Regional, Iowa – Here is this week’s Northwest Iowa Fishing Report as released by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Thursday, May 28th.
Spirit Lake Management District
- Contact Person: Jed Siegwarth – 712-330-2542
Lake temperatures have increased significantly over the last week; most lakes are in the mid-70s. Water levels are a couple inches above crest. The bite is fairly good for most species. Fish morality for various fish species has been observed on many lakes due to spawning stress and rapidly rising water temperatures. Last updated on 05/28/2026
- Water Temperature (°F): 72.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
The bass and panfish bite has been good.
- Black Crappie – Fair: Anglers are using electronics to stay on top of fish. Try 1/16th and 1/32nd ounce jigs with a minnow or plastic.
- Bluegill – Good: Many anglers have been successfully fishing from shore or from docks. A simple hook, worm and bobber setup is working for many. An ultralight rod with a light monofilament line works best for finicky fish.
- Pumpkinseed – Good: Anglers are catching pumpkinseed while pursuing bluegill.
- Water Temperature (°F): 62.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
The lake has been very clear this spring with a good amount of plant structure to fish around.
- Water Temperature (°F): 74.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
The lake is currently experiencing an algae bloom.
- Yellow Bass – Fair: Catch lots of 7- to 8-inch bass.
Silver Lake (Dickinson) (Dickinson)
- Water Temperature (°F): 72.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
- Walleye – Fair
- Water Temperature (°F): 70.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
All ramps are open.
- Black Crappie – Good: Anglers are using electronics to stay on top of fish. Try 1/16th and 1/32nd ounce jigs with a minnow or plastic.
- Bluegill – Good: Many anglers have been successfully fishing from shore or from docks. A simple hook, worm and bobber setup is working for many. An ultralight rod with light monofilament line works best for finicky fish.
- Walleye – Good: Walleye can be finicky. Try fishing out deeper along weed lines with jig and crawler or twister tail; 1/8 to 1/4 oz jig head have worked well, but drop down to 1/16 oz if fishing shallow.
- Yellow Perch – Good: Anglers are catching 9- to 13-inch fish. Small jigging spoons or Shucks Pilkies/Jigger Minnows tipped with a minnow head or wax worms work well.
- Water Temperature (°F): 67.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Water clarity has been down slightly this summer.
- Bluegill – Good: Anglers are successfully catching fish off docks and in the canals.
- Largemouth Bass – Good: Anglers are fishing just off the end of docks. Most are using crank or chatter baits.
KIWA Staff Photo
