Not much change at the refuge as the water level is still low in the south marsh and the Narciss boat ramp is unusable, though the main boat ramp is. The dock is out of the water and ice is forming along the weeds. The trout bite has been good while bass fishing is poor. Bass fishing is basically done for the year here. Fishing conditions in the collection ditch have been good for 15 to 20-inch trout with an occasional fish over 20 inches. NDOW has stocked the collection ditch with trout. Chironomid patterns such as zebra midges, red butt buzzers, chironocones and ice cream cones should catch fish. Other flies such as leech patterns, balanced leeches, crystal buggers, #14-16 hare’s ears, #16-18 PT nymphs and scuds fished under an indicator are recommended. Aquatic vegetation is dying making access along the ditch easier. As the vegetation dies off, scuds and leeches lose their habitat and make easy pickings for the trout. Fish leech and scud patterns along the edges of dying vegetation. Spin anglers should be using small spinners in black or olive with contrasting yellow or red colors as well as small minnow imitations. The collection ditch is artificial lures only, no bait.