Happy New Year from Devils Lake!

As the sun sets on the final day of the year, we aren't just looking back at the memories made; we are looking forward to the fresh starts and new adventures that 2026 holds. There is something truly special about the turn of the calendar—it’s a blank slate, a new chapter, and the perfect excuse to reset your mind. And what better place to find that clarity (and a few trophy fish) than the wide-open ice of Devils Lake?

Whether you’re celebrating a year well-spent or eager to leave the old one behind, the ice is calling. Here is your first fishing report of the New Year, featuring insights from Nick Fautsch of Nick’s Devils Lake Guide Service.

 

Ice & Travel Conditions: Green Light for Wheels

We are kicking off the year with fantastic travel conditions. The ice is consistent, ranging from 14 to 17 inches in most spots. Unlike years past, we aren't dealing with slush or messy ridges popping up everywhere.

  • Access Points: Most landings are in great shape with snow pushed back.
  • Travel: You can leave the tracks at home. Trucks, side-by-sides, and four-wheelers are moving freely. Just keep an eye out for small "pillow drifts," but generally, it’s smooth sailing.

The Bite: Move Fast, Fish Shallow

Fishing right now is rewarding, but it requires a bit of hustle. Recent weather patterns (a mix of fog and blizzards) have made the bite a little inconsistent—one day they are jumping out of the hole, the next they are making you work for it.

 

Nick’s Strategy: The "Milk Run" If you want to fill a pail, mobility is key.

  • Depth: Focus on shallow water, mostly under 20 feet (specifically 15ft ranges).
  • Structure: Target brush piles and shallow rock piles.
  • Technique: Don’t camp on a spot. Hit 10-12 spots a day. Give a hole an hour tops—catch the active fish and move to the next.

Hot Spots: Nick has been finding success on the West side of the lake, specifically:

  • Minnewaukan Flats
  • Graham’s Island
  • Doc Hagen
  • Six Mile Bay
  • Tip: Feeder lakes are also producing decently right now.

 

Lures & Presentation

When it comes to colors, stick to the Devils Lake staples. The forage base here is Perch and White Bass, so match the hatch!

  • Top Color: Wonder Bread & Gold. (Nick’s favorite jig is Wonder Bread on one side, Gold on the other).
  • Perch setup: Gold or Fire Tiger tungsten jigs tipped with spikes or waxies.
  • Cadence: Let the fish dictate the mood. If they come in hot, rip it. If they are sluggish, slow it down—subtle bounces and just waving it in their face will trigger the bite.

 

No Crowds, Just Open Ice

Perhaps the best news of all? The lake is surprisingly quiet right now. If you are looking to escape the "party house" jams and find solitude, now is the time. There is plenty of untouched ice waiting for you. Nothing beats the feeling of having a massive stretch of Devils Lake all to yourself to start the year.

 

Plan Your 2026 Trip

Ready to start the year with a bent rod?

Cheers to new beginnings, heavy buckets, and a safe and prosperous 2026! We hope to see you on the ice.