Here is this week’s Northwest Iowa fishing report as released by the Department of Natural Resources Wednesday, July 3rd.
East Okoboji Lake
Lake level is 3.6 feet above crest. The lake is under a 5 mph no wake ordinance until further notice. The Highway 9 and Hattie Elston boat ramps are the only functional boat ramps. The walleye season is open. Black Crappie – Good: Bluegill – Good: Lots of bluegill have been seen in shallower waters; many fish are on beds. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Bass are a little ways off shore; you can still find some around docks and other structure. Yellow Perch – Good: Many perch have been seen; sorting will most likely be needed.
Ingham Lake
Walleye – Fair: Anglers have been successful morning and afternoon.
Silver Lake (Dickinson)
Lake level is 1.5 feet over crest. The lake is under a 5 mph no wake ordinance until further notice. Walleye – Good: Bite has been hit-or-miss, but has been very good when the bite is on.
Spirit Lake
Lake level is 1.9 feet over crest. The lake is under a 5 mph no wake ordinance until further notice. All major boat ramps are available; most courtesy are out of the water. The walleye season is open. Black Crappie – Good: Anglers are finding quality-size crappie; they are biting on almost anything. Bluegill – Fair. Walleye – Good: Anglers are catching quality-sized walleye. Evening bite is best with leech and bobber from shore or crankbaits and slip bobbers by boat. Yellow Perch – Good: Sorting may be needed.
West Okoboji Lake
Lake level is 3.6 feet above crest. The lake is under a 5 mph no wake ordinance until further notice. The Emerson Bay boat ramp is the only functional access. The walleye season is open. Black Crappie – Fair: Bluegill – Good. Pumpkinseed – Good. Walleye – Fair. Yellow Perch – Fair: Sorting may be needed.
Due to flooding, all lakes in Dickinson County are under a 5 mph no wake ordinance until further notice. Many ramps and access docks are still under water. Use caution; many lakes have floating debris. Area water temperatures are in the mid-70s. Water levels are well above crest and have flooded some lower level areas. For current conditions, call the Spirit Lake District Office at 712-336-1840.
