FLAKE OUT? A slight chance of snow is approaching for the region, but models keep pushing down the amounts.  Will it be a dusting that highlights your hunt or a dump that dampens it?  Stay tuned, it might depend on where you are in ND.  In the meantime, we talk more about measuring up our…

By Nick Simonson ‘Twas the night before first ice, and all through the lake, Not a fish had been stirring, not even a splake. The buckets were filled with my rods and my tackle, In hopes that the perch would like jigs trimmed with hackle. The tip-ups were strung with nylon and leaders, To deal…

MONDAY MAGIC.  Take today off and string your weekend out for another 24, as forecasted winds are low and temperatures again top 40.  With the final day of muzzleloader deer season in the books, the fields will see way less pressure in the coming two weeks as we approach the holidays.  The new moon phase…

ON THE FENCE? Don’t be!  It’ll be another great day to get out and about, as above average temperatures persist today with relatively moderate southwest winds.   We check out the upcoming cold swipe and talk more about fences as they relate to hunting in today’s Three Things. (Featured Photo: A fenceline along some PLOTS land…

ANYTHING BUT A MIXED BAG.  This weekend is in-field perfection while you wait for solid ice.  Light winds, moderate temperatures and a major moon phase align for a final fantastic late fall weekend before colder conditions settle in next week.  Enjoy! We talk about more late season secrets in today’s three things. (Featured Photo:  A…

By Doug Leier, NDG&F Dept. Ice fishing is certainly a hot topic in North Dakota this year. I can’t remember a year when I’ve heard so much positive chatter, and many anglers who haven’t already ventured out to their favorite lake, or a promising new destination, are waiting in anticipation of good ice to get their…

DON’T GET IT TWISTED.  Lure spin under the ice can seriously turn fish off, as potential energy of spooled or twisted line causes jigs, spoons and other offerings to turn unnaturally, making fish wait for a moment to bite, and when it doesn’t come, they take off. We give some recommendations as to how to…

COMING DOWN.  Winds dip today and nearly disappear tomorrow making for the start of another great weekend that most will spend in the field except in those places with solid ice up near the Canadian line. While it’s still a week off, we’re starting to see models pattern out a temperature drop into the single…

NDG&F Dept. Press Release To help North Dakota hunters prepare for hunting seasons in 2018, the North Dakota Game and Fish Department annually provides its best estimate for opening dates for the coming year. Dates become official when approved by governor’s proclamation. Tentative Opening Dates for 2018 are as follows: Spring Turkey April 14 Deer…

HEY MIKE! What day is it?  You’re halfway to another good looking weekend, with an early forecast showing highs in the upper 30s and moderate winds once again.  In the meantime, get through a couple gusty days and you’re golden.  We talk about that color and its holiday partner in today’s Three Things. (Featured Photo:…

NDG&F Dept. Press Release Winter anglers are reminded that any fish house left unoccupied on North Dakota waters must be made out of materials that will allow it to float. A popular question this time of year is if campers qualify as legal fish houses. The answer is the same for any structure taken on…

SEE WHAT I MEAN?  Sandwiched between Monday’s gales and Wednesday’s gusts, you’ll find a perfect looking Tuesday.  With above average highs soaring into the mid-40s, you’ll have great weather to get out in the field or on the ice, but make sure recent winds and high temps haven’t eroded your favorite lake’s frozen surface.  We…

FOR THE KIDS!  While the next week once again sports high temperatures 10 to 15 degrees above normal, the final, solidifying onset of ice making weather will come soon.  Prepare your gear and consider taking a young person out there this season, introducing him or her to ice angling.  When you do, take our tips…

HIT THE 10 RING!  It’s a perfect day to close out your weekend with some time in the field.  High temps cross the 50 degree mark, minor moon phase is up and light winds give your pup that perfect pheasant-finding breeze.  Take advantage, as Monday’s coming with winds and a cool down.  We set the…

