Well another fishing week of summer fun is in the books at Devils Lake, North Dakota and what a week it was. Anglers brought in very good catches of 15 to 22 inch walleyes. In addition there were quite a few reports of anglers catching and releasing larger walleyes. Voluntary conservation efforts are strongly encouraged and great to see.
 

With the excellent bite we are experiencing the fishing pressure has picked up noticeably especially on well known structural areas. Those anglers who are willing to do their homework and seek out less pressured areas of this vast system will for the most part find themselves achieving better results. Even on weekends anglers can fish out of the way areas virtually unheeded.
 

We are finding that while weed line bites continue to produce, more and more walleyes are showing up on structure. Trolling which is very effective in August can be hampered by dead floating weeds torn out by storms. A split shot placed ahead of your lure will help with the annoyance of fouled crankbaits.
 

Unlike many areas of the Midwest that see a fishing downturn in August, fishing at Devils Lake can provide some of the best fishing of the summer. Our guided groups are doing very well catching walleyes and pike trolling crankbaits and running bottom bouncers and spinners. Color choices of spinners vary from day to day, but for the new to Devils Lake angler, chartreuse, orange and brass blades in size three will get you started catching walleyes.
 

The level of the lake has risen slightly due to recent rains. A word of caution to all anglers. Do your homework before you venture forth on new water. Study an accurate map, use an up to date chip in your GPS. Watch out for objects in the water. When running on plane, no angler should ever sit on the deck chair of a boat. That is a very dangerous practice and one we see being violated almost daily. Run with your kill switch lanyard attached. Fishing at Devils lake can be both a memorable and rewarding experience, but boating safety must be priority one with all boaters.
 

Mitchells Guide Service is the largest guide service on Devils Lake. We are equipped to handle from two anglers to large corporate groups. This last week saw 66 anglers from one corporate group going out in 22 guide boats with all experiencing the excellent fishing Devils Lake offers. Whether you use a guide or fish by yourself, August fishing at Devils Lake has the potential to offer some of the best fishing of the summer.
 

Pete Harsh
Mitchells Guide Service
701-662-5996