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
Black Hawk Lake
Water temperatures are in the mid 50’s. Expect fishing to pick back up as water continues to warm. Bluegill – Fair: Use waxworms and crawlers in the marina. Action has slowed a bit, but a few have been picked up in Town Bay, along Ice House Point and from the inlet bridge. Black Crappie – Slow: Use crawlers and minnows fished from shore and the floating dock. Walleye – Slow: Expect walleye shore fishing action to pick up as water temperatures gradually warm. Fish a minnow or leech under a bobber or throw a twister along the Ice House Point shoreline, North Shore, and East Shore near the outlet.
Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
Water temperature is in the mid 50’s. Walleye – Fair: Throw twisters or fish minnows under a bobber from the state marina. Decent walleye action along the north shore near Chautauqua Park. White Bass – Fair: Anglers are having luck fishing from shore on the east side and from the marina. Black Crappie – Fair: Catch crappie from the marina using minnows and a twister.
Beeds Lake
Beeds Lake is ice free.
Clear Lake
Clear Lake is about 95 percent ice free. Water temperature is 46 degrees. The docks are in at the city beach ramp and the Island boat ramp. Black Crappie – Good: Crappies are biting in the cannels and fishing off the jetties. Walleye – Fair: Walleyes are starting to bite near the outlet. Best time to fish is after sunset. Be aware – DNR staff have nets set in this area.
Crystal Lake
Crystal Lake is about 95 percent ice free.
Lake Cornelia
Lake Cornelia is ice free. The docks at the boat ramp are in.
Lower Pine Lake
The docks at the boat ramp are in.
Upper Pine Lake
The docks at the boat ramp are in.
East Okoboji Lake
Channel Catfish – Good: Ice out brings excellent channel catfish fishing as catfish go on a feeding frenzy. The north end of the lake and bridges has extensive open water. Fish these areas for some early “pole bending” action.
Silver Lake (Palo Alto)
Silver Lake is open. Report of boat traffic last weekend. Walleye – Fair: Numbers of fish are reported caught.
Ice is receding from the Iowa Great Lakes. Open water exists at the bridges and the north end of East Okoboji, Minnewashta, Upper and Lower Gar Lakes. For more information throughout the week, contact the Spirit Lake Fish Hatchery at 712-336-1840.
