Jim McDonnell
09-17-2003, 11:40 AM
In general, fishing remains slow. You can still make good catches of Bluegill off the deep weed edges of West Okoboji and off the docks on Minnewasta. You will also catch some crappie, perch and white bass. Small Ice lures or Minnie jigs tipped with whigglers, wax worms or a piece of the new Berkley Gulp panfish bait all have their day.
Smallmouth fishing on the rock piles is good on Big Spirit Lake and West Okoboji. A hair jig, chub on a Roach Rig or a Tube jig will get their attention.
Largemouth bass are off the deep weeds and under the docks on West Okoboji. Work the weeds in Anglers Bay on Big Spirit.
Perch activity remains good on most days on Big Spirit Lake. Depth will vary from 12' to 20' and you will just have to experiment. Minnie Jigs with whigglers are hard to beat. A few perch are showing up on the rock piles and docks of East Okoboji. White bass activity is good on East Okoboji on jig and minnows or crankbaits.
Walleyes are slow on West Okoboji but try the deep weeds or basin areas from 20' to 40' of water. Frenzy crankbaits or big chubs are producing.
Big Spirit has a deep water walleye bite on crankbaits or spinners and crawlers. You need to get the bait down 15' or so. A Frenzy diver and 10# Fireline will do it, as will adding Off Shore snap weights.
Muskie action is fair but should be picking up. Try the weedlines both on Spirit Lake and East and West Okoboji in the early morning or late afternoon.
Keep a tight line and may your aim be straight. Jim McDonnell is a professional fishing guide, avid hunter, trapper and outdoor writer. He writes from his home in Royal. 712 933-5532.
Smallmouth fishing on the rock piles is good on Big Spirit Lake and West Okoboji. A hair jig, chub on a Roach Rig or a Tube jig will get their attention.
Largemouth bass are off the deep weeds and under the docks on West Okoboji. Work the weeds in Anglers Bay on Big Spirit.
Perch activity remains good on most days on Big Spirit Lake. Depth will vary from 12' to 20' and you will just have to experiment. Minnie Jigs with whigglers are hard to beat. A few perch are showing up on the rock piles and docks of East Okoboji. White bass activity is good on East Okoboji on jig and minnows or crankbaits.
Walleyes are slow on West Okoboji but try the deep weeds or basin areas from 20' to 40' of water. Frenzy crankbaits or big chubs are producing.
Big Spirit has a deep water walleye bite on crankbaits or spinners and crawlers. You need to get the bait down 15' or so. A Frenzy diver and 10# Fireline will do it, as will adding Off Shore snap weights.
Muskie action is fair but should be picking up. Try the weedlines both on Spirit Lake and East and West Okoboji in the early morning or late afternoon.
Keep a tight line and may your aim be straight. Jim McDonnell is a professional fishing guide, avid hunter, trapper and outdoor writer. He writes from his home in Royal. 712 933-5532.