Here is the September 21, 2022 northwest Iowa Fishing Report from the Iowa DNR:
East Okoboji LakeLake temperature is in the low 70s. The water level is three inches below crest. There has been a fairly good crappie and bluegill and yellow perch bite recently. Bigger fish are out deeper in 12-17 feet of water; smaller fish are closer to shore. Trolling has been working fairly well. Black Crappie – Good: Best bite is in 10-15 feet of water along weed lines. Bluegill – Good: Try tube jigs, plastics or other small jigs. Live bait such as wax worms, wigglers and red worms work well. Muskellunge – Good: Walleye – Fair: Try spinners, crankbaits and long and shallow shad raps in the main basins. Best bite is an hour before and after sunset. Yellow Bass – Good.
Lost Island LakeFishing/trolling is getting more difficult as aquatic vegetation reaches the surface in many areas, but will begin to subside once water temperatures start to fall. Black Crappie – Fair. Walleye – Slow: Try trolling crankbaits or with lindy rigs off weed lines. Best bite is an hour before and after sunset. Yellow Perch – Fair.
Minnewashta LakeBluegill and crappie fishing has been good; some sorting may be needed. Black Crappie – Good. Bluegill – Good.
Silver Lake (Dickinson)The late afternoon bite has been fair. Many anglers are targeting fish schools during the day. Many large schools of young of the year bullhead are swimming around the lake. Walleye – Fair: Try spinners, crankbaits and long and shallow shad raps.
Spirit LakeThe lake is currently three inches below crest. The walleye season is currently open. The current water temperature is in the low 70s. The yellow perch and walleye bite has been fair to good lately. Most species are out in 15+ feet of water, but some yellow perch are being caught in shallower water. Black Bullhead – Fair: Try fishing the northern grade of Spirit Lake. Black Crappie – Fair: Use a tube jig and bobber. Bluegill – Fair: Try tube jigs, plastics or other small jigs. Live bait such as wax worms, wigglers and red worms work well. Muskellunge – Good: Walleye – Fair: Use spinners, crankbaits and long and shallow shad raps; try to find weed lines to troll or jig off of. Yellow Perch – Good: Many perch can be caught, you may need to sort for size.
West Okoboji LakeWater temperature is in the upper 60s. The water level is currently three inches below crest. Most fish are now out in 15+ feet of water, but have slowly been making their way shallower. Rocky points and areas with vegetation lines have seen the most success. Some panfish have been moving more shallow especially in the evening. Black Crappie – Good: Use crankbaits or shad raps. Bluegill – Good: Try tube jigs, plastics or other small jigs. Live bait such as wax worms, wigglers and red worms work well. Largemouth Bass – Good: Try weed lines and docks. Muskellunge – Good: Smallmouth Bass – Good: Try fishing off points with surface baits or jerk baits. Walleye – Fair: Try fishing off points by trolling crankbaits or with lindy rigs. Best bite is an hour before and after sunset. Some fish have been caught while trolling for crappie.
Most area lake temps are in the low 70s to upper 60s. The forecast is for cooler conditions. This should allow the bite to start picking up. Fishing from and around docks has been getting better. Start looking for bigger fish to get more active in shallower water. For current conditions, call the Spirit Lake District Office at 712-336-1840.
