By Mike Peluso

Things are slowly starting to turn around on the ice up here on Devils Lake, and it looks like winter will be here in full force by week’s end. We need it!

It seems so far this season that the fish just haven’t gotten into their winter ways quite yet. I believe after next week this will all change. The perch bite up here on Devils Lake has been  extremely hit and miss. One day you get into them pretty good and the next day you would swear there isn’t a fish left in the lake. The start of the perch bite has been a lot shallower when compared to previous years.

The walleye bite has been a little better. It seems like if you are willing to work for them you’ll get them. You just have to be patient and wait for them to eat. We see lots of lookers, just not always biters.

Ice conditions are much better with this report. I’d say we are seeing an average of 10 plus inches across the region. My guess with the cold weather and no snow on the ice is that will grow significantly this week.

I’m still having a lot of fun with http://www.icefishingcentral.net and testing out future products we will be releasing over time. Our first two rods have been a huge success. The quality you’ll get for the price of these rods is going to be hard to beat. If you haven’t had a chance, check them out!

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

Featured Photo: Right Up.  Walleye action has improved on Devils Lake as sturdier ice sets up ahead of a cold snap this week. DEO Photo by Mike Peluso.