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 have opened back up. Yellow perch – fair. Anglers are having luck fishing near the inlet bridge and along Ice House Point.
North Raccoon River (above State Highway 175 bridge near Auburn)
Anglers continue to have success fishing the rivers. 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 are ice free again. Fishing reports for the district are limited. Any remaining ice is unsafe for fishing. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638.
Blue Pit
1,500 Rainbow trout will be stocked at Blue Pit on Wednesday, Nov. 27th at about 11:00 a.m. You need a valid fishing license (age 16 and older) and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.
Clear Lake
The warm weather, wind and rain has opened up most of the lake. Anglers looking for a few more open water trips should take advantage. Walleye – Slow: Try fishing off the jetties after sunset .
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 in places, but has partially opened back up. Ice conditions are dangerous.
Spirit Lake
Spirit Lake is mostly ice free, but water temperature remains at 32 degrees.
West Okoboji Lake
Water is still open. Lake temperature has risen to 40 degrees. Walleye – No Report: Take advantage of late season open water and fish from shore or waders in the evening.
Fishing reports from the district are very limited. Smaller lakes had an inch or two of ice on them last week, but that ice has deteriorated with some lakes opening back up. Get your ice fishing gear ready; review your plan for winter conditions and being on the ice. Ice fishing safety equipment should be worn and easily deployed. For current conditions, call the Spirit Lake District Office at 712-336-1840.
