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
The outdoor walkway on the fish house structure in Town Bay is open to anglers; the indoor portion of the structure remains closed to the public due to physical distancing guidelines. Water temperatures have dropped over the week, but will likely increase next week. Look for the bite to pick up as temperatures warm and fish move close to shore. Yellow Perch – Fair: Anglers are catching perch in Town Bay. Some sorting is needed, but keepers are 8-10 inches.Black Crappie – Fair. Largemouth Bass – Fair. Walleye – Fair: Shore fishing can be productive this time of year. Recent gillnet catch numbers suggest a good population of large adult walleyes in Black Hawk Lake. Use twisters, crankbaits and leeches or crawlers fished under a bobber.
North Twin Lake
Expect the panfish bite to pick up with next weeks’ warming temperatures. Fish anywhere with structure near shore.
Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
Expect the bite to pick up as water temperatures increase with next week’s warmer weather. 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: Pick up walleye in the marina near the inlet and along the north and east shores. Shore fishing can be productive this time of year. Use a twister, crankbait and a leech or crawler fished under a bobber. Yellow Perch – Fair: Pick up perch along shore in the marina and north and east shores. Channel Catfish – Fair. White Bass – Fair.
Water temperatures have cooled over the last week. Look for fish activity to pick up with next week’s warmer weather. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638.
Beeds Lake
The boat ramp is open.
Clear Lake
The water temperature is in the low forties. Channel Catfish – Good: Use chicken liver or cut bait fished on the bottom where water is following into the lake. Walleye – Good: Pitch a jig and minnow in 3 to 6 feet of water along the east shore and around the island. Fish are biting throughout the day, but the best bite is late afternoon. Yellow Bass – Fair: Yellow bass are being caught from the jetties. Boat anglers should try fishing the edge of the vegetation on the north shore.Yellow Perch – Slow: Yellow perch are being caught from the jetties. Black Crappie – Slow.
Crystal Lake
The courtesy dock at the boat ramp and the fish clean station are in.
Eldred Sherwood Lake
The park gates are closed. Fishing access is walk-in only.
Lake Smith
Fishing has been slow.
Little Wall Lake
Channel Catfish – Fair. Black Crappie – Fair.
Winnebago River
The river level continues to drop; fishing is picking up. Try a minnow or crankbait fished along current breaks. 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
The lake is completely ice free.
East Okoboji Lake
The Walleye Season is closed. The lake is ice free. The water temperature is 41 degrees.
Ingham Lake
The lake is completely ice free.
Lost Island Lake
The lake is completely ice free. Yellow Perch – Fair. Walleye – Fair.
Silver Lake (Dickinson)
The lake is completely ice free.
Spirit Lake
The Walleye Season is closed. The lake is ice free. The water temperature is 40 degrees.
Trumbull Lake
The lake is completely ice free. 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. The lake is ice free. The water temperature is 41 degrees.
The Walleye Season is closed for the Iowa Great Lakes. Most boat ramps are in and open for use. Iowa Great Lake water temperatures range from 40 to 45 degrees. Water temperatures have dropped in the last week, even leading to some areas partially icing over at night. This coming week is forecast to be much warmer. The bite should pick up as temperatures continue to rise. For current conditions, call the Spirit Lake District Office at 712-336-1840.
