Devils Lake Fishing Reports March 04

[Bassmaster-ND]

[indent][size 2]3/5/04[/size][/indent]

[size 1][size 2]Anglers continue to struggle with access issues on the lake. While some trails are open, the heavy snow cover is hampering getting off these trails and also resulting in a lot of water on the trails due to the weight of the snow. A few of the better trails are in the Stromme Addition area behind Pops, Haybale, and Mission Bay near the Casino. We recommend anglers who want to move around to bring snowmobiles. Perch anglers going out on snowmobiles are reporting some fair catches. The Towers area, Haybale Bay, Black Tiger, and East Bay near Stromme's are producing fair catches. But you need to be able to move around to find the more active fish. Hali's, genz worms, kastmasters, and hanger rigs tipped with spikes, wax worms, minnows, or perch eyes have been the better baits. Walleye fishing continues to be quite good. The better areas have been the 57 bridge, the railroad tracks in Mission Bay, East Bay near Camp Grafton, the corner of Camp and Hwy 57, Rocky Point, Wolfords Bay, and Doc Hagen's are all producing fish. Buckshot rattlespoons, kastmasters, raps, nils, sonars, and chubby darters tipped with minnow heads have all been working. Pike fishing in the Churches Ferry area overall has been spotty. One day you'll have some of the best pike fishing you've ever had and the next you're lucky to get a few. When they're active, a jig with a twister tail can't be beat. When it's tough, herring or smelt has been the better bet. The forecast finally looks like better temps will move in and this should help with access issues on the lake. Good Luck and Good Fishing!!![/size] [/size]
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[Bassmaster-ND]

[indent][size 2]3/12/04[/size][/indent]

[size 2]Access continues to be a problem for fisherman on Devils Lake. While warmer temps have knocked the snow cover down a bit, water and slush under the snow continues to make moving around quite tough. A few fisherman are driving on the lake in some limited areas, but snowmobiles are highly recommended. Those going out on snowmobiles have been finding some fish. The Black Tiger, Skadsen's, and Towers area have all been producing perch. Hali's, small raps, genz worms, forage minnows, and hanger rigs tipped with wax worms, spikes, minnows, or perch eyes have been working the best. Walleye fisherman are still doing fair. The better areas have been East Bay near Camp Grafton, Mission Bay, the 57 Bridge, and the Mauvee Coulee area. Buckshot rattlespoons, sonars, chubby darters, raps, nils, and kastmasters have all been working at times. Pike fishing in the Churches Ferry area has slowed, but the north end of Six Mile Bay and Lake Irvin are still producing some fish. Herring, smelt, and jigs or spoons tipped with white twister tails have been working the best. We'd like to remind fisherman that their ice houses need to be removed by this Monday, March 15th. With the snow cover this has been a tough task for anglers. If you can't get your's off at this time, we recommend you contact your local warden. Good Luck & Good Fishing!!! [/size]
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[Bassmaster-ND]

[indent][size 2]3/19/04[/size][/indent]

[size 2]Access continues to cause problems for fisherman on Devils Lake. The snow cover continues to be from 8” to 24” on most of the lake limiting access mostly to snowmobiles. Hopefully warmer temps in the forecast will knock it down some allowing atv travel as well. Fishing on the other hand has been pretty good. Anglers are finding perch in Black Tiger, the Woods Rutten area, and Skadsens. Hali’s, raps, forage minnows, genz worms, and hanger rigs tipped with wax worms, spikes, or minnows are all working at times. Those doing better are moving around a bit until they find more active schools of fish. Walleye fishing’s also been fairly good. Anglers are finding fish near Acorn Ridge, the 57 bridge, east side of Mission Bay, Doc Hagens, and near the Mauvee Coulee. Sonars, buckshots, nils, raps, and chubby darters have all been working. Anglers are working rocky/gravel structure, or the edges of the trees. Pike fishing picked back up a bit near Churches Ferry. Smelt or herring off tipups continues to work the best. Good Luck & Good Fishing!!! [/size]
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[Bassmaster-ND]

[indent][size 2]3/26/04[/size][/indent]

[size 2]Warm temps are starting to effect ice conditions on Devils Lake. While the main sheet of ice is in good shape, areas near bridges and shorelines are starting to deteriorate a bit. Atv’s and snowmobiles are your best bet. Perch fishing’s been steady in the Black Tiger, Woods Rutten, Skadsen’s, and Creel Bay areas. Hali’s, genz worms, kastmasters, or hanger rigs tipped with wax worms, spikes, or minnows all work at times. Stay mobile and move around until you find active fish. Walleye fishing’s been pretty good this past week. Fish are being caught at Foughty’s Point, the 57 bridge area, East Bay near Camp Grafton, and Doc Hagen’s area. Try using sonars, chubby darters, nils, raps, & buckshot rattle spoons tipped with minnow heads. Pike fishing in the Churches Ferry continues to remain good, but ice conditions have deteriorated there and we don’t recommend any vehicle traffic in that area. Good Luck & Good Fishing!!! [/size]
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