Latest Northwest Iowa Fishing Report Out 7/12/12

Date posted - July 12, 2012

Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
Channel Catfish – Fair: Some catfish are being picked up on cut bait, stink bait, shrimp, and night crawlers. White Bass – Slow: Anglers are catching a few white bass in the inlet area and also on the east side of the lake early in the morning. Boaters should use caution on Storm Lake. The hydraulic
dredge is in operation in the east basin of the lake. There is a pipeline running from the dredge to the shoreline and may rise to the surface at times.

Mill Creek (Lake)
During a recent fish survey many 10 inch bullheads and bluegills up to seven inches were captured. Largemouth bass numbers were also good with many in the 10 to 14-inch range with a few larger ones mixed in.

Big Spirit Lake
The water temperature has climbed into the mid 80s. Bullhead – Fair: Action has slowed a bit but the best action continues to be at the grade. Worms have been the choice bait but a few are being caught on leeches while fishing for walleye. Northern Pike – Fair: Northern pike may 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 breaking the surface in the mourning 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: Largemouth are still being found near weeds but some are also starting to disperse to other areas in the lake. Yellow Perch - Fair: Action is picking up look for schools of perch on the mudflats in the 18-plus foot range. Try drifting live bait on bottom bouncers or with slip bobbers. A GPS or marker buoy could prove to be very useful once a school is located. Walleye – Good: Live bait rigs seem to be the top choice of most fishermen but plastic also has its place. Leeches continue to shine on either a Lindy rig or bottom bouncer spinner combo. Plastics rigged on a jig head such as a gulp minnow or other finesse walleye baits may out produce live bait in some situations.

East Okoboji Lake
Bullhead – Fair: Try using worms on bottom. Channel Catfish – Fair: Try using cut bait around rocks and wood during low light conditions. Walleye - Fair: Try fishing near bottom with crawlers and leeches or trolling crank baits. Twister tails can also be productive. Yellow Bass – Good: Many yellow bass are being caught near rocks and wood on small baits.

West Okoboji Lake
Try fishing early in the mourning 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 - No Report: Look for bluegills around weed edges and try fishing in the early morning or later afternoon. A small jig on a slip bobber or a plain hook with live bait should bring results. Smallmouth Bass – Fair: A few smallies have been caught off rock piles but with the clear water most fish are spooky. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Try fishing around weed edges in the bays. Walleye – Fair: A few fish were caught trolling crankbaits as well as live bait rigs with crawlers and leeches.

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 curious to fellow lake users.

For more information on fishing in northwest Iowa, call the Spirit Lake Hatchery at 712-336-1840.