By Mike Peluso

It’s hard to believe that it is just now the ending to the 2023 open water season. Things started slow in spring, with snow and the river still being frozen and the Big Muddy holding up to her name, but the year ended on the highest of highs! I’ve never seen a fall like this one for walleyes on the Missouri River!

I was fortunate enough to fish it from the end of September all the way up to this past Thursday, pretty much every day, catching limits and nice fish. What transpired the last couple of weeks was absolutely mind boggling. I hope it’s a glimpse of what is to come this spring for walleyes on the flow.

Speaking of spring, if you have fished with me in the past and want to do so again, please don’t drag your feet. Spots are already filling up fast and will be limited. I will have three other guides on staff with me this coming spring on the Missouri River. So, if I’m not able to get you in my boat, one of my guides will be able to.

With that said, I’m turning my attention to the upcoming Devils Lake ice fishing season. As I type this, I’m packing my truck and headed out in the morning to begin the grind. I don’t have a ton of availability this winter, but I do have a few scattered days throughout the winter if you are interested in a trip.

So, from here up until roughly mid-March, I’ll be reporting mainly from Devils Lake. I’ll sprinkle in some other reports and random tidbits as we go.

I will also be working for a company called Ice Fishing Central. It’s a company where we will be designing and testing products all winter. We will refine these products as we use them. Since we are using them daily on the ice our job is to make them better! Once we feel we have a certain product refined and dialed in. We will release it. You will be able to purchase these ice fishing products direct. I will keep you posted on these reports where to find the products we are developing and testing.

There will be lots going on moving forward for Mike Peluso Outdoors. Thank you to everyone who had a chance to jump in the boat with me this past season. I’m hoping to make 2024 even better! The outlook for the upcoming season is going to be epic!

Mike Peluso is a Dakota Edge Outdoors contributing writer and a licensed ND fishing guide specializing in walleyes on the state’s premier waters.

Featured Photo: Wrapped in Gold.  The end of the openwater angling season on the Missouri River has come with plentiful walleyes and fish of good sizes from September right up into the holiday season! DEO Photo by Mike Peluso.