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
Clear Lake
The lake is at crest. Water temperatures are in the low 40s. 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. Wader angler are catching fish on the east shore and around the island. White Bass – Fair.
Lake Cornelia
Channel Catfish – Fair: Fish the wind swept shore with cut bait. Yellow Bass – Slow.
Winnebago River
River levels continue to drop. Northern Pike – Slow. 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
Water temperature is in the high 40s. The water level is at crest elevation. The walleye season is closed. There has been a fairly good crappie bite recently. Anglers using electronics have been fairly successful with finding schools of fish. Black Crappie – Good. Bluegill – Fair. Yellow Bass – Fair.
Minnewashta Lake
The walleye season is closed. Black Crappie – Good.
Silver Lake (Dickinson)
Walleye – Fair
Spirit Lake
Water temperature is in the low 40s. The lake is 23 inches below crest making launching boats more difficult. Most courtesy docks are in place. The walleye season is closed. Black Crappie – Fair: Use a tube jig and bobber. Bluegill – Fair. Yellow Perch – Fair.
West Okoboji Lake
Water temperature is in the low 40s. The water level is even with crest. The walleye season is closed. Black Crappie – Fair. Bluegill – Fair.
The walleye season for the Iowa Great Lake chain is closed. The season opens back up May 7th. All area lakes are ice free; many of the courtesy docks are in place. Area water temperatures are lower with the recent cold weather. The Spirit Lake Fish Hatchery currently has broodstock fish and eggs in the hatchery. For current conditions, call the Spirit Lake District Office at 712-336-1840.
