Northwest Iowa — Here is this week’s Northwest Iowa Fishing Report, from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Released Thursday, September 7, 2023.
East Okoboji LakeThe water temperature is in the low 70s. Black Crappie – Fair. Bluegill – Fair: Most fish have moved deeper; anglers can find success fishing from docks or shore. Use a small hook and piece of worm. In deeper water, use pilkies with wigglers or a slip bobber setup. Walleye – Fair. Yellow Perch – Fair: Sorting will likely be needed.
Ingham LakeWalleye – Fair: Anglers have been successful morning and evening.
Lost Island LakeWater temperatures are in the low 70s. Black Crappie – Fair. Walleye – Fair: Try trolling with spinners over weeds.
Minnewashta LakeBlack Crappie – Fair. Bluegill – Fair. Pumpkinseed – Good.
Silver Lake (Dickinson)Black Bullhead – Good. Walleye – Fair: Try trolling with spinners over or off weed lines.
Spirit LakeWater temperatures are in the low 70s. You may have to move out deeper to find edges of weed lines. Water levels are 6 inches below crest. Black Bullhead – Good: Anglers have been successful when fishing the north grade. Black Crappie – Fair: Many nice-sized fish have been seen lately. Bluegill – Good: Try a small hook and a small piece of worm from the docks. In deeper water, use pilkies with wigglers or a slip bobber setup. Walleye – Fair: Leeches and minnows work well. Angler have been successful with slip bobbers off points and pulling spinners over vegetation. Yellow Perch – Fair.
West Okoboji LakeWater temperatures are in the upper 60s. Bass topwater bite has been good. Water levels are 2 inches below crest. Black Crappie – Fair: Try small jigs tipped with a minnow. Bluegill – Good: Use pilkies with wigglers or a slip bobber setup. Pumpkinseed – Good. Walleye – Fair: Leeches and minnows work well. Yellow Perch – Fair: Sorting may be needed.
Water temperatures are dropping fast with the colder nights. Area water temperatures are in the upper 60s to low 70s. Most area water levels are slightly below crest. Anglers have found the most success fishing off rock points and the edges of weed lines. Many weed beds are starting to die back as water temperatures decrease. For current conditions, call the Spirit Lake District Office at 712-336-1840.
