Three Generations of Bauers Enjoy Fishing Adventure at Devils Lake

A recent fishing trip to Devils Lake, North Dakota, brought together three generations of the Bauer family, creating cherished memories against the backdrop of a landscape known for its vastness. The lake, which translates to “Bad Spirit Waters” from the Minnewaukan language, proved to be a delightful destination for retired farmer Don Bauer and his family.

Don Bauer, accompanied by his sons, grandsons, and a grandson’s friend, embarked on a multi-day fishing journey, enjoying the thrill of sport fishing in the glacial waters of Devils Lake. Each morning, they began their day early, with Bauer preparing hearty breakfasts to fuel their adventures. “I’d get up at 5 and be ready by 5:30 a.m. I’d cook breakfast, and not just coffee and doughnuts,” he explained. “We’d have scrambled eggs, potatoes, sausage and bacon. We were out there from 7 a.m. and we’ll fish until noon.”

The family utilized three boats to explore the lake, which boasts a diverse array of sport fish, including walleyes, perch, northern pike, and white bass. While they adhered to daily catch limits, the evenings were filled with fish fries that allowed them to bond under the clear night sky, a rarity in today’s light-polluted environments. “It was a good time, but unusual too. You get so scattered,” Bauer remarked. “It was so much fun. These guides fish every day and it’s relatively inexpensive.”

The trip, which began on a Friday and concluded the following Wednesday, included a night in Fargo and cost approximately $100 per person when expenses for transportation, guides, and boats were split among the group. Bauer emphasized the value of the experience, highlighting the unique landscape of Devils Lake. “It’s so big and flat; if it really gets windy, it will run white caps out there,” he noted. Covering about 300,000 acres, the lake offered plenty of space for their fishing endeavors, although they occasionally returned early when conditions became too rough.

While the fishing itself was an enjoyable aspect of the trip, Bauer expressed that the most significant takeaway was the time spent with family. With his sons residing across the United States, coordinating such gatherings can be challenging. After this successful outing, the family hopes to make their trips to Devils Lake an annual tradition. “When the rest of the grandsons heard about it, they said, ‘Man, we want to go,’” Bauer shared, adding that he is now tasked with organizing future trips.

As the Bauer family reflects on their time at Devils Lake, they carry with them not only the thrill of fishing but also the enduring bonds strengthened through shared experiences. Such traditions are vital in maintaining family connections, particularly as life becomes busier and distances between loved ones grow.