Scratching them up.  While access on Lake Oahe is challenging, the author did manage a few walleyes last week. DEO Photo by Mike Peluso.

By Mike Peluso

I do have to admit, not guiding full time this winter is allowing me some opportunities I haven’t been able to take advantage of for the last ten winters.  

I spent time on both the frozen stuff this week and also the open stuff!  Crazy that we have two open water options in the middle of winter here in North Dakota.  

The ice fishing is ok.  It hasn’t been great for me, but it hasn’t been terrible either.  I am headed to Devils Lake to help guide a big group one day this week, so I’ll be able to give you the DL report next week.  I also plan to hit the open water at least once this coming week.  

This past week, I ventured out on Oahe for the first time.  Access is absolutely terrible.  Once out on the main ice it’s okay but the shorelines are awful. The fishing was okay for just being able to walk instead of drive so I was very limited.  

I’m not sure if I’ll go back to Oahe this week or find another slough type lake around the area to try, but rest assured I will get out again after returning from Devils Lake. 

I have been booking a lot of trips for the Missouri River near Bismarck this spring and Devils Lake and Sakakawea for next year.  If you are planning to fish with me this coming season get ahold of me to reserve your spots now!

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