Jim McDonnell
12-19-2003, 10:58 AM
Little Emerson Bay on West Okoboji has a bluegill and perch bite going in 4 to 7-feet of water. Wax worms on small ice jigs work best. Little Millers Bay is producing some bluegill and crappie catches in shallow water. Ice depth runs 4 to 7 inches in most areas. Noise will turn off the bite of these shallow fish, so be as quiet setting up, as possible. Smith Bay, especially early morning and just before dark, has a sporadic walleye bite. Many sub legal fish will be caught.
East Okoboji's walleye bite is slow. Early morning seems to produce the best action. Jigging Raps and Buckshot Rattle Spoons are good choices.
Upper Gar has a fair perch and bluegill bite underway.
Big Spirit's Anglers Bay is on and off. Some good catches of perch, bluegill and crappie can be had if you hit the right spot. Usually you'll have to dig plenty of holes. Ice depth is 6 to 10-inches. Be careful of The Rednose and Little Stoney areas, some pockets of open water have appeared and then refroze. Anglers are just starting to test Crandalls Beach, Templars and Buffalo Run areas.
South Dakota's Lake Thompson and Waubay areas have good ice. Perch, northern and walleye activity are picking up in the area.
Storm Lake has almost a non-existant walleye bite. Clear Lake is producing some good catches of yellow bass.
Lots of places to go fishing and so little time. Keep a tight line and may your aim be straight. Jim McDonnell is a professional fishing guide, avid hunter, trapper and outdoor writer covering the Iowa Great Lakes, southern Minnesota and the southeastern area of South Dakota. Guided ice fishing trips are available on the Iowa Great Lakes. 712 933-5532.
East Okoboji's walleye bite is slow. Early morning seems to produce the best action. Jigging Raps and Buckshot Rattle Spoons are good choices.
Upper Gar has a fair perch and bluegill bite underway.
Big Spirit's Anglers Bay is on and off. Some good catches of perch, bluegill and crappie can be had if you hit the right spot. Usually you'll have to dig plenty of holes. Ice depth is 6 to 10-inches. Be careful of The Rednose and Little Stoney areas, some pockets of open water have appeared and then refroze. Anglers are just starting to test Crandalls Beach, Templars and Buffalo Run areas.
South Dakota's Lake Thompson and Waubay areas have good ice. Perch, northern and walleye activity are picking up in the area.
Storm Lake has almost a non-existant walleye bite. Clear Lake is producing some good catches of yellow bass.
Lots of places to go fishing and so little time. Keep a tight line and may your aim be straight. Jim McDonnell is a professional fishing guide, avid hunter, trapper and outdoor writer covering the Iowa Great Lakes, southern Minnesota and the southeastern area of South Dakota. Guided ice fishing trips are available on the Iowa Great Lakes. 712 933-5532.