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
The lake and marsh are frozen over, but open water fishing is possible at the inlet bridge and in the fish house shelter at Ice House Point.
North Raccoon River (above State Highway 175 bridge near Auburn)
Anglers have had success fishing the rivers with the colder temperatures. Target pools and deeper areas below riffles – most of these areas in the rivers are still ice free. Walleye – Fair: Use live bait or twisters in deeper areas below riffles. Channel Catfish – Fair: Try cut bait and crawlers fished in pools.
Most lakes in West Central Iowa have frozen over this past week. Ice is not safe for fishing. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638.
Clear Lake
Clear Lake froze over this week. Ice thickness varies from ½ inch to 2.5 inches; unsafe ice conditions for fishing. Walleye – Slow.
Most lakes in north central Iowa froze over this week. The ice is not thick enough for fishing. 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
East Okoboji is iced over. Ice conditions are variable; use caution.
Spirit Lake
Spirit Lake iced over this week and then mostly opened back up. Water temperature is 32 degrees.
West Okoboji Lake
Water is still open. Lake temperature is 36 degrees.
Smaller lakes have an inch or two of ice on them. Some of the larger lakes are still open or are partially frozen. Fishing reports from the district are very limited. Get your ice fishing gear ready and make sure you review your plan for winter conditions and being on the ice. Ice fishing safety equipment should be worn and easily deployed. Early season ice fishing can be some of the best, but can also put anglers in risky situations.For current conditions, call the Spirit Lake District Office at 712-336-1840.
