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
Less fishing activity this week since the cold weather, but anglers are still picking up perch and crappies. Yellow Perch – Fair: Use crawlers or small minnows on a jig fished under a bobber along the east end of the lake near the outlet Ice House Point and the inlet bridge. Black Crappie – Fair: Use a small piece of crawler or power bait on a small jig fished under a bobber along Ice House Point. Walleye – Slow: Few walleye reports this week.
North Raccoon River (above State Highway 175 bridge near Auburn)
Anglers have had success fishing the rivers this week with the colder temperatures. Target pools and deeper areas below riffles. Walleye – Fair: Use live bait or twisters in deeper areas below riffles. Channel Catfish – Fair: Try cut bait and crawlers fished in pools.
Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
Less fishing activity this week due to cold weather, but fish are still being caught. Look for slightly warmer temperatures over the weekend to get out and go fishing. White Bass – Fair: Use crankbaits, crawlers and twisters fished from shore near the inlet and in the marina. Walleye – Fair: Use crankbaits, live bait and twisters near shore. Black Crappie – Fair: Find crappie near shore, along docks and in the marina; use a small jig tipped with a piece of crawler or power bait fished under a bobber. Yellow Perch – Fair: Catch perch from shore docks and in the marina using crawlers or small minnows.
Slightly less fishing activity this last week due to cold weather, but anglers are still having success. River fishing has been productive. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638.
Clear Lake
The water temperature is in the upper 30’s. The courtesy docks have been removed for the season. Not much fishing activity reported this week with the cold weather. Walleye – Fair: Shore anglers are catching walleyes fishing at night.
Crystal Lake
The boat ramp is open. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Anglers are catching bass from shore.
Rice Lake
Yellow Perch – Fair: Use a jig tipped with a small minnow or piece of crawler along the north shore near the boat ramp; also try the deeper water on the south shore by the homes or by the outlet. Best bite is early morning and late evening.
For information on the lakes and rivers in the north central area, contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517.
