Stepping Up on Sakakawea.  Walleyes are biting better on Lake Sakakawea after a week of ups and downs. DEO Photo by Mike Peluso.

By Mike Peluso

When it comes to the walleye fishing, things are starting to shape up on Lake Sakakawea.  The fish are beginning to change their mood and have begun to feed again.  Jigs with crawlers and minnows are working, along with jigging raps.

The walleyes are fairly shallow right now.  You can catch most of your fish in areas under 25 feet of water.  That’s definitely refreshing for this time of year, especially on Lake Sakakawea. 

The Missouri River has yet to get itself into the fall mood.  Extremely low water and warm temperatures are keeping the bulk of the walleyes way south into South Dakota yet.  A few fish are around but most of those were the fish that summer here in the backwaters. 

Hopefully things will begin to improve in the coming weeks on the Missouri.  Another issue we are having on the river right now is access.  With low water certain ramps are marginal at best. They have also begun to pull the docks already making loading and unloading more difficult. 

With all this going on we are still planning on getting the fall guiding season underway here on the river near Bismarck.  My health will play a huge role in this.  I’ll know more after Oct. 6.  Once I know my fate,  I’ll get the word out in this weekly report and on my social media accounts.

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