Still Seeing ‘Em Shallow.  Walleyes can still be found in shallower stretches on Lake Sakakawea after a summer of inconsistent conditions. DEO Photo by Mike Peluso

By Mike Peluso

I’m happy to report that the doctors gave me the okay to get back on the water a little.  I didn’t go crazy by any means but I did get out a couple of times this week and it sure felt good!

I’m definitely not 100 percent but it was nice to get out to see what’s happening on the water.   The walleye fishing on Lake Sakakawea was surprisingly good and the weather was decent for the most part.   The wind came up one day and thank you Pro Marine in Bismarck for hooking me up with a Wave Pro seat base! It was a life saver. 

The walleyes are still fairly shallow for this time of year.  I targeted the shallower fish in 20-to-25 feet for the most part.  I saw a lot of fish out deeper and some really good ones at that.  However, I try hard not to pick on those and try catch some good eater size fish to prevent delayed mortality from barotrauma on those walleyes that are holding deeper. 

A little heavier bottom bouncer and slow death hooks were the top producers, tipped with a chunk of crawler.  Again, if I was targeting bigger fish, the creek chubs, blade baits, and finishers would be the baits of choice out deeper. 

I’m still taking it slow for now.  I have another check up on Oct. 6 to decide my future with what I have going on.  Until then I am trying to get back to normal as best I can, just a little slower but that’s ok.  Thank you to everyone for all the love, help, and support I’ve been given. THANK YOU! 

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