BUTTE-IFUL WEEKEND. Unseasonably warm temperatures will once again fall on the weekend, giving you another shot at time in the field, with highs brushing 40 today and over 50 tomorrow.  Hopefully you got your decorating done last weekend so you can chase some birds or pursue that late season buck the next couple of days. …

By Doug Leier, NDG&F Dept. Lately I’ve been intrigued by the growing interest in hunting and fishing methods that are more “retro” or “back-in-the-day.” From recurve bows for deer hunting, to fishing with a hook and bobber in the summer, to spearing through the ice in winter. There’s something to be said for hunters and…

FAIR TO MIDDLIN.  Gusts rise again today, before setting the scene for a near perfect winter weekend.  Saturday’s light breeze and mid-30s, will be followed by a slightly windier and warmer Sunday.  You’ll have some melt so keep those feet dry no matter where you’re hunting this weekend.  We talk about current trends in today’s…

By Nick Simonson While many eyes turn to the ice this time of year, the onset of winter also brings new fly anglers into the fold.  Maybe a fly rod is a holiday gift to oneself, or perhaps a thoughtful relative wrapped it up in order to expand their favorite sportsman’s outdoor options. No matter…

BREAK LOOSE!  As yesterday was an inside day with its cold and windy conditions, today’s calm and warmer temps will give you your best weekday option to get outdoors.  Wintertime, with its shorter days and longer nights provides ample time for reading.  What are some of your favorite books on the outdoors?  We look through…

NDG&F Press Release The Coyote Catalog, a statewide effort designed to connect coyote hunters and trappers with landowners who are dealing with coyotes in their areas, is open for the winter. A partnership between the North Dakota Department of Agriculture and the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, the Coyote Catalog can be a good…

THE HARDEST PART.  As Tom Petty sang it, the waiting is the hardest part.  Ice making temps approach in the next couple of days, but a really deep freeze is still forecasted as a week off.  This weekend will lend itself to upland hunting, or comfortable deer hunts with the muzzleloader or bow, and still…

By Nick Simonson The X Caddis is that perfect imitation of a struggling bug trapped in the surface film of a stream or lake.  Unable to quite break free of the weight of its shuck, this in-transition insect is an easy meal for a hungry fish below.  Quick to tie and effective to fish, the…

NDG&F Press Release Individuals or parents with children who will need to take a course in 2018 should monitor the North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s website, gf.nd.gov, as classes that begin in January will be added as times and locations are finalized. After accessing the “Buy and Apply” link, click on the hunter education…

WHITE OUT.  Blizzard conditions settled in over the eastern third of the state, bringing another dose of snow to the region.  Winds will persist today and keep things cold behind the front moving off to the east.  Tomorrow will be your best bet to get back in the field, so until then, we go potpurri…

NDG&F Press Release North Dakota anglers are encouraged to refer to the 2016-18 North Dakota Fishing Guide or the state Game and Fish Department’s website for winter fishing regulations. In addition, anglers can visit the Game and Fish website, gf.nd.gov, for an extensive list of fishing questions and answers. Some winter fishing regulations include: A…

SO LONG! Colder, gusty conditions will dominate the week as the warm bubble of air which we’ve enjoyed gets swept out by a big cold front.  However, the deep freeze is postponed yet again as models push the single digit temps we need to solidify things into next weekend.  In the meantime, we talk about…

SUPER SUNDAY!  Today’s full moon and ideal weather conditions (and not-so-ideal conditions coming for tomorrow) will give you one last chance to get out and enjoy everything before the gusts take over for much of the week.  We celebrate the supermoon, pick out some ice gear and talk stocking stuffers in today’s Three Things.  (Featured…

By Nick Simonson Some folks like to trick out their pickup trucks with lift kits, extra chrome, bigger tires and other accents.  In the summer, it’s not unusual to see boats with kicker motors, dual trollers at stern and bow, multiple sonar units, light strips and all the bells and whistles.  Adding on these conveniences…