Regional, Iowa – Here is this week’s Northwest Iowa Fishing Report as released by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Thursday, May 21st.
Spirit Lake Management District
- Contact Person: Jed Siegwarth – 712-330-2542
Lake temperatures are in the low 60s. Water levels are a couple inches above crest. Many fish species have started to move into shallower water; bites have been fairly good for most species. Expect many boats out on the lake for Memorial Weekend and good weather combination. The walleye season is open on the Iowa Great Lakes. Last updated on 05/21/2026
- Water Temperature (°F): 60.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
All ramps are open. 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 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): 61.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
- Yellow Bass – Fair
Silver Lake (Dickinson) (Dickinson)
- Water Temperature (°F): 60.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
- Walleye – Fair
- Water Temperature (°F): 55.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Boat ramp docks are in. The channel at Templar Park boat ramp was cleared, allowing easier travel to and from the lake.
- 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): 58.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
All boat ramp docks are in and available to use. Water clarity has been down slightly this spring.
- 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.
