With good access, helpful bait shops, plenty of fish and some of the best ice that Mother Nature can freeze up, it’s no wonder that ice-fishing is popular on Devils Lake. The last stop on the ice-fishing express this month is on the western reaches of Lake Sakakawea near Williston, N.D., and Lund’s Landing.

While water levels rose slightly along the entire stretch of the Missouri River last year, they are still at historic lows, and the effects have hit this area significantly. For Jim Torgerson, owner of Lund’s Landing, the low water levels have been a way of life for some time. “We haven’t launched a boat in this area in 10 years,” he said, “and our buildings are probably a mile from the water.”

So why would Lund’s Landing make the where-to-go list this year? Some may think it’s the famed juneberry pie at the resort -- and that certainly plays into the equation! -- but the main reason is still the tremendous fishing that the local flavor has been experiencing for years.

Walleyes annually migrate into the area by early fall, and the 20-mile stretch of river surrounding Lund’s Landing is still one of the best places in the state for taking quality walleyes and an occasional trophy pike.

“We usually see good ice in the month of December, and the favored areas around the Hofflund Islands, White Earth Bay, Tobacco Garden and the pipeline crossing get busy in a hurry,” noted Torgerson.

The walleyes in the area are stacked and fairly predictable. A bite lasts two to three days before fading, but there is enough activity on the ice to announce the location of the next hot bite. Fish range from 2 to 5 pounds with an occasional trophy, and most of the access is by ATV. Torgerson estimates there are more ATVs per household in western North Dakota than anywhere else in the country.

There are no big secrets to catching walleyes in the area.

“Nothing fancy,” said Torgerson. “There are a lot of fish in the area, and they are cooperative most of the time.”

It doesn’t matter if you’re running out for an afternoon of fishing on the lake next door or planning a three-day visit to one of the famed aforementioned destinations, the simplicity of ice-fishing and the great opportunities that the Dakotas have to offer this month are endless. This is going to be a great ice-fishing season, and it doesn’t matter where you drill your holes -- the ice is right!

FOR YOUR INFORMATION
For information on lodging and ice conditions and the latest fishing report on the Pollock region of Lake Oahe, talk to Bob at the West Pollock Resort, (605) 889-2448.

For the same information on Devils Lake, contact Kyle Blanchfield at the Woodland Resort, (701) 662-5996. l

Find more about Great Plains fishing and hunting at: GreatPlainsGameandFish.com