Walleye have become deeper but remain active, responding well to bottom bouncers and crankbaits in 25 to 35 feet of water. Smallmouths are concentrated on deep main points, feeding on 2-inch Cisco imitations. Pike are abundant and can be caught easily. A successful spawn of Cisco this spring is promising for fishing.

Walleye are best caught with crawlers and slow death hooks in 15-25 feet, while bigger fish are deeper with jigs. For lake trout, target deep flats in 105-125 feet, though fish movement can be unpredictable. Northern pike are abundant, and salmon are best targeted with 8” flashers in 55-80 feet.

Walleye fishing is successful using bottom bouncers with crawlers or minnows at 18-25 feet, with a speed of 1-1.2. Lakers are found at 105-125 feet, using 3/4 jigs and paddletails. Salmon are scattered; using Salmon Candy flashers and blue-green flies at 40-90 feet has yielded some catches, at 2.1-2.2 speed.

Walleye fishing is thriving at main lake points using slow death hooks, jigs, and fathead minnows in 18-25 feet of water. Northern pike are being caught with spoons and crankbaits, alongside dead rods near the shoreline. Lake trout are abundant between 80-110 feet, often staying close to the bottom.

This week at Fort Peck, challenging weather stirred up the lake, but angler Don Wilkins found success. Walleye fishing slowed, requiring jigs and crawlers in 15-20 feet. Northern pike remain aggressive in 10-30 feet, while lakers are deeper at 60-110 feet. Some salmon also caught in deeper areas.

Don Wilkins reports that fluctuating water temperatures are prompting walleye and smallmouth bass to shift to shallower depths. Successful fishing techniques include jigs, plastics, and crankbaits. Salmon catches are promising.

Fort Peck is thawing, with Duck Creek and Marina bays mostly ice-free. Caution is advised due to floating ice and debris. Fishing for walleye and pike is improving but remains inconsistent.