No Cooldown in Sight. Walleye action on the Missouri River is heating up as autumn conditions stay mild. Jigs pitched back along current seams are paying off with solid bites right now. DEO Photo by Mike Peluso.

By Mike Peluso

Things have been going well for walleyes on the Missouri River near Bismarck through the first week of November. The best part about right now is that the fish have gotten closer to town making it a lot easier to get out and enjoy.

There are lots of perfect 18-to-22-inch fish in the system. These walleyes are very well fed and look amazing. Watching the electronics closely you can see plenty of food out there helping this cause.

Additionally, the walleyes are on the move! Lots of fish are seen moving on the outside seams along the sandbars. Jigs pitched downstream and worked back to the boat slowly has been the best presentation in the early goings of the month.

Lake Sakakawea, however, saw a bit of a change this past week. It sounds like a turnover of sorts has put the fish off a bit. There are still walleyes being caught but they did go into a little funk. Things will settle in and it will get really good before ice up!

I’m not sure how long this nice fall weather is going to hold up, but as long as it continues I will continue to offer guide trips. If you want to get out before the river freezes, get ahold of me!

Mike Peluso is a Dakota Edge Outdoors contributing writer and a licensed ND fishing guide specializing in walleyes on the state’s premier waters.