East Okoboji Lake

Area water temperatures have started to slowly rise and are in the low to mid 50s. Most area lakes are at or above crest with the recent rains. Most courtesy docks are now in place. The walleye season is currently closed on the IGL's until May 4th.

Bluegill - Fair:

The lake is currently a couple inches above crest. The walleye season is closed until May 4th.

Yellow Perch - Fair: Sorting will most likely be needed.

Source: Iowa DNR

Recently weather conditions have been colder which have brought down lake temperatures significantly. This has allowed some areas to ice over during the night. Most courtesy docks are not in place. The walleye season is now closed on the IGL's until May 4th.

Bluegill - Fair:

The lake is currently 3 inches below crest. The walleye season is closed until May 4th.

Yellow Perch - Fair: Sorting will most likely be needed.

Source: Iowa DNR

Many smaller and shallower lakes are now open. The conditions on the lakes that still have ice do not allow for safe fishing. Continued warm weather should open up most covered lakes in the coming week. The walleye season is now close on the IGL's until May 4th.

The lake is essentially ice free. The walleye season is closed until May 4th.

Black Crappie - Fair: Using minnows and plastics has been working well for many anglers.

Bluegill - Fair:

Yellow Perch - Fair: Sorting will most likely be needed.

Many smaller and shallower lakes are now open. The conditions on the lakes that still have ice do not allow for safe fishing. Continued warm weather should open up most covered lakes in the coming week. The walleye season is now close on the IGL's until May 4th.

Black Crappie - Fair: Using minnows and plastics has been working well for many anglers.

Bluegill - Fair:

The lake is essentially ice free. The walleye season is closed until May 4th.

Yellow Perch - Fair: Sorting will most likely be needed.

Source: Iowa DNR

Area ice conditions have deteriorated extensively making ice fishing essentially impossible. Many shallower lakes have begun to open up in areas and shorelines are receding. The walleye season is now close on the IGL's until May 4th.

Currently no safe ice for ice fishing. The walleye season is closed until May 4th.

Black Crappie - Fair: Using minnows and plastics has been working well for many anglers.

Bluegill - Fair:

Yellow Perch - Fair: Sorting will most likely be needed.

Source: Iowa DNR

Area ice conditions have been highly variable. Most areas are still completely ice covered. Most areas range from 6-10 inches. Ice conditions deteriorated extensively as consistent above freezing temperatures have been experienced for the last couple weeks. Use extra caution along shorelines and accesses that have deteriorated the most. The walleye season closes on the IGL's February 14th.

Black Crappie - Fair: Using minnows and plastics has been working well for many anglers.

Bluegill - Fair:

The lake is fully ice covered. Most areas are 6 - 10 inches.The walleye season closes February 14th.

Walleye - Fair:

Yellow Perch - Fair: Sorting will most likely be needed.

Area ice conditions have been highly variable. Most areas are still completely ice covered. Most areas range from 6-10 inches. Ice conditions deteriorated extensively as consistent above freezing temperatures have been experienced for the last couple weeks. Use extra caution along shorelines and accesses that have deteriorated the most. The walleye season closes on the IGL's February 14th.

Black Crappie - Fair: Using minnows and plastics has been working well for many anglers.

Bluegill - Fair:

The lake is fully ice covered. Most areas are 6 - 10 inches.The walleye season closes February 14th.

Yellow Perch - Fair: Sorting will most likely be needed.

Walleye - Fair:

Source: Iowa DNR

Area ice conditions have been highly variable. All areas are completely ice covered. Most areas range from 8-12 inches. Ice conditions will unfortunately begin to deteriorate as consistent above freezing temperatures are expected to continue for at least a week. Use extra caution along shorelines and accesses that will deteriorate fastest.

Black Crappie - Fair: Using minnows and plastics has been working well for many anglers.

The lake is fully ice covered. Most areas are 8- 12 inches.

Bluegill - Fair: Try using a small hook and piece of worm. In deeper water try using pilkie's with wigglers or slip bobber setup.

Walleye - Fair:

Yellow Perch - Fair: Sorting will most likely be needed.

Source: Iowa DNR

All area lakes are completely ice covered. Area ice conditions range from 8-12 inches. Ice conditions should continue to improve as the forecast calls for continued below freezing temps. The largest lakes have been the last to freeze.

Black Crappie - Fair: Using minnows and plastics has been working well for many anglers.

Bluegill - Fair: Try using a small hook and piece of worm. In deeper water try using pilkie's with wigglers or slip bobber setup.

The lake is fully ice covered. Most areas are 12 inches or less.

Walleye - Fair:

Yellow Perch - Fair: Sorting will most likely be needed.

All area lakes are completely ice covered. Area ice conditions range from 8-12 inches. Ice conditions should continue to improve as the forecast calls for continued below freezing temps. The largest lakes have been the last to freeze.

The lake is fully ice covered. Most areas are 12 inches or less.

Black Crappie - Fair: Using minnows and plastics has been working well for many anglers.

Bluegill - Fair: Try using a small hook and piece of worm. In deeper water try using pilkie's with wigglers or slip bobber setup.

Yellow Perch - Fair: Sorting will most likely be needed.

Walleye - Fair:

Source: Iowa DNR

Most area lakes have around 5 in of ice or less. Current temperatures are below freezing and should continue to get colder over the next week. Expect ice conditions to get better and better each day. The largest lakes have been the last to freeze. Bays and smaller lakes are your best bet for safe ice fishing access. Be sure to check ice frequently as there are many open areas that have frozen more recently.

The lake is fully covered, but be weary of holes that have closed up more recently. Most areas are 4 inches or less.

Black Crappie - Fair: Using minnows and plastics has been working well for many anglers.

Bluegill - Fair: Try using a small hook and piece of worm. In deeper water try using pilkie's with wigglers or slip bobber setup.

Yellow Perch - Fair: Sorting will most likely be needed.

Walleye - Fair:

Source: Iowa DNR

Most area water levels are a few inches below crest. Most larger lakes are almost completely open. Warmer weather and rain showers has knocked back any ice that has been made. Expect ice to start building this weekend as high temperatures will finally be at or below freezing. Some bays have thicker ice, but otherwise ice fishing access can be hard to find. Check ice often if attempting to go out.

Black Crappie - Fair: Using minnows and plastics has been working well for many anglers.

The lake has started to form ice again.

Bluegill - Fair: Try using a small hook and piece of worm. In deeper water try using pilkie's with wigglers or slip bobber setup.

Walleye - Fair:

Yellow Perch - Fair: Sorting will most likely be needed.

Source: Iowa DNR

Most area water levels are a few inches below crest. Most smaller lakes are covered in a thin layer of ice with a few inches max. Warm conditions during the day have hindered ice production. Some bays have thicker ice, but otherwise fishing access can be hard to find. Check ice often if going out.

Black Crappie - Fair: Using minnows and plastics has been working well for many anglers.

Much of the lake is ice covered. Very few areas offer safe ice fishing opportunities.

Bluegill - Fair: Try using a small hook and piece of worm. In deeper water try using pilkie's with wigglers or slip bobber setup.

Walleye - Fair:

Yellow Perch - Fair: Sorting will most likely be needed.

Source: Iowa DNR