Lake Smith

Ice thickness is variable; open water areas near shore and aerator area expanding daily. Some bluegills and crappies are being caught.

Clear Lake

Ice thickness is still probably more than 28 inches on the main lake. Shoreline ice is starting to melt some. Access is difficult with snow and ice melt making it tough to get on the lake. Limited to foot travel, snowmobile, or ATV. Fishing activity has been minimal this past week. Some activity yet on the north shore and on the little lake.  Crappie – No Report: No reports this week for crappies. Angler activity is limited.  Walleye – No Report:   Yellow Bass – Fair: Some fishing activity near the Baptist camp and out from the McIntosh boat ramp. Sounds like the bite is best early in the morning and late in the day.

Crystal Lake

Ice thickness is maybe 28 inches but the edges are starting to melt near shore, so stay safe and carry ice picks and maybe limit yourself to foot travel. Anglers are still mostly fishing in the deep water or on the edge of the dredge cut. Bluegill – Good: Fishing seems to be fairly consistent. Bluegill fishing has been good using small jigs tipped with wax worms. Anglers are reporting better success in the shallower water eight feet near the edge of the dredged basin.  Largemouth Bass – Fair: Some nice bass are being caught in 16 feet. Crappie – Good: Crappie fishing has been good to fair using minnows at dusk in the deeper water near or on the drop-off of the basin. Walleye – Slow: An occasional walleye may be taken in the deeper water using minnows.

Bluebill Lake

No reports this week.

Most of the area lakes have plenty of ice yet but access might be getting tough. Some of the small ponds and pits are melting near the shorelines.

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

Big Spirit Lake

Ice conditions are detraining, foot travel is recommended and walleye season is closed.    Bluegill – Fair:   Crappie – Fair:

East Okoboji Lake

Ice conditions are detraining, foot travel is recommended and walleye season is closed.

West Okoboji Lake

Ice conditions are detraining foot travel is recommended and walleye season is closed.  Northern Pike – Fair: Try putting a tip-up out while bluegill fishing for a bonus pike.  Bluegill – Fair: Most activity has taken place in Millers and Emerson bays.  Yellow Perch – Fair: Continue to look in 30 plus feet of water.

Five Island Lake

Ice conditions are detraining foot travel is recommended.  Try fishing the edges of the dredge cuts for crappie, perch, walleye, and catfish.

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