The Iowa Great Lakes Walleye Season
May 3rd marks the official opening of the 150th walleye fishing season at Iowa’s Spirit Lake, East and West Okoboji lakes. The beginning of the fishing season is a highly anticipated event for many anglers in the region. The excitement is palpable as the lakes come alive with the return of the walleye population.
Outdoor News
The Robust Walleye Population
According to Mike Hawkins, Northwest Regional Fisheries Management supervisor for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the walleye population has been observed to be very robust and healthy this spring. During broodstock collection efforts at the Spirit Lake Fish Hatchery, three crews collected all the necessary fish for this year’s spawning efforts in just two nights.
“It’s a very positive sign for the upcoming fishing season. The walleye population has been growing steadily over the years, and it’s great to see that the fish are thriving,” said Hawkins.
Fishing Regulations
The protected slot limit on walleyes is 19 to 25 inches, with only one walleye over 25 inches allowed per day. The protected slot limit applies to Spirit Lake, East and West Okoboji Lake, Upper and Lower Gar Lake, and Minnewashta Lake. The daily limit is three walleyes with a possession limit of six.
- Protected slot limit: 19-25 inches, one over 25 inches allowed per day
- Daily limit: 3 walleyes
- Possession limit: 6 walleyes
Fishing in the Iowa Great Lakes
While the walleye season will be opening in the Iowa Great Lakes, the lakes offer great fishing for a variety of other species. Panfish, northern pike, and smallmouth and largemouth bass fishing can be very good as waters warm. Water levels on the Okoboji chain are just barely above crest level with water flowing over the Lower Gar spillway. Spirit Lake remains a few inches below crest.
| Lake | Water Level |
|---|---|
| Spirit Lake | Below Crest |
| East Okoboji Lake | Just Below Crest |
| West Okoboji Lake | Just Below Crest |
Tips for First-Time Anglers
For many anglers, this will be their first trip on the water for the season. Checking your safety equipment and making sure your boat is ready ahead of time can help ease congestion at busy boat ramps. Additionally, it’s essential to practice catch-and-release fishing to help conserve the walleye population.
“Catch-and-release fishing is a great way to help conserve the walleye population. By releasing the fish unharmed, we can ensure that the population remains healthy and sustainable,” said Hawkins.
Getting Ready for the Iowa Great Lakes Walleye Weekend Fishing Contest
The Iowa Great Lakes Chamber of Commerce will host the 43rd annual Iowa Great Lakes Walleye Weekend Fishing Contest in conjunction with the opener. For more information on the contest, visit their website.
