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
Clear Lake
Clear Lake had about 5 inches of ice on the little lake on January 2. The aerators have been turned on; signs at accesses show the locations. Use caution and check ice depth often when crossing the ice. Yellow Bass – Excellent: Angling activity has been high this past weekend and many are taking a full bucket home. Move often if not catching fish; fish 8-12 feet of water and move till finding schools. Walleye – Fair: No reports of any keepers yet; try Farmers beach or the Baptist Camp area for some active walleye. Early ice is the better time of the year to try for walleye. Crappie – Good: Crappie have been caught mixed in with some of the yellow bass catches in 8-12 feet of water but the better locations are in the deeper 15-24 feet holes early morning or evening (3-8 p.m.)
Big Spirit Lake
Ice conditions: 6-7 inches of ice covered with snow and slush. Ice conditions varied. Use caution while on the ice. Yellow Perch – Slow: A few perch have been caught in front of the pump house.
East Okoboji Lake
Ice condition: 7 inches of ice covered with snow and slush. Use caution while on the ice. Yellow Perch – Slow: A few perch on the south end of the lake. Yellow Bass – Slow: Some yellows are being caught north of the narrows
Minnewashta Lake
Ice conditions: 6-7 inches of ice covered with snow and slush. Use caution while on the ice.
Silver Lake (Dickinson)
Ice conditions: 4-5 inches of good ice with 2 inches of slush. Ice thickness varied. Use extreme caution during ice activities. The aeration system is in use. Yellow Perch – Slow: Anglers are picking up a few perch on the north end of the lake.
West Okoboji Lake
Ice conditions: The lake is completely ice covered. Reports of 3-5 inches of ice covered with snow and slush in Emerson, Millers, Smiths and the North bays. Use caution while on the ice. Bluegill – Slow: A few bluegills are being caught in the bays.
