Jim McDonnell
02-04-2003, 04:23 PM
Fishing remains stable on Big Spirit on perch. You will have to do some sorting to have a limit of 25, 8 to 10 inchers. Buffalo Run, Reeds Run and Anglers Bay are good starting places. Problems do exist, especially on the east side of the lake, where the ice depth is being eaten away by current from the underside of the ice pack. There are about six large holes in the main lake area that has been open most of the winter. Why? Only the Big Fisherman in the Sky knows and He isn't telling. The best travel is on foot with a set of ice creepers. You can probably get by with ATV or snowmobile travel pulling a portable ice house like a Frabill Ranger. Vehicle travel is not safe on the east side of the lake. The grade area is producing nice bluegills as is Anglers Bay. Anglers has about 20 inches of ice and can be used for vehicle travel, if you don't venture out too far.
West Okoboji has better ice conditions. I have been fishing Millers Bay and there is 20 plus inches of ice, more than enough for vehicle or ATV travel. Bluegill and crappie are the daytime fish of choice with walleyes at daybreak and twilight. Keep tackle light, I use a Genz Lightning rod with a spring bobber, a Abu Garcia ultralight 600 reel, 2# XL or micro ice line. Try small jigs and spoons tipped with waxworms on most days. You will have to do some moving around. So a good Power Auger, like a Lazer Strikemaster, saves alot of time when cutting a milk run of holes.
Silver Lake at Ayrshire and Virgin Lake have a sporadic perch bite, mostly on minnows and a slip bobber. Keep a tight line and may your aim be straight. Jim McDonnell, The Fishing Professor, is a professional fishing guide, avid hunter and trapper in the Iowa Great Lakes region. 712 933-5532.
West Okoboji has better ice conditions. I have been fishing Millers Bay and there is 20 plus inches of ice, more than enough for vehicle or ATV travel. Bluegill and crappie are the daytime fish of choice with walleyes at daybreak and twilight. Keep tackle light, I use a Genz Lightning rod with a spring bobber, a Abu Garcia ultralight 600 reel, 2# XL or micro ice line. Try small jigs and spoons tipped with waxworms on most days. You will have to do some moving around. So a good Power Auger, like a Lazer Strikemaster, saves alot of time when cutting a milk run of holes.
Silver Lake at Ayrshire and Virgin Lake have a sporadic perch bite, mostly on minnows and a slip bobber. Keep a tight line and may your aim be straight. Jim McDonnell, The Fishing Professor, is a professional fishing guide, avid hunter and trapper in the Iowa Great Lakes region. 712 933-5532.