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
Panfish action has picked up near shore. Walleye – Fair: Anglers are having luck fishing close to shore in Town Bay near the outlet and from the inlet bridge. Channel Catfish – Fair: Anglers are catching catfish from the East Shore near the outlet off the inlet bridge and from shore in Town Bay; use crawlers and cut bait fished on the bottom. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Use traditional bass lures anywhere along shore. Yellow Perch – Fair: Catch perch from shore along Ice House Point from the fish house in Town Bay and the inlet bridge; use crawlers or small minnows on a jig. Black Crappie – Good: Crappie are biting in Town Bay; anglers are having most luck at the fish house on Ice House Point. Fish are 6-11 inches.
Brushy Creek Lake
Largemouth Bass – Fair: Use traditional bass lures and topwater lures along the edges of vegetation. Bluegill – Fair: Catch bluegill near structure using a small jig tipped with a piece of crawler. Yellow Perch – Fair: Find perch along vegetation edges and structure in 5-10 feet of water. Use a small jig with minnow or crawler.
North Twin Lake
Water temperature is around 70 degrees. Channel Catfish – Fair: Use crawlers or cut bait fished on the bottom from shore. Walleye – Fair: Try next to vegetation near shore in 5-8 feet of water.
Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
Water temperatures are cooling down. Fishing action has picked up. White Bass – Fair: Use crankbaits , crawlers and twisters fished from shore and near the inlet. Walleye – Fair: Pick walleye up in the dredge cuts on the east and west side of the lake. As water temperatures continue to cool down, look for walleye action to pick up near shore. Use crankbaits, live bait, and twisters near shore. Evenings and low light may be better. Try the east shore north shore and near the inlet. Channel Catfish – Fair: Try crawlers or cut bait fished on the bottom from shore or rock piles near the islands.
For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638.
Beeds Lake
Black Crappie – Good: Drift fish or troll a small jig or minnow.
Clear Lake
The water temperature is in the upper 60’s. Walleye – Fair: Anglers are having success slip bobber fishing the rock reefs with a jig and minnow. Shore anglers are catching walleyes fishing from lighted docks at night. Yellow Bass – Fair: Drift fish a small jig tipped with a small piece of crawler in 4 to 6 feet of water. Channel Catfish – Fair: Use cut bait fished on the bottom from the windswept shore after sunset.
Crystal Lake
The boat ramp will be closed for repairs starting Monday, September 30th. This start date may be delayed by weather. Largemouth Bass – Good: Cast spinnerbaits near downed trees. Black Crappie – Good: Drift fish or troll small crappie jigs in 5-9 feet of water.
Rice Lake
Yellow Perch – Fair: Use a jig tipped with a small minnow along the north shore near the boat ramp; also try the deeper water on the south shore by the homes. Bluegill – Fair.
Silver Lake (Worth)
Largemouth Bass – Good: Try topwater baits fished near vegetation.
For information on the lakes and rivers in the north central area, contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517.
