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
Ice thickness was 2 inches at the boat ramp on Dec. 17. Ice is unsafe to walk on; the DNR recommends a minimum of four inches of clear ice for fishing.
Black Hawk Lake
The lake has iced over. Ice thickness was 2.5 inches at Ice House Point boat ramp on Dec. 17. Ice is unsafe to walk on; the DNR recommends a minimum of four inches of clear ice for fishing. Open water fishing opportunities are at the fish house in Town Bay.
Black Hawk Pits
Ice thickness was 2.5 inches at the boat ramp on Dec. 17. Ice is unsafe for fishing; the DNR recommends a minimum of four inches of clear ice for fishing.
Storm Lake (incl Little Storm Lake)
Limited fishing activity last week due to skim ice. The lake has iced over, but ice is unsafe for fishing; the DNR recommends a minimum of four inches of clear ice for fishing.
Fishing activity has been limited this last week due to skim ice. Most water bodies in the district have iced over; walking on the ice is not recommended. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638.
Blue Pit
Rainbow Trout – Good: Trout are biting on a variety of baits. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout. The daily bag limit is 5.
Clear Lake
Ice thickness varies from zero to 6 inches. If you venture out, use caution and check conditions as you go. A few anglers are catching perch and yellow bass in 2 to 3 feet of water near the Farmers beach access. Yellow Bass – Fair: Use a small jig tipped with a waxworm. Yellow Perch – Good: Try a small jig tipped with a waxworm. Walleye – Slow.
Lower Pine Lake
The lake is mostly frozen over. Ice is unsafe for fishing.
Rice Lake
Ice thickness varies from zero to 3 inches.
Silver Lake (Worth)
Ice thickness varies from zero to 3 inches.
Upper Pine Lake
The lake is mostly frozen over. Ice is unsafe for fishing.
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 37 degrees. All hoists and docks have been pulled out for the season. Bluegill – 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
Yellow Perch – Fair: Anglers are catching 9- to 10-inch perch in 10 feet of water. Walleye – Fair.
Silver Lake (Dickinson)
Walleye – Fair.
Spirit Lake
The walleye season is open. Ice conditions vary across the lake with up to 5.5 inches in Anglers Bay and Templar Lagoon. Test ice often while going out. Small perch have been caught from the north grade fishing pier within the open water. The water temperature is 32 degrees. All hoists and docks have been pulled out for the season. Yellow Perch – Fair.
West Okoboji Lake
The walleye season is open. The water temperature is 35 degrees. All hoists and docks have been pulled out for the season. Bluegill – Fair. Yellow Perch – Fair.
Iowa Great Lake water temperatures are around 35 degrees or lower with many areas starting to ice over. Walking out on the ice is not recommended; ice is not thick enough in most areas to hold a person. If you go out on the ice, bring a buddy along and a form of flotation and ice picks. After this week, air temperatures are expected to be in the 30’s to 40’s. For current conditions, call the Spirit Lake District Office at 712-336-1840.
