Regional, Iowa – Here is this week’s Northwest Iowa Fishing Report as released by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Thursday, June 4th.
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): 78.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
The bass and panfish bite has been good. The northern most basin has a large stand of curly-leaf pondweed, making navigation difficult.
- 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 – Fair: 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): 78.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
The lake has been very clear this spring with a good amount of plant structure to fish around.
- Water Temperature (°F): 78.0
- 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): 75.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Water clarity is currently at a couple feet. Anglers are catching quality-size bullhead.
- Black Bullhead – Excellent: Anglers are catching large bullhead.
- Walleye – Fair: The bite is slow.
- Water Temperature (°F): 76.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
The lake was very clear this spring, but has started to algae up considerably.
- 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.
- Largemouth Bass – Good: Anglers are catching 20-inch bass.
- 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): 72.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Water clarity has been down slightly this summer.
- Bluegill – Good: Large bluegill have been seen on beds.
- Largemouth Bass – Fair: Anglers are fishing just off the end of docks. Most are using crank or chatter baits.
