Weekly Iowa DNR Fishing Report

Regional, Iowa – Here is this week’s Northwest Iowa Fishing Report as released by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Thursday, February 12th.

Spirit Lake Management District

Contact Person: Jed Siegwarth – 712-330-2542

Most lakes have 14+ inches of fishable ice. Ice quality has been holding out even with the warmer weather; be aware of changing ice conditions as you travel across the lake. Most bays still have plenty of fishable ice that allow for atv travel. This coming week’s forecast will be very warm; expect changes to ice conditions. Last updated on 02/12/2026

East Okoboji Lake (Dickinson)

Ice Condition: Fishable
Water Temperature (°F): 32.0
Ramp Condition: Useable

Ice thickness is around 13+ 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.

Ingham Lake (Emmet)

Ice Condition: Fishable
Water Temperature (°F): 32.0
Ramp Condition: Useable

Ice thickness is around 15 inches.

Walleye – Fair

Lost Island Lake (Palo Alto)

Ice Condition: Fishable
Water Temperature (°F): 32.0
Ramp Condition: Useable

Ice thickness is around 15 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 16 inches.

Walleye – Fair

Spirit Lake (Dickinson)

Ice Condition: None
Water Temperature (°F): 32.0
Ramp Condition: Useable

Conditions are variable. Anglers have been launching boats from the north ramp at Minne-Wakon and driving SXS and ATVs onto the ice from other ramps. Ice thickness is 12+ inches in most areas. 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.

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, 9-13 inch fish.

West Okoboji Lake (Dickinson)