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Devils Lake Fishing Guide

North Dakota

A prairie lake famous for jumbo perch through the ice and walleye.

Trip at a Glance

Anglers come to Devils Lake for yellow perch, walleye and northern pike. The best months overall are Apr to Jun, Sep to Oct. In October, yellow perch, walleye and northern pike are in season, and Spinnerbait, Suspending Jerkbait and Paddle-Tail Swimbait are a good place to start. There are 4 shops within 45 miles; the closest is Ed's Bait Shop in Devils Lake, 1 mi away.

Best Months

Apr to Jun, Sep to Oct

In October

Yellow Perch, Walleye, Northern Pike

Methods

Spin, cast & bait

Season at a Glance

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F
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What You'll Catch

Devils Lake Species

Yellow Perch

Prime Now
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
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S
O
N
D

Best: Jan to Mar, Jun to Oct

Walleye

Prime Now
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
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S
O
N
D

Best: Apr to Jun, Sep to Nov

Northern Pike

Prime Now
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M
A
M
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J
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O
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D

Best: Apr to Jun, Sep to Oct

Plan by Month

What to Use

Month
Fish

8 picks for October. ● means in season that month.

  • Suspending Jerkbait 4 to 5 in

    Lure

    Hard Bait · Northern Pike, Walleye

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  • Spinnerbait 3/8 to 3/4 oz

    Lure

    Moving Bait · Northern Pike

    Shop This Lure

  • Paddle-Tail Swimbait 3 to 5 in

    Lure

    Soft Plastic · Walleye

    Shop This Lure

  • Casting Spoon 1/4 to 1 oz

    Lure

    Spoon · Northern Pike

    Shop This Lure

  • Crappie Jig 1/32 to 1/8 oz

    Lure

    Jig · Yellow Perch

    Shop This Lure

  • Jig and Minnow 1/8 to 3/8 oz

    Lure

    Jig · Walleye

    Shop This Lure

  • Live Minnows 1 to 3 in

    Bait

    Live Bait · Walleye, Yellow Perch

  • Nightcrawlers Whole or half

    Bait

    Live Bait · Yellow Perch

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Rod & Reel

Recommended Setups

Yellow Perch

Spin / Cast 6 ft ultralight spinning rod or ice rod, 4 lb line, perch spreader or small jig.

Walleye

Spin / Cast 6.5 ft medium-light spinning rod, 2500 reel, 10 lb braid with a 6 to 8 lb fluorocarbon leader.

Northern Pike

Fly 9 ft 8 or 9 wt rod, floating or intermediate line, wire or 40 lb bite tippet.

Spin / Cast 7 ft medium-heavy casting rod, 30 to 50 lb braid, steel or titanium leader.

Matched to These Species

Gear for Devils Lake

Rigs

Mack's Lure Wedding Ring Spinner

Small spinners tipped with corn or maggots for kokanee and perch.

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Crankbaits

Rapala Shad Rap

A tight-wobbling crankbait that walleye anglers troll and cast.

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Reels

Abu Garcia Revo SX Baitcasting Reel

A reliable baitcaster for jigs, Texas rigs, and moving baits.

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Reels

Pflueger President Spinning Reel

Light and smooth for its price. A favorite for finesse and panfish rods.

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Line

Berkley Trilene XL Monofilament

Limp, easy-casting mono for spinning reels and general fishing.

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Hard Baits

Rapala X-Rap Jerkbait

A suspending jerkbait that shines in cold, clear water.

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Nets & Tools

Frabill Rubber Mesh Landing Net

A fish-friendly rubber net that does not tangle hooks.

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Rod & Reel Combos

Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Combo

Nearly unbreakable and sensitive enough for most freshwater fishing. A safe first combo.

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Within 45 Miles

Shops Near Devils Lake