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Bored at Work...What's Outlook For Sakakawea (Gut feeling)

Permalink: Bored at Work...What's Outlook For Sakakawea (Gut feeling)

by Tim Sandstrom , Posted to Fishing Buddy on 02/12/2010 4:22 PM | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Tim Sandstrom

Joined: 07/14/2003
Location: ND

Waiting for some stuff to process at work and was thinking to myself after an email I got. You guys think Sakakawea is going to be better or worse this year?

My gut feeling? Worse. Why? Allow me to explain.

We have NO MORE fish than we had last year. At least catchable fish. We have much more million acre feet in water and we have much more in available forage. Forage, of course, is because of the good spawn for such critters.

Hence, a common sense look at it would tell a guy the rather low number of fish (or if anything, the same amount of fish last year) is going to have more water and more food to eat. Which, makes an angler very handicapped.

Or maybe I'm wrong? Maybe the 3rd highest class they talked about last year will show itself this year?

But they are in the weeds Tim!!!

Fishing will be challenging still up in the weeds. Quite honestly, I doubt how many fish were really up in the weeds. I mean, that was some very thick stuff that if I was a walleye could I really be a good hunter up in that? A lot of hide-able type spots for bait fish which equally means escape routes. Plus, from a fishing standpoint, water was so clear last year you couldn't venture shallow because they'd spook at anything and everything. I assume this year we'll have the same water clarity. Possible scenario? Lots of the NASTY vegetation should be more tame this year because a lot of it broke down and washed away. Plus, winter will rid quite a few trees. But again, water clarity is a key issue with fishing shallow. To be fair, we'll give this a to be determined stamp. More like a situational stamp.

All I know is one thing is for certain. The fish health has definitely increased and what fish are caught will be very nice (the 14 to 18 inchers). Don't get me wrong, I'm sure there are some slow learners out there still and they'll come up short on the scale.

We'll see what happens. Okay, my edits have saved. Time to get back to work.

Re: Bored at Work...What's Outlook For Sakakawea (Gut feeling)

by doublebarrelsaloon on 02/12/2010 4:36 PM | Reply #1 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

doublebarrelsaloon
Joined: 04/22/2009
Location: MT

I'll keep looking for the walleyes but when in doubt the saugers are definately there to be caught.

Re: Bored at Work...What's Outlook For Sakakawea (Gut feeling)

by Tim Sandstrom on 02/12/2010 4:39 PM | Reply #2 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Tim Sandstrom
Joined: 07/14/2003
Location: ND

Speaking of. Where in the world are the walleyes up north right now? She's tough on the ice. Even though I have been out limited times it isn't like I'm hearing good things from fellow friends, etc. Saugers, yes. Walleyes no.

Am hearing bits and pieces of big perch (big for Sakakawea) at 8 to 12 inches, especially on the East End. That's also where I've heard the most consistent walleye talk. Although, that's very limited too. A lot has to do with access too I'm sure.

Maybe all the walleyes moved down to the East End and will be working their way north as their biological clocks start ticking? Hope so, plan on hitting up the ice hard late Feb and March.

Re: Bored at Work...What's Outlook For Sakakawea (Gut feeling)

by Jig-em-up-Josh on 02/12/2010 4:45 PM | Reply #3 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Jig-em-up-Josh
Joined: 10/31/2003
Location: ND

Maybe time to invest in the leadcore stuff and work the sunken islands with cranks? Idk. I hear you on the water clarity. Cruise around shallow and you'll see catfish, carp, perch, smallies, etc swimming about, and they're spooky of course.

I'm guessing it will be the same as last year (overall fishing) but I guess I don't get out there enough to really have a good guestimate. I did good in the weeds though, that's one thing I noticed. By accident actually. Fished the trees, (I'm not a slip bobber guy, and I very seldom fish the trees) and every type of structure.

While waiting in line at the boat ramp (that day I ran into you Tim) I trolled the weeds in the back bay, nailed some nice perch, and picked up 2 nice 16 inchers in addition to my ONE 18 inch fish I caught earlier in the day. I tried it the next day and still only managed to come up with 3 keepers, but according to the creel survey guy it was "very good".

Time will tell I guess. I definitely didn't expect to get skunked at the Arm, maybe a couple small walleye or catfish, something, but that certainly is discouraging to only see 19 perch caught out of how many people.

Jig-em-up-Josh

www.jig-em-up-guide-service.com

Re: Bored at Work...What's Outlook For Sakakawea (Gut feeling)

by doublebarrelsaloon on 02/12/2010 4:54 PM | Reply #4 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

doublebarrelsaloon
Joined: 04/22/2009
Location: MT

i've been hearing the same things Tim. Have had good luck overall been able to get a limit each time but yes just sauger/saugeye. The pike are everywhere even deep. I have over an hour drive each way to where i fish so havent had much time to poke around more for walleye and also havent graduated into using a vex yet am seriously wanting to start. For now it's easier just to get my limit and get heading home as easy as possible. Also getting excited to try some late ice up shallow for a big pike or two.

Re: Bored at Work...What's Outlook For Sakakawea (Gut feeling)

by Enslow on 02/12/2010 5:00 PM | Reply #5 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Enslow
Joined: 02/13/2006
Location: ND

Tim,

Don't doubt that walleye will hold in thick weeds. They love weeds, especially big walleye. With Clear water you will have to pitch cranks in wind or wait until the sun is down to catch them.

