This Week’s Iowa DNR Northwest Iowa Fishing Report

Northwest Iowa — Here is this week’s Iowa Department of Natural Resources fishing report for northwest Iowa.

East Okoboji Lake
Ice thickness is around 16+ inches in most areas. Deeper snow coverage has made getting around more difficult. Black Crappie – Good: Try small jigs tipped with a minnow or tube jig and bobber. Bluegill – Good: Use tube jigs, plastics, or other small jigs. Northern Pike – Good: Tip-ups are working well. Yellow Perch – Fair: Minnows are working well; some sorting may be needed.

Five Island Lake
Use caution; the lake aerator has been started up in Town Bay. Yellow Bass – Good.

Ingham Lake
Use caution; there is an open hole in the lake with the aerator in use. Ice thickness is 16+ inches. Walleye – Fair:

Lost Island Lake
Ice thickness is around 18+ inches in most places. Black Crappie – Good. Walleye – Good.

Minnewashta Lake
Ice thickness is 17.5+ inches. Black Crappie – Good.  Bluegill – Good.

Silver Lake (Dickinson)
Ice thickness is around 16+ inches. Use caution; the lake aerator is in use. This creates an open hole on the east side of the lake.  Walleye – Good: Best bite is at dusk.

Spirit Lake
The lake is entirely iced over with 17+ inches in most places. The best ice is on the south end and Anglers Bay. Most accesses are clear of heaves and snow. Black Crappie – Good:  Walleye – Good: Best bite is around dusk. Yellow Perch – Good: Use small jigs tipped with a minnow. Sorting may be needed.

West Okoboji Lake
Ice thickness is about 16+ inches at Emerson Bay and Haywards Bay, and 14+ inches at Triboji. The bluegill bite in Little Emerson Bay and out from Triboji has been very good.  Black Crappie – Fair: Try small jigs tipped with a minnow. Bluegill – Good: Use tube jigs, plastics, or other small jigs. Yellow Perch – Fair: Try small jigs tipped with a minnow. Sorting may be needed.

Most lakes have 16+ inches of ice. There is heavy snow cover on most areas, making getting around in less capable vehicles very difficult. This weekend is Okoboji Winter Games; expect the ice to be very busy with traffic and events. The forecast calls for colder temperatures, snow, and increased winds. For current conditions, call the Spirit Lake District Office at 712-336-1840.

Photo from Flickr