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
Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
Water temperatures are in the mid-40s. Expect good walleye fishing near shore this weekend and next week as water temperatures continue to climb and walleye exhibit spawning behavior. Try areas near shore that contain sand, rocks, and/or gravel substrate.
Clear Lake
Docks are in at MacIntosh State Park and Lynne Lorenzen ramp. Walleye – Fair: The bite has been slow this week for wader fisherman near the outlet on the east side of the lake. An occasional walleye has been taken near the Ventura grade. Channel Catfish – Good: Catfish action has been good this past week. Use cut bait, worms or minnows near inlets and windblown shorelines in the early season. The water is still very clear in the shallows, so fish a little deeper, on calm days. Bluegill – Fair: A few bluegills have been caught in the canals. Use small ice jigs under a bobber or add a split shot or two and vertical jig near structure. Muskellunge – No Report: Target shallow flats along the shoreline on the east end of the lake. Use a jig and minnow or a slow moving artificial. Walleye anglers have caught a few near the outlet on the east end and also by the Marsh inlet by the Ventura grade. Black Crappie – Good: Crappies have been caught in the canals. Use small ice jigs under a bobber or add a split shot or two and vertical jig near structure. Check out the edges or inside the rushes around the lake as crappies will likely be found near them as well. White Bass – Fair: Anglers have had some occasional good days in the past weeks for white bass near the Ventura grade.
Big Spirit Lake
Black Crappie – Slow: The bite has slowed after the cold snap. Look for fishing to pick up as the water temperatures increase. Anglers are still catching a couple of crappies at Templar Lagoon and Buffalo. Use small tubes or a minnow under a slip bobber. Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Anglers have started to pick up some smallmouth bass on the rock piles. Use tubes or jerk baits.
East Okoboji Lake
Yellow Bass – Fair: Anglers have been picking up a few yellow bass in the evenings on Jingles point.
Silver Lake (Dickinson)
Walleye – Fair: The walleye bite has been picking up with the warming water temperatures. The north bridge, the island, and the east shoreline have been producing fish in the evening. Jigs tipped with minnows fished slowly works best.
West Okoboji Lake
Bluegill – Good: Anglers have been picking up a few nice bluegills on the trestle and in Triboji. Use small tungsten jigs tipped with maggots. Black Crappie – Fair: The crappie bite has picked up in Triboji. Small minnows or mini jigs worked well the past week.
Walleye season is closed on Big Spirit, West and East lakes.
