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.
Fish the Okoboji Spillway
The Okoboji Spillway flows from Big Spirit Lake to East Okoboji Lake. This is a very popular shore fishing spot, especially in the spring. You can see tons of fish in the spillway waters, however, most of the fish will be carp. Good numbers of muskie are found in these waters and anglers will also catch a variety of panfish and bass here at times. Out in East Okoboji Lake, the current from the spillway can draw good numbers of fish to this area and you can experience some good fishing out here from a boat too.
Fish the Docks
East Okoboji Lake is loaded with docks and that is a major pattern for anglers targeting largemouth bass. You will catch a ton of panfish around the docks as well and don’t be shocked if you find some smallmouth bass, pike and muskie roaming around the docks in the spring and fall.
Fish the Main Basin
This lake is very narrow, so the main basin is a very small stretch of water in comparison to Big Spirit Lake. There are some quality fish that will patrol the main basin out here though during the summer and fall months as they seek out cooler water and schools of bait fish. Most of the better walleye fishing will be out deeper on this lake during the summer months.
Fish the Weeds
There are a lot of weeds on East Okoboji Lake. Once summer temperatures set in, the weeds can get pretty thick in some areas on this lake, which can make fishing a little tougher for anglers to present their favorite baits without getting hung up on weeds. The deeper weed lines are great places to fish for largemouth bass and a variety of panfish. Some nice walleye, pike and big muskie patrol these weed lines too, so don’t be shocked if a big fish grabs your bait while bass fishing.
