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
Black Hawk Lake is ice free. Anglers are catching panfish in Town Bay using crawlers and minnows. Yellow Perch – Fair: Anglers are catching perch in Town Bay. Some sorting is needed. Bluegill – Fair: Anglers are catching bluegill in Town Bay.
North Raccoon River (above State Highway 175 bridge near Auburn)
Walleye – Fair: Walleye fishing has been productive. Target walleye in areas below riffles and in deeper pools.
Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
Storm Lake is ice free. The after ice-out fishing has been productive. Storm Lake has a daily limit of 3 walleye and all 17- to 22-inch walleye must be released; and no more than one walleye longer than 22 inches may be taken per day. Black Crappie – Fair: Use crawlers and minnows on a small jig fished from shore and in the marina. Walleye – Good: Walleye fishing has been productive. Anglers have had luck from shore and in the marina. Yellow Perch – Fair. Channel Catfish – Fair: This is a good time of year to target catfish from shore using cut bait fished on the bottom.
Lakes are ice free in West Central Iowa. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638.
Clear Lake
Ice fishing is not recommended. The main lake has open water on the south and east shore. Channel Catfish – Fair: Use a dead chub fished on the bottom.
Winnebago River
Northern Pike – Fair: Northern pike are being caught below the dams.
Ice conditions have deteriorated with the warm temperatures. Ice fishing is not recommended. Area Rivers are up, but the fishing should improve as water levels drop. For information on the lakes and rivers in north central Iowa, contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517.
Center Lake
The aeration system has been turned off. Ice conditions have deteriorated significantly. Ice fishing is not recommended.
East Okoboji Lake
The Walleye Season is closed. Ice conditions have deteriorated significantly. Ice fishing is not recommended. Bluegill – Good: Sorting is needed, but the bite has been good in the southern section of the lake along the weed line. Try near the trestle and the Hattie Elston Boat Ramp. Use small jigs and wigglers. Yellow Perch – Fair. Black Crappie – Good. Yellow Bass – Fair.
Ingham Lake
The aeration system has been turned off. Ice conditions have deteriorated significantly. Ice fishing is not recommended.
Lost Island Lake
The aeration system has been turned off. Ice conditions have deteriorated significantly.Ice fishing is not recommended. Yellow Perch – Fair. Walleye – Fair.
Silver Lake (Dickinson)
The aeration system has been turned off. Ice conditions have deteriorated significantly. Ice fishing is not recommended.
Spirit Lake
The Walleye Season is closed. Ice conditions have deteriorated significantly. Ice fishing is not recommended. 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 near Minniwaukon. Best bite is early and late. Be prepared to move around until you get on top of them. Black Crappie – Fair.
Trumbull Lake
Ice conditions have deteriorated significantly.Ice fishing is not recommended. Yellow Perch – Fair: Size quality is outstanding with some sorting. Use jigs and minnows or wigglers in the main lake.
West Okoboji Lake
The Walleye Season is closed. Ice conditions have deteriorated significantly. Ice fishing is not recommended. Bluegill – Good: Little Emerson Bay is producing a few nice bluegills. Sorting is needed.
Willow Creek
Willow Creek was stocked on Feb. 21st for the Osceola County Trout Fest. You need a valid fishing license (age 16 and older) and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout. Rainbow Trout – Fair.
The Walleye Season is closed for the Iowa Great Lakes. Ice conditions have deteriorated significantly. Ice fishing is not recommended. Warm weather has made access very hard. Many area lakes have opened up significantly, allowing for open water fishing in certain areas. Aeration systems at Center Lake, Silver Lake (near Lake Park), and Ingham Lake have been turned off. For current conditions, call the Spirit Lake District Office at 712-336-1840.
