North Dakota guide Johnnie Candle gives his latest Devils Lake fishing report on May 1st, 2024.
Devils Lake Fishing Report: 5-1-2024
Things are starting to heat up on Devils Lake. Unlike most years we don’t have a ton of snow runoff pouring into the lake and that has changed the bite.
There aren’t as many fish in the current areas and it seems like most of the walleyes, northern pike, and white bass are relating to the warmest water temperature.
Walleyes: Devils Lake Fishing Report
The walleye spawn is done for the most part and the fish are looking to eat. Overall the bite has been fantastic. Look for areas with the warmest water. Wood and dark bottom bays have been especially good lately.
Walleyes can be caught in shallow bays, and there are still a few fish near current areas like bridges and culverts.
Target walleyes in ten feet of water or less.
Walleyes can be caught on a number of different presentations, but a jig and plastic has been the best. Minnow profiles and paddle tails are both working. The best colors have been white, firetiger, and perch. Hair jigs are also producing a ton of fish.
Anglers can expect to catch white bass, northern pike, and the occasional perch mixed in with the walleyes.
Northern Pike: Devils Lake Fishing Report
Anglers can expect to run into plenty of northern pike while walleye fishing. It seems like there are lots of northern pike using the same areas.
Target northern pike on swimbaits, crankbaits, and spinnerbaits.
Perch: Devils Lake Fishing Report
Jumbo perch have finished up the spawn and can be caught on shallow flats throughout much of the lake.
They are in pretty big schools right now so if you find one you can expect more to be close by.
Small jigs paired with minnows or livebait has been the ticket for jumbo perch.
