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
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. 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.
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: Few yellow perch are being caught during the day. The only perch caught are coming from anglers who are staying on the ice past sunset.
Center Lake
Bluegill – Fair: Few anglers have been successful fishing for bluegills on the south end. Reports show few quality fish in the 8 inch range. Much sorting is needed.
Minnewashta Lake
Bluegill – Good: Fishermen are reporting an increase in activity for quality bluegill. Fish size ranges from 6-10 inches. Anglers are using similar presentations everywhere, using small jigs varying in color and size tipped with wax worms. Keep the jig about a foot off the.
Silver Lake (Dickinson)
Yellow Perch – Fair: Anglers are noticing an increase in perch activity around the lake. Fish are said to be schooling in deeper holes and staying for longer periods of time allowing anglers to harvest good numbers. Small spoons and jigging raps are proving to produce the most success.
Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
Most of Storm Lake has around 16 -21 inches of ice; there are reports of several small areas of open water: one near College Island, one just north of the big island, and one just off of the Chautauqua Park jetty. 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 the 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 work best.
