Northwest Iowa — Here is this week’s northwest Iowa Fishing Report from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
East Okoboji LakeIce thickness is around 12+ inches in most areas. Black Crappie – Good: Try small jigs tipped with a minnow or tube jig and bobber. Bluegill – Good: Use tube jigs, plastics, or other small jigs. Northern Pike – Good: Tip-ups are working well. Yellow Perch – Fair: Minnows work well; some sorting may be needed.
Ingham LakeUse caution; there is an open hole in the lake with the aerator in use. Ice thickness is 13+ inches.
Lost Island LakeIce thickness is around 11+ inches in most places. Black Crappie – Good. Walleye – Good.
Minnewashta LakeIce thickness is 14.5+ inches. Black Crappie – Excellent. Bluegill – Good.
Silver Lake (Dickinson)Ice thickness is 12+ inches. Use caution; the lake aerator is in use. This creates an open hole on the east side of the lake. Walleye – Good: Best bite is at dusk.
Spirit LakeThe lake is entirely iced over with 12+ inches in most places. The best ice is on the south end and Anglers Bay. The north end and Buffalo run are heaved up making access dangerous. Marble beach access is heaved up at the boat ramp, but a path is clear just north of it. Walleye – Good: Best bite is around dusk. Yellow Perch – Good: Use small jigs tipped with a minnow. Sorting may be needed.
West Okoboji LakeMost bays have safe ice for small machines. Ice thickness is about 11.5 inches at Emerson Bay and about 15 inches at Haywards Bay. The bluegill bite in Little Emerson Bay has been very good. Black Crappie – Fair: Try small jigs tipped with a minnow. Bluegill – Good: Use tube jigs, plastics, or other small jigs. Yellow Perch – Fair: Try small jigs tipped with a minnow. Sorting may be needed.
Most lakes have 12+ inches of ice. Larger lakes may have areas with thinner ice; use caution when going out, especially if using an ATV or vehicle. The weather forecast calls for continued before freezing temperatures, creating more safe ice. Check ice thickness often and bring a friend. For current conditions, call the Spirit Lake District Office at 712-336-1840.
