SPIRIT LAKE, Iowa | A man who drowned in West Lake Okoboji Saturday has been identified as a Des Moines man. County: Dickinson Location: east edge of Okoboji Acres: 1835. 00: Rice Lake: Winnebago: 1 mile south, 1 mile east of Lake Mills: 1000. west edge of Lake Park : 1065. 8 miles of shoreline is state owned and about 85 percent of the shoreline is developed. 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. He's done this for 21. To find West Okoboji Lake enter the 43. West Okoboji Lake The current water temperature is hovering just above freezing. West Okoboji gills can be some of the toughest fish to catch in the mid-west. (2014) Motoring Restrictions: none Nearby Parks Lower Gar State Recreation Area Mini. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Try fishing off points using surface baits or jerk. Menu. With temperatures in the mid-60s and the sun shining brightly, both largemouth and smallmouth bass can be found in water as shallow as 3 feet, or on deep weed edges. Walleye/sauger are feeding as they move into deeper water at the lock & dams. "The next state record smallmouth bass will come from Big Spirit Lake or West Lake Okoboji. This small natural geological feature looks to have been quite a bit larger at one time. For years and years ice fishermen from across the Midwest have headed to northwest Iowa’s West Lake Okoboji to sight fish the finicky bluegills for which West Okoboji is famous. Location: Eagle Grove, Iowa. Super 8 by Wyndham Jackson MN. Iowa, United States. Sign in with Facebook. West Okoboji A few Perch. Southwest Minnesota. Strike King Coffee Tube Green Pumpkin Purple / 3 1/2" The start of 2020-2021 Okoboji ice fishing season and the anticipation of hitting the ice is on everyone's list…. Catch largemouth bass, bluegill and channel catfish. On the inside edges of vegetation cast a berkley maxscent hit worm on a 3/16 oz. Your Okoboji Family Fishing Guide. Yellow Perch – Fair: Minnows are working well; some. Reply to this topic; Start new topic; Recommended Posts. The calendar fills up fast so I recommend booking sooner than later. Storm Lake is one of the clearest lakes in IA, and one of the most popular for recreational activities: 6. Share this page: Today's Fishing. DEALS. 25 miles shoreline is less than its smaller neighbors East. How to Prevent the Spread of Invasive Species. I have fished many open and hard water tourneys. A crankbait is one of the best lures for summer fishing; those similar to the color, size and action of a crayfish work best. 5 inches in most. 00: Lost Island Lake: Palo Alto: 3 miles north of Ruthven : 1162. Gull Point State Park 1500 Harpen Street Milford, IA 51351 Ph. West Okoboji Lake is abundant in bluegill, yellow perch, and walleye. Also, keep in mind, West Lake Okoboji is the coldest lake. Water Condition. Best bait for nu. Top 5 Crappie Fishing Lures For Iowa. The largest. Tim Hilbert comes eye to eye with a pumpkinseed while scuba diving in Iowa’s West Lake Okoboji. Here's your fishing report for today the 29th of October for West Okoboji Lake. FORUMS. Mississippi River - Pool 9;. Caution - numerous seams are present on area lakes. 00: Rice Lake: Winnebago: 1 mile south, 1 mile east of Lake Mills: 1000. Today. Enjoy lake activities. The program has continued with annual stockings of about 5,000 fish, 6- to 10-inches long, into Clear Lake, West Lake Okoboji and Big Spirit Lake. 04 pounds, and the 18 th place team has 8. 00: Five Island Lake: Palo Alto: north edge of Emmetsburg : 973. Crayfish colored crankbaits work best, particularly on the numerous rocky land points in West Lake Okoboji. 00: Lake Macbride. Mississippi River Pool 12 Lake Okoboji Fishing, Okoboji, Iowa. An exception is in the deeper lakes that stratify, like West Lake Okoboji, where larger perch like cooler water layers at a depth where the thermocline (a thermal water temperature barrier that forms in deeper lakes in the summer) intercepts the bottom, usually at 30 to 40 feet. " Located on the water at Okoboji Boat Works, the Fish House is a favorite stop for snowmobilers and when conditions permit, features. East Okoboji’s current water temperature is 73°F. Walleye/sauger are feeding as they move into deeper water at the. The fishing has been fantastic over the past few weeks. Prepare for success with accurate data about the type of fish that are caugh in West Okoboji Lake, learn what baits are used, and fish smarter with weather forecasts. Facebook: Lake Okoboji Fishing Phone: 712-330-5815 Email: [email protected] Okoboji Lake Water temperatures are in the mid-60s. Available Parameters. Ryan, glad to hear you finally got a little time on the water!. Kirk Ewen is shown on West Lake Okoboji on Thursday. The Perch bite has been good. Spirit Lake A few bluegill, and perch. 