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
Big Spirit Lake
Northern Pike – Good: Anglers fishing at buffalo run, Hales slough, and at the north grade have reported quality catch rates for northern pike. Use hollow body 4-8 inch swimbaits. Drag and lift them along the bottom slowly. Anglers are also using black spinnerbaits with varied success. Black Crappie – Fair: Buffalo run is holding small crappie 30 feet straight out from the mouth of buffalo run. Slip bobbers tipped with crappie bites. Allow the rig to drift along the rocks.
West Okoboji Lake
We received no information regarding fishing on this water body. Channel Catfish – Fair: Large channel catfish are being caught in gill nets at night. Three were caught Monday night that were 10lbs. Northern Pike – Fair: Northern pike are becoming more abundant in the shallows. Few large females were caught in gill nets Monday night.
East Okoboji Lake
Channel Catfish – Good: Fishing channel catfish after dark will produce excellent opportunities for pole bending activity.
Silver Lake (Dickinson)
Walleye – Good: Wader anglers fishing after dark have excellent opportunities for nice fish. Fish slow for these pre-spawn fish.
Very little fishing activity reported in the Spirit Lake District. Water temperatures are 40 degrees.
