There’s a point every fall when you walk outside in the morning and can just tell the season has changed. The air has a little bite to it, the coffee tastes a little better, and grabbing an extra layer before heading to the lake suddenly seems like a very good idea. For some anglers, that’s the signal to start thinking about putting the boat away. On Devils Lake, we’d argue there’s still some fishing to do.
Fall brings its own rhythm to the lake. As water temperatures cool, walleye patterns begin to shift, and anglers have a whole new puzzle to figure out. Historically, anglers can find fish around rocks, submerged trees, roadbeds, bridges, current, and other structure. Jigs and live bait are excellent options from both the boat and the shorelines, while trolling crankbaits remains an option for covering water.
There’s good reason to keep chasing them this year. North Dakota Game and Fish says the Devils Lake walleye population continues to do well, with good reproduction in recent years and an above-average number of 15- to 20-inch fish. The 2025 survey found walleye ranging from 5.9 inches all the way up to 29.1 inches. White bass are also above average, and northern pike continue to offer another option throughout the lake. Perch anglers may have to work a little harder this year, though, with Game and Fish expecting slower perch fishing in 2026 before numbers are anticipated to begin rebounding in 2027.
And then there’s the part of fall fishing that doesn’t show up in a survey report..
Summer weekends on Devils Lake can be wonderfully busy. Fall feels different. The mornings are crisp, boat traffic starts to thin, and the landscape around you is changing almost by the day. You'll hear ducks and geese overhead while you’re waiting for a bite or sharing a bridge with a couple of other anglers trying to squeeze every last bit out of open-water season.
Eventually, North Dakota winter will win. It always does. The docks will come out, the boats will get tucked away, and before long we’ll be talking about augers, ice houses, and our first ice fishing reports, but we're not there yet. There’s still time for one more trip, one more cool morning on the water, and maybe one more walleye story before we trade open water for the ice.
Planning a fall trip to Devils Lake? Check out our latest fishing reports, find local guides and lodging, and start planning your next day on the water at DevilsLakeND.com.
