Spirit Lake

Hello. I am new to the IDO fishing forum. I’m heading up to Spirit Lake and Lake Okoboji next weekend to do some ice fishing. Does anyone know how thick the ice is up there now? Also, what are some good lures and areas to fish on those lakes? thanks

Check out the IA DNR website fishing report. I haven’t been there in years, but fished there a lot in the 70s and 80s. Gold color always worked well. If fishing Big Spirit, I would probably try Angler’s Bay first and then maybe the harbor at Templer’s. On West Lake I would probably hit Emerson Bay or Smith’s Bay for pannies. Good luck.

Big spirit is a a year our two away from being great again. East and West are good options. Out from parks marina on East has been good. If you want to do some exploring try diamond lake on hwy 86 good perch numbers and pike. Will be no crowds there

Thanks again for the information. I will post my catches after the trip.

fire tiger is a great color for eyes there. perch on spirit are finicky and you most likely need a camera to see the bite.

west is more friendly as the perch will pound it. great sight fishing on west, and gold jig heads are usually good producers with a good nuggie or mustache worm or northland mayfly.

i havent been up there this year, but if you want good reports, pay attention to Kabele’s facebook page.

I was up fishing tri Boji on Sunday morning. Caught a lot of 6″ perch and a few 8-9″ “keepers” for the day. And a few yellow bass. Fishing in 20′ of water using perch colored Pilky with wigglers. Ice was around 6″ but with the weather we have had since Sunday I’m sure the ice has decreased a bit.