NORTHWEST IOWA – Here is this week’s hunting report for Northwest Iowa, from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, as released on Thursday, September 14, 2023.
East of Lake OkobojiWater temp in the upper 60s. Black crappie – justice. The gill – Fair: Most of the fish moved to a greater depth; Anglers can find successful fishing from piers or the shore. Use a small hook and a piece of worm. In deeper water, use pelkies with wobblers or a slip rig. The eye is light grey – justice. Yellow perch – Adel: Screening will likely be needed.
Lake InghamThe eye is light grey – Adel: The fishermen succeeded in the morning and evening.
Lost Island LakeWater temperatures in the upper 60s. Black crappie – justice. The eye is light grey – Adel: Try trolling with spinners over weeds.
Lake MinnewachataBlack crappie – justice. The gill – justice. pumpkin seeds – good.
Silver Lake (Dickinson)Black bull – good. The eye is light grey – Fair: Try trolling with spinners above or outside the weed lines.
Soul LakeWater temperatures in the upper 60s. You may have to move deeper to find the edges of the weed lines. Water levels are 6 inches below the crest. Black bull – Good: Anglers successfully caught northern class fish. Black crappie – Adel: Many nice sized fish have been seen recently. The gill – Good: Try a small hook and a small piece of worm from the docks. In deeper water, use pelkies with wobblers or a slip rig. The eye is light grey – Adel: Leeches and minnows work well. The angler has had success throwing out points and dragging spinners over the plants. Yellow perch – justice.
Lake West OkobojiWater temperatures in the upper 60s. The topwater bass bite has been good. Water levels are 2 inches below the top. Black crappie – Fair: Try small jigs with minnow heads. The gill – Good: Use the pilkey with the wobblers or with the slider. pumpkin seeds – good. The eye is light grey – Adel: Leeches and minnows work well. Yellow perch – Adel: Sorting may be needed.
Water temperatures drop quickly with cold nights. Water temperatures in the area range from the upper 60s to the low 70s. Most water levels in the area are just below the crest. Anglers have had the most success fishing from rocky points and the edges of weed lines. Many weed beds are beginning to die as water temperatures drop. For current conditions, call the Spirit Lake District Office at 712-336-1840.
