In 1937, a teenager named Berkley Bedell started selling hand-tied flies to the anglers who travelled from near and. Bass and crappie bite are improving. 1586. Buy Your License; Fish Local; Ready to Fish; Fishing Reports; Fishing Maps. Hey guys;I’m heading to west lake Okoboji Iowa, this June. Also, keep in mind, West Lake Okoboji is the coldest lake. Visitors of all ages are drawn to the sparkling blue lakes, the sun, the fun and the warm hospitality. Black Crappie – Fair: Try small jigs tipped with a minnow. The name itself Okoboji comes from the Dakota language for the lake. When fishing, anglers can expect to catch a variety of fish including Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Muskie, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, White Bass, Yellow Perch. October 1937 to. It is the perfect place for all kinds of land and water activities. West Okoboji Lake, and East Okoboji Lake. Share this page: Today's Fishing Forecast Fishing looks to be not very active with peak fishing. LAKES. The nearby East Okoboji Lake and West Okoboji Lake are also renowned for their fishing. Amusement Park: Arnold’s Park is situated on the shores of West lake Okoboji, a family favorite featuring rides for kids and adults. // February 13, 2023. Ways recommended this gear for West Lake Okoboji, IA. There hasn’t been a lot of fishing activity, but with the nice weather, trolling crankbaits on the shallow rocks and points should continue to produce walleyes, especially late in the day. posted by MattJohnson on February 20, 2009 at 4:22 pm. For more information contact the Spirit Lake fish. top of page. O. 14, 2024. Crappie fishing is good in the spring with fish averaging 10 to 11 inches. Never release fish, animals or plants into a waterbody. Good numbers of angler acceptable size yellow perch are currently present in East Okoboji Lake. Autumn West Okoboji, IA Fishing Report 8-14-06. This is a great time of year to chase bass on the Okoboji chain. DEALS. Easy access to public walking path and beach for fun in the sun and Okoboji sunsets. ) in Okoboji, IA. The bluegill bite in Little Emerson Bay and out from Triboji has been slower; fish have been finicky. SEARCH. Gull Point State Park 1500 Harpen Street Milford, IA 51351 Ph. The lake was known after its. “Paddlefish were first reported in the Okoboji Lakes around 1900 and the last in 1919. 4. opens in a new window Facebook. Fathers Day, Mothers Day, X-mas, anniversaries or birthdays, come enjoy a fun day on the water. Emerson Bay The Emerson Bay Recreation Area is located on the south-west shore of West Okoboji Lake. The panfish bite on these 2 lakes was exceptional due in part to good water clarity on both lakes most of the spring. Black Hawk Lake. Catch largemouth bass, bluegill and channel catfish. This is the result for west lake okoboji fishing report, please check the bellow links to know more: West Okoboji Lake – Iowa DNR. Most anglers are using ATV's or foot traffic to access the lake. About: - Saylorville Lake is a 5,400 surface acre U. This entry was posted in Fishing Report and tagged clam fishing, clam outdoors, Clear Lake, clear water, east okoboji, Fish, fishing guide, Gills, ice fishing, iowa guide service, Kevan Paul, Okoboji fishing, pauls fishing, perch, sleeper, Sleeper House Rental, tournament, walleye, West Okoboji, Yellow bass on February 6, 2016 by Kevan Paul. West Okoboji, IA Fishing Report – Aug 14, 2004. “We are developing a management plan and working with local stakeholders and communities to develop a plan of action for the coming weeks,” said Mike Hawkins, fisheries biologist for the Iowa DNR. Boats may be launched at Emerson Bay State Park, which is located approximately half a mile south on Highway 86. In deeper water, use pilkies with wigglers or a slip bobber setup. Noted for clear water and an abundance of popular sportfish, they cover nearly 14,000 acres. Our recommendation is based on aspects about the weather conditions, moon phase & water conditions. All courtesy docks are in place. It services West Okoboji Lake, which is one of the popular lakes in the Iowa Great Lakes region. References available. The walleye season is closed. James River. Quickly zoom in on the lake of your choice with the search function. com srakin1420@gmail. At West Okoboji, fish the canals early in May, then. "The next state record smallmouth bass will come from Big Spirit Lake or West Lake Okoboji. S. Any info would be much appreciated. With. Iowa DNR. To determine the water level in inches compared to crest level – at which point water will flow over the dam at the Spillway at the bottom end of Big Spirit Lake use the following formula: Subtract 14. 