Jim McDonnell
07-25-2004, 11:24 AM
WEST OKOBOJI is excellent for big bluegill. Work the weed clump edges or off steep dropoffs in 15 to 25' of water for best results during the day time hours. Early morning and twilight will find the gills shallow. Fly fisherman are doing very well. Any fly pattern that looks like a bug will be eaten. You can do the same thing with ultra-light spinning gear and a casting bubble with a 1/64oz Fire Fly Jig. For walleyes, work the deep weed edges with leeches or crawlers. Smallmouth are hitting small surface baits and live crawfish. Northern Pike will go after spinnerbaits and Red-eye whigglers, and a light Berkley or Tyger leader will save you some tackle.
BIG SPIRIT LAKE is excellent on crappies in the weeds. Small jigs tipped with 2-inch Power Bait, minnows or leeches will get results. A Jigging Spoon with a wax worm will pick up some perch and big bluegills. For panfish I find it best to fish the calm areas of the lake. The walleye bite is good with many sub legal fish to sort through. Fishing Frenzy Firesticks and other Crankbaits will be effective off the weed line and in the lakes basin. There will be some northern pike action on spoons trolled or cast over the weed tops. Muskie action is fair with daybreak and twilight the best time.
EAST OKOBOJI is fair on small walleyes in the basin. Troll Crankbaits or Bottom Bouncers and Rainbow Spinners with live or Gulp crawlers.
Keep a tight line and may your aim be straight. Jim McDonnell is a professional fishing guide on the Iowa Great Lakes. 712 933-5532.
BIG SPIRIT LAKE is excellent on crappies in the weeds. Small jigs tipped with 2-inch Power Bait, minnows or leeches will get results. A Jigging Spoon with a wax worm will pick up some perch and big bluegills. For panfish I find it best to fish the calm areas of the lake. The walleye bite is good with many sub legal fish to sort through. Fishing Frenzy Firesticks and other Crankbaits will be effective off the weed line and in the lakes basin. There will be some northern pike action on spoons trolled or cast over the weed tops. Muskie action is fair with daybreak and twilight the best time.
EAST OKOBOJI is fair on small walleyes in the basin. Troll Crankbaits or Bottom Bouncers and Rainbow Spinners with live or Gulp crawlers.
Keep a tight line and may your aim be straight. Jim McDonnell is a professional fishing guide on the Iowa Great Lakes. 712 933-5532.