Page 80 - Vacation Okoboji Tourist Guide 2022

FISHING\u000A e asked Mike Hawkins, the District Fisheries Biologist for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources in Spirit Lake, to share some of his knowledge about fishing in the Iowa Great Lakes.\u000AHow do the efforts of the State Fish Hatchery in Spirit Lake keep our fish population healthy?\u000AFish hatcheries in Iowa are important for maintaining some species of fish that have a hard time on their own. Walleyes are a good example. Ideally, walleyes required very clean cobble and gravel bottom to broadcast their eggs onto. Algae and sediment can create conditions that prevent good oxygenation and suffocate the eggs. Walleye populations in Iowa\u2019s natural lakes and rivers would not be present without hatchery stocking.\u000AWhat are the best fish to go after in Spring/Summer/ Fall Winter?\u000AFishing can be enjoyed anytime, but spring and early summer are typically the best time to catch fish. Many species are very active in the cool water and have their spawning periods during this time. Water temperature is the biggest factor in fish spawning time. Northern pike spawn first as the ice goes out. They are followed by walleyes, yellow perch, then crappies, smallmouth bass, bluegills and largemouth bass. A lot of energy is expended during this time and fish must eat a lot to stay healthy. Fishing can be best right after a fish\u2019s spawning time as they recover. Fishing from shore or docks can be the best during this period.\u000ALate summer can be the hardest time to catch fish as many species will slow down or move deeper as the water gets warm. Fishing can still be very good,\u000Abut finding the fish can be a bit more challenging. Bluegills and smallmouth bass will move to deeper rock piles or the outside (deep) side of weed lines.\u000AFall is a favorite fishing time for many anglers. Boat traffic slows down and the water begins to cool. Many species start to move back to shallow water and increase their feeding activity as winter approaches. Most species get easier to catch in the fall. Yellow perch populations are cyclical, but when their numbers are high they are a fall favorite.\u000AWinter requires some different skills and equipment but can be very enjoyable and extremely rewarding. Finding good winter habitat for different species is important. Walleye, yellow perch, and bluegill fishing is very popular in the winter.\u000AW\u000A What makes fishing in the Iowa Great Lakes so unique?\u000AThe Iowa Great Lakes have a very diverse fishery. Over 40 species of fish inhabit the lakes making it one\u000Aof the most diverse fisheries in the region. Not all of these fish are caught by anglers but they are all part of a complex ecosystem that adds stability to fishery.\u000AIn addition, the Iowa Great Lakes offer such a variety of lake and habitat types. West Okoboji Lake is very deep and has clear water most of the year allowing deep weed lines to grow.\u000ASpirit Lake is dish shaped and more typical of the prairie pothole region. The entire lake is mixed and\u000Aoxygenated throughout the year making it very productive. East Okoboji Lake has a mix of habitat types. This lake is long and narrow with its deepest water in the southern third. The lake\u000Ais extremely productive and most recently has seen an explosion of crappies, bluegills and pumpkinseed. Predator species like largemouth bass and northern pike are also increasing dramatically. There are a number of other connected smaller lakes and wetlands which can be great places to fish or provide important nursery areas for some species.\u000AWhat do fishing license fees\u000Asupport?\u000AIn Iowa, hunting, trapping and fishing license fees go into the Iowa Fish and Game Trust Fund. License fees can only be spent on local conservation, ensuring healthy fish/wildlife populations and public access to outdoor opportunities. Even if you don\u2019t hunt or fish but enjoy outdoor recreation and wildlife, a fishing license is a great way to support natural resources!\u000A What variety of fish will anglers find here?\u000A 78 VACATION OKOBOJI 2022\u000AWalleye, northern pike,\u000Asmallmouth and largemouth bass, muskie, yellow perch, bluegill, black crappie, and yellow bass are some of the most popular.\u000A