By Steve Weisman

Back in February of 2020 (before the pandemic hit), the Iowa Great Lakes Fishing Club (IGLFC) held its annual spring fishing seminar at the Hap Ketteleson Community Center in Everly. On had that night was pro angler, guide and educator Johnnie Candle, who headquarters out of Devils Lake, ND.

Candle’s seminar focused on establishing the “Winning Game Plan” for greater fishing success. His commonsense strategies can be used here on Iowa bodies of water, when we go on a fishing trip or if and when we might compete in a competitive fishing tournament. I still use those tips today. Over the past three years, Candle and I have texted each other from time to time and would check in on his Facebook page. Lots and lots of good fishing/electronic tutorials. Plus, he spends about 100 days guiding in Florida, and it’s sure fun to see those big Reds.! Not a bad winter gig!

Then in February, Johnnie reached out to me and asked if I would be interested in coming to Devils Lake to fish. It’s always been on my “to-do” list, but I have never made it. Right away, I said, “Sure!” So, he said he would forward my name to Suzie Kenner, Executive Director at Devils Lake Tourism, and they’d see if they could work things out. In March, I got an email from Suzie and learned that it’s a go. It will be a media event hosting several outdoor communicators Johnnie and other guides on hand.

Wow am I excited. We will arrive on Monday, May 22, fish on Tuesday and Wednesday and then head back home on Thursday. Of course, one of my biggest hopes is that the ice will be off by then – LOL! Devils Lake Tourism is lining up the itinerary: lodging and meals. One of the meals is set for a “your catch fish fry.” No pressure there!

I’m sure we will be focusing on walleyes. May is considered one of the top months to catch walleyes on Devils Lake. Average Devils Lake walleyes average 15-16 inches with lots of 18 inchers, and it’s normal to catch 20+ inchers on a trip.

Another target this time of year is northern pike, and it’s not uncommon to pull in a pike over 40 inches. I’ve heard of days catching between 50-100 pike.

Of course, Devils Lake is known for its jumbo perch. Perch are a huge focus of ice anglers. Most likely not going to happen in May, but there are huge white bass in Devils Lake. They can be a ball to catch.

By the way

I’ve been through Devils Lake over 30 times, and I’ve never had the time to stop and fish! Nope, I’m not kidding! After I retired from teaching in 2003, I spent seven years as a school improvement consultant for High Schools That Work, an educational think tank out of Atlanta, GA. I worked with school districts in Iowa, South Dakota along with special assignments to other areas. One of those special areas was at Four Winds Community High School in Fort Totten, ND.

To get to Four Winds, I had to drive through the town of Devils Lake and by the lake itself. So, over the course of four years from 2004-2007, I spent several days on-site three times each school year. I think the staff and students taught me more about the culture of their school than I taught them about school improvement.

David Davidson was construction technology instructor, and we’d talk about fishing on Devils Lake. Unfortunately, I never had the time to spend an extra day or two either before or after my visit. There was not even time after one of the days at school. There was just too much to do analyzing their school data, reviewing what we had done during the day and preparing for the next day’s work. Now, 16 years later, I’m getting the chance to fish Devils Lake!

Most certainly, I will share my experience. Maybe even a picture of some nice fish! I do know one thing. I plan to enjoy this trip. I know I’m old, but as I age, I try to follow Jim McDonnell’s, the Fishing Professor, daily advice. ““Enjoy every sunrise, keep your line tight, and may your aim be straight.”

Johnnie Candle with a trophy ‘eye

Johnnie Candle enjoying a visit before his seminar.

Johnnie Candle shares his ideas on devising a “Winning Game Plan.”