Northwest Iowa — Here is the Thursday, August 18, 2022 Northwest Iowa Fishing Report from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
East Okoboji LakeLake temperature is in the mid-70s. The water level is at crest. Fish are out deeper during warm water temperatures. Trolling has been working very well. Find crappie and yellow bass in 12-17 feet of water. Try fishing weed lines where there is new vegetation growth. Black Crappie – Good: Best bite is in 10-15 feet of water along weed lines. Bluegill – Good. Walleye – Fair: Try spinners, crankbaits and long and shallow shad raps in the main basins. Best bite is an hour before and after sunset. Yellow Bass – Good.
Lost Island LakeFishing/trolling is getting more difficult as aquatic vegetation reaches the surface in many places. There has been a decent-sized algae bloom lately. Black Crappie – Fair. Walleye – Slow: Try trolling crankbaits or with lindy rigs off weed lines. Best bite is an hour before and after sunset. Yellow Perch – Fair.
Minnewashta LakeBluegill and crappie fishing has been good; some sorting may be needed. Black Crappie – Good. Bluegill – Good.
Silver Lake (Dickinson)The late afternoon bite has been fair. Many anglers are targeting fish schools during the day. Vegetation growth and a large algae bloom is making fishing more difficult in many areas. Many large schools of young of the year bullhead are swimming around the lake. Walleye – Fair: Try spinners, crankbaits and long and shallow shad raps.
Spirit LakeWater temperature is in the mid-70s. The lake level is 2 inches below crest. Most species are out deeper in 17+ feet of water. Black Bullhead – Fair: Try fishing the northern grade of Spirit Lake. Black Crappie – Fair: Use a tube jig and bobber. Bluegill – Fair. Walleye – Fair: Use spinners, crankbaits and long and shallow shad raps; try to find weed lines. Yellow Perch – Good: Many perch can be caught, you may need to sort for size.
West Okoboji LakeWater temperature is in the lower 70s. The water level is at crest. Most fish are out deeper in 15+ feet of water. Rocky points and areas with new vegetation growth have seen the most success. Black Crappie – Good: Use crankbaits or shad raps. Bluegill – Good: Try small shad raps. Largemouth Bass – Fair. Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Try fishing off points with surface baits or jerk baits. Walleye – Fair: Try fishing off points by trolling crankbaits or with lindy rigs. Best bite is an hour before and after sunset. Some fish have been caught while trolling for crappie.
Most area lake temperatures are in the mid-70s. This week’s forecast calls for continued temperatures in the 70s-80s. Bass and panfishing has been goodon most lakes out along weed lines in 15+ feet of water. Most fish have been caught out in deeper water as temperatures have increased. For current conditions, call the Spirit Lake District Office at 712-336-1840.
