Summer patterns continue to develop as fish adjust to increased water temps with warmer weather. It’s a safe bet on most lakes in the Okoboji area to look for fish along weed lines when targeting Largemouth and or Walleyes. 8-16 FOW has been the best depth along weed lines. The basin bite on deeper lakes for Walleyes is also a safe bet with Leadcore and Crankbaits or pitching lipless baits like a Rapala Jigging Rap. Look for fish in 19 FOW.
The big hype right now in the the area is the quality of Largemouth Bass being caught, especially by tournament anglers with winning bags of 5 fish pushing 25lbs and most recently 26.27lbs to take home a check. Local guides in the area are also putting customers on some quality Largemouth when not chasing the insane Bluegill and Crappie bite that is currently going.
Bluegills and Crappies can be found along deeper weed lines but also out suspended over deep water. Spoons is the best presentation to target these deeper Bluegills or fishing with slip bobbers set 4-6′ off bottom. Target depth for Bluegills can be as deep as 30′ right now. Crappies can be caught trolling or casting small jigs and plastics and the best depth has been 12-14′.
If anglers are looking for a great place to try in the state of Iowa for fishing- Okoboji is a great place to start!
Captain Chad Loreth
Iowa Great Lakes Outdoors, Inc.
www.igloutdoors.com
