The Peluso Report: Fall Repayment

dakotaedgeoutdoors

Nov 21

Mike Peluso

By Mike Peluso

When it comes to walleye fishing on the Missouri River, this extremely nice November weather over the last couple of weeks sure can change one's attitude. I was optimistic after the first snowstorm that we would get to fish again, and fish we have!

Ever since I was a young boy, I looked forward to late fall fishing. Many of those childhood falls we would get the chance to fish sometimes well into December. Even way back in those days, the later you could fish the better it would get. This fall is no exception.

When I look back at the start of the fall guide season on the river, I can honestly say it has been a really good fall! I had to move around a lot and stay patient, but I'd say we had limits pretty much all through October. Some days were better than others, but after a good hard day we were able to call it a success.

Since the weather warmed up this month, it's been unreal. In fact, the walleye fishing at times has been the best I've seen it since my return to North Dakota after I retired from playing hockey.

Presentation at this point in the season is nothing fancy for me as jigs and minnows are my go-to in the fall. Quite frankly they are my favorite way to fish anytime on the water no matter what the season. Earlier this fall you had to stay pretty far south on Oahe for consistent fishing. Now you can have consistent catches right in the city limits of Bismarck.

I'm not sure what our future holds. I'm praying I can get out a couple more times after this weekend yet. If I do, that's a bonus, if not it's been one heck of an open water season! The spring was short lived, but we're getting repaid this fall!

Mike Peluso is a Dakota Edge Outdoors contributing writer and a licensed ND fishing guide specializing in walleyes on the state's premier waters.

Featured Photo: Long Fall. The extended fall bite has improved since October's snow storm, and quality catches of walleyes can be caught all along the Missouri River heading into the Thanksgiving holiday. DEO Photo by Mike Peluso.