Northwest Iowa – Here is this week’s northwest Iowa Fishing Report from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, as released Thursday, February 15, 2024.
East Okoboji Lake
Unsafe ice conditions. The walleye season is closed until May 4. Black Crappie – Fair: Use minnows and plastics. Bluegill – Fair. Yellow Perch – Fair: Sorting will most likely be needed.
Ingham Lake
The lake is completely ice covered; unsafe ice conditions. Walleye – Fair: Anglers have been successful morning and evening.
Lost Island Lake
The lake is completely ice covered; unsafe ice conditions. Black Crappie – Fair. Walleye – Fair.
Minnewashta Lake
The walleye season is closed. Black Crappie – Fair. Bluegill – Fair. Pumpkinseed – Good.
Scharnberg Pond
Trout were stocked on Feb. 2. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.
Silver Lake (Dickinson)
The lake is completely ice covered; unsafe ice conditions. Walleye – Fair.
Spirit Lake
Unsafe ice conditions. The walleye season is closed until May 4th. Black Crappie – Good: Minnows and plastics work well. Many nice-sized fish have been seen lately. Bluegill – Fair. Yellow Perch – Good: Find good numbers; may need to sort for size.
West Okoboji Lake
Unsafe ice conditions. The walleye season is closed until May 4th. Black Crappie – Fair: Try small jigs tipped with a minnow. Bluegill – Good. Pumpkinseed – Good. Walleye – Good: Minnows and plastics work well. Yellow Perch – Fair: Sorting may be needed.
Area ice conditions have deteriorated extensively making ice fishing impossible. Shorelines have started to open up. The walleye season is closed on the Iowa Great Lakes until May 4th. For current conditions, call the Spirit Lake District Office at 712-336-1840.