22, 2018. m. WEST LAKE OKOBOJI, Iowa. A good spring. Lake level is 11 inches above crest. Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings. West Okoboji Lake, and East Okoboji Lake. 4 feet. Mason Dockter. The telephone number to report any emergency - on or off water - in Dickinson County is 911. Avery Arrowood / Shutterstock. The natural lakes provide excellent fishing, swimming, and boating in the summer and hunting in the fall. It was on West Okoboji Lake, which is a pretty blue, spring-fed lake. The new fish cleaning station at the HWY 9 boat ramp area will be very similar to the fish cleaning station at the Marble Beach Campground area. 4. Ways recommended this gear for West Lake Okoboji, IA. 159439 longitude coordinates into your GPS device or smart phone. // June 26, 2023. 00: Silver Lake (Dickinson) Dickinson: west edge of Lake Park : 1065. 1401 LAKE SHORE DR Okoboji, Iowa | Map It Lakes & Land Visit Our Website 712. 0 Comments . These young fish will help sustain good panfish numbers over the next few years. 28-Oct-23. Sign in with TwitterPlan a fishing or boating trip or vacation to West Okoboji Lake area and find places to stay near West Okoboji Lake. ryan-hale on 8/14/2006 at. One of the best lakes you need to visit is the East Okoboji Lake which spans more than 1,800 acres and is also a part of the Iowa Great Lakes. West Okoboji Lake is located in Dickinson County, Iowa. 9802W) to Connis Point on West. late august thru october are traditionally the best times for west okoboji. West Lake Okoboji is the best location for fishing and water sports. West Okoboji is a very unique lake to ice fish because of its clarity. One of the sought-after fish species in Storm Lake is the walleye. The bite is on and the bass are moving shallow. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is asking for help to prevent the spread of Eurasian watermilfoil and brittle naiad around West Okoboji Lake. Most fish are out in 15+ feet of water, but are slowly been. Northfield MN. Love to fish and hunt. One fish that used to be found in East and West Okoboji Lakes was the large freshwater paddlefish. Peace Harbor offered a serene setting on West Lake Okoboji for Tom Bedell to host family and friends, as well as Pure Fishing clients, fundraisers, class reunions and other events. Benton A few perch and pike. Love to fish and hunt. 4 feet and is expected to rise to 9. Winds are out of the ENE at 17mph, with wind gusts of 26mph. Anna/Flickr. Premium PRO Weather. West Okoboji Lake Fishing Report Card. Our recommendation is based on aspects about the weather conditions, moon phase & water conditions. West Okoboji, Big Spirit, rivers in the northeast part of the state, and a few unique spots in central Iowa are reliable places to target smallmouths. Its deep waters provide a habitat for a diverse range of fish species, making it. The following specific areas are open to fishing activity between the hours of 10:30 p. In the deep water of Brown’s Bay and from Omaha Point to Pike’s Point there are reefs to 60 feet deep. (Photo courtesy of the Iowa DNR) Eurasian watermilfoil was discovered on Iowa's lower Okoboji chain of lakes late in the summer of 2022. Where we fish will also be determined based on safe ice conditions. West Okoboji Lake Water temperature is in the low 60s. West Okoboji Lake in Iowa is a renowned fishing destination, known for its crystal-clear waters. Easy access to public walking path and beach for fun in the sun and Okoboji sunsets. Bluegill - Fair: Most fish have moved deeper; anglers can find success fishing from docks or shore. Located in Wahpeton, Iowa, this Lake Okoboji resort offers 250 feet of lake shorelines. Lake Pahoja A few small perch. About: - Saylorville Lake is a 5,400 surface acre U. The state record largemouth bass was caught from Lake Fisher. Sight fishing, a common technique, involves slowly moving along in a boat to look for muskies. This Week’s Iowa DNR Northwest Iowa Fishing Report. Published: 08/27/05. East Okoboji A few Perch and bluegill. (Contributed photo) West Okoboji is truly a world class largemouth and smallmouth fishery. SEARCH. Okoboji Bass Open 2007 Report 04-29-07. Area 15 (portions of Toba Inlet): That portion of 15-5 north of a line from Tibbs Point on Raza Island (50°18. 