Fishing East Okoboji Lake
AKA: East Lake
Popular Fish Species East Okoboji Lake, IA
Black Crappie Fishing
A nice population of black crappie resides in East Okoboji Lake. Crappie tend to run in schools, and once a school is located, there is a good chance for catching significant numbers. Crappie fishing is easy and requires simple, basic gear. Virtually any fishing pole, reasonably small line and crappie jigs or small hooks baited with live bait, creates the ideal setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to maintain. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. When the lake freezes over, ice fishing is often a great way to catch a nice bunch of slabs. Because crappie prefer cover and structure, locate brush and vegetation in appropriate water depths. Using a fish finder can help locate schools of crappie, which tend to stack vertically around cover. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels in deeper water.
Bluegill Fishing
Fishing for bluegill is a time-honored tradition at East Okoboji Lake. Young and old, beginners and seasoned anglers alike, all enjoy catching a bunch of fat bluegill. This year, much like recent years, the bluegill population is healthy and always looking for something to eat. Bluegill fishing is as basic as fishing gets. Any pole, reasonably small line and small hooks baited with anything edible, creates the ideal setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to position. Bluegill hang around brush, rocks, vegetation or any cover available. When the lake freezes over, try your luck at ice fishing.
Yellow Perch Fishing
Yellow perch tend to spawn in the April to May timeframe, and the spawn has been strong for years at East Okoboji Lake. As a result, the lake continues to maintain a very healthy population of yellow perch, which have been a mainstay in the fishery for decades. They are fun to catch in winter when ice fishing as well. Yellow perch are great table fare, and are a food source for many predator fish in the lake. Fishing for yellow perch is simple, their primary diet consists of minnows and other small fish, insects and worms. Yellow perch tend to gather in small groups and hang out on relatively deep structure, near cover and/or drop-offs. Use a small hook and sinker. Bait a small hook with minnows, worms or small jigs using 6 to 10 pound line.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, walleye, bluegill, white bass, yellow bass, yellow perch, muskie and northern pike at East Okoboji Lake in Iowa.
East Okoboji Lake Fishing Video
Popular for vacations and weekend outings, East Okoboji Lake, is also a very popular fishing destination. This 1,800-acre lake is located in northwest Iowa, at Okoboji. This fertile fishery is outlined by nearly 17 miles of shoreline.
East Okoboji Lake in Iowa is a premier destination for fishing enthusiasts, offering pristine waters and a wealth of angling opportunities. As one of the Iowa Great Lakes, it is known for its scenic beauty and abundant fish populations, attracting anglers from far and wide.
Anglers visiting East Okoboji Lake have the chance to target a variety of popular fish species. One of the most sought-after species is yellow perch, which provide excellent fishing opportunities throughout the year. These tasty panfish can be caught using small jigs, spinners, or live bait near weed beds, drop-offs, and submerged structures. Yellow perch offer anglers a chance to reel in good numbers and enjoy a rewarding fishing experience.
Walleye is another highly prized species in East Okoboji Lake. This lake boasts a thriving walleye fishery, with anglers having success using various techniques such as trolling with crankbaits, casting with jigs, or live bait rigging. Early morning and evening hours are often prime times to target walleye, particularly near rocky structures, points, or transition areas.
Bluegill, crappie, largemouth bass, and smallmouth bass are also abundant in East Okoboji Lake. These species offer additional angling opportunities and provide excitement for anglers of all skill levels. Bluegill can be found near vegetation or submerged structures and can be caught using small jigs, worms, or crickets. Crappie can be targeted near submerged brush piles or along drop-offs using small jigs or minnows. Largemouth bass and smallmouth bass can be pursued near weed beds, docks, or rocky areas, with various lures and techniques proving effective.
In summary, East Okoboji Lake in Iowa is a haven for anglers, offering a variety of popular fish species such as yellow perch, walleye, bluegill, crappie, largemouth bass, and smallmouth bass. With its boating options, camping facilities, and picturesque setting, East Okoboji Lake provides a complete fishing experience, inviting anglers to relax, unwind, and enjoy the abundant fishing opportunities in the heart of Iowa's Great Lakes region.
The lake offers access for fishing from the bank. Walleye, bass, crappie and musky garner a lot of attention from fishing enthusiasts. Other anglers enjoy fishing for catfish, bluegill, yellow bass, white bass, perch and northern pike. Ice fishing for perch, crappie and walleye is often very productive in winter. A marina, rental boats, three boat ramps, camping, bait, restaurants and stores are all at, or nearby, the lake.
Primary fish species residing in East Okoboji Lake
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
East Okoboji Lake Amenities
Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boating is a popular activity on East Okoboji Lake, and anglers can take advantage of the lake's boat ramps and marinas to access their favorite fishing spots. Whether it's a motorized boat, kayak, or canoe, boating provides anglers with the freedom to explore different areas of the lake and increase their chances of success.
Fishing Boat Rentals
Parks Marina
Rentals: Pontoon boats
712 332-9904
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Hattie Elston State Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest corner of the lake, off US Highway 71, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Highway 9 Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, at the north end of the State Route 9 Bridge, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.
Marinas
Mau Marine
1400 Gordon Dr
Okoboji, IA 51355
712 332-5626
Parks Marina
24457 178th St
Okoboji, IA 51355
712 332-7303
Fishing Guides On East Okoboji Lake
If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.
Fishing License
Click here for a Iowa Fishing License.
Camping facilities near East Okoboji Lake provide anglers and outdoor enthusiasts with the opportunity to extend their fishing trips and fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area. Campgrounds offer amenities such as RV hookups, tent sites, picnic areas, and walking trails, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay for visitors.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Elinor Bedell State Park Campground - 712 337-3211
Pelzer Acres Camping by the Narrows - 712 330-8361
Ranch RV Park - 319 332-2159
Cedar Ridge Campground - 712 470-2848
Oar’s Campground - 712 470-5609
Minnewashta Campground - 712 332-2341
Fieldstone RV Park - 712 332-7631
East Okoboji Lake IA Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
East Okoboji Lake
Parks Marina
24457 Stake Out Rd
Okoboji, IA 51355
712 332-7303
Fishing lakes in each state.
091724*
East Okoboji Lake in IA
IOWA
Fishing for walleye, bass, perch, crappie and musky in northwest IA.