1. USGS Water-Year Summary 2023. . Okoboji forums . By Dan Anderson. Three primary lakes, Spirit, East Okoboji, and West Okoboji, account for more than 80 percent of the total surface area. Walleye/sauger are feeding as they move into deeper water at the. Fishing Reports and discussions for West Okoboji - Iowa. Chris G. 28-Oct-23. TRAVEL. Water Temperature. 08 mi) Penthouse Suite, gorgeous West Lake Okoboji views, 1 BDRM above shopping center (0. Check out the latest 2-minute fishing report to find the hot bite in your area! For more detailed information call the store at (605) 336-9132. The fishing regulatory body for Iowa is Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Trout Stream Map + Mississippi River. tom April 27,. // July 25, 2023 Doug Burns, owner of the Iowa Guide Service, with a 21. $94. Learn More About. Mau Marine, located on East Lake Okoboji on U. Fish on the Iowa Great Lakes in Okoboji, Iowa with JTG Expeditions, your professional Okoboji fishing guides. Lake Okoboji fishing guide and Spirit Lake fishing guide. The meaning of Okoboji is thought to be either ‘place of rest’ or ‘reeds or rushes,’ which is preferred. However, wastewater overflowed through two manhole lids along the northeast side of Lazy Lagoon, running about 15 feet. Most fish are out in 15+ feet of water, but are slowly been. Phone: 712-330-9678. Walleye - Fair. in addition to normal park hours. ” The good news is this. West Okoboji Lake The Walleye Season is closed. West Lake Okoboji Overview Based on Fishing Reports for Fall Largemouth Bass. West Okoboji Lake The current water temperature is hovering just above freezing. Given’s Point. West Okoboji Lake Ice thickness is 14+ inches in. West Okoboji Lake in northwest Iowa is one of only three ‘blue lakes’ in the world-so called for its clarity and bluish tint caused by the spring-fed water ‘turning over’ twice yearly, which adds to its quality. (Contributed photo) West Okoboji is truly a world class largemouth and smallmouth fishery. Read our community guidelines. The north end and Buffalo run are heaved up making access dangerous. The Iowa Department to Natural Resources announced in a release on May 23 that it is investigating a drowning Saturday afternoon on West Okoboji Lake, after Alexander Glover, 21, of Cedar Rapids, jumped off a pontoon and into the water in Miller's Bay. The luxury residential properties in the region range in price from $500,000 to $5 million. Anglers catch them by the dozens. The largest, Spirit Lake, is 5,684 acres. We take a number of different data points to make our fishing recommendation. The unique lake area includes East and West Okoboji, Big Spirit Lake and others water bodies that draw vacationers, boaters and anglers. On West Lake Okoboji, fish early morning and later evening. Know your ice. Cast a Zman chatterbait over the tops of the tallest vegetation. I also run Harbor View Resort on West Okoboji lake. Nearby Hotels. 1252. Fishing Reports and discussions for West Okoboji - Iowa. Plans are. 712-336-1512 opens phone dialer. Northwest Iowa -- Here is the latest Northwest Iowa Fishing Report from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, released Thursday, June 8th. // October 20, 2023. Mason Dockter. MESSENGER. I also run Harbor View Resort on West Okoboji lake. West Lake Okoboji Cabins. Iowa Great Lakes Outdoors, Inc. 00: Rice Lake: Winnebago: 1 mile south, 1 mile east of Lake Mills: 1000. Contact Us: 712-330-5815 | jtg@fishokoboji. Crescent Beach Resort is your home away from home on Lake Okoboji. 