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
Clear Lake
The water temperature is in the upper 70’s. Walleye – Fair: Anglers are having success slip bobber fishing the rock reefs with a jig and leech and fishing under docks with a minnow. Channel Catfish – Good: Fish the windswept shore and rocky areas with cut bait or crawlers fished on the bottom. Yellow Bass – Fair: Fish the edge of vegetation in 4 to 6 feet of water with a small piece of crawler or leech.
Crystal Lake
Largemouth Bass – Good: Try spinnerbaits fished on the edge of the vegetation. Bluegill – Good: Use a small piece of crawler fished under a bobber in 2 to 3 feet of water. Black Crappie – Fair: Drift fish a minnow or tube jig in the dredge cut.
Silver Lake (Worth)
Largemouth Bass – Good: Bass are biting on a variety of baits. Bluegill – Good: Use a small piece of crawler fished under a bobber in 2 to 3 feet of water.
For information on the lakes and rivers in the north central area, contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517.
East Okoboji Lake
Bluegill – Good: Fish have moved shallow; fish deeper wooden docks for the best action or from docks at dusk for good action.
Five Island Lake
Channel Catfish – Good: Local bait shop reports a good bite with large fish being caught. Walleye – Fair: Some fish are being caught.
Lake Pahoja
Bluegill – No Report: Recent surveys show good numbers of angler acceptable size and larger bluegill in the lake.
Lost Island Lake
Walleye – Fair: Report of 14 – 18 inch fish being caught. Yellow Bass – Fair: Anglers report that the yellow bass action has started. Channel Catfish – Good: Good numbers of large angler acceptable size fish continue to be caught. Use cut bait to provide plenty of pole bending action.
Silver Lake (Dickinson)
Walleye – Good: Boat anglers report that walleye fishing has been hit or miss. Troll crankbaits or other popular walleye baits for the best action. Yellow Perch – No Report: Recent surveys show good numbers of fish approaching 11 inches.
Spirit Lake
Walleye – Good: Good walleye fishing continues with fish caught throughout the day. Use leeches and slip bobbers in weed edges or troll crankbaits. Yellow Perch – Good: Yellow perch action is improving. Try a yellow and white mini jig tipped with wigglers fished in the outside edges of the weed beds. Move often to find active fish.
Trumbull Lake
Northern Pike – Good: Cast traditional northern baits below the spillway areas with calm spots.
West Okoboji Lake
Bluegill – Good: Bluegill action has picked up; fish the outside weed edges for larger sized bluegill.
For more information throughout the week, contact the Spirit Lake Fish Hatchery at 712-336-1840.
