Jim McDonnell
01-21-2003, 10:38 AM
Perch fishing remains sporadic on Virgin and Silver Lakes at Ayrshire. One day you can catch three or four and the next you'll get fifteen. The best bite is in late afternoon. Minnows and slip bobbers and Buckshot Rattle spoons with a minnow head are good producers. Elk Lake is producing some walleyes, especially towards evenings.
West Swan Lake, north of Estherville, has an excellent Northern Pike bite. Most fish run 18 to 22 inches. The easiest method is to use Polar tipups with a chub.
Big Spirit's perch are slow biting right now, but action should pick up again in February. Buckshot Rattle spoons or slip bobbers and minnows work well. A 4-inch dropper line off a Fire-eye Minnow Spoon, and tipped with a wax worm will help take slow biting perch. A few Bluegill are being taken up in the Anglers Bay area. Most perch activity is in 18 to 20 feet of water.
West Okoboji still has a slow panfish and walleye bite. A few walleyes are being taken in the late afternoon.
Ice conditions are improving on all area lakes with the recent surge of below zero temperatures and no snow cover. You still must be careful around pressure seams, rock points, and areas that the geese have kept open. Foot and ATV travel is still best.
Walleye, Northern Pike and Muskie seasons close on the Iowa Great Lakes on February 15th.
Jim McDonnell is a professional fishing guide, hunter, trapper, and outdoor writer in the Iowa Great Lakes. 712 933-5532.
West Swan Lake, north of Estherville, has an excellent Northern Pike bite. Most fish run 18 to 22 inches. The easiest method is to use Polar tipups with a chub.
Big Spirit's perch are slow biting right now, but action should pick up again in February. Buckshot Rattle spoons or slip bobbers and minnows work well. A 4-inch dropper line off a Fire-eye Minnow Spoon, and tipped with a wax worm will help take slow biting perch. A few Bluegill are being taken up in the Anglers Bay area. Most perch activity is in 18 to 20 feet of water.
West Okoboji still has a slow panfish and walleye bite. A few walleyes are being taken in the late afternoon.
Ice conditions are improving on all area lakes with the recent surge of below zero temperatures and no snow cover. You still must be careful around pressure seams, rock points, and areas that the geese have kept open. Foot and ATV travel is still best.
Walleye, Northern Pike and Muskie seasons close on the Iowa Great Lakes on February 15th.
Jim McDonnell is a professional fishing guide, hunter, trapper, and outdoor writer in the Iowa Great Lakes. 712 933-5532.