Jim McDonnell
02-20-2003, 10:39 AM
Big Spirit Lake still has iffy ice conditions on the east side of the lake. Most of the open holes have about 4 inches of ice covering them. Foot travel is recommended. The ice pack on the rest of the lake is good for ATV travel.
The perch bite continues to be good in 20 feet of water. You will have to sort to get a mess of 10 inchers. Buckshot Rattle Spoons or Fire-eye Minnow Jigs tipped with minnow or wax worms are hot. Experiment with jigging spoons and dropper lines if the bite if tough. Try the Grade and Anglers bay for bluegills.
West Okoboji's Millers bay is still the top producer of bluegills and crappies. The water in the bay has cleared up the last week. Most fish are in 10 to 12 feet of water. Ice pack is running about 25 inches in the bay. Remember that walleye season is closed on West and East Okoboji and Big Spirit.
Minnewasta is producing some nice bluegills and a few walleyes. Silver Lake at Ayrshire is fair on crapppie and perch. Dog Creek is fair on crappies in the evenings.
Most farm ponds in the area are producing bluegill and crappies. Many are private so do get permission.
Keep a tight line and may your aim be straight. Jim McDonnell is a professional fishing guide and outdoor writer in the Iowa Great Lakes area. 712 933-5532.
The perch bite continues to be good in 20 feet of water. You will have to sort to get a mess of 10 inchers. Buckshot Rattle Spoons or Fire-eye Minnow Jigs tipped with minnow or wax worms are hot. Experiment with jigging spoons and dropper lines if the bite if tough. Try the Grade and Anglers bay for bluegills.
West Okoboji's Millers bay is still the top producer of bluegills and crappies. The water in the bay has cleared up the last week. Most fish are in 10 to 12 feet of water. Ice pack is running about 25 inches in the bay. Remember that walleye season is closed on West and East Okoboji and Big Spirit.
Minnewasta is producing some nice bluegills and a few walleyes. Silver Lake at Ayrshire is fair on crapppie and perch. Dog Creek is fair on crappies in the evenings.
Most farm ponds in the area are producing bluegill and crappies. Many are private so do get permission.
Keep a tight line and may your aim be straight. Jim McDonnell is a professional fishing guide and outdoor writer in the Iowa Great Lakes area. 712 933-5532.