Northwest Iowa — Here is this week’s northwest Iowa fishing report from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources……………….
East Okoboji LakeThe lake is essentially completely iced over, but with only 1-2 inches. The water level is 10 inches below crest. 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 currently 14 inches below crest. The lake is almost entirely iced over, but with only an inch or two. The walleye season is open. 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 mid-30s. A few bays are starting to form ice. 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. Walleye – Fair: Crawler harnesses, crankbaits, and minnows work well. Yellow Perch – Fair: Use small jigs tipped with a minnow. Sorting may be needed.
Most small to medium area lakes are completely frozen over. Most large lakes are at least partially frozen over. No lakes currently offer safe ice for ice fishing. Area lake levels are currently low. The extended forecast calls for cooler temperatures, which should steadily form ice. For current conditions, call the Spirit Lake District Office at 712-336-1840.
