What Six Mile Bay offers and when to fish it

Six Mile Bay is the shallowest and most productive walleye water on Devils Lake, with depths rarely exceeding 25 feet and much of it under 15 feet. The bay sits on the lake's north side and draws anglers year-round because the shallow structure holds fish consistently—walleye, northern pike, and perch all use these flats. Spring and fall are peak seasons when walleye move into the shallows to feed, but summer evenings and winter under the ice can be just as good if you know where to position yourself.

The character of Six Mile Bay is different from the main lake basin. Softer bottom, more vegetation in summer, and wind protection on calm days make it feel like a separate fishery. Local anglers often fish the bay when the main lake is rough, and they catch fish because the shallow water warms faster in spring and cools slower in fall than deeper basins do.

Key Takeaways

  • Six Mile Bay's shallow flats (under 20 feet) hold walleye year-round, with the best action in spring and fall when fish move into the shallows to feed.
  • Live bait—shiners, minnows, and crawlers—outperforms artificials in the bay's soft-bottom structure, especially during low-light periods.
  • Summer fishing requires early morning and evening trips; midday heat pushes walleye deeper or into weed edges where they're harder to reach.
  • Winter ice-fishing on the bay's flats produces consistent walleye and pike if you drill multiple holes and move when you're not marking fish.

Spring walleye in the shallows

As soon as the ice goes out in April, walleye move into Six Mile Bay's flats to spawn and feed. Water temperatures in the 40s trigger aggressive feeding, and you can catch fish in 8 to 15 feet of water on live shiners or crawlers. Jigs tipped with live bait work better than bare jigs because the bay's soft bottom doesn't give you the same visual contrast as rocky structure elsewhere on the lake.

The north and west edges of the bay, where slightly deeper water (18 to 22 feet) meets the flats, concentrate fish during the transition from spawn to summer feeding. Work these edges slowly with a jig-and-minnow combo or a slip-sinker rig. Early morning and late evening are most productive, but spring's longer daylight means you can fish productively from sunrise through mid-morning.

Summer: timing and location matter

By June, the bay warms quickly and walleye retreat to the deepest available water or to weed edges where they can find shade and cooler temperatures. Fishing the main flats during midday is usually unproductive. Instead, focus on the bay's perimeter—the 20 to 25-foot drop-off on the north side, or any weed line that develops as aquatic plants grow through July.

Early morning (first two hours after sunrise) and evening (last two hours before dark) are your windows. Throw live bait along weed edges or work the deeper perimeter with a slip-sinker rig and a live shiner. If you're fishing midday, target the deepest holes in the bay itself—there are a few pockets that reach 28 to 30 feet—and fish vertically with a jig.

Northern pike are active all summer in Six Mile Bay and will chase artificials aggressively. If you want pike, throw spinnerbaits or crankbaits along weed edges in 12 to 18 feet of water during the heat of the day. Walleye anglers often hook pike incidentally while fishing live bait, which is a sign that pike are abundant in the bay.

Fall: the second peak season

September and October bring the bay back to life for walleye. As water temperatures drop into the 50s, fish move back into the shallows to feed heavily before winter. The same flats that were productive in spring produce again, and you can fish them throughout the day—not just at dawn and dusk.

Live bait is essential. Shiners, crawlers, and small minnows all work. Fish the flats with a jig-and-minnow or a slip-sinker rig, and don't be afraid to cast and retrieve slowly across 10 to 18 feet of water. The bay's soft bottom means your bait will stir up silt and attract fish from a distance. Fall is also when perch fishing peaks; if you're targeting walleye and catching small perch, you're in the right area.

Winter ice fishing on the flats

Six Mile Bay is one of the most popular ice-fishing destinations on Devils Lake because the shallow flats freeze solid and hold fish throughout the winter. Walleye and pike both remain active under the ice, and the bay's soft bottom is easier to drill than the rocky structure in other parts of the lake.

Set up on the flats in 12 to 20 feet of water and drill multiple holes—at least three or four—so you can move if one area goes quiet. Use a jigging spoon or a small jig tipped with a minnow head or live shiner. Drop straight down and work the spoon with a vertical jigging motion. Pike will chase a spoon aggressively; walleye often bite subtly, so watch your line and set the hook on any twitch.

Early morning and late afternoon produce the most consistent action, but winter fishing can be good all day if you're willing to move and experiment. The bay's shallow water means you're never fishing deeper than 25 feet, which makes it less physically demanding than fishing the main lake basin in winter.

Tackle and technique for Six Mile Bay

Keep your setup simple. A 6-foot to 6.5-foot medium-light spinning rod with 6 to 8-pound monofilament or braided line handles the bay's soft bottom and light cover. Jigs in the 1/8 to 1/4-ounce range are standard; heavier jigs sink too fast in shallow water and feel unnatural to fish.

Live bait is your best bet year-round. Shiners (4 to 6 inches) work for walleye and pike. Crawlers and minnow heads work for walleye when shiners aren't available. Slip-sinker rigs with a live shiner on a size 2 or 4 hook are deadly on the flats, especially in spring and fall. If you want to throw artificials, small crankbaits (1/4 to 3/8 ounce) and spinnerbaits work for pike, but walleye in the bay respond better to live bait.

Wind, weather, and bay access

Six Mile Bay is protected from north and west winds, which makes it fishable on days when the main lake is too rough. However, south and east winds can create a chop that makes the shallow water uncomfortable. Check the forecast and plan accordingly—the bay's shallow flats mean that even a moderate wind can stir up the bottom and reduce visibility.

Public access to Six Mile Bay is available at several boat ramps around Devils Lake. The bay itself is open water with no private restrictions, so you can fish anywhere on the flats. Respect other anglers and avoid running over lines or casting into active fishing areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best time of day to fish Six Mile Bay in summer?

Early morning (first two hours after sunrise) and evening (last two hours before dark) are most productive because walleye move into shallower water when light levels drop. Midday fishing is slow unless you target the deepest holes in the bay or weed edges where fish can find shade.

Can I catch pike in Six Mile Bay?

Yes. Northern pike are abundant in the bay and active all year. They're especially aggressive in summer along weed edges and in 12 to 18 feet of water. Pike will chase spinnerbaits and crankbaits, and walleye anglers often hook them incidentally while fishing live bait.

Is Six Mile Bay good for ice fishing?

Yes. The shallow flats freeze solid and hold walleye and pike throughout winter. The bay is easier to fish under the ice than the main lake basin because you're never drilling deeper than 25 feet. Set up on the flats in 12 to 20 feet of water and move if one hole goes quiet.

What size jigs should I use in Six Mile Bay?

Use 1/8 to 1/4-ounce jigs. Heavier jigs sink too fast in shallow water and feel unnatural to fish. Tip them with a live minnow or shiner for best results, especially in spring and fall when walleye are most active on the flats.

Why is live bait better than artificials in Six Mile Bay?

The bay's soft bottom doesn't provide the visual contrast that rocky structure does, so fish rely more on smell and vibration to locate food. Live bait creates both, while artificials depend on visual appeal. Walleye in the bay respond consistently to live shiners, crawlers, and minnows.