Open Water Fishing?

[E.Martin]

The last few years I have made the run up to the Rainy River for early open water fishing....This year I would like to make a run out to South Dakota. Any advice on timing and location would be most appreciated.

Thanks,

Eli

[Mike Walerak]

From right now until the end of April seems to be the best time. There are many places to try and everyone has their favorites. I will be fishing the Pierre area quite often this spring.

You will be surprised how many less people there will be compaired to the Rainy.

mw

[jdbigeye]

Just let me know when the tug gets good. I come and visit. I'll be taking some time off soon to check out the Marshall area. Send me an email, with PROOF.

[Mike Walerak]

Josh,

Glad to see you on the boards. I was out last night cought a few walleyes. One had pretty good tug, but I didn't get him out of the hole, so sorry no proof LOL.

I am chomping at the bit to get in the boat on start pitching jigs. I will give you a shout when things start happening.

You may just have to cross the boarder if you want first hand proof.

mw

[iceguy70]

Was thinking about going to Pierre this weekend to visit family and was thinking about taking the boat with me. Where might be a few good places to start tossing a jig. I am familiar with the area, but have never fished it this early in the year.

[NWBuck]

E.Martin,

Early open water fishing is usually pretty good on Francis Case out of Chamberlain. If you can be there during the week and they're running water it can be pretty constant. They did drop the limit back to 3 this year though.

[E.Martin]

Thanks for all the info.

[Walleye71]

E.Martin,

My father and I hit Waubay every year during the last four days of april. Fastest walleye fishing you will ever experience. Last year we had numerous 16 to 17 inchers. The one down side is that you can only keep 2 a day from the lake, a total of 4 from this lake in combo with another. We used to do the Rainy river thing and now everyone and their brother does it. We've been to Pierre a few times but that bite can be hit or miss. I would give the Waubay a good look. Several good lakes around it Bitter, Roy, Cattail (maybe not in april), and the lake south of Webster that I can never remember the name of.

Give them a try, you won't regret it.