Fishing West Okoboji Lake
AKA: West Lake
Popular Fish Species West Okoboji Lake, IA
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.
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.
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.
West Okoboji Lake Fishing Video
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, the lake is ideal for ice fishing in winter.
West Okoboji Lake in Iowa is a renowned fishing destination, known for its crystal-clear waters, diverse fish populations, and scenic surroundings. As one of the "Iowa Great Lakes," West Okoboji Lake offers anglers a wealth of opportunities to catch a variety of popular fish species.
One of the sought-after fish species in West Okoboji Lake is the walleye. Known for their elusive nature and delicious taste, walleye are a favorite among anglers. The lake's structure, including drop-offs, points, and submerged structures, provides ideal habitat for walleye. Anglers can target walleye using various techniques such as trolling with crankbaits or spinner rigs, casting with jigs or live bait rigging. Early morning and evening hours are often the most productive times to fish for walleye.
Yellow perch is another popular species in West Okoboji Lake. These panfish can be found near weed beds, rock piles, and submerged structures. Anglers often have success using small jigs tipped with live bait or small minnows. Perch can provide steady action and make for excellent table fare.
West Okoboji Lake is also known for its largemouth bass population. The lake's clear waters, weed beds, and submerged structures create a perfect habitat for bass. Anglers can target largemouth bass using a variety of techniques such as casting with soft plastic baits, topwater lures, or crankbaits. Bass fishing can be particularly exciting during the early morning or late evening hours when bass are most active.
Other popular fish species in West Okoboji Lake include bluegill, crappie, and northern pike. Bluegill can be caught using small jigs, worms, or crickets near vegetation or submerged structures. Crappie can be found near submerged trees, brush piles, or rocky areas, and anglers often have success with small jigs or minnows. Northern pike, known for their aggressive nature, can be targeted using larger lures or live bait.
West Okoboji Lake in Iowa offers excellent fishing opportunities for a variety of popular fish species, including walleye, yellow perch, largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and northern pike. With its boating options, camping facilities, and stunning natural surroundings, West Okoboji Lake provides a complete outdoor experience for anglers of all levels, making it a top destination for fishing in Iowa's Great Lakes region.
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. Camping, lodging, restaurants and convenience stores are scattered around the lake.
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
Boating is a popular activity on West Okoboji Lake, with multiple boat ramps and marinas available for easy access. Anglers can enjoy cruising along the lake, finding their favorite fishing spots, and taking advantage of the lake's vast expanse. Whether it's a motorized boat, kayak, or canoe, boating adds another dimension of enjoyment to the fishing experience.
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
Fishing Guides On West Okoboji Lake
The Iowa Guide service - bass walleye, crappie, perch
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 are available near West Okoboji Lake, allowing anglers 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 hiking trails, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay for visitors.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Gull Point Campground - 712 337-3211
Emerson Bay State Recreation Area Campground - 712 337-3211
Arnolds Park City Campground - 712 332-2341
Minnewashta Campground - 712 332-2341
Camp Boji RV Park - 712 332-5114
Lakewood Park Resort RV Park - 712 332-5030
Fieldstone RV Park - 712 332-7631
West Okoboji Lake IA Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
West Okoboji Lake
Gull Point State Park
9RCJ+FC Wahpeton
Lakeville, IA
712 337-3211
Fishing lakes in each state.
062724
West Okoboji Lake in Iowa.
IOWA
Information about fishing lakes in Iowa
Fishing in northwest Iowa for crappie, walleye, perch, muskie and northern pike.