23, 2023;. East Okoboji Lake Ice thickness is around 17+ inches in most areas. This popular lake. Table of Contents showDeSoto Lake, aka DeSoto Bend Lake, is a 790-acre lake in west-central Iowa 4 miles west of Missouri Valley. The fall bite has been excellent. 5 of 5 at Tripadvisor. Please check out my website for more information on the services offered. But with some help from a few good anglers or guides you can put fish on the ice. Guide, ice fishing, Iowa Great Lakes, Kevan Paul, kevan pauls guide service, Muskie, Musky, Panfish, south shore inn, Spring Walleyes, the landing, walleye, West Okoboji, Yellow bass on February 28, 2016 by Kevan Paul . Phone: 712-330-9678. West Okoboji Lake The current water temperature is hovering just above freezing. Fishing is another big thing to do in Okoboji, by boat and by land. Most anglers are using ATV's or foot traffic to access the lake. Written December 22, 2013. Fishing Forums; Hunting Forums; Gallery. It is the perfect place for all kinds of land and water activities. By ryan-hale September 21, 2003 0. FISH REPORTS. Phone: 332-7303 Triggs Bay Resort on East Lake Okoboji . Bring ALL of your family and friends to stay at the Central Stay Cation in Arnolds Park! Rodeway Inn Milford. East and West Lake Okoboji don’t normally show up on catfishing reports, but when they do, they make a big splash. Water temperature is in the mid-50s. On West Lake Okoboji, fish early morning and later evening. There are only three known blue water lakes in the world. Average ice depth is 10 inches. Spirit Lake's fishery continues to be one of the most diverse and healthy in the region. West Okoboji Lake nautical chart. HOME. The fishing, normally, is great. FORUMS. This "lake living" apartment/basement has its own entrance so come and go as you please. Walleye - Fair. I’ve become obsessed with fishing. By ryan-hale August 14, 2006 0. Only 6 percent of the lake's 16. They are the largest natural lakes in the state of Iowa. Here's your fishing report for today the 23rd of November for West Okoboji Lake. Iowa Department of Natural ResourcesUnlike the walleye season, the protected slot limit applies to Spirit Lake, East and West Okoboji Lake, Upper and Lower Gar Lake and Minnewashta Lake. Rathbun Lake, Appanoose County. LAKES. Let’s face it, there’s a lot we can learn and share from one another like what bait or lure is generating the best results. Fishing Atlas. East Okoboji Lake: Dickinson: east edge of Okoboji : 1835. IowaIndigoGirl. Northern pike. We take a number of different data points to make our fishing recommendation. Also known as: West Lake Okoboji. 1252. East Okoboji Lake Ice thickness is around 17+ inches in most areas. tom April 27,. Text or Call 641-five29- Two359 —-. « Reply #28 on: Apr 01, 2023, 07:05 PM » Fished in Miller's Bay again today, despite the dire warning from the bait shop guy as to conditions on area waters, we found the ice in excelent condition considering, and would have driven an ATV out had we brought one. 00. OKOBOJI, Iowa -- John Grosvenor spends about nine hours a day, seven days a week, leading fishing expeditions on the Iowa Great Lakes during the summer. Yes, the Iowa Great Lakes, Brushy Creek Lake, and Hawthorn Lake are go-to-spots for largemouth bass in 2017. They are the largest natural lakes in the state of Iowa. Iowa’s Great Lakes is a chain of natural, glacial lakes located in the state’s northwest quadrant. Yellow Perch. We take a number of different data points to make our fishing recommendation. Up on Spirit Lake rock points in 8-13 feet have been producing walleye and smallmouth on both jigs and plastic as well as slip bobber rigs using leeches for bait. No Eurasian watermilfoil or brittle naiad was found in the main lake of West Okoboji or the other lakes in the Iowa Great Lakes chain. I also run Harbor View Resort on West Okoboji lake. By Dan Anderson. Black Hawk Lake. West Okoboji is relatively free of any major heaves or hazards. Iowa DNR Fishing Report – February 24th February 24, 2022. Land-based summer activities include an amusement park, golf. These young fish will help sustain good panfish numbers over the next few years. At that time, the island