Pelican Lake (Devils Lake Inset) - Friday, August 20, 2010

Doctor Schoneck you’re needed in emergency

Last week I left Sakakawea with water temps in the mid to high 70’s. The reception from Devils Lake was a bit chilly. We arrived with low dark clouds and lightning, not what I expected to see due to the decent forecast. The real shocker was water temps. 68, na can’t be, must be broke. I prepared myself mentally for some tuff fishing.

First on our list was 6 Mile Bay and we gave it our best. Two in a row just that fast. No, not fish. Here is how I suggest you prepare for the Devils Lake Crank bite. By everything in 6 packs, I’m sure you know how to do that. Then on the drive over sort through your cranks and find the ones you absolutely love. Now, take the six pack, roll down your window and give ’em a toss. It’s warm up exercises for what’s coming.

Next up was Doc Hagens in 15 feet. Lots of action but short on size. We stuck in 16 feet thinking there would be a decent fish somewhere in the mix. NOT. A quick move to a road bed NE of Grahams Island put the first limit in the boat. In fact I was more than surprised by both the fact we were catching fish and the size. It’s still mid-morning and my hands are looking for any place they can find to warm up.

We had a pizza waiting at 6 Mile Bait so the idea of a hot noon lunch was welcome. Plans were made for a move to the Grahams Island ramp and a trip over to Pelican. I suspect you, like me have heard the rumors that Pelican holds bigger fish. It’s way true, more than I even hoped. It far-far exceeded my expectations.

We started in 15-16 feet using leadcore. The lead was out because I used it in the morning and it worked. I never pull lead in 15 feet. Just don’t need to, the little cranks will easily get that deep. Today it was a good move. We picked up several fish in the 20 to25 range and by late afternoon made our way to Westbay Resort, our overnight location. Westbay cabins are furnished for the outdoorsman. Complete with kitchen, fridge, gas grill, even a chest freezer! It’s also the closest resort to Pelican.

Morning winds were up to 20 out of the SE so we had a ruff ride from Grahams Island to the bridge under Hwy 19. Once in Pelican everything smoothed out and we were back to where we left off. It’s not often that where you left off is going to be what you remembered. Sure enough it wasn’t. It was at least twice as good. There are only so many days allotted when it all comes your way. Be sure to be on the water on those days.

We stared with Fireline and big cranks, no special reason except it is both easier and faster than lead. Our first fish was impressive and so was everything after. Our next limit came on lead, no reason just decided to try something different. Keep in mind this has nothing to do with exceptional ability or deep thinking. God is handing me a couple of great days fishing and all I have to do is let it come to me.

We are fishing what I think is the shoreline of old Pelican Lake before it came up. It is characterized by big rock and a drop into deeper water. Right at the edge, just before the drop there is a couple foot rise made up of rock. If I knew I could find other structure like this I would gladly spend 3 days of just looking, scanning and hoping.

Sakakawea has a place similar and when it is good it is tournament winning good. Big fish for whatever reason relate to this. Sakakawea doesn’t have the rock but it does have the edge that comes up quickly just before the drop into deep water. If you have a lake with something similar you may want to check it out, or give me a call, I will be happy to help in any way I can. Just get the coordinates and email me.

We finally did move to a new location but stayed in the 15-17 foot depth. We finished the day with a 20 inch fish and started packing it in. That is when the most exciting part of the day occurred.

Doctor Schoneck you’re needed in emergency!

Jesse was putting away cranks and to his amazement sank a hook right to the bend in his hand. He was blown away by how easy it went in. Ya, been there, 5 times! Fireline is good for more than catching fish. WARNING This process works better if it is done on someone besides yourself. Anyway, a few wraps around the hook, few wraps around the pliers and snap. Oh ya I forgot one thing, if you’re the surgeon performing the procedure, best have hearing protection.

Remember fishing is a learned sport. More you fish the better you get so better get fishing.

GPS Google Earth Locations, Video and Pictures of this report please visit:  www.ndlive.com

Tags: rsquo, lake, pelican, devils, water, sakakawea, schoneck, doctor, friday, temps

Region: Pelican Lake (Devils Lake Inset)

Categories: Fishing