| Fishing |
| Fishing and the Iowa Great Lakes have been synonymous since the earliest days. Eleven fishing lakes in the county lure anglers to their shores annually. Covering over 14,000 acres, the lakes offer a wide variety of species, including northern pike, walleye, muskie, perch and large and small mouth bass. |
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Spirit Lake, touted as ‘the quiet lake’, is the largest body of water with 5,684 acres. In addition to having an accessible pier, boat rentals, ramps and camping sites, the lake is perfect for year around fishing.
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The second largest lake, West Okoboji, is one of the best fishing spots during the off-season and for winter ice fishing. Because of the lake’s popularity for water sports and boating during the three months of summer, it’s difficult at that time to find a nice, quiet place.
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The fishing is particularly good when the temperature of the weather and the lakes start to change, periods referred to as ‘Fall Bite’ and ‘Spring Bite’. The ‘ice villages’ that appear on the lakes attest to the bountiful winter fishing.
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For information about public fishing areas, lake maps, boat ramps, licenses or where the fish are biting, please visit these area businesses: Allan's Hardware, Kabele's Trading Post and Oh' Shucks Bait & Tackle.
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Approximately 40 fishing tournaments, some closed and some open to the public, are held every year. Six of the state’s all-time record fish have been caught in area lakes: Smallmouth Bass (7 lbs. 12 oz.), White Bass (3 lbs. 14 oz.), Freshwater Drum (46 lbs.), Muskie (50 lbs. 5 oz.), Tiger Muskie (27 lbs. 2 oz.), and Northern Pike (25 lbs. 5 oz.).
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A new law regarding muskie fishing was effective on January 1, 2000. The minimum length limit on muskies in Iowa waters is 40 inches. A muskie caught that is under forty inches must be immediately released unharmed back into the water. Catch and release is the future of our fisheries.
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Now anyone can fish with Adaptive Fishing. Call owner Tom Koster for a tour of the lake or learn to fish from your wheelchair. Fish the Iowa Great Lakes on Adaptive Fishing's wheelchair accessible 24-foot pontoon for disabled and able-bodied. You can reach Tom at 336-2315 for rates and to schedule your next fishing adventure.
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Let The Iowa Guide help you hook your next big one! Pro angler, Doug Burns, will cheerfully take guests to his special fishing spots. He'll share his fishing secrets while the angleers enjoy the view of the beautiful area lakes. Call (877) 397-5641 today to set up your guided tour.
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| The Iowa Great Lakes are synonymous with great fishing. This is partly due to the efforts of the State Fish Hatchery in Orleans, just north of Spirit Lake. The hatchery offers free, informational tours duringthe annual spring stripping of the fish which helps you learn more tabut the area lakes. The Hatchery is open throughout the year. |
| For all your tackle, bait, gear, and refreshments, shop Oh' Shucks Bait & Tackle Center. In addition to being a convenience store, they can clean fish and have a large line of ice fishing accessories. They also sell fishing and hunting licenses. |
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Fishing Licenses
Resident of Iowa
Resident Fishing (16 years of age and older) $11.00
Combination Hunting and Fishing $24
Fur, Fish and Game $38.00
7-day Resident $9.00
Nonresident
Nonresident Fishing (14 years of age and older) $23.00
7-day nonresident $9.00
Licenses are available at Allan's Hardware, Kabele's Trading Post, Oh' Shuck's Bait & Tackle.
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