28 mph gusts on Lake Sakakawea Saturday

Why it matters

Wind stacks bait on the downwind banks and the fish follow, but gusts over 20 mph make open water dangerous for small boats. Late fall in the North is the last open-water stretch. On Friday, patchy fog then mostly cloudy, a high near 44°F and a low of 28°F, with a strong wind from the southeast around 25 mph. The forecast for Saturday reads partly sunny, with a high near 48°F and a low of 32°F and a strong wind from the southeast around 28 mph.

With about 307,000 acres and roughly 1,320 miles of shoreline at full pool, Lake Sakakawea is a lot of water to cover. At its deepest the lake reaches around 180 ft.

The fish

On Lake Sakakawea, walleye are in a good mood. Walleye stay catchable in cold water, holding on deep structure with a slow bite. Next up, northern pike: in their comfort zone. Pike and muskie still bite in cold water, but they want big, slow baits near weed edges and drop-offs.

Know before you go

• Go Sunday, early or late in the day: the best-rated bite day (good).
• Start at the steep ledge (12 to 24 ft) on the map: jig and minnow, slow, near bottom.
• Wear the life jacket: 47°F water takes your breath away if you fall in.

One spot to try

On Lake Sakakawea, start at the steep ledge marked on the map, fishing 12 to 24 ft. A sharp wall beside deep water; fish hang along the edge at the depth they like. It suits walleye and northern pike; jig and minnow, slow, near bottom.

DamDeepest water N 20 miles

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