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Bored at Work...What's Outlook For Sakakawea (Gut feeling)

by , Posted to on 02/12/2010 4:22 PM | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 07/14/2003
Location: ND
Waiting for some stuff to process at work and was thinking to myself after an email I got.  You guys think Sakakawea is going to be better or worse this year?

My gut feeling?  Worse.  Why?  Allow me to explain.

We have NO MORE fish than we had last year.  At least catchable fish.  We have much more million acre feet in water and we have much more in available forage.  Forage, of course, is because of the good spawn for such critters.

Hence, a common sense look at it would tell a guy the rather low number of fish (or if anything, the same amount of fish last year) is going to have more water and more food to eat.  Which, makes an angler very handicapped.

Or maybe I'm wrong?  Maybe the 3rd highest class they talked about last year will show itself this year?

But they are in the weeds Tim!!!

Fishing will be challenging still up in the weeds.  Quite honestly, I doubt how many fish were really up in the weeds.  I mean, that was some very thick stuff that if I was a walleye could I really be a good hunter up in that?  A lot of hide-able type spots for bait fish which equally means escape routes.  Plus, from a fishing standpoint, water was so clear last year you couldn't venture shallow because they'd spook at anything and everything.  I assume this year we'll have the same water clarity.  Possible scenario?  Lots of the NASTY vegetation should be more tame this year because a lot of it broke down and washed away.  Plus, winter will rid quite a few trees.  But again, water clarity is a key issue with fishing shallow.  To be fair, we'll give this a to be determined stamp.  More like a situational stamp.

All I know is one thing is for certain.  The fish health has definitely increased and what fish are caught will be very nice (the 14 to 18 inchers).  Don't get me wrong, I'm sure there are some slow learners out there still and they'll come up short on the scale.

We'll see what happens.  Okay, my edits have saved.  Time to get back to work.




 
Kirsch's Outdoor Products | Fargo, ND | 701-261-9017 koutdoorproducts.com
Risovi Taxidermy Studio | New Rockford, ND | 701-947-2048 risovitaxidermystudio.com
Jig-em-Up Guide Service | Grand Forks, ND | 701-739-9198 jig-em-up-guide-service.com

 
Re: Bored at Work...What's Outlook For Sakakawea (Gut feeling)
by on 02/12/2010 4:36 PM | Reply #1 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 04/22/2009
Location: MT
I'll keep looking for the walleyes but when in doubt the saugers are definately there to be caught.
Re: Bored at Work...What's Outlook For Sakakawea (Gut feeling)
by on 02/12/2010 4:39 PM | Reply #2 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 07/14/2003
Location: ND
Speaking of.  Where in the world are the walleyes up north right now?  She's tough on the ice.  Even though I have been out limited times it isn't like I'm hearing good things from fellow friends, etc.  Saugers, yes.  Walleyes no.

Am hearing bits and pieces of big perch (big for Sakakawea) at 8 to 12 inches, especially on the East End.  That's also where I've heard the most consistent walleye talk.  Although, that's very limited too.  A lot has to do with access too I'm sure.

Maybe all the walleyes moved down to the East End and will be working their way north as their biological clocks start ticking?  Hope so, plan on hitting up the ice hard late Feb and March.




 
Kirsch's Outdoor Products | Fargo, ND | 701-261-9017 koutdoorproducts.com
Risovi Taxidermy Studio | New Rockford, ND | 701-947-2048 risovitaxidermystudio.com
Jig-em-Up Guide Service | Grand Forks, ND | 701-739-9198 jig-em-up-guide-service.com

 
Re: Bored at Work...What's Outlook For Sakakawea (Gut feeling)
by on 02/12/2010 4:45 PM | Reply #3 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 10/31/2003
Location: ND
Maybe time to invest  in the leadcore stuff and work the sunken islands with cranks? Idk. I hear you on the water clarity. Cruise around shallow and you'll see catfish, carp, perch, smallies, etc swimming about, and they're spooky of course.

I'm guessing it will be the same as last year (overall fishing) but I guess I don't get out there enough to really have a good guestimate. I did good in the weeds though, that's one thing I noticed. By accident actually. Fished the trees, (I'm not a slip bobber guy, and I very seldom fish the trees) and every type of structure.

