Working It.  Devils Lake is in a transition phase, and anglers have to work a bit harder to find the water’s trophy walleyes – but with some dedication and perseverance, success can be found in the changing lake. DEO Photo by Mike Peluso. 

By Mike Peluso

I spent the past few days fishing this week up on Devils Lake working with Jason Feldner and Percheyes Guide Service. 

Devils Lake is going through what I’ve been calling a transition.  Unfortunately, too many people are on a bandwagon of doom and gloom for the lake.   I want to set the record straight and explain what is really happening. 

Sure the fishing has been tougher.  Especially by Devils Lake standards.  This doesn’t mean the fishing is bad.  It just makes it more challenging, and if you are someone who just heads out there expecting it to be easy like it used to be, you are in for an awakening. 

To start, you have to be a fisherman right now.  What I mean by this is that you have to be a little more detailed and persistent.  I marvel at the guides I get to work with up there at how good they are at their craft.  Even when conditions are ugly, they are still going to give you a chance at having a good day on the water.  

I mentioned that the lake is in transition earlier.  Let me explain a little.  For years DL was littered with flooded trees.  There are still flooded trees but it is not like it was.  Those trees were easier to fish for folks. 

Now, instead of those trees you see a ton of weeds instead.  These weeds on DL are not fishing friendly!  Add in clearer water, runoff and tons of bait,  the once easy-to-catch walleyes are not as easy anymore. 

There are still plenty of walleyes to be caught on Devils, but you really have to approach it differently.  This is where I said detail and persistence pay off.  That was exactly what we had to do while I was there.  

Without this getting too long, electronics and how you try and catch the fish play a huge role, not to mention having patience.  If you go into it with that mindset,  you’ll be successful.  I would also add if there is ever a time to hire a guide on Devils Lake, it is now!

I’ll be firing up my walleye fishing on the Missouri River starting this week to get ready for fall guide trips that will begin Oct. 1 on the river near Bismarck.  Get ahold of me to book a fun fall bite trip!

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