Lake Smith

Smith Lake is open water.  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

The city beach area and seawall are open water; the area near the pump house to Dodge’s Point is open. There is a little bit of open water near the shoreline of the little lake. Looks like this weekend or early next week for ice out.

Lake Cornelia

Ice opened up on April 8. Some are fishing, but no reports.

Crystal Lake

Ice is open from the boat ramp almost to the south jetty. Some open water along the east shoreline.  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

Bluebill is fishable from shore. There is open water all around the fishing jetty and most of the west end of the lake. Largemouth Bass – Fair: One report of bass biting on plastic jigs.

Winnebago River

No reports, but the river is stable. Try below some of the dams in Mason City, Forest City or Fertile for pike, catfish, or walleye.

East Fork Des Moines (Algona to Humboldt)

East Fork has been pretty good for walleyes 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.  Northern Pike – Fair: A few pike have been caught from shore in areas of open water.   Smallmouth Bass – No Report: Once the ice goes out target rock piles for some smallmouth action.  Crappie – No Report: Crappies should start showing up in protected areas with warmer water. Walleye – No Report: Walleye season is closed.

East Okoboji Lake

Most of the lake is ice free and should be completely ice free by the weekend. A few panfish are being caught at the trestle bridge.  Walleye – No Report: Walleye season is closed

Silver Lake (Dickinson)

The lake is open but a few ice chunks may still be floating around.  Wader fishing for walleye should pick up in the upcoming weeks.

West Okoboji Lake

The edges are open as well as the back bays the main lake is still ice covered but could open up at any time. Walleye – No Report: Walleye season is closed.

Little Sioux River (state line to Linn Grove)

A few walleyes and northerns are being caught. Walleye – Slow:

West Fork Des Moines (state line to Emmetsburg)

A few walleyes are being caught on twister tails.  Walleye – Slow:

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