BOTTOMING.  Winds will fade into a calm Wednesday and the cold won’t feel so strong.  We climb back out tomorrow as things stabilize for the weekend.  In the meantime, we’re thinking spring and getting you prepared for the season’s first run of fish which may happen in just a few short weeks.

Featured Photo:  Ready? Set? Spring pike runs can provide fast and furious fishing. Simonson Photo.

WEATHER (Bismarck Forecast):
Today:  Wed 2/19 – Cold & Calm – Hi 7, Lo -10, Wind L&V
Tomorrow: Thu 2/20 – Back Up – Hi 25, Lo 2, Wind SW@9

SOLUNAR (Bismarck Times):

Sunrise        Sunset
7:40AM        6:13PM

Moonrise         Moonset          Overhead                Underfoot
5:36AM           2:14PM           9:55AM            10:21PM

Moon Phase:  Waning Crescent (16% Full)

EDGE HOUR: 2:00-3:00PM.  While it’ll be cold, the calm will let you get out there during our mid-afternoon Edge Hour with moonset.

DAY RATING:

OUTDOORS ROUNDUP:

SPRING RUN.  Timing a spring pike run can be tough as a number of factors come into play.  Meltwater, precipitation, water temperature and more can make movements early or late.  Find your favorite stacking spot – a dam, Texas crossing or feeder creek – and check it out every few days as things melt in late March on in to April.

FLASH & DASH.  Bright lures in whites, reds, pinks, yellows and oranges help sight-feeding pike connect with your offering.  Especially in tinted spring runoff, flashy colors will catch their attention.

BITE ME.  Invest in a few thin-wire steel leaders for throwing spring spoons and crankbaits for pike.  Bite leaders for fly fishing with a coated wire terminus will also help save a few flies and prevent bite-offs that pike are known for.