Northwest Iowa – Here is this week’s Iowa Department of Natural Resources Fishing Report for northwest Iowa.
East Okoboji Lake
The lake still has a handful of areas that are open or have just frozen over recently, mostly on the northern most basin. Ice thickness is around 16 inches or more in most areas. The Walleye season is closed. Black Crappie – Good: Bluegill – Good: Largemouth Bass – Fair: Yellow Perch – Good: Many perch seen; sorting most likely needed.
Ingham Lake
The lake is fully ice covered with around 17 inches. Walleye – Fair: Morning and afternoon bite is best.
Silver Lake (Dickinson)
Caution: The lake aerator is in operation. Ice thickness is more than 15 inches. Walleye – Fair: Bite hit-or-miss.
Spirit Lake
The lake has adequate ice for fishing, but also has a large open water section off Big Stoney Point. Ice thickness is more than 17 inches in most areas. The Walleye season is closed. Black Crappie – Good: Anglers are finding quality-size crappie up to 14-inches. Bluegill – Good. Yellow Perch – Good: Sorting is needed; anglers are finding many of acceptable size.
West Okoboji Lake
Ice thickness is 16 inches or more in most areas, but there are still many unsafe areas or areas of open water on the main lake. The Walleye season is closed. Black Crappie – Fair: Bluegill – Good.
Ice thickness is 14 inches or more on most area lakes, but many lakes have areas of open water that have persisted throughout the winter. Permanent Ice shelters must be removed from lakes and state property beginning February 20th unless occupied overnight. The Walleye season on the IGL’s is closed until May 3rd. For current conditions, call 712-330-2542.
(Image by thenorthbaybay from Pixabay)
