BASK IN IT.  Warm, but not hot, conditions return for a few days, setting up a good full-moon weekend and the start of the late-summer/fall fishing season.  Gear up for salmon, surging walleyes and big bass bingeing on bait for the cool water season.  We talk about that and more in today’s Three Things.

Featured Photo:  A basket-racked 4×4 whitetail pauses in front of a trail cam.  Simonson Photo

DAILY CONDITIONS:

WEATHER (Bismarck Forecast):
Today: Wed 8/22 – Warmer. Hi 82, Lo 51, Wind S@13, G20.
Tomorrow: Thu 8/23 – PM Rains. Hi 87, Lo 58, Wind S@10.
SOLUNAR (Bismarck Times):

Sunrise        Sunset
6:50AM       8:41PM

Moonrise      Moonset       Overhead    Underfoot
6:45PM        3:04AM       11:19PM      10:55AM

Moon Phase: Waxing Gibbous (88% Full)

EDGE HOUR:   6:15 – 7:15PM. Get the advantage in the Edge Hour with a growing moon and moonrise in your after-work fishing trip.

DAY RATING:

MOVING STRUCTURE.  This time of year minnows, young-of-the-year panfish and other prey species school up, providing noticeable bait balls on sonar.  Fish these areas like sunken trees or rockpiles and look for big predators hovering over, under and around them.

COOL IT.  We’ve also talked recently of cooling waters pulling fish shallow – especially pike and trout.  Watch the temperature gauge on your sonar to start figuring out these late-summer and autumn moves, and know when it’s time to head in for fast action.

GO BIG. Bigger baits will pay off this time of year, so don’t skimp!  Grab a multi-bladed spinnerbait and burn it for bass to imitate a fleeing school of fish.  Upsize your cranks for larger walleyes, pike and muskies and hold on!

Stay Sharp!