had a bit of a lagoon on its west side and. By wade_kuehl May 1, 2007 0. Dave Genz catches a nice mid-winter West Okoboji bluegill. The state record smallmouth bass came from West Okoboji Lake. Water Temperature. Conditions : Lake Wapello: Black Crappie - Slow: Use small jigs around the shoreline and jetties. Join us in Port Renfrew for the ultimate Westcoast adventure! Nothing beats our BC White Gold and May & June are both great months to head out for Halibut and. According to reports, the pontoon began to drift away and while attempting to swim to the boat, Glover became fatigued and. The fishing regulatory body for Iowa is Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Mason Dockter. Her finale of “Brighter than the Sun” triggered a magnificent fireworks display over the waters of West Lake Okoboji, signaling the conclusion of a truly remarkable 2021 Okoboji Blue Water Festival. Posts: 1815. CPR/1st aid certified. LOCATION - Lat 43°22'42. . Sign in with Facebook. m. Families love the beach, playground and antique nautical display. A few walleye and Flandreau, Spillway in Sioux Falls, and Klondike area. Iowa Great Lakes. Use a small hook and piece of worm. JANUARY - Bluegills: West Lake Okoboji "The bite for huge bluegills and yellow bass (at West Okoboji) was nonstop all summer," said professional fishing guide John Grosvenor, who offers frequent fishing reports on his "Lake Okoboji Fishing" Facebook page. 2023 is Hale's Guide Service's 20th anniversary. providing guided fishing trips for open water and ice fishing. For the past several years, the bluegills have. The water level is 5 inches below crest. Plan a fishing or boating trip or vacation to West Okoboji Lake area and find places to stay near West Okoboji Lake. The author, Steve Weisman, with a couple of big West Lake Okoboji bluegills from Iowa. Or sign in with one of these services. Fry from Wisconsin were raised at the Decorah trout hatchery, and 40 fish each were stocked into Clear Lake and West Lake Okoboji. WALLEYE SLAMFEST. West Lake Okoboji is the deepest natural lake in Iowa, plunging 136 ft. West Lake Okoboji Cabins. Calender. Also, keep in mind, West Lake Okoboji is the coldest lake. com. We will make every effort to meet your needs as a group based on your group size. N/A. . FISH REPORTS. Paved trail and parking, disc golf and restrooms. Many people from shore and boat are pulling in quality fish in the 3-7lb range while looking for that one fall brawl walleye to cash a check. Spirit Lake is one of Iowa's Walleye broodstock lakes and as such receives large walleye fry stockings each spring. flouro leader on spinning combo. 332. Tom and Molly Bedell’s West Okoboji Lake property in Iowa includes a 24,876-square-foot mansion with nine bedrooms, 16 bathrooms, a basketball court, six fireplaces, an art studio, a theater. Crappie jigs work well in water from 2' to 40' deep, and are the most popular artificial lure for crappie ever. 4 Anglers - $450. This is the result for west lake okoboji fishing report, please check the bellow links to know more: West Okoboji Lake – Iowa DNR. fish west lake report is surrounded by anglers catching and there is early summer. Lake Fishing; River Fishing; About Us; Contact Us; What is the water temperature on East Lake Okoboji? January 1, 2023 September 8, 2022 by Brent Pollock. all original Outdoor News stories and updates from the entire Great Lakes Region and beyond, the most up-to-date fishing & hunting reports, lake maps, photo & video galleries, the latest gear, wild game. Highway 71 in Arnolds Park. FISHING REPORTS West Okoboji Dickinson County, Iowa (2) Read Reviews. When fishing, anglers can expect to catch a variety of fish including Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Muskie, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, White Bass, Yellow Perch. CLASSIFIEDS. Trout Stream Map + Mississippi River. But since then, the lake has played host to some curious wrecks, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The walleye season will be opening in the Iowa Great Lakes, but the lakes offer great fishing for a variety of other species. FAVORITE SUBSCRIBED. This weekly fishing report is compiled from information gathered from local bait shops, angler creel surveys and county and state parks staff. Spirit Lake - This bite should start to heat up real soon. Go deep for West Lake Okoboji ‘eyes If you have the time to chase