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
Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
Most of Storm Lake has around 15 -20 inches of ice; there are reports of a small area of open water near College Island and another just north of the big island. Yellow Perch – Fair: Yellow perch 6-7 inches are being picked up near Kings Point using a small spoon and wax worm. White Bass – Fair: Anglers are picking up some white bass 8-9 inches near Kings Point area and in the deeper dredged areas while fishing for walleye. Walleye – Slow: Anglers have had the most luck fishing near Stony Point. A few are also being picked up in the dredge cuts on the east side in about 13-14 feet of water. Spoons and minnows are working the best.
Big Spirit Lake
Northern Pike – Fair: Anglers are beginning to have success using tip ups on the north end of Spirit, Anglers bay, Hales Slough, and along the grade. Yellow Perch – Slow: Very few yellow perch are being caught during the day. The only perch being caught are from anglers staying on the ice past sunset.
West Okoboji Lake
Bluegill – Fair: Bluegill are still being caught in the 10-12 feet range in bays with distinct weed lines. These fish are reported to be biting on small gold and yellow jigs. Bays with these weed lines include: Emerson, Miller, Triboji, Echo, and Browns. Yellow Perch – Fair: The perch bite has consolidated into a select few bays including Emerson and Haywards bay. These bays have been reporting consistent perch in the 9 inch range. Fishermen are moving around following these schools rather than holding in one place. Fish are being caught on jigging rapalas, Acme sidewinder, Lindy little joes, and kastmasters.
Clear Lake
The bite has been a bit slower in this cold weather. Reminder – Permeant ice shacks must be removed by February 20th. Yellow Bass – Fair: Yellow bass have been caught in 8-10 feet of water on the little lake and in the Baptist Camp area. Anglers have reported bigger yellows and less sorting on the main lake around the island in about 12 feet of water. Crappie – Fair: Action for crappies has slowed but they can still be caught in the deeper water (18-24 feet) on the little lake. Most of the crappies being kept are 10-12 inches. Morning bite is good until about 10am then slower action in midday and picking up around 4pm. Walleye – Fair: Some walleyes have been caught near the west aerator this week. Channel Catfish – Slow: An occasional catfish has been caught. Try Farmers Beach to Baptist camp area.
