Spirit Lake, Iowa — The Iowa Department of Natural Resources issues a weekly fishing report on Thursdays in an effort to 
provide the latest information heading into the weekend. The weekly fishing report is compiled from information gathered from local bait shops, angler creel surveys, and county and state parks staff. For more information contact the Spirit Lake fish Hatchery at 712-336-1840.
NORTHWEST
West Okoboji Lake
We received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week. Channel Catfish – Fair: Large channel catfish are being caught in gill nets at night. Three were caught Monday night that were 10lbs. Northern Pike – Fair: Northern pike are becoming more abundant in the shallows. Few large females were caught in gill nets Monday night. Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Anglers are reporting an increase in smallmouth bass catch on sunny calm days. These fish are being caught over sand flats near rocks. Pulling a crankbait slow at this time is your best bet. Bluegill – Good: Many anglers are having success fishing the canals. Water temperatures are 4 to 5 degrees warmer in the canals, which brings fish in from the cooler waters. Use a worm and bobber or small feather jigs for the best results.
East Okoboji Lake
Channel Catfish – Fair: Channel catfish have been seen in good numbers at Lone Tree Point, Little Stoney, and near parks marina. These fish are being caught in gill nets and are getting larger as the water temperature increases. Yellow Bass – Slow: Some large yellow bass have been seen in gill nets at Lone Tree Point and parks marina. These fish are not being seen in great numbers. Northern Pike – Fair: Many northern pike are being caught in gill nets. They can be found just about everywhere on East.
Big Spirit Lake
Northern Pike – Good: Anglers fishing at Buffalo Run, Hales Slough, and at the north grade have been reporting quality catch rates for northern pike. Use hollow body 4-8 inch swimbaits. Drag and lift them along the bottom slowly. Anglers are also using black spinnerbaits with varied success. Black Crappie – Fair: Buffalo Run is holding small crappie 30 feet out from the mouth of Buffalo Run. Use slip bobbers tipped with crappie bites. Allow the rig to drift along the rocks. Bullhead – Good: A fair number of keeper bullheads are being caught in gillnets on Big Stoney. They will bite on anything, which makes for a great fishing experience for younger kids. Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Smallmouth are being seen along rocky shores and caught pulling slow deep diving crankbait. Bullhead – Good: The north grade is producing many bullheads. Anglers are reporting good numbers using worms weighted to the bottom.
Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
Walleye – Fair: Anglers have reported catching walleye near shore in the evenings. Successful anglers have been fishing the south shore areas of the lake near Stony Point. Yellow Perch – Fair: Perch have been caught on crawlers fished under a bobber. Others have caught perch near shore while walleye fishing. White Bass – Fair: White bass are being caught along the east side of the lake near the little island.
Little Sioux River (state line to Linn Grove)
Channel Catfish – Good: Channel catfish are being caught using stink bait of any kind. Find a deep hole on the outside bend of the river or fish above a riffle. Fish that are being caught range from 1lb to 12lb.
Little Sioux River (Linn Grove to Correctionville)
Walleye – Fair: Anglers are catching walleye in the evenings using twisters.
