Fishing Big Spirit Lake

Most Popular Fish
Big Spirit Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
Local Fishing Guides
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Contact Info

Big Spirit Lake, IA

Popular Fish Species Big Spirit Lake, IA

Walleye Fishing

Thanks to a significant baitfish population, and presence of numerous small sunfish in the lake, walleye are thriving in the fertile waters of Big Spirit Lake this year. May and June tend to be the best time for weekend anglers to catch them. During this time they tend to move shallower, closer to shore and begin spawning. Rock and gravel are preferred areas for the spawn. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. As always, stay around schools of baitfish. They are eager to feed throughout the lake, but tend to concentrate around structure on points, flats and ledges off the river channels. Walleye have excellent, low-light vision which helps them find food in deep or murky water. Make an effort to be on the water during low light conditions. A proven method for catching walleye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times. When the lake freezes over in winter, ice fishing for walleye can be very productive. Use GPS to locate spots you normally fish during other times of the year.

Big Spirit Lake Popular Fish - Black Crappie

Black Crappie Fishing

Big Spirit Lake holds a plentiful population of black crappie, which are fat and healthy this year. Crappie fishing is easy and requires simple, basic gear. Any fishing pole, reasonably small line and crappie jigs or small hooks baited with live bait, creates the ideal setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to maintain. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. When the lake freezes over, ice fishing is often a great way to catch a nice bunch of slabs. Because crappie always like cover and structure, so locate brush and vegetation. Using a fish finder can help locate schools of crappie, which tend to stack vertically around cover. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels in deeper water.

Big Spirit Lake Popular Fish - Yellow Perch

Yellow Perch Fishing

Yellow perch tend to spawn in the April to May timeframe, and the spawn has been strong for years at Big Spirit Lake. As a result, the lake continues to maintain a very healthy population of yellow perch, which have been a mainstay in the fishery for decades. They are fun to catch in winter when ice fishing as well. Yellow perch are great table fare, and are a food source for many predator fish in the lake. Fishing for yellow perch is simple, their primary diet consists of minnows and other small fish, insects and worms. Yellow perch tend to gather in small groups and hang out on relatively deep structure, near cover and/or drop-offs. Use a small hook and sinker. Bait a small hook with minnows, worms or small jigs using 6 to 10 pound line.

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, walleye, bluegill, green sunfish, pumpkinseed sunfish, white bass, yellow bass, yellow perch, muskie and northern pike at Big Spirit Lake in Iowa.

Big Spirit Lake Fishing Video

Walleye and muskie are regularly stocked in Big Spirit Lake, a 5,700-acre lake in northwest Iowa on the Minnesota border, at the town of Spirit Lake. Walleye, crappie, bass, perch and musky are the most sought after species here.

Big Spirit Lake in Iowa is a premier destination for fishing enthusiasts, offering a wealth of angling opportunities. Known as Iowa's largest natural lake, it provides an ideal habitat for various fish species, making it a popular spot among anglers.

One of the most sought-after fish species in Big Spirit Lake is walleye. This lake is known for its excellent walleye fishery, with anglers targeting these prized game fish throughout the year. Walleye can be caught using a variety of techniques, such as trolling with crankbaits or casting with jigs and live bait. Big Spirit Lake has produced trophy-sized walleye, making it an exciting destination for anglers looking for a chance to land a big one.

Another popular species in Big Spirit Lake is yellow perch. These tasty panfish are abundant in the lake and provide an excellent opportunity for anglers of all ages to enjoy some productive fishing. Perch can be caught using small jigs or live bait near weed beds, drop-offs, or submerged structures. They are known for their willingness to bite, making them a great target for both novice and experienced anglers.

In addition to walleye and yellow perch, Big Spirit Lake is home to other fish species, including northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, and bluegill. This diversity of species ensures that anglers have plenty of options and can enjoy a variety of fishing experiences on the lake.

Overall, Big Spirit Lake in Iowa is a haven for anglers, offering excellent fishing opportunities for species like walleye, yellow perch, and more. With its picturesque surroundings, boating options, and nearby camping facilities, Big Spirit Lake provides a complete fishing experience for those seeking both recreation and relaxation in Iowa's outdoors.

There are nice populations of catfish, northern pike, white bass and sunfish as well. Anglers can enjoy over 15 miles of shoreline while in search of their favorite species. To enhance your stay, visitors will find fish cleaning stations, an accessible pier, several boat launch ramps, many great places for fishing from the bank and nearby camping.

Primary fish species residing in Big Spirit Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Big Spirit Lake Amenities

Marina: NO
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: NEARBY
RV Hookups: NEARBY
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Boating is a popular activity on Big Spirit Lake, and anglers can take advantage of the lake's boat ramps and marinas to access their favorite fishing spots. Whether it's a motorized boat or a kayak, boating provides anglers with the flexibility to explore different areas of the lake and increase their chances of success.

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Marble Beach Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off 240th Avenue, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Mini-Wakan State Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off 100th Street, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Orleans Beach Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off 140th Street, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Templar State Recreation Area Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off S Templar Drive, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Fishing Guides On Big Spirit Lake

If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.

Fishing License

Click here for a Iowa Fishing License.

Camping facilities are available near Big Spirit Lake, providing anglers with the opportunity to extend their fishing trips and fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area. Campgrounds with amenities like RV hookups, picnic areas, and hiking trails offer a comfortable and convenient base for anglers to relax and recharge between fishing sessions.

Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby

Browns Park South Campground - 507 847-2525

Loon Lake Campground - 507 847-2525

Pelzer Acres Camping by the Narrows - 712 330-8361