Regional, Iowa – Here is this week’s Northwest Iowa Fishing Report as announced by the Department of Natural Resources Thursday, Feburary 13th.
East Okoboji Lake
Watch for a handful of areas that are open or have just frozen over recently, mainly on the northern most basin. Ice thickness is around 14 inches or more in most areas. Black Crappie – Good: Bluegill – Good: Largemouth Bass – Fair: Yellow Perch – Good: Many perch seen; sorting most likely needed.
Ingham Lake
The lake is fully ice covered with around 15 inches. Walleye – Fair: Morning and afternoon bite is best.
Silver Lake (Dickinson)
Caution: The lake aerator is in operation. Ice thickness is more than 13 inches. Walleye -Fair: Bite hit-or-miss.
Spirit Lake
The lake has ice thick enough for fishing, but also has a large open water section off Big Stoney Point. Ice thickness is more than 15 inches. Black Crappie – Good: Anglers are finding quality-size crappie up to 14-inches. Bluegill – Good. Walleye – Good: Yellow Perch – Good: Sorting is needed; anglers are finding many of acceptable size.
West Okoboji Lake
Ice thickness is 14 inches or more in most areas, but there are still many unsafe areas or areas of open water on the main lake. Black Crappie – Fair: Bluegill – Good.
Most area lakes have 12 or more inches of ice, but many lakes have areas of open water that have persisted throughout the winter. Ice conditions should continue to improve with forecasted temperatures well below freezing. Recent precipitation has left 2 inches of snow covering on the lakes. The Walleye season on the IGL’s closes February 15th. For current conditions, call the Spirit Lake District Office at 712-336-1840.
