Fishing West Okoboji Lake

AKA: West Lake

Popular Fish Species
West Okoboji Lake Fishing Video
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West Okoboji Lake, IA

Popular Fish Species West Okoboji Lake, IA

West Okoboji Lake Popular Fish - Walleye

Walleye Fishing

Thanks to stocking of millions of walleye fry and fingerlings over previous years, a healthy population of walleye are thriving in the waters of West Okoboji Lake this year. May and June tend to be the best time for weekend anglers to catch them. During this time they tend to move shallower and closer to shore. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. As always, stay around schools of baitfish. They are eager to feed throughout the lake, but tend to concentrate around structure on points, flats and ledges off the river channels. A proven method for catching walleye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times. When the lake freezes over in winter, ice fishing for walleye can be very productive. Use GPS to locate spots you normally fish during other times of the year.

Muskie Fishing

Fishing for Muskellunge in West Okoboji Lake could provide a trophy fish on any given cast. The lake has a vast number of catchable musky as well as some giants, all thanks to stocking and fishery management by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Use a strong rod in medium- to medium-heavy action, with heavy line - 20# or heavier. Because of their sharp teeth, steel leaders are highly recommended. Muskie fishing can bring some exciting moments to your fishing day, as big muskies are spectacular, and strong fighters. Muskie have a big mouth so use big baits, same baits you would use for bass but in larger sizes. Topwater, spinnerbaits, crankbaits and jerkbaits all work well for hungry muskie. The best time of year to chase these big fish is Spring, and then again in Fall as the water temperature starts cooling. When the lake freezes over in winter, ice fishing for musky can be very exhilarating. Use GPS to locate spots you normally find muskie during summer.

West Okoboji Lake Popular Fish - Black Crappie

Black Crappie Fishing

Black crappie reside in good numbers throughout West Okoboji Lake, and they are averaging a very good size this year. Crappie fishing is excellent and they are running in sizeable schools. 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. Crappie always like cover and structure, so locate brush and vegetation. 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. White crappie, in smaller numbers, also make this lake their home. When the lake freezes over, ice fishing is often a great way to catch a nice bunch of crappie.

West Okoboji Lake Fishing Video

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 West Okoboji Lake in Iowa.

With fish species a plenty, West Okoboji Lake is a year-round attraction for fishing enthusiasts. Sporting healthy populations of bass, catfish, crappie, walleye, sunfish, perch, muskie and northern pike. One of the "Iowa Great Lakes," West Okoboji Lake is ideal for ice fishing in winter.

One of the sought-after fish species in West Okoboji Lake is the walleye. Yellow perch is another popular species here. The lake is also known for its largemouth bass population. Other popular fish species in West Okoboji Lake include bluegill, crappie, and northern pike.

Anglers enjoy traditional fishing methods during warmer weather. This 3,850-acre lake is located in northwest Iowa at Okoboji. Anglers fishing from boats can access over 20 miles of shoreline. While much of the lake is surrounded by private boat docks, there are plenty of opportunities for fishing from the bank at campgrounds and public access areas. Marinas, boat launch ramps, boat rentals and a fish cleaning station are available to the public.

Primary fish species residing in West Okoboji Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

West 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

Fishing Boat Rentals

Extreme Watersports
Rentals: Pontoon boats
712 332-5406

Okoboji Boat Works
Rentals: Pontoon boats
712 332-9904

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Emerson Bay Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, off Emerson Street, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Meneyata Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Lakeside Avenue, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

South Lagoon Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off S Lagoon Street, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Marinas

Okoboji Boat Works
1401 Lake Shore Dr
Okoboji, IA 51355
712 332-9904