Northwest Iowa – Here is this week’s Northwest Iowa Fishing Report from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, as released Thursday, December 12th.
East Okoboji Lake
Lake level is just below crest. The lake is almost fully ice covered with around 7 inches of ice. There is still a large open hole on the lower basin straight out from Bridges Bay. Black Crappie – Good: Bluegill – Good: Many bluegill seen; easily catchable around functional docks. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Bass are a ways off shore; you can find some around docks and structure. Yellow Perch – Good: Many perch seen; sorting most likely needed.
Ingham Lake
Water is fully ice covered. Walleye – Fair: Morning and afternoon bite is best.
Silver Lake (Dickinson)
Lake is fully ice covered with around 7.5 inches of ice. Walleye – Good: Bite hit-or-miss, but very good when bite is on.
Spirit Lake
The lake is fully iced over. Some locations have up to 8 inches of ice; there are areas that are thinner on the main basin that froze more recently. Templar lagoon and out from Hales Slough boat ramp have the best ice. Black Crappie – Good: Anglers are finding quality-size crappie up to 14-inches. Bluegill – Good. Walleye – Good: The nght shore bite has been good. Evening is best with leech and bobber from shore or crankbaits and slip bobbers by boat. Yellow Perch – Good: Sorting is needed; anglers are finding many of acceptable size.
West Okoboji Lake
Lake level is a few inches below crest. Unsafe ice conditions; the lake is still mostly open. Black Crappie – Fair: Bluegill – Good.
Most lakes are completely frozen over. Most areas have 7 or less inches of ice; many larger lakes have holes that have just frozen over recently. For current conditions, call the Spirit Lake District Office at 712-336-1840.
