Jim McDonnell
01-28-2003, 12:12 PM
Ice depths continue to improve. Most areas have 12 to 24 inches of good ice. That being said, there is also numerous open water holes on Big Spirit and the Okoboji's. Many areas are hard to get to, even with an ATV, as the ice has pushed up along shore. One day you may have access, and the next day it's a pressure ridge where you drove before. An ice chisel is standard equipment for testing these areas before crossing.
Big Spirit's perch bite has picked up again in the deeper water. Late morning and early afternoon has been very good on perch. Then the walleye bite starts about 5:00 PM. It is a good idea to put out a Pro Therman tipup made by Frabill, with a chub. The tipup will let you know when the walleye bite has started. There is some bluegill action on Anglers Bay and The Grade.
West Okoboji has a fair walleye bite on Millers, Haywards and Smiths Bays in the early morning or evenings. Some bluegill activity has started in Smith and Millers Bays.
Elk Lake and Lost Island has a fair walleye bite going in the evenings. A Buckshot Rattle Spoon or Forage Minnow tipped with a minnow head is a good choice. Silver Lake at Ayrshire and Virgin Lake are producing some nice perch, but it's hit or miss. A sunny day improves your luck.
Jim McDonnell, The Fishing Professor, is a professional fishing guide, avid hunter and trapper, and outdoor writer in the Iowa Great Lakes. 712 933-5532.
Big Spirit's perch bite has picked up again in the deeper water. Late morning and early afternoon has been very good on perch. Then the walleye bite starts about 5:00 PM. It is a good idea to put out a Pro Therman tipup made by Frabill, with a chub. The tipup will let you know when the walleye bite has started. There is some bluegill action on Anglers Bay and The Grade.
West Okoboji has a fair walleye bite on Millers, Haywards and Smiths Bays in the early morning or evenings. Some bluegill activity has started in Smith and Millers Bays.
Elk Lake and Lost Island has a fair walleye bite going in the evenings. A Buckshot Rattle Spoon or Forage Minnow tipped with a minnow head is a good choice. Silver Lake at Ayrshire and Virgin Lake are producing some nice perch, but it's hit or miss. A sunny day improves your luck.
Jim McDonnell, The Fishing Professor, is a professional fishing guide, avid hunter and trapper, and outdoor writer in the Iowa Great Lakes. 712 933-5532.