While waiting in line at the boat ramp (that day I ran into you Tim) I trolled the weeds in the back bay, nailed some nice perch, and picked up 2 nice 16 inchers in addition to my ONE 18 inch fish I caught earlier in the day. I tried it the next day and still only managed to come up with 3 keepers, but according to the creel survey guy it was "very good".

Time will tell I guess. I definitely didn't expect to get skunked at the Arm, maybe a couple small walleye or catfish, something, but that certainly is discouraging to only see 19 perch caught out of how many people.

Jig-em-up-Josh

www.jig-em-up-guide-service.com

If you're going to act like a turd, go lay in the yard.

Re: Bored at Work...What's Outlook For Sakakawea (Gut feeling)
by on 02/12/2010 4:54 PM | Reply #4 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 04/22/2009
Location: MT
i've been hearing the same things Tim. Have had good luck overall been able to get a limit each time but yes just sauger/saugeye. The pike are everywhere even deep. I have over an hour drive each way to where i fish so havent had much time to poke around more for walleye and also havent graduated into using a vex yet am seriously wanting to start. For now it's easier just to get my limit and get heading home as easy as possible. Also getting excited to try some late ice up shallow for a big pike or two.
Re: Bored at Work...What's Outlook For Sakakawea (Gut feeling)
by on 02/12/2010 5:00 PM | Reply #5 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 02/13/2006
Location: ND
Tim,

Don't doubt that walleye will hold in thick weeds.  They love weeds, especially big walleye.  With Clear water you will have to pitch cranks in wind or wait until the sun is down to catch them. 
Re: Bored at Work...What's Outlook For Sakakawea (Gut feeling)
by on 02/12/2010 5:01 PM | Reply #6 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 08/31/2005
Location: ND
Here are my thoughts…the generation of fish that are in the lake now have to adapt to changing conditions. For years there has been a lack of food for most fish now there is an increase. To start with find the food find the fish. The fish habits are going to continue to change as the conditions do anglers will have to as well. I can see the fish (meaning walleye, sauger) splitting with part of the population staying shallow and the rest running deep following smelt schools. Leadcore is a great tool for those deep fish however the shallow crowd one may need to resort to more of a bass type approach similar to how a lot of guy’s fish Devils…pitch jigs and cranks in towards shore. I can see the ole’ reliable bottom bouncer spinner combinations vastly become extinct. I know the vegetation was thick last year and lots of junk too that should start to get better.  One thing is for sure this is great for the fish population and in a way good for the angler…kind of makes it a sport again
...you can't fix stupid... 
Re: Bored at Work...What's Outlook For Sakakawea (Gut feeling)
by on 02/12/2010 5:48 PM | Reply #7 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 11/24/2004
Location: ND
Gut feeling - under stocked under stock under stocked - period.   Get some fingys in the lake - lets get the process moving.  
Stay thirsty my friends
Re: Bored at Work...What's Outlook For Sakakawea (Gut feeling)
by on 02/12/2010 6:31 PM | Reply #8 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 02/03/2004
Location: ND
Try pitching chubbies into those holes in the weeds, youd be surprised what you can pull out!
Re: Bored at Work...What's Outlook For Sakakawea (Gut feeling)
by on 02/12/2010 6:48 PM | Reply #9 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 11/24/2004
Location: ND
yelowjackt Said:
Here are my thoughts…the generation of fish that are in the lake now have to adapt to changing conditions. For years there has been a lack of food for most fish now there is an increase. To start with find the food find the fish. The fish habits are going to continue to change as the conditions do anglers will have to as well. I can see the fish (meaning walleye, sauger) splitting with part of the population staying shallow and the rest running deep following smelt schools. Leadcore is a great tool for those deep fish however the shallow crowd one may need to resort to more of a bass type approach similar to how a lot of guy’s fish Devils…pitch jigs and cranks in towards shore. I can see the ole’ reliable bottom bouncer spinner combinations vastly become extinct. I know the vegetation was thick last year and lots of junk too that should start to get better.  One thing is for sure this is great for the fish population and in a way good for the angler…kind of makes it a sport again
Different make up of food  ---- the answer isnt that simple fish like in devils lake.  If we can get enough sotas and sconys on devils we will have that thing choked full of weeds too.  --- Switch your pulling and put some MN tactics into it.  
Stay thirsty my friends
Re: Bored at Work...What's Outlook For Sakakawea (Gut feeling)
by on 02/12/2010 7:59 PM | Reply #10 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 03/10/2009
Location: nd

Bored at work and bored fishing sak.  I don't see how it can get better.

