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 upper 40’s. A few walleye have been picked up near shore. Anglers have had the most luck fishing the north side of the lake near the Chautauqua Jetty.
Big Spirit Lake
Smallmouth Bass – Good: Good numbers of fish have been caught fishing the shallow rock piles casting jigs tipped with live bait. Look for sunny warm days with calm conditions for the best action. Black Bullhead – Fair: Look for action at the north grade to improve as water temperatures warm. Fish crawlers on the bottom.
East Okoboji Lake
Channel Catfish – Good: Anglers fishing after dark will catch acceptable size and larger fish. Use cut bait on the bottom for this hard fighting game fish. Yellow Bass – Fair: Yellow perch and yellow bass action have been reported from the trestle located on the south end of the lake.
Silver Lake (Dickinson)
Walleye – Good: Shore anglers fishing after dark will have the best action. Cast slowing moving lures such as a modified minnow imitation lure.
West Okoboji Lake
Black Crappie – Fair: Look for action to pick up for this species as the water warms.
Due to the windy weather, fishing activity has been limited at the Iowa Great Lakes. Expect increased activity as warmer temperatures are expected.
