Latest Northwest Iowa Fishing Report Out 8/16/12

Date posted - August 16, 2012

Big Spirit Lake

Bullhead – Fair: Action has slowed on the grade but a few are being caught on the main lake around weeds. Use a worm on the bottom. White Bass – Good: Look for schools breaking the surface in the morning and afternoon, once located, a popper or minnow bait should get some action. A few smallmouth bass should also be expected while fishing a school of white bass. 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 – Fair: Action is picking up on the mudflats in the 18 plus foot range. Try drifting crawlers on bottom bouncers or with slip bobbers. A GPS or marker buoy could be very useful once a school is located. A few perch are also being caught in or near the weeds while targeting walleye or other species. Walleye – Slow: With the warm water, fishing has slowed a bit but a few are still being caught. Best results have been coming in early morning, at dusk, and after dark using slow presentations.

East Okoboji Lake

Bullhead – Fair: Use worms on bottom. Channel Catfish – Fair: Use cut bait around rocks and wood during low light conditions. Bluegill – Fair: Action has picked up a bit but can still be sporadic. Fish around weed edges with worms. Walleye – Fair: Fish near bottom with crawlers and leeches or trolling crankbaits. Twister tails can also be productive. Yellow Bass – Good: Many yellow bass are being caught. Look for rocks and wood and use small baits.

West Okoboji Lake

Fish early in the morning to avoid boat traffic. Bluegill – Fair: Look for bluegills around weed edges and try fishing in the early morning or later afternoon. Use a small jig on a slip bobber or a plain hook with live bait. Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Fish around deep rock piles with crayfish and minnow imitations. Yellow Perch – Fair: Perch are being caught in 12-18 feet of water within the weed beds. Use a pilkie or crappie tube with wigglers. Walleye – Fair: A few fish were caught trolling crankbaits as well as live bait rigs with crawlers and leeches.

Five Island Lake

During a recent netting survey many catfish were sampled with an average size of 16-22 inches. Good numbers of fish over 24 inches were also found. Try using cutbait or stinkbait in the afternoon and into the night.

Lost Island Lake

Yellow Bass – Fair: Use small jigs tipped with worm.

For more information contact Mike Hawkins at the Spirit Lake office at 712-336-1840.