Northwest Iowa — Here is the weekly northwest Iowa Fishing Report from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources……………
East Okoboji LakeLake temperature is in the low 30s. Many areas are thinly iced over. The water level is 10 inches below crest. Walleye fishing is picking up from shore early morning and later at night using live bait, jigs with live bait, or crankbaits. Try fishing under structure or over the top of vegetation. Black Crappie – Good: Try small jigs tipped with a minnow or tube jig and bobber. Bluegill – Fair: Use tube jigs, plastics, or other small jigs. Walleye – Fair: Try crawler harnesses, crankbaits, and minnows. Yellow Perch – Fair: Minnows work well; some sorting may be needed.
Lost Island LakeWalleye – Good: Try spinners, crankbaits, and shallow shad raps. Evening bite is improving as the water cools.
Minnewashta LakeBluegill and crappie fishing has been good; some sorting may be needed.
Silver Lake (Dickinson)The walleye bite has picked up as water temperatures cool. Walleye – Good: Use spinners, crankbaits, and long and shallow shad raps.
Spirit LakeThe lake is 14 inches below crest. Much of the shoreline has a thin layer of ice. The walleye season is open. The water temperature is in the upper 40s. Try walleye fishing from shore early morning and later at night using live bait, jigs with live bait, or crankbaits. Muskellunge – Good: Try crankbaits, buck tails, and rubber baits. Walleye – Good: The bite is hit-or-miss at dusk, but the day bite is improving. Many anglers have started to fish in shallower with slip bobbers along weed edges. Try spinners, crankbaits, and long and shallow shad raps; look for weed lines to troll or jig off of. Yellow Perch – Good: Use small jigs tipped with a minnow. Sorting may be needed.
West Okoboji LakeWater temperature is in the upper 30s and a ways away from forming ice. The water level is 10 inches below crest. Black Crappie – Fair: Try small jigs tipped with a minnow. Bluegill – Good: Use tube jigs, plastics, or other small jigs. Walleye – Fair: Crawler harnesses, crankbaits, and minnows work well. Yellow Perch – Fair: Use small jigs tipped with a minnow. Sorting may be needed.
Most small to medium area lakes are completely frozen over. Most large lakes are still relatively ice-free. No lakes currently offer safe ice for ice fishing. All docks and hoists are out for the season. Area lake levels are currently low. The extended forecast calls for somewhat warmer temperatures, which should slow ice formation. For current conditions, call the Spirit Lake District Office at 712-336-1840.
