Regional – Here is this week’s weekly Iowa Department of Natural Rescources (DNR) fishing report as released by the Iowa DNR Thursday, February 1.
East Okoboji Lake
The lake is fully ice covered. Ice thickness is 7 to 1s inches in most areas. Black Crappie – Fair: Use minnows and plastics. Bluegill – Fair. Walleye – Fair. Yellow Perch – Fair: Sorting will most likely be needed.
Ingham Lake
The lake is completely ice covered. Ice thickness is 9 to 11 inches. Walleye – Fair: Anglers have been successful morning and evening.
Lost Island Lake
Ice thickness is around 10 inches. Black Crappie – Fair. Walleye – Fair.
Minnewashta Lake
Ice thickness is 9 to 11 inches. Black Crappie – Fair. Bluegill – Fair. Pumpkinseed – Good.
Scharnberg Pond
You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.
Silver Lake (Dickinson)
The lake is fully ice covered. Ice thickness averages 11 inches. Walleye – Fair.
Spirit Lake
The lake is fully ice covered. Ice thickness is 9 to 12 inches in most areas. Ice can be highly variable. Be aware of large heaves. Black Crappie – Good: Minnows and plastics work well. Many nice-sized fish have been seen lately. Bluegill – Fair. Walleye – Good: Minnows work well. Yellow Perch – Good: Find good numbers; may need to sort for size.
West Okoboji Lake
The lake is fully iced up. Ice conditions are highly variable with 5 to 11 inches. Foot traffic and small ATV use should be possible in most areas. Use caution. Black Crappie – Fair: Try small jigs tipped with a minnow. Bluegill – Good. Pumpkinseed – Good. Walleye – Good: Minnows and plastics work well. Yellow Perch – Fair: Sorting may be needed.
Area ice conditions are highly variable. All areas are completely ice covered. Ice thickness is 7 to 11 inches in most areas. Ice conditions will start to deteriorate as consistent above freezing temperatures are expected to continue for at least a week. Use extra caution along shorelines and accesses that will deteriorate fastest. For current conditions, call the Spirit Lake District Office at 712-336-1840.
