Regional, Iowa – Here is this week’s Northwest Iowa Fishing Report as released by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Thursday, February 5th.
Spirit Lake Management District
- Contact Person: Jed Siegwarth – 712-330-2542
Most lakes have 15+ inches of fishable ice. Ice quality and thickness has been very good, but be aware of changing ice conditions as you travel across the lake. Although this coming weeks forecast will be warm, ice should hold up well. The lakes are essentially free of snow. Last updated on 02/05/2026
- Ice Condition: Fishable
- Water Temperature (°F): 32.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Ice thickness is around 14+ inches in most areas. Anglers are catching a variety of quality-sized panfish species. Fishing has slowed in the recent week. Hole hopping may be needed.
Black Crappie – Fair: Anglers have been successful hole hopping to catch quality-size fish.
Bluegill – Fair: Anglers have been successful hole hopping to catch quality-size fish.
Pumpkinseed – Fair: Anglers have been successful hole hopping to catch quality-size fish.
- Ice Condition: Fishable
- Water Temperature (°F): 32.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Ice thickness is around 18 inches.
Walleye – Fair
- Ice Condition: Fishable
- Water Temperature (°F): 32.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Ice thickness is around 16 inches.
Yellow Bass – Good: Anglers are reporting lots of smaller yellow bass.
Silver Lake (Dickinson) (Dickinson)
- Ice Condition: Fishable
- Water Temperature (°F): 32.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Ice thickness is around 18 inches.
Walleye – Fair
- Ice Condition: None
- Water Temperature (°F): 32.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Ice thickness is 13+ inches in most areas. Fishing and travel is not advised on the north end near Minne-Wakon as a large hole has been open and slowly freezing over. Porta-potty units are available at Marble Beach and Mini-Wakan boat ramps. Ramps at Hales Slough, Marble Beach and the spillway have been good for accessing the lake. Be wary of smaller holes that opened up during recent warm weather and have since capped over.
Black Crappie – Fair: With a little movement, anglers are catching crappie on jigs with minnows or plastics.
Yellow Perch – Good: With a little movement, anglers are catching good amounts of quality-size fish many in the 9-13in range.
- Ice Condition: Fishable
- Water Temperature (°F): 34.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Most bays have over 14 inches of ice, but the main basin still is not recommended for vehicle traffic.
Black Crappie – Fair
Bluegill – Fair
KIWA Staff Photo
