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
Courtesy dock is in.
Black Hawk Lake
Courtesy docks are in at all boat ramps. 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. Black Crappie – Fair. Largemouth Bass – Fair.
North Twin Lake
Courtesy docks are in at the south boat ramps.
Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
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 – Fair: Walleye fishing has been productive. Anglers have had luck from shore and in the marina. Yellow Perch – Good: Anglers have been picking up good numbers of perch in the marina. Channel Catfish – Fair: Target catfish from shore using cut bait fished on the bottom.
For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638.
Clear Lake
The main lake is ice free. Channel Catfish – Fair: Use a dead chub or cut bait fished on the bottom where water is following into the lake. Walleye – Fair: Wader fishing is picking up. Try a jig and minnow in the east shore after sundown. Yellow Bass – Fair: Yellow bass are being caught from the jetties. Yellow Perch – Fair: Yellow perch are being caught from the jetties.
Crystal Lake
Crystal Lake is about 50 percent ice free. No fishing activity reported.
Lower Pine Lake
Lower Pine Lake is free of ice. The courtesy dock is in at the boat ramp. No fishing activity to report.
Winnebago River
The Winnebago River is still up from recent rains. Fish the current breaks below a dam. Northern Pike – Slow. Walleye – Slow.
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
Much of the lake ice has melted, allowing boats to navigate.
East Okoboji Lake
The Walleye Season is closed. Much of the lake ice has melted, but there is still enough ice intact to make boat navigation difficult, with only a couple boat ramps available. Bluegill – Fair. Black Crappie – Good. Yellow Bass – Fair.
Ingham Lake
Much of the lake ice has melted, allowing boats to navigate.
Lost Island Lake
Much of the lake ice has melted, allowing boats to navigate. Yellow Perch – Fair. Walleye – Fair.
Silver Lake (Dickinson)
Much of the lake ice has melted, allowing boats to navigate.
Spirit Lake
The Walleye Season is closed. Much of the lake ice has melted, but there is still enough ice intact to make boat navigation difficult, with only a couple boat ramps available. Bluegill – Fair: Black Crappie – Good.
Trumbull Lake
Much of the lake ice has melted, allowing boats to navigate. 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. Much of the lake ice has melted, but there is still enough ice intact to make boat navigation difficult with minimal boat ramps available. Bluegill – Fair.
The Walleye Season is closed for the Iowa Great Lakes. Ice conditions have deteriorated significantly, creating open water fishing opportunities at many smaller area lakes. Spirit, East and West Okoboji are still mostly covered with ice, but there are a few boat ramps that are clear allowing access to the water. For current conditions, call the Spirit Lake District Office at 712-336-1840.
