MERCURY RISING. There’s no end to the warm-up in sight, as high temperatures soar into the 40s for an extended stretch.  Take this into account as you size up the ice on your area lakes and make plans for the holiday season!  We talk about both of those topics and other options in this unseasonable…

By Nick Simonson Every year about this time there are stories in the headlines that have most people shaking their heads.  A truck goes through the ice, a towable shack house sinks during an untimely warm-up, or an angler unfamiliar with the elements of a body of water finds himself in trouble.  While most of…

WARM SURGE.  Today and tomorrow continue the region’s warming trend and set the stage for great weekend hunting conditions with moderate winds and above-average temps.  We talk about that and more in today’s Three Things. Featured Photo:  Short Range.  The snow recedes on an area of rangeland along the Heart River Valley south of Judson….

THIS IS IT! We’re closing out some seasons, opening up new ones and even looking ahead to those that will come in 2019.  We talk about these items and more in today’s Three Things. Featured Photo:  The setting sun highlights the orange breast feathers of a rooster pheasant. Simonson Photo.   WEATHER (Bismarck Forecast): Today: Tue…

SCHOOL’S IN!  As we get closer to holiday break, it’s tough to think about finishing out the semester, when “school” will take on another meaning as kids hit the ice with family and friends (maybe you’re taking a few?) When targeting schooling fish through the ice, we have some lessons to get the bigger ones…

By Nick Simonson If you’re looking to give the gift that keeps on giving to your favorite angler, or maybe just trying to find a way to burn up these dark winter nights in your den, a fly tying kit is the end of both holiday shopping quests and the beginning of a great pastime. …

LOOKING OUT.  The week looks fine for ice fishing or hunting, and we tap into some new resources made available by the G&F as part of today’s Three Things. Featured Photo:  Three eyes. Know how big the walleye population is getting in your water with help from Sampling Data.  Simonson Photo   WEATHER (Bismarck Forecast):…

By Nick Simonson The spins are never good.   Whether it’s driving along a slippery highway, or angling for panfish under the ice, anything involving 360-degree rotation this time of year  is bad news.  You’re on your own for preventing any unwanted spirals on the road, it’s the latter that takes top billing today, thanks to…

WINTER WONDER!  This weekend is setting up to be quite good for sportsmen getting on the ice.  With high temps in the 20s and low winds, expect to see many in the general population making their first moves to hardwater.  We continue to share our tips for this time of year in today’s Three Things….

GILLY, GILLY! With first ice established, one of our favorite early pursuits is panfish. In today’s Three Things we share tips for finding bull bluegills and consistent action. Featured Photo:  A nice bluegill caught and released on a small ND lake. Simonson Photo.   WEATHER (Bismarck Forecast): Today: Thu 12/6 – Calm & Cold. Hi 17,…

ONE DAY WIND.  Gusts return today, but after they subside, you’ve got a great four-day stretch to get going on your favorite winter activities.  We talk about that and more and how to beat the bluster in today’s Three Things. Featured Photo:  Tap That. A set of ice anchors will help hold houses in place…

ON TOP OF THINGS.  Today’s weather is ideal ahead of Wednesday’s quick-hitter of a front with fast winds and spits of snow.  While you’re thinking what to do with tomorrow’s “inside day” (and enjoying today outdoors) we’ve got some ways to keep your flies on the surface.   Featured Photo:  Closed cell foam patterns are…