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 fishing is not recommended.
Black Hawk Lake
As of Dec. 23, ice has pulled away from shore in many areas. Ice thickness is extremely variable and conditions are unsafe for ice fishing. There is a large area of open water in the east basin. Open water fishing opportunities are at the fish house in Town Bay and under the inlet bridge.
Black Hawk Pits
Ice has pulled away from shore in some areas. Ice is unsafe for fishing; the DNR recommends a minimum of four inches of clear ice for fishing.
Storm Lake (incl Little Storm Lake)
Several days of warm and windy weather have created variable ice conditions that are unsafe in many areas. Ice is unsafe for fishing; the DNR recommends a minimum of four inches of clear ice for fishing.
Ice on area lakes has deteriorated due to several days of warm and windy conditions. Ice has pulled away from shore in many areas and some larger lakes have pockets of open water. Ice is unsafe for fishing. 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
Warm weather and high winds the last few days have deteriorated ice conditions. Ice thickness varies from open water to 5 inches. If you venture out, use caution and check conditions as you go. Yellow Bass – Fair: Use a small jig tipped with a waxworm. Yellow Perch – Fair: A few anglers fishing the Farmers beach area are catching perch in 2 to 6 feet of water on small jigs. Use caution near the access and avoid the seams. 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 33 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 4.5 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 33 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 34 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. Much of the area ice has deteriorated due to strong winds and warm temperatures which has also opened many holes as well. It is not recommended to go out on the ice in many areas. 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 fall to the 20’s and teens. For current conditions, call the Spirit Lake District Office at 712-336-1840.