Re: Bored at Work...What's Outlook For Sakakawea (Gut feeling)
by on 02/12/2010 9:32 PM | Reply #11 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 01/12/2008
Location: ND

What do the other fish look like as far as health wise? Are the pike and bass in good shape? After the high water last year there should be plenty of forage I would guess. Where a lot of pike and bass caught in the trees and weeds while walleye fishing? 

 

Re: Bored at Work...What's Outlook For Sakakawea (Gut feeling)
by on 02/12/2010 11:05 PM | Reply #12 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 08/12/2003
Location: ND
My gut feeling is.................ah what the heck do I know anyway?
Silence is Golden, Duct Tape is Silver.
Re: Bored at Work...What's Outlook For Sakakawea (Gut feeling)
by on 02/13/2010 00:05 AM | Reply #13 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 11/03/2003
Location: ND
I really don't know what to expect....  Last year was such a weird year, some big walleyes real shallow, and some real deep (50+ feet) and some in between.  If the water stays about the same I think most will be out chasing smelt, but if it comes up more who knows?  This winter has been mostly sauger lately, did find walleyes early but thats about it.  

But like horsager said, what do I know.... I think they'll be scattered and with the right presentaions can be caught at all depths.  Still working on the real shallow bite....

 

Re: Bored at Work...What's Outlook For Sakakawea (Gut feeling)
by on 02/13/2010 08:54 AM | Reply #14 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 12/02/2005
Location: ND
My gut feeling tells me the same as last year.  My boat may be headed to other destinations!!   

Sponsored by Canadian Beer!!

Re: Bored at Work...What's Outlook For Sakakawea (Gut feeling)
by on 02/13/2010 12:28 PM | Reply #15 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 01/12/2008
Location: ND
I thinks it time they manage it for trophy pike. I'll make a few phone calls.
Re: Bored at Work...What's Outlook For Sakakawea (Gut feeling)
by on 02/13/2010 1:11 PM | Reply #16 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 03/05/2002
Location: ND
I don't believe in gut feelings only facts. The fishing overall is really good; no worse then it was four years ago. We have to see the over all picture. There has been a huge amount of water added to the system spreading the fish out even more. Makeing it a little harder to develope a pattern. But there is some really good anglers on Sak. We'll find the fish and catch'em anyway they tell us how to do that.

The bait fish are going to be the key factor for the young of the year fish. If we have another cool spring there will be a good hatch and a good amont of food for the walleyes to feast on. The more bait the better quallity of fish in the lake. I know in the next couple of years the smaller year class of walleyes and saugars will get bigger with the amont of bait fish swimming in the lake. Thats if the water stays high for a few years know.
LIFE IS GOOD!! 
Re: Bored at Work...What's Outlook For Sakakawea (Gut feeling)
by on 02/13/2010 1:33 PM | Reply #17 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 01/12/2008
Location: ND
scoutt247 Said:
I don't believe in gut feelings only facts. The fishing overall is really good; no worse then it was four years ago. We have to see the over all picture. There has been a huge amount of water added to the system spreading the fish out even more. Makeing it a little harder to develope a pattern. But there is some really good anglers on Sak. We'll find the fish and catch'em anyway they tell us how to do that.

The bait fish are going to be the key factor for the young of the year fish. If we have another cool spring there will be a good hatch and a good amont of food for the walleyes to feast on. The more bait the better quallity of fish in the lake. I know in the next couple of years the smaller year class of walleyes and saugars will get bigger with the amont of bait fish swimming in the lake. Thats if the water stays high for a few years know.
First time I heard "the fishing is really good overall". Are you talking  all species or walleye?

Re: Bored at Work...What's Outlook For Sakakawea (Gut feeling)
by on 02/14/2010 12:08 PM | Reply #18 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 03/05/2002
Location: ND

Intoc,
      I can't say that the fishing is terriable like some people are saying. I know the pike are on the rebound we had a good late ice season last year catching and releasing some really big pike and the late ice the years before that was awesome too.