Re: Bored at Work...What's Outlook For Sakakawea (Gut feeling)

by yelowjackt on 02/12/2010 5:01 PM | Reply #6 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

yelowjackt
Joined: 08/31/2005
Location: ND

Here are my thoughts…the generation of fish that are in the lake now have to adapt to changing conditions. For years there has been a lack of food for most fish now there is an increase. To start with find the food find the fish. The fish habits are going to continue to change as the conditions do anglers will have to as well. I can see the fish (meaning walleye, sauger) splitting with part of the population staying shallow and the rest running deep following smelt schools. Leadcore is a great tool for those deep fish however the shallow crowd one may need to resort to more of a bass type approach similar to how a lot of guy’s fish Devils…pitch jigs and cranks in towards shore. I can see the ole’ reliable bottom bouncer spinner combinations vastly become extinct. I know the vegetation was thick last year and lots of junk too that should start to get better. One thing is for sure this is great for the fish population and in a way good for the angler…kind of makes it a sport again

...you can't fix stupid...

Re: Bored at Work...What's Outlook For Sakakawea (Gut feeling)

by SHORTHAIRSRUS on 02/12/2010 5:48 PM | Reply #7 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

SHORTHAIRSRUS
Joined: 11/24/2004
Location: ND

Gut feeling - under stocked under stock under stocked - period. Get some fingys in the lake - lets get the process moving.

Beer is for breakfast, drink or be gone!

Re: Bored at Work...What's Outlook For Sakakawea (Gut feeling)

by Lycanthrope on 02/12/2010 6:31 PM | Reply #8 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Lycanthrope
Joined: 02/03/2004
Location: ND

Try pitching chubbies into those holes in the weeds, youd be surprised what you can pull out!

Re: Bored at Work...What's Outlook For Sakakawea (Gut feeling)

by SHORTHAIRSRUS on 02/12/2010 6:48 PM | Reply #9 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

SHORTHAIRSRUS
Joined: 11/24/2004
Location: ND

yelowjackt Said:

Here are my thoughts…the generation of fish that are in the lake now have to adapt to changing conditions. For years there has been a lack of food for most fish now there is an increase. To start with find the food find the fish. The fish habits are going to continue to change as the conditions do anglers will have to as well. I can see the fish (meaning walleye, sauger) splitting with part of the population staying shallow and the rest running deep following smelt schools. Leadcore is a great tool for those deep fish however the shallow crowd one may need to resort to more of a bass type approach similar to how a lot of guy’s fish Devils…pitch jigs and cranks in towards shore. I can see the ole’ reliable bottom bouncer spinner combinations vastly become extinct. I know the vegetation was thick last year and lots of junk too that should start to get better. One thing is for sure this is great for the fish population and in a way good for the angler…kind of makes it a sport again

Different make up of food ---- the answer isnt that simple fish like in devils lake. If we can get enough sotas and sconys on devils we will have that thing choked full of weeds too. --- Switch your pulling and put some MN tactics into it.

Beer is for breakfast, drink or be gone!

Re: Bored at Work...What's Outlook For Sakakawea (Gut feeling)

by waste'in time on 02/12/2010 7:59 PM | Reply #10 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

waste'in time
Joined: 03/10/2009
Location: nd

Bored at work and bored fishing sak. I don't see how it can get better.

Re: Bored at Work...What's Outlook For Sakakawea (Gut feeling)

by IntroC on 02/12/2010 9:32 PM | Reply #11 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

IntroC
Joined: 01/12/2008
Location: ND

What do the other fish look like as far as health wise? Are the pike and bass in good shape? After the high water last year there should be plenty of forage I would guess. Where a lot of pike and bass caught in the trees and weeds while walleye fishing?

Re: Bored at Work...What's Outlook For Sakakawea (Gut feeling)

by Horsager on 02/12/2010 11:05 PM | Reply #12 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Horsager
Joined: 08/12/2003
Location: ND

My gut feeling is.................ah what the heck do I know anyway?

Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming,
WOW-WHAT A RIDE

Re: Bored at Work...What's Outlook For Sakakawea (Gut feeling)

by walleyes n whitetails on 02/13/2010 00:05 AM | Reply #13 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

walleyes n whitetails
Joined: 11/03/2003
Location: ND

I really don't know what to expect.... Last year was such a weird year, some big walleyes real shallow, and some real deep (50+ feet) and some in between. If the water stays about the same I think most will be out chasing smelt, but if it comes up more who knows? This winter has been mostly sauger lately, did find walleyes early but thats about it.

But like horsager said, what do I know.... I think they'll be scattered and with the right presentaions can be caught at all depths. Still working on the real shallow bite....

Re: Bored at Work...What's Outlook For Sakakawea (Gut feeling)

by solocam on 02/13/2010 08:54 AM | Reply #14 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

solocam
Joined: 12/02/2005
Location: ND

My gut feeling tells me the same as last year. My boat may be headed to other destinations!!

Knock, Knock.......Who's There........Doozer!!!

Re: Bored at Work...What's Outlook For Sakakawea (Gut feeling)

by IntroC on 02/13/2010 12:28 PM | Reply #15 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

IntroC
Joined: 01/12/2008
Location: ND

I thinks it time they manage it for trophy pike. I'll make a few phone calls.

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Posted By: Tim Sandstrom
Posted On: 02/12/2010 4:22 PM

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