fall walleyes in November, make sure to head to West Lake Okoboji near Okoboji, Iowa. Fishing spots, fishing reports and regulations in. Spirit Lake - This bite should start to heat up real soon. One of the best areas for fishing in north central Iowa. Pub in west lake okoboji report from accessible fishing around submerged structure along with havoc flat dawgs and yellow bass are equal in deep points and the door. We take a number of different data. As they move deeper, spoons are among the top producers if the. West Okoboji has good numbers of crappie and perch due to lots of young panfish in recent history. The lake was known after its. Bluegill - Slow: Try small jigs around structure and along shore. Sign in with Facebook. 00: Five Island Lake: Palo Alto: north edge of Emmetsburg : 973. In 1937, a teenager named Berkley Bedell started selling hand-tied flies to the anglers who travelled from near and. This is a great time of year to chase bass on the Okoboji chain. A protected slot limit implemented in 2007 helped to protect and. OKOBOJI, Iowa -- John Grosvenor spends about nine hours a day, seven days a week, leading fishing expeditions on the Iowa Great Lakes during the summer. Lake Okoboji fishing guide and Spirit Lake fishing guide. West Okoboji Lake Fishing Report Card. East Okoboji Lake The lake is almost entirely iced over with around 4. Quickly zoom in on the lake of your choice with the search function. Gull Point provides a pleasing, shaded setting on West Okoboji Lake with numerous outdoor recreation amenities. MESSENGER. No smoking. All courtesy docks are in place. Check out the latest 2-minute fishing report to find the hot bite in your area! For more detailed information call the store at (605) 336-9132. com Explore the Charming East Okoboji Lake. Object Moved This document may be found hereNorthwest Iowa — Here is this week’s Fishing Report from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Plan a fishing or boating trip or vacation to West Okoboji Lake area and find places to stay near West Okoboji Lake. For a limited time, you can get full access to breaking news, all original Outdoor News stories and updates from the entire Great Lakes Region and beyond, the most up-to-date fishing & hunting reports, lake maps, photo & video galleries, the latest gear, wild game cooking tips and recipes, fishing & hunting tips from pros and experts, bonus web content and much, much more, all on your. The current water level is 4 inches below crest. Categories. The weather can be the most beautiful of the year, boat traffic is minimal, the water is still relatively warm and the fish are putting on the feedbag for the winter. East Okoboji Lake Water. is applied just off of the Upper Gar boat ramp in Iowa in an attempt to eliminate Eurasian watermilfoil that was found in 2022. There has been consistent recruitment in recent years creating good year classes of 8-9 inch bluegill that have been providing excellent fishing throughout the. Plan a fishing or boating trip or vacation to West Okoboji Lake area and find places to stay near West Okoboji Lake. The walleye season is closed. (0. Contact Info. 100_1835. The refurbished old-fashioned wooden roller coaster is. FORUMS. Of course these should only be used as indicators combined with your own past fishing. The state record spotted bass was caught out of Coralville Reservoir. with small northern. 712-336-1512 opens phone dialer. West Okoboji Lake Ice thickness is 14+ inches in. Little River Watershed Lake - Last Updated: 11/21/2023 Three Mile Lake - Last Updated: 11/21/2023 Lake level is currently 8 feet below normal pool. This museum had many fine fishing boats from the old to today, The boat that was on display from the bottom of the local lake was awesome. East Okoboji Lake: Dickinson: east edge of Okoboji : 1835. FISH REPORTS. We take a number of different data points to make. Winte r sports includes include ice fishing,. 8, 2023. Fishing Reports and discussions for West Okoboji - Iowa. The Iowa Great Lakes offer fantastic fishing opportunities on a series of lakes. Preview. "So the ice- fishing for bluegills and yellows should be off the charts this. The lot will remain open for parking trailers. Amazing Lakefront 4 bedroom luxury Condo with large deck at Bridges Bay Resort. 