Regional, Iowa – Here is this week’s Northwest Iowa Fishing Report as released by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Thursday, April 16th.
Spirit Lake Management District
- Contact Person: Jed Siegwarth – 712-330-2542
Boat ramp courtesy docks are in place. Water temperatures have started to come up and should continue to climb with warm weather in the forecast. Most lakes are in the mid-50s. Most fish are still out in deeper water while water temperatures are low. The walleye season is closed on the Iowa Great Lakes until May 2nd. Last updated on 04/16/2026
- Water Temperature (°F): 55.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
All ramps are open. The walleye season is closed until May 2nd.
- Black Crappie – Fair
- Bluegill – Slow
- Pumpkinseed – Slow
- Water Temperature (°F): 55.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
- Water Temperature (°F): 55.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Some anglers have been catching fish from shore.
- Yellow Bass – Fair: Anglers had been reporting lots of smaller yellow bass during the ice season.
Silver Lake (Dickinson) (Dickinson)
- Water Temperature (°F): 55.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
- Water Temperature (°F): 52.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Boat ramp docks are in. The channel at Templar Park boat ramp is open, allowing easier travel to and from the lake. The walleye season is closed until May 2nd.
- Black Crappie – Good: Anglers are catching fish in 16 feet of water. Using electronics makes it easy to get on top of fish. Try 1/16th and 1/32nd ounce jigs with a minnow or plastic.
- Bluegill – Good: Some anglers have been successful with hook, worm and bobber from shore.
- Yellow Perch – Fair: Anglers were catching good amounts of quality-size, 9- to 13-inch fish during the ice season.
- Water Temperature (°F): 50.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
All ramps should be available for use. The walleye season is closed until May 2nd.
Bluegill – Slow: Anglers had been successful on the major bays during the ice season.
KIWA Staff Photo
