West okoboji lake fishing

Okoboji fishing west okoboji lake fishing been red hot this spring and summer in the Iowa Great Lakes, and I am not referring to the weather! When I'm not guiding customers I've struggled some days on which lake I'd like to fish and which species I'd like to target. My wife and business partner refers to this as "Fish Fever" and the symptoms include a lawn with very long grass, west okoboji lake fishing, lots of sleepless nights and sometimes smelling like fish which I refer to as spring aftershave.

People are drawn to water magnetically, spiritually. Anglers are among the most ardent to seek lakes of fortune. They come from near and far to the waters of Okoboji, lured by the legend of the fisheries, which are healthy, diverse and full of mystery. Some ply the waters in showy boats rigged with an arsenal of digital fish-finding gadgets. Others choose more elemental approaches in chest waders or from shorelines. Ice fishers, too, come in all shapes and sizes, from the fundamental to the sublime. But the quest is all the same: To be out there enjoying the resource, sharing and making friendships on the water and, truth be known, to catch that elusive trophy or put a fish or two in the creel for a special dinner.

West okoboji lake fishing

Noted for clear water and an abundance of popular sportfish, they cover nearly 14, acres. Three primary lakes, Spirit, East Okoboji, and West Okoboji, account for more than 80 percent of the total surface area. Offering nearly 3, surface acres, West Okoboji is the second largest, behind Spirit Lake, in the chain. Its average depth is 38 feet, with a maximum of It features numerous coves and bays that often offer protection from wind and waves on blustery days. Shorelines feature steep breaks that drop into the mid-lake depths. Northland pro team member, outdoor writer, and panfish specialist Steve Weisman says the lake is an outstanding destination for year-round bluegill and crappie action. Open-water fishing begins as soon as the ice vanishes, and though spots he calls out are at the top of his list, anglers can find similar areas elsewhere around the lake as well. His tackle choices and presentations center on small jig heads, live bait or panfish plastics, and where appropriate a small slip bobber. Public docks allow anglers to fish afoot, dropping jigs straight down along the structures. Later on, fish jig-and-slip bobber rigs away from the docks. The Harbour is another protected area lined with private docks and access to boat fishermen. Another option is a chartreuse hook baited with a crappie minnow. The canal leading south from the bay, all the way to and including Turtle Lake, features warm, shallow water and plenty of boat docks that provide prime early-spring panfish action as well. On warm, calm days, cast out away from the docks into the deeper water.

If your looking for big fish West Okoboji is a place to try. Ice fishing jigs are extremely effective in the summer for chasing bluegills or other panfish. West Okoboji is Iowa's deepest natural lake at feet and at 3, acres, second in size only to Spirit Lake, west okoboji lake fishing.

Some limitations may apply for young children and pregnant women. Here is a list of current fish consumption advisories for Iowa lakes and rivers. Skip to main content. Official State of Iowa Website Here is how you know. Fishing Report.

Iowa Fishing Report www. Try using cutbait fished along windblown shorelines for Channel Catfish of all sizes. Target channel catfish in the upper end of the lake where water temperature is warmest. Anglers should target channel catfish on the windy side of the lake using shad sides or cut bait. Black crappie will move into the upper end of the pontoon arm on warm sunny days.

West okoboji lake fishing

The marine chart shows depth and hydrology of West Okoboji Lake on the map, which is located in the Iowa state Dickinson. Coordinates: West Okoboji Lake nautical chart The marine chart shows depth and hydrology of West Okoboji Lake on the map, which is located in the Iowa state Dickinson. To depth map.

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The Fishing Regulations brochure is available for download. Pumpkinseed - Good. West Okoboji fishing this spring has been a mix of Bluegills and Yellow Bass for us with the occasional Walleye, Perch or Crappie being caught as well. Water from approximately 22 square miles drains into the lake. Open-water fishing begins as soon as the ice vanishes, and though spots he calls out are at the top of his list, anglers can find similar areas elsewhere around the lake as well. The Largemouth and Smallmouth absolutely could not resist this presentation and we had some heavy fish in the boat for catch and release pics. Others choose more elemental approaches in chest waders or from shorelines. In addition to walleyes there has been a decent bite for Smallmouth Bass this spring on Big Spirit, and the Yellow Perch bite is the other surprise in the last 2 weeks. A universally accessible fishing pier is located at the north end of the lake along Hill Avenue. The Harbour is another protected area lined with private docks and access to boat fishermen. Books of Interest. Yellow Perch - Fair: Sorting may be needed. Use caution. Change Location.

Prices and optons are listed including non resident fishing licenses. Please ensure to adhere to the fishing regulations for the state. Remember, regulations are there to protect fish species and enable fishing for generations to come.

Fishing Guides. Only 6 percent of the lake's If your looking for big fish West Okoboji is a place to try. Walleye fishing this spring on Big Spirit Lake for us was fair to good. The Perch on Big Spirit right now are really nice with lots of " fish being caught and this is great to see again on Iowa's largest natural lake. Its average depth is 38 feet, with a maximum of Ice thickness is 12 inches or less in most areas. Download Printable Lake Map. Bass anglers have also been very successful in the last year. West Okoboji is one of the last lakes to completely ice up; it has some of the thinner ice in the area. There's just something about running crankbaits behind planer boards to put big walleyes in the boat for the camera lense that I cannot pass up early in the season. A universally accessible fishing pier is located at the north end of the lake along Hill Avenue. No recent updates. The walleye bite usually heats up in the fall as well.