Clear Lake

The courtesy docks at the boat ramps have been removed for the winter. Walleye – Slow: A few walleyes are being picked up with minnows and cut bait. Try drifting and vertical jigging. Yellow Bass – Fair: Yellow bass are biting on minnows and cut bait fished in the little lake area.

For more fishing information in the north central area contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517.

Big Spirit Lake

Yellow Perch – Fair: Action has been spotty but active fish can be found. It just takes a little leg work. Try drifting mud flats or weed lines with either wigglers or minnows and don’t overlook shallow water. Walleye – Good: Action seems to be picking up especially for wader fishermen in the evening. Many of the fish being caught are in the 11- to 14-inch range along with a few slots. Trolling crank baits has yielded a few fish but action is still a little hit and miss.

Silver Lake (Dickinson)

Wader fishing should be good for walleyes in the late afternoon. Try using twister tails, minnow baits and minnows along drop offs and other structure.

West Okoboji Lake

Yellow Perch – Fair: Try fishing on the drop offs and don’t be afraid to move around to locate a school of bigger fish as there are many small ones. Fishing 8 to 15 feet of water using jigging spoons with wigglers has been bringing some results. Yellow Bass – Good: Try using a jigging spoon tipped with wigglers in 15 to 25 feet of water just off the weed edge and down the drop a bit.

Lost Island Lake

A mixed bag of walleye, crappie and yellow bass has been coming in and action has been good. Try pitching jig and minnow combos for all three along drop offs and other structure.

Scharnberg Pond

Fifteen hundred trout were stocked Nov. 10.

Little Sioux River (state line to Linn Grove)

Walleye fishing has been good. Look for deep pools and try white twister tails and minnows.

West Fork Des Moines (state line to Emmetsburg)

Fishing has been good especially for walleye, but catfish action has also been good. Try twister tails and minnow baits for walleyes and minnows for both catfish and walleye. Target the deeper pools and don’t be afraid to venture away from the bridges, but ask permission before fishing private lands.