The Weed Advantage (or disadvantage depending)

Weeds play a vital role, especially early, on Devils Lake.  The weeds and weed edges in particular are where a guy needs to focus his casting as that is where the fish are going to be holding the most.  Those dark weeds are an oasis of good stuff for fish; warm water, food, protection from bigger fish, everything a fish needs to get fat and happy.

Problem is as the summer goes along, more weeds grow and pretty soon the water starts to look like this, especially shallow:

And in some areas even like this:

Water Temperatures

There is still kind of a wide range of water temperatures on Devils Lake right now.  Just coming off the water today and the back bay we were in was touching 72 degree.   Get out onto the main lake and it was 65.  At take off this morning, the main bay temps were in the 62/63 degree range.   Recommend searching out those high 60’s and optimal is that low 70 degree range to find the most active fish.

Water Clarity

We have lost almost all of our spring time ‘gin clear’ waters and for the most part we  have a very optimal ‘tint’ in most places.  Some shallower spots are taking on the signature “Devils Lake Green” but not to too much of an extent.  Our Water Clarity remains in a very fishable condition at this time.

Weed Bed Status

Cattails are thriving and the intermediate grassy weeds are growing very quickly.  It is important at this time to establish where that intermediate weed line is before you start pitching an area or you may waste a lot of time deweeding fouled hooks.  What we do, often times, when we go into a spot that is new and unfamiliar is before ever even pitching a lure, we will establish that weed edge first, it saves a lot of time later on.

Good Luck Out There!

Hold On To Your Rod…

And…

CATCH MORE FISH!!