We had a good summer catching walleye, saugars and small mouth all over Sak. and that doesn't even include the icefishing that I do on the lake. My uncle fishes for salmon in the fall and he said that this year was the best year in awhile for big fish.

So I come to the conclusion that yes fishing overall has been really good on Sak.
look at this way if everyone doesn't like the way the fishing is on Sak why go. Go fish DL and try your luck. Or some other lake for that matter. That way you can save Sak for me!

LIFE IS GOOD!! 
Re: Bored at Work...What's Outlook For Sakakawea (Gut feeling)
by on 02/15/2010 09:51 AM | Reply #19 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 07/14/2003
Location: ND
Yes, fish were there to be caught last year but she wasn't her old self.  The lake is capable of so much more.  We'll see it soon enough but just for conversation sake I wanted to start a "next year" talk forum.  By no means am I saying catching fish wiill be impossible.  It was do-able but I guarantee a lot anglers fell victim to the Oahe fish catch graph of old.  That is, a lot in the "Angling Effort" bar graph compared to the catch bar graph.  The tournaments throughout the lake showed that where many of the great Sakakawea anglers fish.

As for weed fishing.  I would have seriously paid the best Devils Lake weed fisherman to come on over and fish.  This was a flooded disaster last year.  Trying to fish the weeds was basically impossible.  Even when you could find a patch to toss a crank or throw a bobber the water was so clear it didn't matter.  Plus, we just don't have the fish numbers that Devils Lake enjoys.

This year in the weeds?  It could be a different deal.  The thick nasty stuff should be tamed down quite a bit.  That will open the door up for some easier "junk" fishing.  So I can't say weed fishing won't be dead.  But it still won't be as excellent as Devils Lake "Timber" fishing.  Two totally different things in my opinion.  The weeds on Sakakawea last year ranged from tumbleweeds, to reeds, to small trees, to thick grass, etc.  Simply almost unfishable.  I think a flippin' bass assassin on the FLW or Bass Masters would have been intimidated.  All you saw on the sonar was a glob of red with zero openings.  It was nasty thick.  But again, that should be tamed quite a bit opening the door for more productive junk fishing.  We'll see.

Now, walleyes brings up a good point which was evident last year.  I personally didn't have much going on shallow.  June, yeah.  June on Sakakawea will always net fish in the boat.  Last year's June bite was short lived compared to year's past but there were still fish to be caught.  The strange thing was the pattern was much more deep than I was accustom to.  The theory for most was they fish were hanging onto the structure that they had grown up on.  I will buy into that.  When deep fishing is the common place during a difficult time Sakakwea has been going through that makes for even more challenging fishing.  We'll see what happens.  Honestly, having to contend with deep fishing last year helped to teach a guy a few lessons.

Hopefully, I'll be able to get some shallow junk practice in this year.

On a final note, I don't want to scare anyone off the lake.  Plenty of fish will be caught.  Sakakawea is a beautiful place to fish.  Most beautiful in the whole Midwest in my opinion.  Ft. Peck maybe a close second.  In a couple years she'll be back to one of the best destinations and I'm looking forward to that.  In the meantime, I will take on what she has to offer and learn from it.

Open water just around the corner!




 
Kirsch's Outdoor Products | Fargo, ND | 701-261-9017 koutdoorproducts.com
Risovi Taxidermy Studio | New Rockford, ND | 701-947-2048 risovitaxidermystudio.com
Jig-em-Up Guide Service | Grand Forks, ND | 701-739-9198 jig-em-up-guide-service.com

 
Re: Bored at Work...What's Outlook For Sakakawea (Gut feeling)
by on 02/15/2010 10:35 AM | Reply #20 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 01/09/2002
Location: ND
"Open water just around the corner."


I wish, I for one am ready to be chasing some fish!  Especially since I just don't seem to get a chance to do that through the ice.

Pay attention boy, words mean things!  Phil S.
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Posted On: 02/12/2010 4:22 PM
1387 Views, 27 Comments

Tags: sakakawea, gut, feeling, year, bored, outlook, work...what, worse, work, going
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Region: North Dakota

Categories: Fishing > Walleye Fishing
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