(Photo by KIWA Staff)Northwest Iowa — The Iowa Department of Natural Resources released this week’s Northwest Iowa Fishing Report on Thursday, Oct. 8th.
Spirit Lake Management District
Lake temperatures are in the mid-60s. The fishing bite is trending up. Water levels are at crest. Most pleasure boaters are off the lakes for the year. Last updated on 10/01/2026
- Water Temperature (°F): 65.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
The bass and panfish bite has been good.
- Black Crappie – Good: Anglers have been able to target quality size fish.
Silver Lake (Dickinson) (Dickinson)
- Water Temperature (°F): 66.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
- Water Temperature (°F): 65.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
The perch bite has been good as water temperatures continue to fall. Anglers are catching good sized fish.
- Walleye – Good: Trolling and livescope has worked well to target fish.
- Yellow Perch – Good: Anglers are catching perch in 6-12 feet of water. Some chasing may be needed to stay on top of schools. Jigs with minnows or jigs paired with wigglers work well.
- Water Temperature (°F): 65.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Anglers are catching walleye and smallmouth trolling with crank baits off points.
- Bluegill – Good: The bite has been variable, but very good when it’s on.
