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 around 16-17 inches of ice on both the little lake and the main lake. 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: Move often if you are not catching fish; fish in 8-12 feet of water on the little lake and move until you find schools. The flats in 8-10 feet of water out from the Lynne Lorenzen have been good. Farmers Beach in 8-10 feet of water has been good. The bite near the aerator has been hit or miss with the increased angler activity possibly moving yellows around. 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 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 AM) or evening (3-8 PM). Some better catches are on the little lake towards the south shoreline. The ice is thinner in that area, maybe 12 inches. Yellow Perch – Fair: Occasional larger perch (9.5-10 inches) have been caught on the little lake.
Big Spirit Lake
Ice conditions: 14-16 inches of ice but ice thickness varied. Use caution while on the ice. Yellow Perch – Fair: A few perch have been caught north of Marble beach in 20 feet of water and off of buffalo run. Walleye – Fair: Some nice walleyes have been caught north of buffalo run in 16-18 feet of water.
Center Lake
Ice conditions: 15-16 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 conditions: 14-16 inches of ice but ice thickness varied. Use caution while on the ice. Walleye – Fair: Anglers are picking up some walleyes in the evening out from the marina. Yellow Perch – Fair: A few perch are being caught on the north end of the lake near the hatchery.
Minnewashta Lake
Ice conditions: 15-17 inches of ice. Use caution while on the ice. Yellow Perch – Slow: A few perch have been picked up along the southern shore.
Silver Lake (Dickinson)
Ice conditions: 14-16 inches of ice but ice thickness varied. Use extreme caution during ice activities. The aeration system is in use.
West Okoboji Lake
Ice conditions: 14-16 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. Haywards bay has also been producing some nice bluegills. Yellow Perch – Fair: Some nice perch are being caught south of Pikes point and on the saddle in Emerson bay. Walleye – Fair: Haywards and Emerson bays have been producing walleyes in the evenings.
