By Mike Peluso

The reason I don’t love to guide in September is already showing itself a little.  The walleyes, especially on Sakakawea, can become extremely difficult to catch.  They do this every September for some reason.  

I have my theories as to why, but it’s too long to put into this post.  I’m being asked a lot this weekend, but especially: “what can we do to get these fish to eat?”  Honestly, you just have to keep going over them as much as you can until one decides to bite.  It’s frustrating! 

This time of year, up on Sakakawea it isn’t a bad idea to pull crankbaits, trying to roll through as many fish as possible to trigger bites.  It really turns into a percentage game right now until the water cools.  Once the water temperature does drop, the fish will decide it’s time to bulk up for the winter! 

I’ve checked the Missouri River out locally a little this week.  I’m waiting for the U.S. Corps of Engineers to cut the flows from Garrison Dam.  Mid-September they will lower it to 13,000 cfs.  I know guys are catching some fish right now on the river near Bismarck.  For me I don’t want to bother with these fish yet since everything will change the minute it drops. 

As soon as it drops and stabilizes, I’ll begin looking for trails, spots, and more to fire up my guiding efforts on Oct. 1.  I am headed to Devils Lake this week to guide a few days over there and I’ll report back on that. 

So as the dog days of fishing are upon us, I’m taking this time to catch up on all my stuff I lose track of while guiding over the summer and recharge for this fall, and it doesn’t take me much to recharge for the river.  It’s my absolute favorite place and way to fish!   So, I’m super excited to get started! 

If you are looking to get on the schedule, get ahold of me!  I’m getting quite a few inquiries right now and am super excited to start pitching jigs again!

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: They’re There. Walleyes in September can be a challenge on Lake Sakakawea, and covering water and pulling offerings such as crankbaits through their schools is perhaps the best way to connect right now. DEO Photo by Mike Peluso.