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)
Storm Lake is ice free. Look for early spring temperatures to bring on the bite. This time of year is usually productive for targeting channel catfish from shore. Use cut bait or shad guts fished off the bottom to capitalize on the abundant channel catfish population. Surface water temperatures in the marina are in the upper 40’s, but this area warms up much faster than the main lake. Expect good walleye fishing near shore as water temperatures continue to climb.
Big Spirit Lake
Black Crappie – Good: Reports of a good crappie population in Templar lagoon. Lots of sorting required. Use small tubes or a minnow under a slip bobber.
East Okoboji Lake
Not much activity this week. Look for fishing to pick up with the warming water temperatures.
Silver Lake (Dickinson)
Walleye – Slow: A few walleye have been picked up on the north bridge and the northeast shoreline. Jigs tipped with minnows fished slowly work best.
West Okoboji Lake
Bluegill – Fair: Anglers have been picking up a few nice bluegills on the trestle. Use small tungsten jigs tipped with maggots.
All the area lakes have become mostly ice free the past week. Look for fishing to pick up as the water temperatures begin to rise. Walleye season is closed on Big Spirit, West and East lakes.
