(KIWA Staff Photo)
Regional, Iowa – Here is this week’s Northwest Iowa Fishing Report as released by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Thursday, July 16th.
Spirit Lake Management District
- Contact Person: Jed Siegwarth – 712-330-2542
Lake temperatures are in the upper 70s to mid-80s. Water levels are a couple inches above crest. The bite is fairly good for most species. Expect more fish mortality with higher water temperatures. Last updated on 07/16/2026
- Water Temperature (°F): 80.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
The bass and panfish bite has been good. The curly-leaf pondweed is gone for the summer.
- Black Crappie – Good: Crappie are hanging out in 12-15 feet of water. Anglers are using electronics to stay on top of fish. Try 1/16th and 1/32nd ounce jigs with a minnow or plastic. Fishing from docks in deeper water has also been good.
- Bluegill – Good: A simple hook, worm and bobber setup is working for many. An ultralight rod with light monofilament line works best for finicky fish.
- Pumpkinseed – Good: Fish are biting in and around the docks.
- Water Temperature (°F): 82.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
- Water Temperature (°F): 83.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
A lot of vegetation is reaching the surface, making navigation by boat more difficult.
- Black Bullhead – Good
- Yellow Perch – Good
- Water Temperature (°F): 80.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
The lake currently has a slight algae bloom.
- Yellow Bass – Fair: Anglers are catching many fish around 7-8 inches.
Silver Lake (Dickinson) (Dickinson)
- Water Temperature (°F): 82.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
The lake has been experiencing an algae bloom most of the summer.
- Black Bullhead – Excellent: Anglers are catching larger bullhead.
- Walleye – Fair: Nightcrawlers are working for some anglers.
- Water Temperature (°F): 80.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
The lake has a very slight algae bloom.
- Largemouth Bass – Good: Anglers have been catching quality-sized bass all summer.
- Water Temperature (°F): 78.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
- Black Crappie – Fair: Crappie are hanging out in 12-15 feet of water.
- Bluegill – Good: Bluegill have started to move off beds.
- Largemouth Bass – Good: Fishing has been consistently good, with anglers finding fish of good size.
