Northwest Iowa — Here’s this week’s Northwest Iowa Fishing Report from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, as released Thursday August 17, 2023.
East Okoboji LakeThe water temperature is in the upper 70s. Black Crappie – Fair. Bluegill – Fair: Most bluegill have moved deeper; you can still be successful fishing from a dock or shore. Use a small hook and piece of worm. Walleye – Fair. Yellow Perch – Fair: Sorting will be needed.
Ingham LakeWalleye – Fair: Anglers have been successful morning and evening.
Lost Island LakeWater temperatures are in the mid-70s. Black Crappie – Fair. Walleye – Fair: Try trolling with spinners over weeds.
Minnewashta LakeBlack Crappie – Fair. Bluegill – Fair. Pumpkinseed – Good.
Silver Lake (Dickinson)The lake is experiencing a large algae bloom. Black Bullhead – Good. Walleye – Fair: Try trolling with spinners over or off weed lines.
Spirit LakeWater temperatures are in the mid-70s. You may have to move out deeper to find the edge of weed lines. Anglers Bay has large stands of native vegetation growing across large portions of the area, making navigation more difficult. Black Bullhead – Good: Anglers have been very successful fishing the north grade. Black Crappie – Fair: Many nice-sized fish have been seen lately. Bluegill – Good: Try a small hook with a small piece of worm from the docks. Walleye – Fair: Leeches and minnows work well. Anglers have been successful with slip bobbers off points and pulling spinners over vegetation. Yellow Perch – Fair.
West Okoboji LakeWater temperatures are in the mid-70s. Black Crappie – Fair: Try small jigs tipped with a minnow. Bluegill – Good: Bluegill are are moving off beds to deeper water post-spawn. Pumpkinseed – Good. Walleye – Fair: Leeches and minnows work well. Yellow Perch – Fair: Sorting may be needed.
Water temperatures are in the low 80s to upper 70s, but should start to slowly drop while we experience cooler nights. Most area water levels are slightly below crest. Anglers have found the most success fishing off rock points and the edges of weed lines. For current conditions, call the Spirit Lake District Office at 712-336-1840.
