Peak Production.  The dawn and dusk times on the ice are typically best for walleyes, so sticking it out if you’ve been out there all day is a must. DEO Photo by Mike Peluso.

By Mike Peluso

I’m happy to report I hit the ice a few times this past week.  I spent two days on a couple of smaller lakes east of Bismarck.  Both produced some walleyes. While I definitely didn’t light the world on fire, I did put some fish on the ice, which was awesome.  I wasn’t able to capitalize on the evening bite, guessing if I would have stayed during prime time, it would have been better! 

I also had a chance to get back to my ice fishing stomping grounds up on Devils Lake.  I actually did stick it out for that prime time evening bite window, and the results showed it! 

Another area I went to check out was Lake Oahe.  Access this year is not good!  I would suggest not going alone if you venture south.  There are lots of pressure ridges in some key access points and that really limits you.  Once out on the main ice, it’s okay with six to eight inches in areas, and 10 inches in others, so be careful! 

I’ll probably venture out somewhere this week again.  I’m thinking with a little bit of stable weather on the way, the bite will reflect also in all areas of the state! 

I’ve begun booking spring river trips here near Bismarck on the river.  Don’t hesitate to get ahold of me to lock in your dates!  Judging by what we saw this fall, the spring will be awesome!

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