Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
Walleye fishing has picked up some. Channel Catfish – Fair: Walleye – Fair: Anglers are having the best luck in the evenings. Most of the fish are being caught on the east side. Minnows with a split shot and bobber is key. Boaters should use caution on Storm Lake. The hydraulic dredge is in operation in the east basin of the lake. There is a pipeline running from the dredge to the shoreline and may rise to the surface at times.
Big Spirit Lake
Bluegills and crappies are in the spawning areas try using small presentations while sight fishing. Bullhead – Good: There were lots of bullheads being caught off the north grade as well as a few at Templar Park. Most were coming on worms but minnows and leaches also caught a few. Northern Pike – Fair: Try using spoons, and spinner baits around vegetation. Some pike are being caught trolling crankbaits for walleye around the 10 foot depth. White Bass – Fair: Locating an active school of white bass is the hard part, but once found, something resembling a minnow should get good results. Smallmouth Bass – Slow: Most smallmouth bass have are being caught off rock piles. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Green vegetation still seems to be the key but as the water keeps warming the fish are becoming more active. Slow presentations are still bringing fish to the boat but the top water bite is also shining when conditions allow. Yellow Perch – Slow: Fishing has been slow but a few are being caught while fishing for walleye. Walleye – Fair: Leeches and night crawlers seemed to be the choice bait by most fishermen with minnows bringing some success as well. Trolling crankbaits in 10 to 20 feet of water has been another good tactic.
East Okoboji Lake
Bullhead – Fair: Try using worms on bottom. Walleye – Fair: Try fishing near bottom with crawlers and leeches or trolling crankbaits. Twister tails can also be productive. Yellow Bass – Good: Many yellow bass are being caught try looking for rocks and wood and use small baits.
West Okoboji Lake
The canals seem to be where the most action is taking place with bluegills and largemouth bass gaining the most attention but many of the fish are small. Northern Pike – Fair: Find weed beds and you have found the pike; try using spoons or most anything resembling a minnow and don’t forget the steel leader. Bluegill – Good: Action is picking up in the main lake around docks but there are still a good number of fish in the canals. Try using small jigs coupled with light line and a small bobber. Smallmouth Bass – Slow: A few smallies have been caught off rock piles but with the clear water most fish are spooky. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Fish are still in the canals but there are a few being caught in the bays around the weed beds. Walleye – Fair: A few fish were caught trolling crankbaits as well as live bait rigs with crawlers and leeches.
Lost Island Lake
Walleye – Fair: Fishing is picking up as the water has reached the mid 60’s. Try drifting live bait either on a jig or a rig with live bait. A few good sized yellow bass may also be picked up with these methods. Yellow Bass – Good: There are some good sized yellow bass in the lake and they can be caught using crappie sized baits. Try using twister tails, crappie tubes, and live bait to catch a batch of these taste fish.
A reminder to bow fishermen please dispose of your fish properly and it is unlawful to sell fish. With the summer season upon us remember to be courteous to fellow lake users. For more information, contact the Spirit Lake hatchery at 712-336-1840.
