Spirit Lake, Iowa — The Iowa Department of Natural Resources issues a weekly fishing report on Thursdays in an effort to provide the latest information heading into the weekend. The weekly fishing report is compiled from information gathered from local bait shops, angler creel surveys, and county and state parks staff. For more information contact the Spirit Lake fish Hatchery at 712-336-1840.
Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
Walleye – Fair: Anglers have reported catching a few walleye near shore in the evenings. Those with the most luck have been fishing the north shore areas of the lake.
Big Spirit Lake
Northern Pike – Good: Anglers fishing at buffalo run, Hales slough, and at the north grade have reported quality catch rates for northern pike. Use hollow body 4-8 inch swimbaits. Drag and lift them along the bottom slowly. Anglers are also using black spinnerbaits with varied success. Black Crappie – Fair: Buffalo run is holding small crappie 30 feet straight out from the mouth of buffalo run. Slip bobbers tipped with crappie bites work best. Allow the rig to drift along the rocks. Bullhead – Good: A fair number of keeper bullhead are being caught in gillnets on big stoney. They will bite on anything, which makes for a great fishing experience for younger kids.
East Okoboji Lake
Channel Catfish – Fair: Channel catfish have been seen in good numbers at Lone Tree Point, Little Stoney, and near parks marina. These fish are being caught in gillnets and are getting larger as the water temperature increases. Yellow Bass – Slow: Some large yellow bass have been seen in gillnets at Lone Tree Point and parks marina. These fish are not being seen in great numbers. Northern Pike – Fair: Many northern pike are being caught in gillnets. On East they can be found just about everywhere.
West Okoboji Lake
We received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week. Channel Catfish – Fair: Large channel catfish are being caught in gillnets at night. Three caught Monday night were 10lbs. Northern Pike – Fair: Northern pike are becoming more abundant in the shallows. Few large females were caught in gillnets Monday night. Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Anglers are reporting an increase in smallmouth bass catch on sunny calm days. These fish are being caught over sand flats near rocks. Pulling a crankbait slow at this time will be your best bet.
