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
Black Hawk Lake
Marsh and main lake remain ice free. Yellow perch – fair: Anglers are catching perch from the inlet bridge and the fish house on Ice House Point. Fish up to 10-12 inches are being caught with some sorting. Black Crappie – Fair: Use crawlers, power bait bites or small minnows on a jig fished under a bobber from the inlet bridge.
North Raccoon River (above State Highway 175 bridge near Auburn)
Walleye – Fair: Use live bait or twisters in deeper areas below riffles. Channel Catfish – Fair: Try cut bait and crawlers fished in deeper areas below riffles and on outside of bends.
Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
White Bass – Fair: Use crawlers or twisters fished from shore. Black Crappie – Fair: Try crawlers and small minnows on a jig fished under a bobber from shore and docks in the marina.
Most lakes in West Central Iowa remain ice free. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638.
Blue Pit
1,500 Rainbow trout were stocked at Blue Pit in Mason City this morning. You need a valid fishing license (age 16 and older) and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.
Clear Lake
The lake remains open. Anglers looking for one last open water trip should take advantage. Walleye – Slow: Try fishing off the jetties after sunset .
For information on the lakes and rivers in the north central area, contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517.
