when to go to devil lake for ice fishing ?

[waverider1]

I am trying to plan a trip to devils lake sometime between mid jan - early march but I don't know when the best time would be ? I will be going after jumbos and walleyes mainly. Also using portables and wheelers. Any feed back would be helpful

thanks

[farmfishing]

The late march perch bite is my favorite.

[iffwalleyes]

As most places are typically march will be a better bite. How ever Devils Lake is hugh and most any time of the year you can probably find a area that will produce. I have fished it in Jan and done well.

[Jeff Dosch]

Last year it didnt really matter as for the time of year. We were spoiled with an incredible walleye and perch bite that was very consistent throughout the year. The number of perch are finally starting to catch up with the amount of water we have now. In the Grand Forks Herald a couple of weeks ago, they had an article interviewing Randy Hiltner of the Game and Fish Dept. He said that there fall gill netting survey showed the strongest yound of the year walleye and perch that they have seen in quite a few years. From what we seen last year I believe it. There were times last year that there were several good perch bites going in different locations. If you dont mind the cold come in January. Its really cold but its usuall y stable weather and that makes for the most consistent bite. March is nice but the weather changes so much.

Jeff Dosch

www.doschguides.com

[wanger29]

I went up there the 1st week in Jan. last year and had fairly good success. Had a blast! I would not, not recommend that time. However, next trip planned will be in March though. Did suffer a bit of a cold snap.