Northwest Iowa — Here is this week’s northwest Iowa Fishing Report, as released by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources on Thursday afternoon, October 5, 2023.
East Okoboji LakeWater temperature is in the mid-60s. Black Crappie – Fair: Use minnows and plastics. 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 mid-60s. Black Crappie – Fair. Walleye – Fair: Try trolling with spinners over weeds. Walleyes should start to move more shallow in the evenings as water temperatures drop this week.
Minnewashta LakeBlack Crappie – Fair: Slowly troll over vegetation with minnows and plastics. Bluegill – Fair. Pumpkinseed – Good.
Silver Lake (Dickinson)Black Bullhead – Good. Walleye – Fair: Expect the walleye bite to improve this week with falling water temperatures.
Spirit LakeWater temperatures are in the mid-60s, but are dropping. Wader and shoreline fishing should improve this week. 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. Use minnows and plastics. 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. Anglers should be able to transition to shallow water as the temperatures fall. Wader fishing should improve this week. Yellow Perch – Fair: Larger fish have been more difficult to find.
West Okoboji LakeWater temperatures are in the mid-60s. Bass topwater bite has been good. Water levels are 2 inches below crest. Wader fishing for evening walleyes should improve this week. 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 a bit slower because of last week’s high temperatures. That heat wave has ended; water temperatures should start to drop fast. Area water temperatures remain in the mid-60s, but expect a rapid drop. Most area water levels are several inches below crest. Anglers have found the most success fishing off rock points and the edges of weed lines. Shoreline wader fishing should improve over the next week. For current conditions, call the Spirit Lake District Office at 712-336-1840.