00: Rice Lake: Winnebago: 1 mile south, 1 mile east of Lake. N/A. A good spring. West Okoboji: Bluegills fair in the bays where water is warmer. Panfish are moving into backwater lakes preparing for winter. 00. The fall bite has been excellent. There has been a. The deepest lake in Iowa has some mysteries at the bottom of it. When crappie are shallow, spinners, small crankbaits and underspins are the often very productive. IowaIndigoGirl. Okoboji Lake. West Okoboji has good numbers of crappie and perch due to lots of young panfish in recent history. West Okoboji Lake Water temperatures are in the mid-60s. Master Angler Yellow Bass, Okoboji. Fishing Reports and Discussions for West Okoboji, Dickinson County - IowaIDO » Fishing Reports » West Okoboji ice trip,huge fish!. Yes the lake will be busy with all sorts of different users. Contact Info. Families love the beach, playground and antique nautical display. As the June sun heats up the gin-clear water of the Okoboji chain of lakes in Northwest Iowa, the bass fishing heats up right along with it. West Okoboji Lake is abundant in bluegill, yellow perch, and walleye. Fishing Reports and discussions for West Okoboji - IowaIowa’s Great Panfish Lake. Please check out my website for more information on the services offered. Hotbait. CurrentReport Iowa Fishing Report SOUTHWEST West Lake (Osceola) - Last Updated: 11/21/2023 Main boat ramps are currently closed due to low water conditions. 1. In 1960, the first purebred musky were stocked into Iowa waters. Fall. West Okoboji is 3,847 acres in size with an average depth of 39’ and has exceptional water quality. Most of the Paddlefish that were caught here were taken under the ice cover by State of Iowa employees seining for carp. 2023 is Hale's Guide Service's 20th anniversary. Gold Ambassador. New ice is stronger than old ice. 57 km 2) in area, in Dickinson County in northwestern Iowa in the United States. With a maximum depth of approximately 136 feet, West Okoboji Lake holds the distinction of being the deepest lake in the entire state of Iowa. Fry from Wisconsin were raised at the Decorah trout hatchery, and 40 fish each were stocked into Clear Lake and West Lake Okoboji. Check out our Fishing Times tab to determine when the fish will be most active. Okoboji Boat Works, the only marina on West Lake Okoboji, offers daily and seasonal boat dock rentals, boating, water-sports renting, and a 24-hour on-water gas dock. There is a closed season from December 1st through May 20th on the Iowa Great Lakes. At that time, the island had a bit of a lagoon on its west side and. 1. Iowa State Record Bass. Return. These lakes are connected, but fish very differently than the other. Zach Boyden-Holmes/The RegisterThe Iowa Great Lakes are a perfect playground for anglersWooden boat recovered from waters of West Lake Okoboji. West Okoboji Lake in Iowa is a renowned fishing destination, known for its crystal-clear waters. 00: Lost Island Lake: Palo Alto: 3 miles north of Ruthven : 1162. IDO » Fishing Reports » Autumn West Okoboji, IA Fishing Report 8-14-06. The author, Steve Weisman, with a couple of big West Lake Okoboji bluegills from Iowa. The Iowa Great Lakes, which include West Okoboji, East Okoboji and Spirit Lake bring in nearly $200 million of economic impact to the area. The district estimates a maximum of 15,000 gallons of untreated wastewater reached Lazy Lagoon on the northwest shore of West Lake Okoboji, sometime after 8 a. Read more. Phone: 332-7303 Triggs Bay Resort on East Lake Okoboji . Spirit Lake's fishery continues to be one of the most diverse and healthy in the region. Also, keep in mind, West Lake Okoboji is the coldest lake. Mid-summer weedline actionMike Hawkins, Iowa DNR Biologist at the Spirit Lake Hatchery, agrees saying, “Both Big Spirit Lake and West Okoboji have excellent pike populations. The untapped channel catfish population is present in good numbers in East Okoboji Lake and will provide excellent angling throughout the upcoming fishing season. Lake of the Hills – in West Lake Park at 14910 110th Avenue. Home » Ice Fishing » How deep is lake Okoboji? How deep is lake Okoboji? May 