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 temperature is in the mid 50’s. Bluegill – Fair: Use crawlers fished under a bobber. Most action has been in Town Bay off the stone piers, the floating dock, and the fish house. Yellow Perch – Fair: Anglers are picking up perch from the floating dock and the fish house in Town Bay. Some have had luck fishing from the inlet bridge and the State Marina. Walleye – Fair: A few have been picked up off Ice House Point using twisters. Look for the post-spawn bite to pick up near shore.
Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
Water temperatures are in the low to mid 50’s. Black Crappie – Fair: Anglers have picked up crappie in the marina using crawlers and minnows. White Bass – Fair: Pick up white bass from shore with crawlers and twisters. Walleye – Fair: A few have been picked up from shore in the marina and along the north and east shores using twisters. Look for the post-spawn bite to pick up.
Water temperatures are in the low to mid 50’s. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638.
Clear Lake
The courtesy docks at McIntosh, Lynne Lorenzen, Bayside and City boat ramps are in. The fish cleaning station is open for the season. Walleye – Good: Anglers wading the east shore are catching walleyes after dark on small jigs and minnows. Boat anglers are having success slip bobber fishing the rock reefs. Black Crappie – Fair: Fish the edge of the rushes with a small minnow. Yellow Bass – Slow.
Winnebago River
Now is the time to target pike and walleye. Fish areas with current breaks near dams and where a stream enters the river.
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.
Lost Island Lake
Black Crappie – Fair: Report of some bluegill and crappie being caught from the canal.
Silver Lake (Dickinson)
Walleye – Good: Look for wader fishing to pick up as the water warms. Fish slow with a jig and minnow or twister tails on light jig heads.
Spirit Lake
Black Crappie – Good: Expect action to start in the Templar Park lagoon as the water warms. Smallmouth Bass – Good: Early spring provides superb action for bass on calm sunny days with a jig and minnow on shallow rock piles.
West Okoboji Lake
Bluegill – Good: Traditionally, Triboji Lagoon provides the first action for bluegills. Expect action to start once the water temperature warms.
Water temperature is 43 degrees; expect fishing to improve as the water warms. For more information throughout the week, contact the Spirit Lake Fish Hatchery at 712-336-1840.