00: Elk Creek Marsh:This is the result for west lake okoboji fishing report, please check the bellow links to know more: West Okoboji Lake – Iowa DNR. Grosvenor said Okoboji’s popularity especially on West Lake Okoboji is anchored in its ‘sight fishing’ capacity. A few walleye and Flandreau, Spillway in Sioux Falls, and Klondike area. 00: Lost Island Lake: Palo Alto: 3 miles north of Ruthven : 1162. According to information obtained from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, West Lake Okoboji is comprised of 3,847 surface acres of water with an. Channel Catfish - Good: Anglers are catching catfish using dip baits, cut bait, and chicken liver fishing from boat and from shore. After ice out, fish in Anglers Bay or at the North Grade at Spirit, then move to the weeds or rock piles as the weather warms. I will have my own boat,fishing for. The marina is also home to an impressive fleet of EIGHT excursion vessels. West Lake Okoboji Overview Based on Fishing Reports for Fall Largemouth Bass. Here's your fishing report for today the 25th of August for West Okoboji Lake. West Okoboji Lake: Dickinson: northwest edge of Arnolds Park : 3847. 35% Off Select Berkley, While Supplies Last. Iowa Great Lakes Outdoors, Inc. 0 10 20 40 60 80 100. All courtesy docks are in place. I’m a guide and I never take a clients to Minn. Iowa DNR. In 1937, a teenager named Berkley Bedell started selling hand-tied flies to the anglers who travelled from near and far to. Never release fish, animals or plants into a waterbody. Sign in with Twitter4 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, Sleeps 10. 00: Big Timber Complex: Louisa: Two miles south of Muscatine, IA off of X-61/Stewart Rd. 00: Lost Island Lake: Palo Alto: 3 miles north of Ruthven : 1162. The lake area extends in the north Jackson County. Okoboji forums . Spread the love. Gamefish in the lake experience high growth rates and most populations remain consistent. Here's your fishing report for today the 12th of October for West Okoboji Lake. Fishing at West Okoboji Lake has been good in recent years, especially when it comes to panfish. House (2300 sq. Black Crappie - Fair: Use minnows and plastics. The three principal lakes of the group are Big Spirit Lake, West Okoboji Lake, and East Okoboji Lake. Iowa authorities on Friday identified a Sioux Falls man as the owner of the boat involved in a fatal hit-and-run accident earlier this month on West Lake Okoboji. Phone: 712-260-1901Fishing at West Okoboji Lake has been good in recent years, especially when it comes to panfish. It started this past spring when I signed up for Walleye Weekend for the first time and has now continued into the winter as I’veSuggestions for fishing Smallmouth Bass on West Lake Okoboji in Fall using Ned Rigs. Yes, the Iowa Great Lakes, Brushy Creek Lake, and Hawthorn Lake are go-to-spots for largemouth bass in 2017. Trolling crankbaits is also effective both out in the basin and on the top edges of drop-offs in 10-12 feet. We cater to both families on vacation and the serious angler. Sign in with TwitterWEST LAKE OKOBOJI, Iowa – On Thursday August 6, 2020, DNR Conservation Officers located a damaged boat consistent with damage to the hit and run incident, which seriously injured Vaughn Wickham of Spirit Lake, Iowa on August 4, 2020. Kevan Paul – Owner and Team Captain. Shetek A few perch and crappie. REPORTS. The Cowichan River downstream of the weir at Cowichan Lake is closed to all fishing until November 15th. The Iowa Great Lakes, which include West Okoboji, East Okoboji and Spirit Lake bring in nearly $200 million of economic impact to the area. West Okoboji Lake's current water temperature is 57°F Todays forecast is, Rain With a high around 66°F and the low around 38°F. It is part of the chain of lakes known as the Iowa Great Lakes. The marine chart shows depth and hydrology of West Okoboji Lake on the map, which is located in the Iowa state (Dickinson). Use caution, some areas, such as Emerson bay, have very spotty ice conditions ranging from 6 inches to recently iced over open holes. Very sorry to hear about your results. What a day it will be for all who attend because the entire day is FREE! According to co-organizer Greg Drees, “This promises to be a great day!Minnesota’s statewide fishing and hunting report on Nov. The name itself Okoboji comes from the Dakota language for the lake. West Okoboji, Big Spirit, rivers in the northeast part of the state, and a few unique spots in central Iowa are reliable places to target smallmouths.