Outside Iowa: Fall Fishing Trip: Iowa's Great Lakes
The last couple weeks I have been in full-on deer mode and I’d be lying if I told you they still weren't dominating my thoughts. But, it seems fall is the best time of year for any outdoorsman or woman as the fishing really picks up too. If you didn't get your summer fishing trip in, it’s not too late!
Iowa's Great Lakes of East and West Okoboji and Big Spirit offer Iowans some of the finest fishing in the Midwest, but fall is the time when the big fish eat! What's even better about this Dickinson County fishery is there is literally something for everyone; giant toothy critters all the way down to near jumbo perch. Pick your poison and go!
Fall is the time when fish of all species really tie the feedbag on in preparation for the extended cold water and ice seasons. Typically, most fish will eat under a sheet of hard water, but their activity level is greatly reduced and they use all the fat stores then can accumulate now to get through until spring.
The key to catching the larger specimens is though the use of larger baits. The fish are looking to maximize their feeding efforts and will prefer a bigger offering-go big or go home!
Each lake offers each species, so you can't really go wrong choosing one over the other.
But, for my money if big bull bluegills are your favorite, you really can't beat the crystal clear (and deep) waters of West Okoboji.
The grass seems to be key, but you can still find the fish along weed breaks and especially near the seemingly endless numbers of boat docks.
The presentation? Fortunately for me, its not rocket science-any traditional live baits will work such as minnows, crawlers or wax worms.
If live bait isn’t your bag, consider small spinners like a Mepps, Roadrunners or Beetle Spins. If you can locate large schools of baitfish, you will likely find big gills near by.
There might not be a finer bass fishery in Iowa than the sheer amount of fat smallies and largemouth that swim in the IGLs.
I’m biased on the green fish, but the smallie fishing that exists in Big Spirit will rival just about any lake within 200 miles, or more.
Smallies are also known for being ferocious fall feeders looking for anything mimicking crawfish, small bluegills, perch or any miscellaneous minnows.
Big jigs, assorted cranks and jerkbaits can be absolutely dynamite on the fall smallmouth bass; keep a steady supply handy!
The fall walleye bite is nothing to overlook either. In fact this might be your best chance at a trophy-class Iowa walleye.
Again, a multitude of presentations will produce on each lake including crawler or minnow harnesses, big leeches on a jig, or trolling cranks. Personally, jigging with jumbo leeches is my favorite presentation for fall walleyes as they have a tendency to school up in large numbers.
If you find one, more are surely near by.
Your electronics are absolutely critical for locating the fish and fish holding structure. If you contact a walleyes, mark a waypoint and return ASAP.
Fall is also a tremendous time to hammer big pike and muskies. They eat routinely on deep breaks and weed edges, but think big baits.
The Bulldawg ‘Pounder’ is a favorite among fall muskie enthusiasts. You'll need a special rod for casting this rig as it literally weighs a pound and will wear you out in short order. For pike, think grass and big red spoons or black and orange inline spinners.
There are so many opportunities on IGLs during the fall; too many to options to list here.
If you are still looking to get the boat out one more time before winterization, or maybe like me you still have a fishing itch that needs scratched-there is still time.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me and I'll help in any way I can! tha481@gmail.com
Live It Up!
Thomas resides with his wife and two children in Guthrie Center.
He is a professional outdoor writer, photographer, videographer, and outdoor talk radio show host; for more information visit www.outsideiowa.com.
If you have questions or comments feel free to email Thomas at tha481@gmail.com