Regional – Here is this week’s Northwest Iowa Fishing Report as provided by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Thursday, December 19th.
East Okoboji Lake
The lake is fully ice covered with around 8 inches of ice in most areas. There is still a large open hole on the lower basin straight out from Bridges Bay as well as an open area on the northern most basin that have frozen over only more recently. 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 with around 8 inches of ice. Walleye – Fair: Morning and afternoon bite is best.
Silver Lake (Dickinson)
Lake is fully ice covered with around 8.5 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 night 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
A few of the bays now have fishable ice, but the main basin has only frozen over more recently. Black Crappie – Fair: Bluegill – Good.
Most lakes are completely frozen over and have good access at ramp location. Most areas have 7 or more inches of ice; many larger lakes have holes that have just frozen over recently. Recent snows have covered some of these recently frozen areas making it difficult to differentiate. Check ice often when going out. For current conditions, call the Spirit Lake District Office at 712-336-1840.
