Regional – Here is this week’s Northwest Iowa Fishing Report as realeased by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Thursday, January 30th.
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 in most areas. Black Crappie – Good: Bluegill – Good: Largemouth Bass – Fair: Yellow Perch – Good: Many perch seen; sorting most likely needed.
Ingham Lake
Caution: There is a large open hole just north of the island. The lake is fully ice covered with around 14.5 inches. Walleye – Fair: Morning and afternoon bite is best.
Silver Lake (Dickinson)
Caution: The lake aerator is in operation. Ice thickness is around 15.5 inches. Walleye – Good: Bite hit-or-miss, but very good when bite is on.
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 up to 14 inches in some location; there are thinner areas on the main basin that froze more recently. 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 is14 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.
Warning: Many larger lakes have areas of open water or areas that have iced over very recently. Be cautious of seams that have popped up on many lakes. Most area lakes have 14 or more inches of ice. The extended forecast calls for warm temperatures during the day, but below freezing at night. Check ice thickness often when moving around. For current conditions, call the Spirit Lake District Office at 712-336-1840.