If you’ve been waiting for the signal to head to North Dakota, this is it. Jared Petrie with PATTRIE Productions recently sat down with legendary guide Johnnie Candle to get the ground-truth on current conditions at Devils Lake. While Mother Nature is still shaking off the last of winter, the open-water season is officially here.

From bridge-fishing strategies to surviving the spring weather "reset," here is everything you need to know to plan your 2026 trip.

 

 

 

1. Current Conditions: The Bridge and Riprap Bite

While the main lake is currently sitting in the low-to-mid 40s—and we’ve even seen some late-season snowflakes—the fish are active and moving.

  • Current is King: Right now, the focus is on the bridges and riprap. Walleyes are in the middle of their spawn (or just wrapping it up) and are naturally drawn to the moving water and rocky structures.
  • The Strategy: Stick to the rocks. Fish are looking for current for their spawning activity, so focus your efforts anywhere you find wind-blown current or moving water near the bridges.
  • The "Skinny Water" Wait: We are just a few sunny days away from the "super skinny" bite. Once the sun warms the shallows—even if the air is still cool—those fish will move into 2 to 4 feet of water, which is when the action really gets blood-boiling.

2. Strategy: Timing Your Trip

Spring fishing on Devils Lake is a game of patience. A single cold night can feel like hitting "Control+Alt+Delete" on the bite, sending things back to square one.

  • Watch the Weather: If you have a flexible schedule, look for a three-day stretch of stable, warming weather. The fishing improves exponentially as the water temperature climbs.
  • The "Sweet Spot": If you are booking flights or lodging, aim for Memorial Day through June. By mid-June, the lake temperatures hit the 60s, and the fish become much more resilient to cold fronts, making the bite far more consistent.

3. Logistics: The Amtrak Advantage

Beyond the traditional drive, don't forget the Amtrak. It’s a fast, convenient, and surprisingly affordable way to get into the heart of the action.

  • The train drops you off right in downtown Devils Lake around 6:30 AM.
  • You can sleep overnight and be ready to hit the water the moment you arrive.
  • Most local hotels and resorts are happy to help coordinate transportation from the station to your lodging.

4. Book Early: Guides are Filling Fast!

If you’re planning a guided trip for late spring or early summer, the time to act is now.

"I am booked solid. I do not have an open day until August 9th," Johnnie warns.

Many independent guides are in the same position, with repeat customers filling 80% of the calendar before the ice even melts. Your best bet is to visit the Devils Lake Chamber of Commerce website to find reputable, insured guides who are still showing availability.

5. Summer Events in Devils Lake

The community is buzzing with more than just fishing this summer:

  • May 15: Downtown Beer Crawl.
  • May 29–31: 34th Annual Devils Run Car Show—hot rods and classics from all over North America.
  • June 26: 50th Anniversary Chamber Walleye Tournament.
  • July 4: A massive 250th Anniversary Country Celebration with a parade and community cookout at Roosevelt Park.

Final Thoughts from Johnnie

The docks are in, the boat ramps are functional, and the fish are ready to play their part. As Johnnie says, "Hook the truck to the boat. When that sun peeks through the clouds, get here."

Want more in-depth tips? Tune into Johnnie Candle’s "Devils Lake Live" seminar series on Facebook the first Wednesday of every month at 7:00 PM.