8, 2023 September 9, 2022 by Brent Pollock. The Okoboji Bass Open was held on Sunday, 04-29-07 on West Lake Okoboji near Milford, Iowa. Facebook/exploreokoboji. On the shore of Spirit Lake, Marble Beach State Recreation features one of Iowa’s most popular campgrounds. Water temperature. The water temperature is 45 degrees. light snow. Water Body West Okoboji, IA. Fishing jetty, accessible fishing pier, beach, paddle boat rentals, playground, children’s forest, picnic areas, restrooms and camping. SLEEPERS & FISHING REPORT. depth (ft)Fishing Reports; Fishing Maps-Where to Fish-Lakes Ponds & Reservoirs. Entry fee includes $5/team for Area Food Shelf $ Lets Go Fishing Organization BIG BASS POT = $10 *100% payback ** Ease-Off Positions Determined by receipt of PAID entry form **East Okoboji Lake: Dickinson: east edge of Okoboji : 1835. East Okoboji Lake Water. All fishing must be done from the bank in the areas designated for each lake. Dave Genz catches a nice mid-winter West Okoboji bluegill. I have fished many open and hard water tourneys. Not like the perch on Spirit lake. The following specific areas are open to fishing activity between the hours of 10:30 p. What is special about Lake Okoboji? May 27, 2023. ryan-hale on 8/14/2006 at. « Reply #28 on: Apr 01, 2023, 07:05 PM » Fished in Miller's Bay again today, despite the dire warning from the bait shop guy as to conditions on area waters, we found the ice in excelent condition considering, and would have driven an ATV out had we brought one. Steve Weisman. The state record largemouth bass was caught from Lake Fisher. 25 reviews. The Arctic Cat snowmobile offers Genz mobility to get from spot to spot. "So the ice- fishing for bluegills and yellows should be off the charts this. boating areas and fishing hotspots. 00: Lake Macbride. Lake Fishing Report; Enemy Swim: Bluegills fair along with a few walleyes. Home in Arnolds Park. Learn what hours to go fishing at Okoboji Lake. Plan a fishing or boating trip or vacation to West Okoboji Lake area and find places to stay near West Okoboji Lake. Clear Lake DNR Site. 23, 2023;. IDO » Fishing Reports » West Okoboji, IA – Smallies and Eyes. Okoboji Fishing Guide- Captain Chad Loreth with Iowa Great Lakes Outdoors, Inc. Amazing Lakefront 4 bedroom luxury Condo with large deck at Bridges Bay Resort. On West Lake Okoboji, fish early morning and later evening. Bluegill – Good: Use pilkies with wigglers or a slip bobber setup. Lake Icaria is a 670-acre reservoir in southwest Iowa 2 miles east of Carbon. 7. Wader fishing in the evening for walleyes has been good. Love to fish and hunt. We take a number of different data points to make our fishing recommendation. Spirit Lake is one of Iowa's Walleye broodstock lakes and as such receives large walleye fry stockings each spring. 00: Rice Lake: Winnebago: 1 mile south, 1 mile east of Lake Mills: 1000. Fishing Info for Okoboji Lake. You, your friends, and your families can rent a boat in Okoboji. The interactive Fishing Atlas map shows contours for 218 county and state lakes, along with 2,000 fish structure locations. 0 Comments . (Photo courtesy of the Iowa DNR) Even though it has heavy fishing pressure, East Lake Okoboji has had no fish cleaning station, but that’s about to change. Conditions : Mississippi River: Pool 9 Water level at Lansing is 8. . Okoboji fishing house rentals. This museum had many fine fishing boats from the old to today, The boat that was on display from the bottom of the local lake was awesome. Over 20 Years experience as a professional Iowa fishing guide. Share. IDO » Community » Forums » Fishing Forums » Iowa Lakes & Rivers » East & West Okoboji. IOWA (change) LOGIN. 