Northwest Iowa — Here is this week’s Iowa Department of Natural Resources Fishing Report…….
East Okoboji LakeLake temperature is in the upper 40s. The water level is 10 inches below crest. Walleye fishing is picking up from shore early morning and later at night using live bait, jigs with live bait, or crankbaits. Try fishing under structure or over the top of vegetation. Black Crappie – Good: Try small jigs tipped with a minnow or tube jig and bobber. Bluegill – Fair: Use tube jigs, plastics, or other small jigs. Walleye – Fair: Try crawler harnesses, crankbaits, and minnows. Yellow Perch – Fair: Minnows work well; some sorting may be needed.
Lost Island LakeWalleye – Good: Try spinners, crankbaits, and shallow shad raps. Evening bite is improving as the water cools.
Minnewashta LakeBluegill and crappie fishing has been good; some sorting may be needed.
Silver Lake (Dickinson)The walleye bite has picked up as water temperatures cool. Walleye – Good: Use spinners, crankbaits, and long and shallow shad raps.
Spirit LakeThe lake is 13 inches below crest. The walleye season is open. The water temperature is in the upper 40s. Walleye fishing is picking up from shore early morning and later at night using live bait, jigs with live bait, or crankbaits. Muskellunge – Good: Try crankbaits, buck tails, and rubber baits. Walleye – Good: The bite is hit-or-miss at dusk, but the day bite is improving. Many anglers have started to fish in shallower with slip bobbers along weed edges. Try spinners, crankbaits, and long and shallow shad raps; look for weed lines to troll or jig off of. Yellow Perch – Good: Use small jigs tipped with a minnow. Sorting may be needed.
West Okoboji LakeWater temperature is in the low 50s. 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. Muskellunge – Fair: Try crankbaits, buck tails, and rubber lures. Walleye – Fair: Crawler harnesses, crankbaits, and minnows work well. Yellow Perch – Fair: Use small jigs tipped with a minnow. Sorting may be needed.
Area lake temperatures are dropping consistently lately with many in the upper 40s. The walleye bite around the area is picking up. Almost all docks, hoists, and courtesy docks have been removed for the season. Most vegetation is completely laid down; finding structure to fish around may be harder. Lake levels are lower, making launching a boat in some areas more difficult. For current conditions, call the Spirit Lake District Office at 712-336-1840.
