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)
As of Feb. 24th, anglers were out on the main basin of the lake. If you do venture out, use extreme caution as ice conditions will only continue to deteriorate every day. There are areas of open water near shore, near the islands, and the inlet.
Clear Lake
Clear Lake has around 16-18 inches of ice but the warm weather coming this weekend will make water run down the access on the little lake and melt ice quickly. 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. This week and beyond will likely be great for portable or open ice fishing. Yellow Bass – Fair: Baptist camp to the west edge of the aerator was one of the better spots last week again. Anglers moving around near Farmers Beach did ok. Walleye – Good: Anglers have had good success on structure on the east end of the lake this (East aerator, Hy-Vee Reef, Fisherman’s Reef, Gilmore Reef). 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: Some crappies caught in 16 feet of water on the little lake on minnows. Yellow Perch – Fair: Occasional larger perch (9.5-10 inches) have been caught on the little lake. Channel Catfish – Good: No reports, but catfish activity picks up during late ice conditions. Use light jigs tipped with a small piece of cut bait or three to four spikes or wax worms. Farmers Beach and the island have been good in the past.
Big Spirit Lake
Ice conditions: 16 inches of ice but thickness varied. Use caution while on the ice. Yellow Perch – Slow: The perch bite has slowed some the past week. Anglers are still picking up some nice perch off of Bakers point and north of marble beach in 20 feet of water. Try small silver spoons or gold tear drops tipped with maggots or wax worms.
Center Lake
Ice conditions: 15-16 inches of ice but conditions varied. The aeration system is in use. Use caution while on the ice. Fishing activity was minimal the past week.
East Okoboji Lake
Ice condition: 15-16 inches of ice but thickness varied. Use caution while on the ice. Yellow Bass – Good: Some nice yellow bass have been caught on the north end of the lake off of Peppermint point and in front of Parks Marina. Bright tungsten jigs tipped with wax worms work well. Yellow Perch – Fair: Anglers have been picking up some nice perch on the drop of Gingles point and in front of Parks Marina. Pilkie type lures tipped with maggots work well.
Minnewashta Lake
Ice conditions: 15-17 inches of ice. Use caution while on the ice. Yellow Bass – Slow: Christys point has been producing some nice yellows in 10-12 feet of water. Try small tungsten jigs tipped with wax worms or maggots.
Silver Lake (Dickinson)
Ice conditions: 14-16 inches of ice but thickness varied. Use extreme caution during ice activities. The aeration system is in use. Walleye – Slow: A few walleyes have been caught along the south shore line. Evenings seems to be the best bite. Try glow spoons tipped with minnow heads.
West Okoboji Lake
Ice conditions: 14-16 inches of ice but thickness varied. Use caution while on the ice. Bluegill – Good: The north shoreline in Millers bay has been producing some nice bluegills in 8-10 feet of water. The north end of Haywards bay has also been producing some nice bluegills along with nice crappies. Gold tear drops or small tungsten jigs tipped with wax worms work well. Yellow Perch – Fair: Anglers are finding some nice perch on the north hump in Millers bay. Mornings seem to be the best bite. Manhattan point has also been producing some perch in 30-35 feet of water.
