(Photo by KIWA Staff)Northwest Iowa — Here is this week’s Northwest Iowa Fishing Report from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, as released Thursday, September 17th.
Spirit Lake Management District
- Contact Person: Jed Siegwarth – 712-330-2542
Lake temperatures have cooled to the upper 60s and low 70s with recent rains. The fishing bite has been trending up. Water levels are right at crest. Last updated on 09/17/2026
- Water Temperature (°F): 69.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
The bass and panfish bite is good.
- Black Crappie – Fair
- Yellow Bass – Fair
- Water Temperature (°F): 773.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Silver Lake (Dickinson) (Dickinson)
- Water Temperature (°F): 70.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
- Water Temperature (°F): 69.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
The perch bite has remained good as water temperatures continue to fall.
- Walleye – Good: Anglers are targeting fish effectively using livescope, as well as trolling.
- Yellow Perch – Good: Many anglers are catching perch in 6-12 feet of water. Jigs paired with wigglers work well.
- Water Temperature (°F): 71.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Anglers have reported catching walleye and smallmouth trolling with crank baits off points.
- Bluegill – Good: The bluegill bite has been steady, with many fish being upwards of 9 inches.
- Smallmouth Bass – Fair
