Regional, Iowa – Here is this week’s Northwest Iowa Fishing Report as released by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Thursdday, January 2nd.
East Okoboji Lake
Ice thickness is around 9 inches in most areas; there are a handful of open areas. Black Crappie – Good: Bluegill – Good: Largemouth Bass – Fair: Yellow Perch – Good: Many perch seen; sorting most likely needed.
Ingham Lake
Water is fully covered with around 9.5 inches of ice. Walleye – Fair: Morning and afternoon bite is best.
Silver Lake (Dickinson)
Ice thickness is around 8.5 inches. Walleye – Good: Bite hit-or-miss, but very good when bite is on.
Spirit Lake
The lake has safe ice for ice fishing, but also has a large open water section off Big Stoney Point. Some locations have up to 9 inches of ice, but there are areas that are thinner on the main basin that froze more recently. Templar lagoon and out from Hales Slough boat ramp have the best ice. 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
Most areas are now fishable by foot; there are still many unsafe areas or areas of open water on the main lake. Black Crappie – Fair: Bluegill – Good.
Most area lakes have 8.5 or more inches of ice; many larger lakes have areas of open water. Check ice thickness often when going out. For current conditions, call the Spirit Lake District Office at 712-336-1840.
