The chain of lakes are home to a good population of northern pike. These lakes aren’t loaded with pike, but there are plenty in the lakes if you want to target them. Some very big pike are possible as well. The Spirit Lake Fish Hatchery raises northern pike to go along with walleye, so the lake gets a consistent stocking of pike to help make this a better fishery. While you can find pike in all of the lakes, the better pike fishing takes place in the biggest 3 lakes on the chain. Take a look below to learn more about these lakes.
Big Spirt Lake
East Okoboji Lake is 1,835 acres with an average depth of 9 to 10 feet and a maximum depth of 22 feet. The lake is has a lot of homes on it and about 85% of the shoreline is developed. This lake is smaller and much shallower than Big Spirit Lake, but it still is good fishery for a variety of fish species. Spring through early summer provides good fishing for a variety of fish such as bass and panfish. This lake is loaded with a variety of panfish, so if you’re just looking for action, this can be a fun lake to fish. There are some very nice muskie available in this lake with many anglers having success catching nice muskie from shore at the Okoboji Spillway. The walleye fishing can be very good in the spring and fall, but in the summer, anglers usually report better catches of walleye out in Big Spirit Lake during the summer months.
Learn more about Big Spirt Lake
East Okoboji Lake
East Okoboji Lake is 1,835 acres with an average depth of 9 to 10 feet and a maximum depth of 22 feet. The lake is has a lot of homes on it and about 85% of the shoreline is developed. This lake is smaller and much shallower than Big Spirit Lake, but it still is good fishery for a variety of fish species. Spring through early summer provides good fishing for a variety of fish such as bass and panfish. This lake is loaded with a variety of panfish, so if you’re just looking for action, this can be a fun lake to fish. There are some very nice muskie available in this lake with many anglers having success catching nice muskie from shore at the Okoboji Spillway. The walleye fishing can be very good in the spring and fall, but in the summer, anglers usually report better catches of walleye out in Big Spirit Lake during the summer months.
Learn more about East Okoboji Lake
West Okoboji Lake
West Okoboji Lake is a very popular fishing lake and is right up there with Big Spirit Lake for producing a lot of quality fish all season long. This lake covers more than 3,800 acres and it is a very popular lake for fishing and boating. West Okoboji Lake is known for producing trophy fish, including the state record tiger muskie, northern pike and smallmouth bass. It is home to so many more species of fish including walleye, largemouth bass, yellow perch, crappie, bluegill, yellow bass, white bass, catfish and more.
Learn more about West Okoboji Lake
Learn More About Northern Pike
Our northern pike section is huge with information on the best lures, live baits, where to catch them and how to catch them. Visit our northern pike page to learn more.
