Presented by Yamaha Motor Corp USA and Warrior Boats LLC.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 23, 2016
Contact: Denny Fox, 920-505-0122
Anglers Insight Marketing LLC (AIM™)
Good water, good fish in store on Lake Sakakawea for Sunday’s AWWS Warrior Boats/Mondak Sports Open
The water’s up and cold from mountain runoff, and the fish are big and waiting for second of three North Dakota events featuring Catch-Record-Release™, the AIM Weekend Walleye Series Warrior Boats/MonDak Sports Open this Sunday, June 26, on Lake Sakakawea.
Water levels on this huge lake on the dammed-up upper Missouri in west central North Dakota are about the same level as last year, and walleye action is picking up. According to the entrants, it will take finding warmer water to card the over 20 pounds that should put a team in the running for the top spot.
“They’re catching fish off the National Guard camp on Douglas Creek Bay west of Fort Stevenson State Park Marina, and action is starting to pick up. It depends on what portion of the reservoir you’re on,” said Chad Halvorson of Minot, who will be among those taking off from the marina Sunday morning.
“As of last weekend the water was still coming up so the runoff is still raising the lake level. It came up the shoreline 10 feet from one Friday to the next, but that doesn’t mean the lake’s elevation rose 10,” Halvorson said. “People are catching limits now, so there’s going to be a lot of fish caught here. I would like to say over 20 pounds and you’d be sitting pretty good. I’d be happy with 20 to 25.”
Finding that warmer water will make the difference, he said, and that means targeting Lake Sak’s bays. “People have been doing good pulling and pitching cranks in the shallows or jigging a minnow, or using bottom bouncers with leeches or crawlers. Typically the bays warm up quicker. You can find fish on the main body too, but they’re not as prominent there as they will be in a month or two.”
This is also Halvorson’s first year fishing an AIM tournament, since it’s also the inaugural year for the Weekend Walleye Series in NoDak. And, he’s sold on the concept and ready to fish it next year. “What a wonderful tournament series. I love the whole format,” he said.
Also liking it is Jason Feldner, of Minnewauken, North Dakota, who, when he’s not competing, is a walleye guide on North Dakota’s Devils Lake. He’ll also be looking for warmer water.
“Typically the lake could be colder, so you’ll want to look for warmer water and cast crankbaits. There’s also a trolling bite. You’ve just got to find the smelt, and you’ll find fish. That’s the main forage here,” Feldner said. “I believe it will be crankbaits and jigs up shallow with plastics.”
Feldner also spoke to the lake’s walleye population. “This system is really healthy and there’s a ton of fish from 18 to 23 inches. The key is finding fish over 23. Wherever you find warmer water, you should find them,” he said.
He also praised AIM’s C-R-R format. “This is the way to go. It’s good for the resource and it shows the size of fish in the lake, highlighting the fishery.”
AIM’s tournament registration and team rules meeting take place Saturday at Hunter’s Bar and Grill in nearby Garrison, North Dakota. Launch and awards will take place at Fort Stevenson State Park. Weather looks good at mid-week, but west winds in the teens and 20s forecast could factor in.
Anglers Insight Marketing LLC (AIM™) is a unique tournament organization created and owned by many of the most accomplished and recognizable professional walleye anglers, along with others who share the mission of advancing competitive walleye fishing and making it sustainable into the future. AIM is committed to marketing excellence on behalf of its tournament competitors, the tournament host communities, and the brands that partner with it.
AIM is also committed to maintaining healthy fisheries across the nation by the development of the exclusive AIM Catch-Record-Release™ format, which is integral to its dynamic events and unparalleled consumer engagement. For more information about AIM™, AIM Pro Walleye Series™, AIM Weekend Walleye Series, AIM sponsors and AIM anglers, visit www.aimfishing.com.
AIM Presenting Sponsors: Yamaha Motor Corporation U.S.A. and Warrior Boats.
AIM Supporting Sponsors: Mercury Marine, Nitro Boats, Navionics, Powrtran, Power-Pole, Worldwide Marine Insurance, Off Shore Tackle, Team Lodge, Vibrations Tackle, Pro Chattrr, National Fleet Graphics, Gemini Sport Marketing, 4 Bears Casino North Dakota.