Northwest Iowa — The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has released their weekly fishing report for northwest Iowa. This weekly fishing report is compiled from information gathered from local bait shops, angler creel surveys and county and state parks staff. You can check the activity of your favorite lake or stretch of river, including which species are being caught, a rating of the bite (slow, fair, good or excellent), as well as a hot bait or lure pattern.
NORTHWEST
Black Hawk Lake
Water levels are about 15 inches below the crest of the spillway. Water temperatures are in the low 40s. Black Crappie – Good: Crappie fishing has been productive recently; most fish are 8- to 12-inches. Use small live minnows and marabou jigs fished from shore in Town Bay. Areas along the stone Pier floating T dock, the fish house and along Ice House Point have been are the most popular spots. Expect fishing to remain productive as the water warms with the predicted warmer temperatures over the weekend. Walleye – Slow: Walleye action has been slow with cooler water temperatures. The walleye bite usually turns on mid-April through early May. Yellow Perch – Fair: Anglers are picking up some perch while targeting crappie with small live minnows and jigs. Some fish are 8- to 10inches.
Brushy Creek Lake
Courtesy docks are in. The fishing action has been slow with the cool water temperatures. Expect more panfish action as water temperatures warm the next couple of weeks.
Des Moines River (Humboldt to Stratford)
Channel Catfish – Fair. Smallmouth Bass – Fair. Walleye – Fair.
North Raccoon River (above State Highway 175 bridge near Auburn)
Walleye – Fair.
North Twin Lake
Courtesy dock is in on the south ramp. With low water levels, boaters should use caution when launching boats to avoid the trailer tires travelling beyond the ends of the concrete ramps. Black Crappie – Fair: Anglers are picking up crappie from shore with minnows and jigs. The recent cool temperatures have slowed the bite; expect the bite to return with warming temperatures the next couple of weeks.
Storm Lake (incl Little Storm Lake)
Water temperatures are in the low 40s. Anglers are fishing along shore and in the marina; the bite has slowed with the recent colder temperatures. All walleye between 19 and 25-inches must be immediately released unharmed at Storm Lake; no more than one walleye longer than 25-inches can be taken per day. Channel Catfish – Fair: Use cut bait along shore. Walleye – Fair: A few walleye are starting to be picked up in the marina. Yellow Bass – Fair: Anglers are catching keeper-sized yellow bass; bite is hit-or-miss. Yellow Perch – Fair: Use small minnows in the marina.
Water temperatures in most areas lakes have cooled into the low 40s. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638.
Clear Lake
The lake is 3 inches low. Water temperatures are in the upper 30s. Courtesy docks are in at McIntosh, Ventura and Island boat ramps. Clear Lake has a protected slot on walleye. All walleye between 17 and 22 inches must be immediately released unharmed. No more than one walleye longer than 22 inches may be taken per day. Channel Catfish – Slow: Fish the wind swept shore with cut bait. Walleye – Fair: Try minnows and jigs fished off the Ventura jetties and in the cannels. Wader angler success will increase as water temperatures rise. Yellow Perch – Slow: Anglers are catching a few fish from the Ventura jetties.
Crystal Lake
The courtesy docks and fish cleaning station are in.
Eldred Sherwood Lake
The courtesy docks are in.
West Twin Lake
The courtesy docks are in.
Winnebago River
It’s the time of year to target Northern Pike. Fish a chub in the slack water below a dam or where a smaller stream enters the river. Walleye – Slow.
For information on the lakes and rivers in north central Iowa, contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517.
East Okoboji Lake
The lake is ice free. Water temperature is in the mid-30s. Black Crappie – Good. Bluegill – Fair: Try jigging with tube jigs or a tungsten jig and live bait. Yellow Bass – Fair: With a little movement on the basin you should be able to get on a decent bite and also catch a few other species.
Lost Island Lake
Yellow Perch – Fair: Lots of sorting may be needed.
Minnewashta Lake
The lake is ice free. Black Crappie – Fair: A nice crappie bite can be found with a little bit of movement around the lake. Bluegill – Fair: Try jigging with tube jigs or a tungsten jig and live bait. Pumpkinseed – Fair:
Silver Lake (Dickinson)
The lake is ice free. Walleye – Fair:
Spirit Lake
The lake is ice free. Launching boats is difficult with low water levels. The only courtesy dock in place is at Templar ramp; conditions are very shallow. Black Crappie – Fair: Mostly being caught along with the perch; use tube jigs with wigglers or pilkies. Bluegill – Fair: Mostly being caught along with the perch; use tube jigs with wigglers or pilkies. Walleye – Slow: Season is closed until May 7th. Yellow Perch – Fair.
West Okoboji Lake
The lake is ice free. The only courtesy dock in place is at Triboji ramp. Water temperature is in the mid-30s. Black Crappie – Fair: Try jigging with tube jigs or a tungsten jig and live bait. Bluegill – Fair: Many anglers have been successful off Triboji on the north end of the lake. Try jigging with tube jigs or a tungsten jig and live bait.
The walleye season for the Iowa Great Lake chain is closed. The season opens back up May 7th. Most area lakes are ice free allowing for open water fishing; courtesy docks are not in place yet. For current conditions, call the Spirit Lake District Office at 712-336-1840.