00: Big Timber Complex: Louisa: Two miles south of Muscatine, IA off of X-61/Stewart Rd. Panfish are moving into backwater lakes preparing for winter. East Okoboji Lake: Dickinson: east edge of Okoboji : 1835. In 1960, the first purebred musky were stocked into Iowa waters. LOGIN. Prepare for success with accurate data about the type of fish that are caugh in East Okoboji Lake, learn what baits are used, and fish smarter with weather forecasts. Great Lakes Guide Service (712)330-0085 bojiguide. Our recommendation is based on aspects about the weather conditions, moon phase & water conditions. Rich Menken and Chris Quiring of Okoboji hardwater ice fishing outfitters stand for a portrait in one of their ice castles West Lake Okoboji Thursday, Feb. Here's your fishing report for today the 30th of October for West Okoboji Lake. Fishing Reports and discussions for West Okoboji - IowaEast Okoboji Lake’s island is pretty small (only about ⅓ of an acre) and close to shore which makes it very easy to miss. Boaters and other lake users must be extra vigilant when cleaning their boats and equipment to prevent the spread of these invasive. Water Condition. Site Staff November 8, 2023. 00: Rice Lake: Winnebago: 1 mile south, 1 mile east of Lake Mills: 1000. Iowa Great Lakes. Followers 0. Iowa, United States. “With its incredible water clarity, extensive weedbeds/lines that can be found in all of the bays and a strong bluegill population, fishing bluegills on this lake is an awesome experience. Again, fish weedlines. Paved trail and parking, disc golf and restrooms. The most-recent Iowa DNR fishing report said that water temperatures are in the mid-50s, and anglers are finding some success for bass, walleyes and panfish. The winches cranked and the water bubbled as a dozen or so onlookers watched for the first signs of a sunken boat rising from the bottom of Hayward’s Bay. Geo resource failed to load. Sign in with TwitterWEST LAKE OKOBOJI, Iowa – On Thursday August 6, 2020, DNR Conservation Officers located a damaged boat consistent with damage to the hit and run incident, which seriously injured Vaughn Wickham of Spirit Lake, Iowa on August 4, 2020. Avery Arrowood / Shutterstock. Advertisement. Let’s face it, there’s a lot we can learn and share from one another like what bait or lure is generating the best results. Give Your Review. There has been consistent recruitment in recent years creating good year. Land-based summer activities include an amusement park, golf. I have fished many open and hard water tourneys. 00: Silver Lake (Dickinson) Dickinson: west edge of Lake Park : 1065. With temperatures in the mid-60s and the sun shining brightly, both largemouth and smallmouth bass can be found in water as shallow as 3 feet, or on deep weed edges. March 20, 2013 at 11:39 pm #1281318. Rent from people in West Okoboji, IA from $20/night. House (2300 sq. Pub in west lake okoboji report from accessible fishing around submerged structure along with havoc flat dawgs and yellow bass are equal in deep points and the door. West Okoboji Lake Fishing Report Card. This city is filled with excellent marinas that offer exceptional services. Water temperatures are in the low 40s. Fishing Reports and discussions for West Okoboji - IowaYellow perch fishing is seasonal and can be good in the early spring and late fall. Best bait for big fish was an all terrain jig with a choppers twin tail trailer. John ice fishes on Spirit Lake and West Lake Okoboji in the winter. It is really an untapped resource. 5 Anglers- $500. You can rent boats, other watercraft, equipment for fishing, and even fish-scaling services in the Iowa Great Lakes region. Cedar River (above Nashua) Northeast. com. The daily limit is three walleyes with a possession limit of six. Caution - numerous seams are present on area lakes. FISHING REPORTS West Okoboji Dickinson County, Iowa (2) Read Reviews. Go deep for West Lake Okoboji ‘eyes If you have the time to chase fall walleyes in November, make sure to head to West Lake Okoboji near Okoboji, Iowa. FORUMS. Barometric Pressure; IOWA. SEARCH. Sporting healthy populations of bass, catfish, crappie, walleye, sunfish, perch, muskie and northern pike, the lake is ideal for ice fishing in winter. By ryan-hale August 14, 2006 0. Located on the shores of West Lake Okoboji, Sunrise Cove at Village West offers excellent summertime activities in the heart of Iowa. We take a number of different data points to make our fishing recommendation. Gull Point provides a pleasing, shaded setting on West Okoboji Lake with numerous outdoor recreation amenities. Iowa Great Lakes. Late ice toward the end of February and into March was incredible. