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 low 40’s. Open water fishing has just started. Town Bay, Ice House Point, the inlet bridge, and areas near the outlet are popular shore fishing areas to try as water temperatures warm.
Black Hawk Pits
Black Hawk pits are open. Black Crappie – Fair: Anglers are picking up some crappie.
Brushy Creek Lake
Open water fishing has just started. Look for more reports as we receive them.
Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
Storm Lake is ice free with water temperatures in the low 40’s. Open water fishing has just started. Look for shore fishing action to pick up as water temperatures warm. White Bass – Fair. Black Crappie – Fair: Picking up crappie in the marina. Walleye – Fair: A few are being caught. Walleye action will pick up as water temperatures warm and fish move close to shore. Expect walleye spawning to start next week.
Open water fishing has just started. Water temperatures are in the low 40’s. Look for shore fishing action to pick up with warming water temperatures. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638.
Clear Lake
Clear Lake is about fifty percent ice free. No fishing activity reported this week.
Lower Pine Lake
Lower Pine Lake is ice free. The docks are not in.
Winnebago River
The river level is currently two feet high. Now is the time to target pike; fish areas with current breaks.
For information on the lakes and rivers in the north central area, contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517.
East Okoboji Lake
Channel Catfish – Good: Prime time is here; ice-out provides an excellent bite using traditional channel catfish baits. Fish twilight and after dark; fish will be on a feeding frenzy and provide lots of “pole bending” action.
No fishing activity; some lakes remain ice covered. Look for ice free conditions soon. For more information throughout the week, contact the Spirit Lake Fish Hatchery at 712-336-1840.
