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
Bluegill are starting to spawn. Find bluegill beds near shore in gravel and sandy substrate. Cast a small jig fished under a bobber near these areas to target the males guarding the nests.
Black Hawk Lake
Yellow Perch – Slow. Black Crappie – Fair: Fish anywhere from shore with rock and structure. Use a small jig tipped with crawler or small minnow fished under a bobber along shore in Town Bay, Ice House Point from the inlet bridge and from the floating pier and fish house in Town Bay. Largemouth Bass – Good: Cast traditional bass lures and plastics along shore. You can catch fish anywhere around the lake, but some of the best areas include Ice House point shoreline, inlet bay and bridge area near the outlet, and along Gunshot Hill. Walleye – Slow. Channel Catfish – Fair: Channel catfish are spawning near rocky shorelines; a variety of baits, including crankbaits, work well.
Brushy Creek Lake
Black Crappie – Fair: Use a small piece of crawler or minnow on a jig fished under a bobber near shore in 5-10 feet of water by rocks or woody structure. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Throw traditional bass lures, plastics or weedless lures near submerged structure and along weed lines. Yellow Perch – Slow. Walleye – Slow. Bluegill – Fair. Channel Catfish – Fair: Brushy Creek Lake has a low-density population of larger channel catfish. You may not catch high numbers, but the fish you catch will likely be large. Channel catfish are spawning; target these large fish near shore with rocky structure. They are aggressive this time of year; try a variety of cut baits and crankbaits.
North Raccoon River (above State Highway 175 bridge near Auburn)
Rivers water levels are high and turbid from recent rains.
North Twin Lake
Water temperature is the mid-70’s with around 3 feet of water clarity. Yellow Bass – Fair: Yellow bass are in close to shore. Use a small jig tipped with a piece of crawler or waxworm fished under a small bobber in 3-6 feet of water near shore. If fishing from boat, you may need to move around to stay on top of fish. Yellow bass are 6-10 inches long. Channel Catfish – Fair: Channel catfish are numerous in North Twin Lake and are spawning. Use cut baits and crankbaits near shore with rocky structure to catch these aggressive fish.
Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
Storm Lake has a daily limit of 3 walleye, and all 17- to 22-inch walleye must be released; no more than one walleye longer than 22 inches may be taken per day. Black Crappie – Fair: The bite has slowed; using crawlers and minnows on a small jig fished in the marina near the inlet and along the north and east shore of the main lake. Walleye – Fair: Anglers have had luck in the main lake. Boat anglers are catching fish trolling crankbaits in the dredge cuts. Yellow Perch – Fair: Pick up perch along shore in the marina and north and east shores. White Bass – Fair: The bite has been hit or miss. Anglers are picking up white bass from shore and in the main like while trolling. Use twisters, crawlers or crankbaits in the marina, near the inlet and north and east shores in the main lake. Channel Catfish – Fair: Channel catfish are abundant in Storm Lake. They are spawning; try a variety of dip baits, cut baits and crankbaits fished near rocky shores.
Water temperatures are in the mid-70’s in the Black Hawk District. Bluegill are starting to spawn in many area lakes and ponds. Bluegill spawning beds can often be seen near shore in gravel and sandy substrate. Cast a small jig fished under a bobber near these areas to target the males guarding the nests. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638.
Beeds Lake
Bluegill – Good. Black Crappie – Good. Yellow Bass – Fair.
Clear Lake
The water temperature is in the low 70’s. Walleye – Good: Anglers are catching walleyes drift fishing a jig and crawler near vegetation. Try slip bobber fishing a leech on the rock reefs. Yellow Bass – Fair: Yellow bass are still spawning. The best bite is at first light. Channel Catfish – Fair: Try a piece of cut bait or chicken liver fished on the bottom after sunset. Black Crappie – Slow: Use a small jig or minnow fished in the edge of the rushes.
Crystal Lake
Black Crappie – Fair: Use a minnow or small jig near shore and around vegetation. Largemouth Bass – Good. Bluegill – Good.
Lower Pine Lake
Popular fishing spots become crowded in the afternoon; arrive early to avoid crowds. Don’t park along the west side of the highway. If the boat trailer parking lot is full, try Upper Pine Lake. Bluegill – Good: Shore anglers are catching good numbers of 4 to 7 inch fish. Black Crappie – Good. Largemouth Bass – Good. Channel Catfish – Good: Try chicken liver or cut bait fished on the bottom near the spillway.
Silver Lake (Worth)
Largemouth Bass – Good. Bluegill – Good: Cast small jigs or a piece of worm below a bobber.
Upper Pine Lake
Bluegill – Good: Shore anglers are catching good numbers of 4 to 7 inch fish. Largemouth Bass – Good. Black Crappie – Good.
For information on the lakes and rivers in north central Iowa, contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517.
East Okoboji Lake
The walleye season is open. The water temperature is 70 degrees. There is a great panfish bite along the shorelines in the shallows; many fish are bedding, allowing for easy shore and dock fishing. Bluegill – Excellent: Large schools are moving into the shallows to bed and can easily be caught around hoists and docks. Black Crappie – Fair. Yellow Perch – Fair.
Lake Pahoja
Bluegill – Good: Use small jigs tipped with waxworms. Black Crappie – Good: Try small jigs tipped with waxworms. Largemouth Bass – Good: Use rubber worms or other slow moving jigs.
Lost Island Lake
The Palo Alto County Conservation Board is hosting a Virtual Kid’s Fishing Derby for ages 15 and under, June 5th-15th. Go to their Facebook page for details. Yellow Perch – Fair. Walleye – Fair.
Silver Lake (Dickinson)
Walleye – Good.
Spirit Lake
The walleye season is open. The water temperature is 70 degrees. Walleye and panfish bite has been great. Bluegill – Good: Large schools have been found gathering around hoists and docks. Walleye – Good: Evenings have had fairly good bites; daytime bite is picking up. Black Bullhead – Fair: Anglers have been successful at the north grade.
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
The walleye season is open. The water temperature is 70 degrees. A good bass bite has been observed in canal areas, as well a good panfish bite in various harbors and around docks and hoists. Bluegill – Good: Large schools have been found gathering around hoists and docks. Black Crappie – Good. Smallmouth Bass – Fair. Largemouth Bass – Fair:
Iowa Great Lake water temperatures have warmed up quickly and are currently around 70 degrees. The bite is picking up with warmer water temperatures. The panfish bite has taken off throughout the chain of lakes; they are nesting in the shallows along the shoreline. This week’s extended forecast calls for temperatures ranging from 80s to low 90s. For current conditions, call the Spirit Lake District Office at 712-336-1840.
