NORTHWEST

Clear Lake

Ice thickness is 6 to 8 inches. Yellow bass are biting on wax worms and minnow heads fished in 10 feet of water.  A few walleyes and crappies are being caught on minnows. The best bite is just after sunrise and about an hour before sunset.   Crappie – Fair:   Walleye – Slow:   Yellow Bass – Fair:

Most of the area lakes have iced over. For ice condition updates and fishing information in the north central area contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517.

Big Spirit Lake

The lake is locked up and there is 5-7 inches of ice in most areas.  Walleye and perch have been the main targets, but bluegills and crappies are also being sought after.  Try fishing the edges of green weeds or drop offs for most species.

Center Lake

Center Lake has roughly 6 inches of ice but an open hole created by the aerator is present straight out from the fishing pier.

East Okoboji Lake

There is roughly 5-7 inches of ice but there may be thinner areas toward the south end.

Silver Lake (Dickinson)

Silver Lake has 8-10 inches of ice and the aerator is running on the east side.

West Okoboji Lake

There are a few open holes on the lake yet being kept open by geese.  The rest of the lake has 3-5 inches of ice but may be thinner in the main lake basin.  Bluegills are the main target. Try sight fishing them in Emerson, Miller’s, and North bays but stained water is present in some areas.

For more information contact the Spirit Lake Hatchery at 712-336-1840.

Brushy Creek Lake

Ice report: south end around 3 inches, west side 5 inches, east side has about 4 inches but it’s only about 50 yards to what was recently open water.  North end had around 5 inches in the finger area; about 20 shacks out, farthest from shore was about 100 yards straight south of north ramp.   Report of some walleye, perch and up to 9 inch crappie.