Here is this week’s Northwest Iowa Fishing Report from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources:
East Okoboji LakeLake temperature is in the mid-70s. The water level is 3 inches below crest. Bigger fish are out deeper in 12-17 feet of water; smaller fish are closer to shore. Trolling has been working fairly well. Black Crappie – Good: Best bite is in 10-15 feet of water along weed lines. Bluegill – Good: Try tube jigs, plastics or other small jigs. Live bait such as wax worms, wigglers and red worms work well. Walleye – Fair: Try spinners, crankbaits and long and shallow shad raps in the main basins. Best bite is an hour before and after sunset. Yellow Bass – Good.
Lost Island LakeFishing/trolling is getting more difficult as aquatic vegetation reaches the surface in many areas, but will begin to subside once water temperatures start to fall. Black Crappie – Fair. Walleye – Slow: Try trolling crankbaits or with lindy rigs off weed lines. Best bite is an hour before and after sunset. Yellow Perch – Fair.
Minnewashta LakeBluegill and crappie fishing has been good; some sorting may be needed. Black Crappie – Good. Bluegill – Good.
Silver Lake (Dickinson)The late afternoon bite has been fair. Many anglers are targeting fish schools during the day. Many large schools of young of the year bullhead are swimming around the lake. Walleye – Fair: Try spinners, crankbaits and long and shallow shad raps.
Spirit LakeWater temperature is in the low 70s. The lake level is 3 inches below crest. The walleye season is open. Most species are out deeper in 15+ feet of water. Black Bullhead – Fair: Try fishing the northern grade of Spirit Lake. Black Crappie – Fair: Use a tube jig and bobber. Bluegill – Fair: Try tube jigs, plastics or other small jigs. Live bait such as wax worms, wigglers and red worms work well.. Walleye – Fair: Use spinners, crankbaits and long and shallow shad raps; try to find weed lines to troll or jig off of. Yellow Perch – Good: Many perch can be caught, you may need to sort for size.
West Okoboji LakeWater temperature is in the lower 70s. The water level is 3 inches below crest. Most fish are out deeper in 15+ feet of water, but are slowly been making their way shallower. Rocky points and areas with new vegetation growth have seen the most success. Black Crappie – Good: Use crankbaits or shad raps. Bluegill – Good: Try tube jigs, plastics or other small jigs. Live bait such as wax worms, wigglers and red worms work well. Largemouth Bass – Fair. Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Try fishing off points with surface baits or jerk baits. Walleye – Fair: Try fishing off points by trolling crankbaits or with lindy rigs. Best bite is an hour before and after sunset. Some fish have been caught while trolling for crappie.
Most area lake temperatures are in the low 70s to upper 60s. This week’s forecast calls for continued temperatures in the 70s-80s. The bite has started to pick up as lakes continue to slowly cool. Fishing from docks is improving. Most bigger fish are out deeper, while smaller fish are closer to shore. For current conditions, call the Spirit Lake District Office at 712-336-1840.
