Report Date: March 16, 2026

Host: Captain Barb, Wisconsin Women Fish

 

If you thought ice season was winding down, think again. Captain Barb and the Wisconsin Women Fish crew just wrapped up an incredible weekend on Devils Lake, North Dakota, and the bite is still going strong. With over 30 inches of ice still locking down the lake, travel conditions are currently "perfect" for those looking to squeeze the most out of the hard water season.

 

The Big Three: What’s Biting

Whether you're looking for flags popping or a steady jigging rhythm, here is the breakdown from the weekend:
 

  • Northern Pike: * Depth: 6 feet of water or less.
    • Tactic: Set those tip-ups! The winning ticket was dead smelt sourced from local bait shops. The crew pulled in a "pile of them" yesterday.

 

  • Walleye:
    • Depth: Reports vary from 8 feet in the weeds to the tops of 12-foot humps dropping into deeper water.
    • Lure: A small, pink rattling jig tipped with a minnow head.
    • Pro Tip: Captain Barb noted that size matters right now. If you're struggling, switch to smaller crappie-sized minnows. The fish were shy about the larger bait early on.

 

  • Perch:
    • Status: A bit tougher to pin down this weekend.
    • The Challenge: The lake is currently loaded with natural forage, specifically freshwater shrimp. This makes the fish taste amazing, but it means you have to compete with a lot of natural food. Be prepared to stay mobile to find an active school.

 

Plan Your Trip

With travel conditions holding steady and massive amounts of ice remaining, now is the time to hit the ice.

"There's so much forage... that's why these fish taste so good. You might have to move around a bit, but there's still a lot of good fishing left." — Captain Barb

  • Where to Stay: Check out Dakota Sunset Resort for your base camp.
  • Current Ice: 30"+ (Always use caution and check local conditions before heading out).