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.
NORTHWEST
Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
Walleye – Fair: Anglers have reported catching walleye near shore in the evenings. Successful anglers are fishing the south shore areas of the lake using twisters. Yellow Perch – Slow: Perch have been caught on crawlers fished under a bobber. White Bass – Fair: White bass are being caught along the east side of the lake near the Kings Point area and the little island.
Big Spirit Lake
Northern Pike – Good: Anglers along the grade are still catching northerns; water temperatures are in the 60s which is holding more fish with this cool down. Fish spinner or large jerk baits. Black Crappie – Fair: The old foot bridge rock piles are holding good numbers of crappie. Anglers are pulling feather jigs along the rocks and catching small 7-10 inch crappie. As water temperatures warm, larger fish should become more available. Bullhead – Good: A fair number of keeper bullhead are being caught in gill nets on Big Stoney. They will bite on anything, which makes for a great fishing experience for younger kids. Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Smallmouth are being seen along rocky shores and being caught pulling slow deep diving crankbait. Bullhead – Good: The north grade is producing many bullheads. Anglers are reporting good numbers using worms weighted to the bottom. The little spirit outlet is beginning to see more fish.
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 gill nets and are getting larger as the water temperature increases. Yellow Bass – Fair: Some large yellow bass have been seen in gill nets at Lone Tree Point and parks marina. These fish are not being seen in great numbers. Northern Pike – Fair: Fish black spinner baits around docks just before dark. Many anglers are reporting that fish are coming in shallow to warmer water around dark. Bluegill – Fair: Anglers are starting to pick up more bluegill at the trestle bridge. Fish size range from 4-9 inch. Anglers are using small jigs, worm and bobber. Crappie – Fair: More and more crappies are being caught at the trestle bridge. Most fish being caught are 7-8 inches. Largemouth Bass – Good: Anglers are reporting more bass around the trestle bridge. These fish are being seen under boat hoists and around the bridge structures.
West Okoboji Lake
Northern Pike – Fair: Northerns are becoming more abundant in the shallows. Few large females were caught in gill nets 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 is your best bet. Bluegill – Good: Many anglers are having success fishing the canals. Water temperatures are 4 to 5 degrees warmer in the canals; bringing fish in from cooler waters. Fish using worm and bobber or small feather jigs. Black Crappie – Slow: Crappies are being seen around Gull Point out from the point and straight out of the canals and back waters.
