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
Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
Black Crappie – Slow: Crappie fishing has been slow, most being caught are small. Walleye – Fair: Anglers have had success fishing the South Cove Park area, the inlet, and Chautauqua Point area using minnows and jigs. Red seems to be the color of choice. Yellow Perch – Fair: Perch fishing has been productive near the inlet.
Clear Lake
Clear Lake has about around 15 inches of ice on both the little and main lakes. There is a little bit of current flowing into the little lake from Ventura Marsh; be aware of possible thin ice on the south side of the little lake. Yellow Bass – Good: Action is good if you move often if not catching fish; fish 8-12 feet of water on the little lake and move until you find schools. Anglers will catch a few different year classes but are catching 8.5-9.4 inch fish consistently. The action has been good near the west aerator to Baptist camp. Walleye – Fair: An occasional walleye is being caught near the aerator or west to Baptist camp. Use jigging spoons, small lipless cranks, or 1/8 oz. jigs with minnows. Crappie – Good: Crappie have been caught mixed in with some of the yellow bass catches in 8-12 feet of water but the better locations are in the deeper 15-24 feet holes early morning (7-9 a.m.) or evening (3-8 p.m.). Good numbers of 10-12 inch fish. Yellow Perch – Fair: Occasional larger perch (9.5-10 inches) have been caught on the little lake.
Big Spirit Lake
Ice conditions: 12 inches of ice but ice thickness varied. Use caution while on the ice. Yellow Perch – Slow: A few perch have been caught of Marble beach in 20 feet of water and off of buffalo run. Walleye – Slow: A few small walleyes have been picked up by perch anglers south of the foot bridge.
Center Lake
Ice conditions: 12 inches of ice but ice conditions varied. The aeration system is in use. Use caution while on the ice. Fishing activity has been minimal.
East Okoboji Lake
Ice condition: 12+ inches of ice but ice thickness varied. Use caution while on the ice. Yellow Bass – Slow: Some yellows are being caught in front of the marina. Walleye – Fair: Anglers are catching some walleyes in the evening out from the marina.
Minnewashta Lake
Ice conditions: 12+ inches of ice. Use caution while on the ice. Fishing activity has been minimal.
Silver Lake (Dickinson)
Ice conditions: 12+ inches of ice but ice thickness varied. Use extreme caution during ice activities. The aeration system is in use. Yellow Perch – Slow: A few perch are being picked up by the east boat ramp and the island.
West Okoboji Lake
Ice conditions: 12+ inches of ice but ice thickness varied. Use caution while on the ice. Bluegill – Good: A few bluegills are being caught in Millers and Emerson bays. Spencer beach has also been producing some nice bluegills. Yellow Perch – Fair: The perch bite on Triboji has slowed. Anglers are picking up a few perch in Millers bay.
