Lake Sakakawea

[ND Native]

I have fished Sak a lot. My perfered technique has always been jigging. I have caught lots of fish this way, but never the big pigs that I know are there. What is the perfered method for fishing for these big walleyes. On a side note, I generally fish the central to eastern half of the lake due to the fact that I reside in that area. Thanks for the advice.

[SnellTier]

Native,

I see that no one has replied to your post so I will at least provide to you some input that I have. Now, you have to realize that I have very little experience compared to pros who spend 175 days a year or more on the water, so if someone else replies, factor that in.

I am pretty serious about fishing even though I did not get started until 1993.

I love to vertical jig. I feel I catch greater numbers of fish when I do. But, I find that I catch LARGER fish when I bottom bounce with blades.

Several guides from Wisconsin told me I would see this exact effect. I took it with a grain of salt because each fisherman has his own preferences. But after 5 seasons where I think I know what I am doing with both techniques, I have to say I find it to be true.

Just my input. Hope this helps.

tomd


*** A day spent fishing does not count against one's alloted life span! ***

[Johnnie Candle]

The best way to get the pigs on Sak is to troll crankbaits. When the fish are shallow try #5 and #7 Shad Raps or Storm ThunderCranks. As the fish move deeper try Deep Jr. ThunderSticks and Down Deep Husky Jerks. By mid-summer look for the suspended bite off the tips of points and bluffs. Find schools of bait and you will find the eyes. Reef Runners fill the bill here.

My experience has shown that when limits of fish are coming off the flats on blades, bigger fish can be caught in the same areas pulling cranks. You will have to be patient as you may not get as many bites, but they will be the right ones.

Good Luck.

[ND Native]

Thanks for the reply. I have always found it difficult to find information about this big lake. I don't think many pro's make it up this way during the year. Thanks for the tip!