Northwest Iowa — Here is this week’s northwest Iowa fishing report from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources………..
East Okoboji LakeThe lake is entirely iced over with around 4.5 inches in most areas. Use caution when going out; watch for holes that have iced over more recently on the south bay The water level is 10 inches below crest. Black Crappie – Good: Try small jigs tipped with a minnow or tube jig and bobber. Bluegill – Good: Use tube jigs, plastics, or other small jigs. Northern Pike – Good: Tip-ups are working well. Yellow Perch – Fair: Minnows work well; some sorting may be needed.
Ingham LakeUse caution; there is an open hole in the lake with the aerator in use.
Lost Island LakeIce thickness is around 9+ inches in most places. Black Crappie – Good. Walleye – Good.
Minnewashta LakeIce thickness is 10.5+ inches. Black Crappie – Excellent. Bluegill – Good.
Silver Lake (Dickinson)Ice thickness is around 9 inches. Use caution; the lake aerator is in use. This creates an open hole on the east side of the lake. Walleye – Good: Best bite is at dusk.
Spirit LakeThe lake is entirely iced over with 8+ inches in most places. The best ice is on the south end and Anglers Bay. Marble beach access has a few holes and is heaved up along the shoreline. Walleye – Good: Best bite is around dusk. Yellow Perch – Good: Use small jigs tipped with a minnow. Sorting may be needed.
West Okoboji LakeMost bays have safe ice for foot traffic. Use caution, some areas, such as Emerson bay, have very spotty ice conditions ranging from 6 inches to recently iced over open holes spotting the entire area. The water level is 10 inches below crest. Black Crappie – Fair: Try small jigs tipped with a minnow. Bluegill – Good: Use tube jigs, plastics, or other small jigs. Yellow Perch – Fair: Use small jigs tipped with a minnow. Sorting may be needed.
Most lakes have 8+ inches of ice. Larger lakes may have holes that have more recently iced over; use caution when going out, especially if using an ATV or vehicle. A good amount of snow forecast in the area will make reading ice conditions more difficult. Check ice thickness often and bring a friend. For current conditions, call the Spirit Lake District Office at 712-336-1840.
