Devils Lake Report

[Guest]

Its kind of exciting getting this new forum going. Hope all you readers will keep it lively so we can have fun on the Lake. Devil's Lake has expanded five fold over the last ten years and is now at my doorstep. It used to be eight miles away. Its a geological phenomenon of world caliber. The fresh ongoing flooding has been a real challenge for residents (many have moved more than once to stay ahead of the rising waters) The fish of course have moved right in. The structure you seek might be a flooded feed lot, road bed, gravel pit or section line. Some of us are still paying taxes on the ground under the water.

Some of the best places to fish are near the culverts under the roads that have been built up to keep from being submerged all together. Quite a community of ice houses has flourished near the place the Minnewaukan-Graham's Island road dissappears into the lake. It runs nearly five miles and is now covered by eight feet of water through its length. Drops quickly to 20-22 feet right off the top. Its a definite fish magnet. Farther East the 57 bridge near the casino has been seeing a lot of action. Last weekend those working in 39 feet of water had some success drilling holes along that depth line. Military Point yielded some nice walleyes and Ziebach Pass brought fast action on Northerns. theChaser

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theChaser

[Editors Note] Let's welcome Steve, he is a new owner of The Spirit Water Inn on Devils Lake. He's told me a lot about the lake and I'm excited about heading to his place in late January. I'll let you know how it is when I get back.

In the meantime, he assures me he has some excellent accomodations and he needs to get the word out because he is a new owner and wants to establish a good relationship with folks like you. He's also offering inexpensive lodging and fish houses. Call him and he can set you up, regardless of how much gear you have or how many people you want to bring (He has some houses that hols a bunch). You can get to a page I put up for him by Clicking Here

[This message has been edited by Rick (edited 01-04-2001).]

[chart1444]

Glad to see some one close to Grand Forks on the net.

My E-mail stated that there was a free stay offered at your place, how do I go about entering?

How many houses do you have to rent?

[email protected]

[Scoot]

Welcome!!! I've wished for a Devil's Lake forum on this site but didn't bother requesting it since I figured I'd just hear that it wasn't located in the state of the site's name. Glad to have you aboard!

I would appreciate the same info that Chart 1444 requested.

Do you have ANY good news from Devil's Lake regarding the catching of fish? I know the fishing is always good, but I have yet to hear one report that I consider valid that would indicate hot action for walleyes or perch. It sounds like things have been pretty tough sledding!
If things turn on I'd love to hear about it.
I have a question- Do people generally catch most of the larger walleyes for Devil's Lake on the western half of the lake? I heard this once, but passed it off as people not being able to catch big fish and blaming it on their location. But, I've fished the eastern half almost exclusively and never caught a fish over 3.5 lbs. I have seen many 5-7 lb. fish in fish cleaning shacks (how sad), but the people have been tight lipped about where they have been. I'm just wondering if I'm fishing the wrong half of the lake for larger 'eyes or if maybe I just suck and can't catch big fish on Devil's Lake.
Any info would be appreciated.
Scoot

[Scoot]

Welcome!!! I've wished for a Devil's Lake forum on this site but didn't bother requesting it since I figured I'd just hear that it wasn't located in the state of the site's name. Glad to have you aboard!

I would appreciate the same info that Chart 1444 requested.

Do you have ANY good news from Devil's Lake regarding the catching of fish? I know the fishing is always good, but I have yet to hear one report that I consider valid that would indicate hot action for walleyes or perch. It sounds like things have been pretty tough sledding!
If things turn on I'd love to hear about it.
I have a question- Do people generally catch most of the larger walleyes for Devil's Lake on the western half of the lake? I heard this once, but passed it off as people not being able to catch big fish and blaming it on their location. But, I've fished the eastern half almost exclusively and never caught a fish over 3.5 lbs. I have seen many 5-7 lb. fish in fish cleaning shacks (how sad), but the people have been tight lipped about where they have been. I'm just wondering if I'm fishing the wrong half of the lake for larger 'eyes or if maybe I just suck and can't catch big fish on Devil's Lake.
Any info would be appreciated.
Scoot

[Guest]

I've been off line the last few days while my computer stuff was moved from my home to the office at our restaurant. I must confess that fishing has been pretty tough here thus far this winter. January is often like that. Some of those who are spending the time and drilling a lot of holes have been catching fair numbers with a very slow presentation. Fellows with cameras can see the fish but getting them to bite is something of a trick. The lake is lkoaded with shrimp so the fish need barely move to eat their fill. Thus they shy away from agressive jigging. Be patient and be still. Try a drop line under a kastmaster or swedish pimple with a lively tale hooked minnow just off the bottom and be patient. My recent guests got into the pike big time one day and booked again for this year regardless of the fairly slow walleye and perch action. the chaser

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theChaser

[Guest]

To scoot and others. Regarding bigger fish on the West End. I must admit I am biased as I am on the west end in Minnewaukan but I believe its true from direct reports. Particularly in the spring and summer. Wayne's Taxidermy in Lakota on the east side tells me that he receives more and bigger walleyes for mounting from the west side as you have heard. The majority of the PWT boys fished the Minnewaukan Flats when weather permitted. Guides from our neighbors east often bring their clients over to our docks to access our fertile waters. My theory is that most of the frsh water and recently flooded ground is on the west side. Forage base is richer so growth is faster. Looking back to my Viking heritage on the Danish side I figure the big adventurous tough guys sense the freshening waters and explore new territories to lay claim to new habitats with plentiful food supplies. The structure on the west side is ubtle but fairly easy to find with a little practice and seems to consistently hold fish. The big ones run out the little ones and are easy prey for the stealthy human predators with the right presentation. I fished for many years on Leech, Winnie and Mille Lacs and have rarely found it so fun and easy. During the recent full moon, Perch fishermen brought up a few marauding walleye monsters up to ten pounds.

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theChaser