Brushy Creek Lake

A few walleye and muskie have been caught below the spillway.

Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)

Storm Lake is open.  A few walleye have been caught.

North Twin Lake

North Twin is open.  Lake levels are approximately 15 inches below crest.

Black Hawk Lake

Lake levels are approximately 1.5 feet below crest.

Most lakes and ponds are open. Very little fishing has been reported.

Lower Pine Lake

Pine lakes are still iced over; no fishing activity seen.

Lake Smith

Open water on half of Lake Smith. Channel Catfish – No Report: Channel cats should provide a late afternoon bite near the bridge by the boat ramp during the ice out period. Cats will likely move into the shallow water in the bay. Use cutbait, stinkbait or minnows.

Clear Lake

Aerator holes have expanded quite a bit this week. Some open water near inlets. Fishing activity has been minimal.

Crystal Lake

No reports on ice conditions this week but it should be considered unsafe. 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 8 feet near the edge of the dredged basin.  Largemouth Bass – Fair: Some nice bass are being caught in 16 feet of water.

Bluebill Lake

No reports this week.

Most of the area lakes are melting near shore and the ice is unstable. The streams and rivers are ice-free and should provide some action for northerns and walleye and perhaps a smallmouth. Try below some of the dams with a jig and minnow.

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

The ice is honeycombed and ice fishing is limited to foot travel only.  Bluegill – Fair:   Crappie – Fair:   Walleye – No Report: Walleye season is closed.

East Okoboji Lake

The ice is pulling away from shore in some areas foot travel is not advised.  Walleye – No Report: Walleye season is closed

West Okoboji Lake

The ice is honeycombed and ice fishing is limited to foot travel only.  Bluegill – Fair: There is some activity in Millers and Emerson Bays.  Crappie – Fair: There is some activity in Millers and Emerson bays.  Yellow Perch – Fair: A few fish are still being caught in the deeper water.  Walleye – No Report: Walleye season is closed.

Little Sioux River (state line to Linn Grove)

The river is open but there are still large chunks of ice present.  Walleye – Slow:

West Fork Des Moines (state line to Emmetsburg)

There has been little fishing activity and there are still a few pieces of ice floating down the river.  Walleye – Slow:

Five Island Lake

Ice conditions are detraining and only 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 fish Hatchery 712-336-1840.