May Devils Lake Fishing Reports

[Bassmaster-ND]

[size 1]5/6/04[/size]

[size 1]Cold fronts and cooler weather slowed fishing this past week on Devils Lake. Anglers were still reporting fairly good pike fishing, but the cooler water temps along with timing of the spawning cycle of the walleyes resulted in a tougher bite for them. The warmer forecast for the upcoming week should help improve the walleye fishing. This time of year water temps mean a lot and anglers can increase their success by targeting warmer water areas and warmer times of the day. Typically, this time of year anglers experience better success early morning, right at sunset, and during mid day when air temps are at their peak. For pike, anglers have been working Channel A, the bridges of the Mauvee, Six Mile Bay, Pelican Lake and the culverts along Hwy 281. Daredevils, cranks, jigs with twister tails, and smelt or herring are all producing fish. For walleyes, the better areas have been Channel A, the bridges of the Mauvee, Six Mile Bay, and Pelican Lake. Try pitching shad raps, countdowns, or jigs with twister tails or minnows in shallow warmer water areas or near bridges or culverts with moving water. A few white bass are starting to show up, but overall fishing for them remains slow. Good Luck and Good Fishing!!! [/size]
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[Bassmaster-ND]

[indent][size 1]5/14/04[/size][/indent]

[size 1]Mother nature was rather tough this past week bringing cold temps, high winds, rain, sleet, and snow to the area. Fortunately, the upcoming forecast looks much brighter. Prior to the storms, water temps had warmed to the low to mid 50’s and anglers were starting to do quite well. With warmer temps in the forecast, things should start taking off again this weekend. For walleyes, anglers were fishing the shallow areas in Pelican Lake, the smaller bays in the Flats, and Six Mile. Smaller #5 shad raps, #7 countdowns, and husky jerks were all producing fish. When fishing these areas, anglers found most fish along sandy or graveled areas in 1-5 feet of water. Stop and start retrieves improved success as many of the fish would hit on the stop. Pike fishing was also picking up in these areas and were being caught along with walleyes. In Six Mile, a few white bass were starting to show up, but most were pre-spawn females so the better time for them is yet to come. This Saturday, the Lake Region Anglers Association will be having it’s annual Spring Northern Tournament. It’s been moved from Minnewaukan to the Grahams Island State Park due to wind damage at the Minnewaukan site. G&F staff are working on the Minnewaukan site today, so it should end up ready for the weekend. Good Luck and Good Fishing!!! [/size]
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