Regional, Iowa – Here is this week’s Northwest Iowa Fishing Report as released by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Thursday, January 9th.
East Okoboji Lake
The lake still has a handful of areas that have just frozen over recently, mainly on the northern most basin. Ice thickness is around 11 inches in most areas. Black Crappie – Good: Bluegill – Good: Largemouth Bass – Fair: Yellow Perch – Good: Many perch seen; sorting most likely needed.
Ingham Lake
Water is fully covered with around 9.5 inches of ice. Walleye – Fair: Morning and afternoon bite is best.
Silver Lake (Dickinson)
Ice thickness is around 11.5 inches. Walleye – Good: Bite hit-or-miss, but very good when bite is on.
Spirit Lake
The lake has safe ice for ice fishing, but also has a large open water section off Big Stoney Point. Some locations have up to11 inches of ice, but there are areas that are thinner on the main basin that froze more recently. Black Crappie – Good: Anglers are finding quality-size crappie up to 14-inches. Bluegill – Good. Walleye – Good: Yellow Perch – Good: Sorting is needed; anglers are finding many of acceptable size.
West Okoboji Lake
Most areas are now fishable, but there are still many unsafe areas or areas of open water on the main lake. Black Crappie – Fair: Bluegill – Good.
Warning: Many larger lakes still have areas of open water or areas that have iced over very recently. Most area lakes have 10 or more inches of ice. The extended forecast calls for continued below freezing temperatures. Check ice often when going out. For current conditions, call the Spirit Lake District Office at 712-336-1840.
