This Week’s Iowa DNR Northwest Iowa Fishing Report

Northwest Iowa — Here is the latest Northwest Iowa Fishing Report from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, released Thursday, June 8th.

East Okoboji Lake
The water temperature is in the upper 70s. Black Crappie – Fair. Bluegill – Fair: Use a small hook and piece of worm. Walleye – Good. Yellow Perch – Fair: Sorting will be needed.

Ingham Lake
Walleye – Fair: Anglers have been successful morning and evening.

Lost Island Lake
Water temperatures are in the upper70s. Check out the Iowa Walleye Challenge being held through June 30 for prizes given to anglers catching the most walleye. Black Crappie – Good. Walleye – Good: Try trolling with spinners over weeds.

Minnewashta Lake
Black Crappie – Fair.  Bluegill – Fair. Pumpkinseed – Good.

Silver Lake (Dickinson)
Courtesy docks are in place. Check out the Iowa Walleye Challenge being held through June 30 for prizes given to anglers catching the most walleye. Walleye – Fair: Try trolling with spinners over or off weed lines.

Spirit Lake
Water temperatures are in the mid-70s. Black Bullhead – Good: Anglers have been very successful fishing the north grade. Black Crappie – Fair: Many nice-sized fish have been seen lately. Bluegill – Good: Try a small hook with a small piece of worm. Walleye – Good: Leeches and minnows work well. Anglers have been successful with slip bobbers off points and pulling spinners over vegetation. Yellow Perch – Fair.

West Okoboji Lake
Water temperatures are in the low 70s. Check out the Iowa Walleye Challenge being held through June 30 for prizes given to anglers catching the most walleye. Black Crappie – Good Try small jigs tipped with a minnow. Bluegill – Good. Walleye – Good: Leeches and minnows work well. Yellow Perch – Fair: Sorting may be needed.

Water temperatures are increasing quickly to the middle to upper 70s. A large mortality event of mostly larger adult panfish has been observed in the Iowa Great Lakes due to spawning stress and quickly warming water temperatures. Most area water levels are a few inches over crest. The fish bite has been very good across most areas. Most panfish are starting to finish with spawning. Fishing from docks and along weed lines has been good. For current conditions, call the Spirit Lake District Office at 712-336-1840.