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
Black Hawk Lake
Bluegill – Good: Use waxworms and crawlers in Town Bay and along Ice House Point, the floating dock, and from the inlet bridge. Yellow Perch – Fair: Some perch are being picked up from the floating dock in Town Bay and from the inlet bridge. Black Crappie – Fair: Use crawlers and minnows fished from shore and from the floating dock.
Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
Walleye – Fair: Throw twisters or fish minnows under a bobber from the state marina. Expect good walleye action along the east and north shores as water temperatures continue to climb.White Bass – Fair: Anglers are having luck fishing from shore on the east side and from the marina. Black Crappie – Fair: Catch crappie from the marina using minnows and a twister.
Some western Iowa lakes are providing good shore fishing action. Water temperatures are in the low 40’s. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638.
Clear Lake
Clear Lake is about 40 percent ice free. The boat ramp at city beach is accessible, but that can change as the ice moves.
Shell Rock River (above Greene)
River levels are up. Try fishing the slack water areas below a dam with live bait.
Winnebago River
River levels are rising with the melting snow.
East Okoboji Lake
Channel Catfish – Good: Ice out brings excellent channel catfish fishing as catfish go on a feeding frenzy. There is open water at the spillway and bridges; Lower Gar Lake has extensive open water. Fish these areas for some early “pole bending” action.
Silver Lake (Palo Alto)
Walleye – Fair: Numbers of fish are reported caught using twister type lures.
Very limited ice fishing activity on the Iowa Great Lakes. For more information throughout the week, contact the Spirit Lake Fish Hatchery at 712-336-1840.
