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
Arrowhead Lake
Arrowhead Lake had around 4.5 inches of ice at the boat ramp, as of Dec. 19.
Bacon Creek Lake
Bacon Creek has around 4 inches of ice. A few anglers have been out on foot.
Black Hawk Lake
As of Dec. 19, there was 6 inches of ice off the Ice House Point boat ramp. There are still open water fishing opportunities at the Fish House and the Inlet Bridge. Yellow Perch – Fair: Anglers are catching some perch around Shotgun Hill and the Ice House Point boat ramp. Keeper size perch range from 8- to 12-inches.
Black Hawk Pits
There is 5 inches of ice at the Black Hawk Pits boat ramp, as of Dec. 19.
Browns Lake
Browns Lake has around 6 inches of ice.
North Twin Lake
There was around 4 inches of ice on North Twin earlier this week. Some anglers have been out on foot.
Lakes in West Central Iowa are pretty well iced over. Foot traffic on the ice is increasing. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638.
Beeds Lake
Ice thickness is 4 to 5 inches.
Clear Lake
Ice thickness is 7 to 8 inches. Bluegill – Slow: Use a small jig tipped with a waxworm near the edge of vegetation. Yellow Perch – Good: Yellow perch are biting on a variety of baits. You may have to change your technique to catch larger fish. Walleye – Fair: Try small jigs tipped with a minnow head. Black Crappie – Slow.
Crystal Lake
Ice thickness is 5 to 6 inches. No fishing activity reported.
Lake Smith
Ice thickness is 5 to 7 inches. Anglers are catching small bluegills and a few crappies. Use caution near the aeration hole southeast of the island.
Little Wall Lake
Ice thickness is 4 to 5 inches. Anglers reported catching small crappies and bluegills.
Lower Pine Lake
Ice thickness is 4.5 inches at the boat ramp. Ice thickness varies significantly across the lake; there is a large area of open water between the island and the beach.
Rice Lake
Ice thickness is 6 to 8 inches. Bluegill – Slow. Yellow Perch – Slow.
Silver Lake (Worth)
Ice thickness is 6 to 8 inches. Bluegills are biting on small jigs tipped with a waxworm.
Upper Pine Lake
Ice thickness is 4.5 inches at the boat ramp. Ice thickness varies significantly across the lake.
For information on the lakes and rivers in the north central area, contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517.
East Okoboji Lake
Ice thickness is 5 to 7 inches. Bluegill – Good: Sorting is needed, but the bite has been good in the southern section of the lake along the weed line. Use small jigs and wigglers near the trestle and the Hattie Elston Boat Ramp. Walleye – Good: Fishing near Parks Marina in the evening has been good. Use spoons, jigging raps, or minnows in early morning or evening.
Ingham Lake
The aeration system has been started. Use caution in the southeast side of the lake. Signs are up around the aerator hole.
Lost Island Lake
Yellow Perch – Fair. Walleye – Fair.
Silver Lake (Dickinson)
The aeration system has been started. Use caution on the east side of the lake. Signs are up around the aeration holes.
Spirit Lake
Ice thickness is 7-9 inches. Walleye – Good: Fish 1 hour before and after sunrise or sunset. Use spoons or jigging raps tipped with minnow heads in 12-14 feet of water. Also try live minnows. Bluegill – Fair: Use wigglers and small jigs in Anglers Bay and Trickles Slough. Yellow Perch – Good: Try minnows and small jigs in Anglers Bay and Minniwaukon. Black Crappie – Fair.
Trumbull Lake
Yellow Perch – Fair: Size quality is outstanding with some sorting. Use jigs and minnows or wigglers in the main lake.
West Okoboji Lake
West Okoboji was the last lake to fully ice up, locking up Dec. 12. Use extreme caution when heading out on the ice; check ice thickness and conditions regularly. Ice thickness has been up to 5 inches in small bays and thinner on the main lake. Bluegill – Fair: Little Emerson Bay has been producing a few nice bluegills; sorting is needed. Walleye – Fair: Fish rocky areas in 18-20 feet of water. Live minnows work best an hour before and after sunset. Smallmouth Bass – Good: A unique early season bite has been reported in Little Emerson Bay.
Ice thickness has improved with thickness ranging from 4-10 inches. Use caution with ATV’s. No vehicle traffic is advised. Water flow into and out of area lakes has caused weak areas around bridges and other constrictions. Use caution and test the ice often. Aeration systems at Center Lake, Silver Lake (near Lake Park), and Ingham Lake have been started and signs put up. Stay clear of these systems. For current conditions, call the Spirit Lake District Office at 712-336-1840.
