Latest Northwest Iowa Fishing Report Out 6/28/12

Date posted - June 28, 2012

Mill Creek (Lake)

Many 10-inch bullheads and bluegills up to 7 inches were captured during a recent fish survey.  Largemouth bass numbers were also good with many 10 to 14-inchers and a few larger ones mixed in.

Big Spirit Lake

With recent rains and warm temperatures the water clarity has declined, but the spillway is now running.  Bullhead – Good: There have been lots of bullheads caught off the north grade and a few at Templar Park.  Most were coming on worms but minnows and leaches also caught a few. Northern Pike – Fair: With warmer water temperatures northern pike should become more difficult to catch but they will still be hanging out along weed edges.  Casting or trolling along or near these weed edges should produce the best action.  White Bass – Fair: Look for schools of white bass breaking the surface in the morning and afternoon, once located a popper or minnow bait should get some action.  Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Some of the bigger smallmouth are being caught on weed edges but the rock piles are still producing a few.   Largemouth Bass – Fair: The largemouth are still being found near weeds but some are also starting to disperse to other areas in the lake.  Yellow Perch – Slow: Action has picked up a bit look for most perch in deeper water on mudflats.  Walleye – Fair:  Leeches and night crawlers seemed to be the choice bait by most fishermen with minnows bringing some success as well.  Trolling crank baits in the 10 to 20 foot range has been another good tactic.

East Okoboji Lake

With the spillway now running many fishermen are targeting the north end of the lake.    Bullhead – Fair: Try using worms on bottom.  Walleye – Fair: Try fishing near bottom with crawlers and leeches or trolling crankbaits.  Twister tails can also be productive.  Yellow Bass – Good: Many yellow bass are being caught try looking for rocks and wood and use small baits.

Silver Lake (Dickinson)

Channel Catfish – No Report: Try using cut bait or stink bait around cover for cats and don’t be surprised to catch a few big bullheads as well.  White Bass – Fair: A few white bass are being caught out of the lake look for fish hitting the surface or cast the shoreline with minnow baits.

West Okoboji Lake

Try fishing early in the morning to avoid boat traffic.  Northern Pike – Fair: Find weed beds and you have found the pike try using spoons or most anything resembling a minnow and don’t forget the steel leader.  Bluegill – Good: Action is picking up in the main lake around docks but there are still a good number of fish in the canals.  Try using small jigs coupled with light line and a small bobber.  Smallmouth Bass – Slow: A few smallies have been caught off rock piles but fish spook easily in the clear water.  Largemouth Bass – Fair: Fish are still in the canals but there are a few being caught in the bays around the weed beds.  Walleye – Fair: A few fish were caught trolling crankbaits as well as live bait rigs with crawlers and leeches.

Lost Island Lake

Walleye – Fair: The water temperature is holding in the mid 60s and the bite hasn’t slowed.  Good results have come in 10-15 feet of water with many small fish being caught.  Try trolling crawler harnesses or drifting with either live bait or jigging with specialty plastics designed for walleye.  Yellow Bass – Good: There are some good sized yellow bass in the lake and they can be caught using crappie sized baits.  Try using twister tails, crappie tubes, and live bait to catch a batch of these tasty fish.

A reminder to bow fishermen please dispose of your fish properly and it is unlawful to sell fish.  With the summer season upon us remember to be courteous to fellow lake users.  For more information on fishing in northwest Iowa, call the Spirit Lake Hatchery at 712-336-1840.