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Fishing The
chain of lakes that comprise the Iowa Great
Lakes have long harbored a reputation as
being an angling paradise. For more than
a century, fishers from all over the Midwest
have convened in this vacation wonderland
to sample the famous multi-species fisheries.At 5,864 acres, Big Spirit is Iowa’s largest natural lake and the northern-most in the Iowa Great Lakes chain. A shallow, sprawling prairie lake, Spirit is known for its consistent walleye, perch, panfish and bass fishing. The lake supports a year around fishery and features a handicapped-accessible pier, boat ramps and camping sites. West Okoboji, one of just a handful of blue water lakes in the world, is known for its depths (up to 140 feet) and clear water beauty. Although a marvelous fishery, West Okoboji can be a difficult place for anglers in the summer due to its popularity as a hotspot for pleasure boating and water sports. The “spring bite” and “fall bite,” therefore, are notoriously good times for anglers on West Okoboji. East Okoboji, the third largest lake in the system, is a long and narrow waterway with river-like traits and a shallower configuration. East Okoboji is often a “sleeper” for many species of fish when its more popular cousins are crowded or unproductive. Let John T. Grosvenor Expeditions help you hook your next big one! Pro angler,John Grosvenor, will cheerfully take guests to his special fishing spots. He’ll share his fishing secrets while the anglers enjoy the view of the beautiful area lakes. Call (712) 330-5815 today to set up your guided tour. The Iowa Great Lakes fisheries, as well as many others in the state, are supported by efforts at the State Fish Hatchery in Orleans, just north of Spirit Lake. The hatchery offers free, informational tours to visitors during the annual spring fish-rearing season and is a popular destination for anyone seeking to view the aquariums that showcase the area’s fish species. For all your tackle, bait, gear and refreshments, shop Oh' Shucks Bait & Tackle Center. In addition to being a convenience store, they clean fish and have a large line of ice fishing accessories. They also sell fishing and hunting licenses. The Okoboji Protective Association is an organization for the protection and preservation of the waters of West Lake Okoboji Lake and the entire Iowa Great Lakes watershed. With over a century of conservation history, the OPA has a respected stature in the continuation of water quality monitoring, the preservation and protection of wetlands, the promotion of ecological and biological research and the education of the public in water quality standards. The OPA is a prominent agent in the Iowa Great Lakes Clean Water Alliance, with the mission of protecting, preserving and improving water quality within the region’s watersheds. Hunting & Nature Areas  A
wealth of public hunting areas abound in Dickinson County that attract
hunters from far-ranging areas who come in pursuit of the fruitful waterfowl
and upland opportunities. The autumn and winter seasons offer diverse hunting
adventures on varied landscapes, from sovereign lakes and expansive uplands
to intimate wetlands and cozy woodlands.From public areas as large as the sprawling 1,681-acre Kettleson-Hogsback Complex to the tiny 14-acre Henderson Woods, Dickinson County is blessed with a proliferation of public lands that showcase marshes, uplands, timber and prairie. In the off-season, all of the public hunting areas – in addition to other nature areas and public state parks – become wonderful places to hike, bird watch, canoe, kayak, and cross country ski or just plain walk and observe. In addition, Dickinson County Naturalist, Barbara Tagami, sponsors nature hikes and bird watching tours on many of the region’s diverse public places. Tagami may be reached at (712) 338-4238. Places such as Cayler Prairie, southwest of Spirit Lake with 160 acres of natural prairie that supports more than 200 species of plant life, are popular venues for such activities. Kenue Park, a savannah area with meadows, glacial kame and hardwood and deciduous trees, is another such area. |
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©Copyright 2006 Okoboji Tourism Committee. A Committee of the Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce. All rights reserved. Terms of Use |