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Try fishing off points using surface baits or jerk. The natural lakes provide excellent fishing, swimming, and boating in the summer and hunting in the fall. (Contributed photo) West Okoboji is truly a world class largemouth and smallmouth fishery. Tail jigs or minnows around submerged structure along the summer. Season. The walleye season is closed. A guide trip is a great gift for your loved ones. Sign in with Facebook. For the third consecutive year, the North American Ice Fishing Circuit (NAIFC) will be holding one of its National Qualifiers on West Okoboji’s Little Emerson/Big Emerson Bay on Sunday, January 17. Calender. 0 Comments . Caught some 11 and 11. The area was long. Here's your fishing report for today the 29th of October for West Okoboji Lake. No smoking. West Okoboji, Big Spirit, rivers in the northeast part of the state, and a few unique spots in central Iowa are reliable places to target smallmouths. West Okoboji Lake (sometimes known as West Lake. For a limited time, you can get full access to breaking news, all original Outdoor News stories and updates from the entire Great Lakes Region and beyond, the most up-to-date fishing & hunting reports, lake. This lake is part of what is known as the Iowa Great Lakes. Shetek A few perch and crappie. According to information obtained from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, West Lake Okoboji is comprised of 3,847 surface acres of water with an. Kirk Ewen is shown on West Lake Okoboji on Thursday. (Contributed photo) The Iowa Great Lakes region has several well. Again, fish weedlines. Open Year Round. red flag warning issued april 11 at 2:38am cdt until april 11 at 9:00pm cdt by nws. OKOBOJI ICE-OUT? posted by norseman on March 13, 2009 at 12:14 pm. The channel catfish population in East Okoboji is often overlooked, but the members of that population are extremely well fed due to the enormous population of yellow bass in the lake. WEST LAKE OKOBOJI, Iowa. Posts: 1815. Okoboji Boulevard runs east and west along the south edge of West Lake Okoboji. Fishing guides, Okoboji fishing charter, fishing charter, Ranger Boats, Walleye Boats, Mercury Outboards, Humminbird, MinnKota, Learn to fish, kids fishing, shore lunch, Walleye on crankbaits, jigging Walleye, Walleye Crawler harness, back trolling, Okoboji night fishing, John Campbell, fishing articles, Walleye expert, Walleye Champion, PWT. Plan a fishing or boating trip or vacation to West Okoboji Lake area and find places to stay near West Okoboji Lake. On the inside edges of vegetation cast a berkley maxscent hit worm on a 3/16 oz. Advertisement. // June 26, 2023. West Okoboji Lake is larger than its eastern counterpart. In 1937, a teenager named Berkley Bedell started selling hand-tied flies to the anglers who travelled from near and far to. 0 miles from West Okoboji Lake. Water Temperature. One of the best areas for fishing in north central Iowa. // June 6, 2023. The 24,876. The Iowa Great Lakes offer fantastic fishing opportunities on a series of lakes. Spirit Lake A few bluegill, and perch. Sign in with Facebook. S. Object Moved This document may be found hereNorthwest Iowa — Here is this week’s Fishing Report from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. This "lake living" apartment/basement has its own entrance so come and go as you please. Fry from Wisconsin were raised at the Decorah trout hatchery, and 40 fish each were stocked into Clear Lake and West Lake Okoboji. I'm going to be giving weekly Fishing Reports right here on this forum for Spirit Lake / West Lake Okoboji. Wader fishing in the evening for. Early spring there is a wide variety of species to target. Give Your Review. Return. “West is one of the few lakes in America where you can sit over a hole in the ice and see at least 20 feet below on sunny days, watching fish approach and take the bait,” Grosvenor said. At a minimum, four inches of clear blue ice is recommended for fishing. Mary Fairchild / CC BY-SA 2.