictionary defines the word “boat” as a hole in the water into which money is thrown.
Similar to a hunting dog, the price paid for a boat is rarely reflected in the purchase. There’s winterizing, summerizing, trailer repairs, motor tune ups, depth finders, rod racks, lure holders and much more that are [...]
Why Do I Fish?
February 2, 2009 by admin
Our Outdoors
Nick Simonson
Why do you fish? Now that is a question with as many answers as there are people to ask it to. And it is likely that anglers will have more than one response when posed with such an inquiry.
I was asked this question recently, and all I could come up with (to my [...]
Hunting and Fishing Wirelessly
February 2, 2009 by admin
By Chris Hustad
Our evening scouting run started just minutes after we got off the highway. We spotted a flock of snow geese on the horizon, and then another, and another and another. The flock extended for quite a distance, with every bird pointing west/southwest towards a damp cornfield that was just days away from drying [...]
Catch and Release Fishing
February 2, 2009 by admin
By Doug Leier
I’m a casual, low impact angler. I have never caught a fish that would qualify me to receive a Whopper patch from the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.
Seldom do I catch a limit, or even a fish to keep. It doesn’t bother me to put a worm on a hook and watch [...]
