By Mike Peluso

As promised last week, I would let you know what this week’s water temperatures on the Missouri River look like. As of Saturday, they had dropped anywhere from 8 to 12 degrees depending on where you were on the river.

As a result, this has slowed the action down when it comes to the walleyes on the Missouri River. It also slowed the spawning activity down and with it, but I’m not sad it slowed the spawn down a tad. Last week when the water climbed up to the upper 40s, some of the fish had already decided it was time.

Right now, I’m seeing lots of walleyes on the electronics. This is encouraging for everyone in the coming weeks as it seems like a lot of fish are pushing into the river. We are also seeing a run of forage fish right now. Judging from what I’m finding while cleaning fish, it appears they are smelt, and it is always a great thing to see food in this system, no matter what it is.

Slowing the presentation way down these past couple days has been key to catching walleyes. The minnows on jigs are outperforming the plastics at the moment but that will change as soon as the water warms back up.

I just had some primo dates open in early June for Devils Lake. Get ahold of me if you are looking for a trip.

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: A Day’s Work.  Dropping water temperatures have stalled the spawn and dented the bite a bit for walleyes on the Missouri River, but anglers using jigs and minnows are still finding success. DEO Photo by Mike Peluso.