Devil’s Lake advice (or Ashtabula)

  • tindall
    Minneapolis MN
    Posts: 1104
    December 16, 2012 at 6:21 pm #1304394

    Unexpectedly heading to Grand Forks ND this weekend and the father in law mentioned going fishing. One thought was to go to Ashtabula which is near his farm (saves some $) but I am leaning towards driving a bit more and hitting Devils Lake.

    Wondering if it is worth bringing all my stuff and going it alone, or if I should just look for guide service. I have a quickfish 6 and enough gear to outfit us, but I wouldn’t mind the comfort of a sleeper house. Mother in law and my 14wk pregnant wife will come (and want to fish) so a sleeper couldn’t be too ghetto. We would be able to arrive Friday evening and need to leave Sunday.

    Any advice appreciated. Bring my own stuff and just get a cheap hotel, look for a guide service, recommendations on places, etc. Thanks!

    norseman
    FAIRMONT MN
    Posts: 559
    December 16, 2012 at 6:56 pm #1120936

    My nephew fished Ashtabula yesterday and caught 14 walleyes between 14-20 inches and 1 24incher and a 30 incher. Not sure devils lake would be better than that! Also caught a nice mess of perch.

    ajw
    Posts: 521
    December 17, 2012 at 2:08 pm #1121134

    Quote:

    My nephew fished Ashtabula yesterday and caught 14 walleyes between 14-20 inches and 1 24incher and a 30 incher. Not sure devils lake would be better than that! Also caught a nice mess of perch.

    Is his name Brandy? If so, yes he had a heck of a day.

    I dont think you can go wrong either way, If you fish ashtabula you really need a gps with a lake chip, as you’ll need to find the edge of the channel. Both lakes are producing quite well right now.

    tindall
    Minneapolis MN
    Posts: 1104
    December 17, 2012 at 3:59 pm #1121178

    Ashtabula is sounding much more appealing given the short drive from his house, cost savings, and optomistic fish reports. But no, I do not have a GPS – we have never been there and would have no idea where to fish. Any chance we could just follow the crowds, and then poke holes and use a flasher to find the dropoff?

    ajw
    Posts: 521
    December 17, 2012 at 4:18 pm #1121190

    Quote:

    Ashtabula is sounding much more appealing given the short drive from his house, cost savings, and optomistic fish reports. But no, I do not have a GPS – we have never been there and would have no idea where to fish. Any chance we could just follow the crowds, and then poke holes and use a flasher to find the dropoff?

    Shouldnt have a problem finding fish doing that. We fished the edge of the channel on saturday in about 16 fow caught perch and a few eyes throughout the day, then slid up on a flat in 10 fow for the evening bite. Walleyes really move in right at dark. Good luck!

    ajw
    Posts: 521
    December 17, 2012 at 4:29 pm #1121195

    I should also add that the fish wanted anything glow white.
    The glow white swedish pimple was the hot lure of the day. The water is pretty stained so i think glow stuff is a must

    tindall
    Minneapolis MN
    Posts: 1104
    December 17, 2012 at 4:45 pm #1121202

    Thanks! Any info on where to start/park the truck? Google says the closest bait shop is in Valley City, is that correct?

    ajw
    Posts: 521
    December 17, 2012 at 6:10 pm #1121242

    check your pm’s

    jim-c
    Minot, ND
    Posts: 146
    December 17, 2012 at 6:25 pm #1121253

    No bad choices in North Dakota right now, fishing is VERY good all across the state. Devils Lake is hot right now, check out Woodland Resort’s website for pics – excellent guide service and a great place to stay – they are hammering big perch!

    Jim Carroll NPAA #13

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