Regional – Here is this week’s Northwest Iowa Fishing Report as released by the Department of Natural Resources Monday, December 23rd.
East Okoboji Lake
The lake is fully covered with around 9 inches of ice in most areas. Black Crappie – Good: Bluegill – Good: Many bluegill seen; easily catchable around functional docks. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Bass are a ways off shore; you can find some around docks and structure. 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)
Lake is fully covered with around 8.5 inches of ice. Walleye – Good: Bite hit-or-miss, but very good when bite is on.
Spirit Lake
The lake is fully iced over. Some locations have up to 9 inches of ice; there are thinner areas on the main basin that froze more recently. Templar lagoon and out from Hales Slough boat ramp have the best ice. Black Crappie – Good: Anglers are finding quality-size crappie up to 14-inches. Bluegill – Good. Walleye – Good: The night shore bite has been good. Evening is best with leech and bobber from shore or crankbaits and slip bobbers by boat. Yellow Perch – Good: Sorting is needed; anglers are finding many of acceptable size.
West Okoboji Lake
Most areas are now fishable by foot; there are still many unsafe areas out on the main lake. Black Crappie – Fair: Bluegill – Good.
Most area lakes have 8.5 or more inches of ice; many larger lakes have thinner areas that have frozen over more recently. Recent snows have covered some of these recently frozen areas, making it difficult to differentiate. Check ice thickness often when going out. For current conditions, call the Spirit Lake District Office at 712-336-1840.
