We Meet Again!

North Dakota may not have the good ole’ Mississippi, but one thing we do have is Devils Lake.  I was chomping at the bit to get out there and Tuesday was the first day that I found myself on the banks.  The weekend before I received numerous calls about the how the pike were going crazy.  The spring pre-spawn craze only may go on for 5 or so days so you have to be on top of your game.  You couldn’t ask for a nicer day, 61 degrees and sun, not to mention the perpetual winds of North Dakota even decided to take the day off.  Right away the pike action started up and one after another they found our bait.  They were biting very lightly and very uncharacteristically for northerns.  There were a few people in the area fishing with jigs and having minimal luck.  The ticket for the day was soaking a smelt, just like cat fishing.  Almost all of the fish were over 5 lbs with the biggest sitting at 7 lbs, the rumor was the day before was hot for the big girls.  One of the people fishing next to us weighted in a 16.6 lb. pig the day before.  The action was consistent for the entire day with bouts of fast and furious catching.  One time we had three pike on the end of the lines and another pole that was going to be ripped out of the ground, too bad we only have 2 hands.  The highlight of the day was towards the end of the night when I laid into something big on my jig.  It ended up being a very nice walleye indeed weighing in at 7.5 lb. 27’’.  After sending her back into the depths, we called it a night not long after.  It is still a little early for the big girls to move up in the shallows; give it a week or so and the action should be in full tilt.  Today was a great day for snow geese, so keep your eye out.  From the slimy shores of devils lake…..Keep Livin’ the Dream!