(KIWA Staff Photo)
Regional, Iowa – Here is this week’s Northwest Iowa Fishing Report as released by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources on Thursday, July 23rd.
Spirit Lake Management District
- Contact Person: Jed Siegwarth – 712-330-2542
Lake temperatures are in the low to mid-80s. Water levels are about an inch above crest. The bite is fairly good for most species. Expect more fish mortality with higher water temperatures. If releasing fish, attempt to do so quickly. Last updated on 07/23/2026
- Water Temperature (°F): 82.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
The bass and panfish bite is 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.
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
Water clarity is very good.
- 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.
