Grand Forks, North Dakota

What's biting

• Walleye

  Where: Red River main channel and deeper holes; Turtle Mountain lakes (Beltrami area); Devils Lake system.

  Early fall is prime—water cooling to 22°C triggers feeding. Fish dawn and dusk with live shiners or jigs (1/8–1/4 oz) in 2–4 m depths; night fishing under lights is effective. Expect best action in the next 2–3 weeks before water drops below 15°C.

  Caution: Check current size and bag limits with ND Game and Fish; regulations vary by water body.

• Northern Pike

  Where: Red River backwaters and oxbow lakes; shallow bays of larger impoundments.

  Pike are aggressive in fall. Cast large spinnerbaits (10–15 cm), crankbaits, or live baitfish in 1–2 m weedy shallows early morning and late afternoon. Windy days (like today's 22 km/h) stir up prey and boost activity.

  Caution: Verify minimum size and possession limits before keeping any fish.

• Yellow Perch

  Where: Red River and connected lakes; Devils Lake; Turtle Mountain lakes.

  Perch school heavily in fall; use small jigs (1/16–1/8 oz) tipped with maggots or small shiners in 1–3 m depths. Early morning and late evening are most productive; they'll bite all day if you find a school.

  Caution: None specific, but confirm bag limits with the regulator.

• Largemouth Bass

  Where: Red River backwaters, oxbow lakes, and shallow bays with emergent vegetation.

  Fall cooling triggers pre-spawn feeding. Target weed edges and structure with soft plastics (4–6 inch) or topwater early/late; water is still warm enough (22°C) for active feeding.

  Caution: Check current regulations; bass seasons and limits vary.

• Crappie (Black and White)

  Where: Red River backwaters and connected ponds; shallow bays of larger lakes.

  Crappies gather in deeper structure as water cools. Fish small jigs (1/16–1/8 oz) or live minnows around submerged brush and fallen trees in 1–3 m depths, especially at dawn.

  Caution: Confirm species-specific limits and seasons with ND Game and Fish.