Northwest Iowa — Here is this week’s Northwest Iowa Fishing Report from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, as released Thursday, September 28th.
East Okoboji LakeWater temperature is in the mid-60s. Black Crappie – Fair: Use minnows and plastics. Bluegill – Fair: Most fish have moved deeper; anglers can find success fishing from docks or shore. Use a small hook and piece of worm. In deeper water, use pilkies with wigglers or a slip bobber setup. Walleye – Fair. Yellow Perch – Fair: Sorting will likely be needed.
Ingham LakeWalleye – Fair: Anglers have been successful morning and evening.
Lost Island LakeWater temperatures are in the mid-60s. Black Crappie – Fair. Walleye – Fair: Try trolling with spinners over weeds.
Minnewashta LakeBlack Crappie – Fair: Slowly troll over vegetation with minnows and plastics. Bluegill – Fair. Pumpkinseed – Good.
Silver Lake (Dickinson)Black Bullhead – Good. Walleye – Fair: Try trolling with spinners over or off weed lines.
Spirit LakeWater temperatures are in the mid-60s. You may have to move out deeper to find edges of weed lines. Water levels are 6 inches below crest. Black Bullhead – Good: Anglers have been successful when fishing the north grade. Black Crappie – Fair: Many nice-sized fish have been seen lately. Use minnows and plastics. Bluegill – Good: Try a small hook and a small piece of worm from the docks. In deeper water, use pilkies with wigglers or a slip bobber setup. Walleye – Fair: Leeches and minnows work well. Angler have been successful with slip bobbers off points and pulling spinners over vegetation. Yellow Perch – Fair: Larger fish have been more difficult to find.
West Okoboji LakeWater temperatures are in the mid-60s. Bass topwater bite has been good. Water levels are 2 inches below crest. Black Crappie – Fair: Try small jigs tipped with a minnow. Bluegill – Good: Use pilkies with wigglers or a slip bobber setup. Pumpkinseed – Good. Walleye – Fair: Leeches and minnows work well. Yellow Perch – Fair: Sorting may be needed.
Water temperatures are dropping fast with the colder nights. Area water temperatures are in the upper to mid-60s. Most area water levels are a couple inches below crest. Anglers have found the most success fishing off rock points and the edges of weed lines. Slowly trolling over weed beds in around 15 feet of water has been working for a handful of species. Many weed beds are starting to die back as water temperatures decrease. For current conditions, call the Spirit Lake District Office at 712-336-1840.
