SETTING THE STAGE.  Today will kick off a great run of weather, warming things up into the mid-70s and low 80s right on into Memorial Day weekend!  To get you set we’ve got the tips on colors to use that trigger bites on any water and how to find your own confidence colors wherever you fish.

Featured Photo:  This stocked rainbow slammed a copper spoon – a high confidence color – on Fish Creek Dam near Judson. Simonson Photo.

WEATHER (Bismarck Forecast):
Today: Sun 5/17 – Warming – Hi 70, Lo 40, Wind SE@15, G20
Tomorrow: Mon 5/18 – T-Shirts! – Hi 73, Lo 50, Wind SE@20, G30

SOLUNAR (Bismarck Times):

Sunrise        Sunset
6:04AM        9:14PM

Moonrise         Moonset          Overhead        Underfoot
4:26AM           4:06PM           10:11AM            10:31PM

Moon Phase:  Waning Crescent (21% Full)

EDGE HOUR: 3:30-4:30PM.  Moonset and mild temps will start your late-day fishing trip out right in our Edge Hour.

DAY RATING:

OUTDOORS ROUNDUP:

LAKE TO LAKE.  Confidence colors vary from lake to lake, whether it’s matching a particular forage – like silver for spottail shiners or pink just because it seems to work – fishing a certain water for a long enough period and a little trial and error will help isolate those hues that work the best.

MATCH THE HATCH.  In lakes where bluegill are present, purples, blues and hammered nickel or brass can become quick confidence colors.  Where yellow perch are the prime forage, firetiger and natural perch patterns pay off.  Looking for smallmouth?  Try variations of brown, orange and blue crayfish patterns.

GET FUNKY.  Bright neon colors – especially chartreuse, hot pink and bright orange – can become confidence colors, simply due to the stain of the water and what the fish react to.  While not matching anything in particular, never forget the attraction power of something bright.