Fish Iowa - Lakes, Ponds, and Reservoirs - East Okoboji Lake

Lakes, Ponds, and Reservoirs DNR Homepage

About East Okoboji Lake

Surface Area (acres): 1835.00
Maximum Depth (feet): 21 ft. (2014)
Motoring Restrictions: none
See below for additional location-specific regulations

Location

County: Dickinson
Description: East Okoboji
Coordinates: 43.37953045, -95.11842537

Nearby Parks

Lower Gar State Recreation Area
Mini-Wakan State Park
Gull Point State Park
Gull Point State Park
Marble Beach State Recreation Area
Emerson Bay State Recreation Area
Elinor Bedell State Park
Pikes Point State Park
Templar State Recreation Area

Amenities

Amenities at East Okoboji Lake include:
  • Boat Access
  • Accessible Pier
  • Boat Rental
  • Picnic Area
  • Beach
  • Trails
  • Accessible Facilities
  • Playground
  • Restrooms
  • Camping
  • Good/Excellent Shorefishing
  • Hard Surface Boat Ramp

Fishing Report

A handful of courtesy docks are in place and useable at boat ramps. The Walleye season on the IGL's is closed until May 3rd. For the most up to date information, call 712-330-2542
Black Crappie - Fair:
Bluegill - Fair:
Largemouth Bass - Fair:
The Walleye season is currently closed.
Yellow Perch - Fair: Many fish have been observed, but sorting will most likely be needed.
A handful of courtesy docks are in place and useable at boat ramps. The Walleye season on the IGL's is closed until May 3rd. For the most up to date information, call 712-330-2542
The Walleye season is currently closed.
Bluegill - Fair:
Yellow Perch - Fair: Many fish have been observed, but sorting will most likely be needed.
Black Crappie - Fair:
Largemouth Bass - Fair:

Popular Fish Species

Fishing Forecast

The bass fishery on East Okoboji has been picking up over the last few years, namely due to the explosion of bluegill and pumpkinseed numbers. In recent surveys, bluegill averages have been around 6.5-7 inches with some pushing over 9 inches. Pumpkinseed have averaged around 7.5 inches and topped out around 8.5 inches. Yellow bass have still held a presence in East Okoboji over the last few years, with average lengths around 7.7 inches with some individuals almost pushing 11 inches. A couple good year-classes of largemouth bass were sampled in 2024. Many preferred sized individuals were sampled with an average around length 17 inches with one individual being 20 inches and 4.5 lbs.(2024)

Consumption Guidelines

Iowa-Caught Fish Are Safe to Eat, In Almost All Cases

In nearly all cases, Iowa fish are safe to eat. Cleaning and/or preparing the meal causes most of the problems regarding taste or color of fish. Like all living creatures, fish are susceptible to diseases, parasites, and other naturally occurring conditions in the water. If you suspect your fish is affected by any of these conditions, do not eat it. Consider eating smaller and younger fish which usually have lower levels of contaminants than larger ones. Most contaminants accumulate in larger, older fish. For additional information, check out our resources for eating and cooking Iowa caught fish.

To learn more about fish tissue monitoring, visit our Fish Tissue Monitoring page .

Stocking

  • November 2022 - 7,913 Walleye (9)
  • 9/23/22 - 19,163 Walleye (7.1)
  • 9/14/22 - 1,000 Channel Catfish (8.6)
  • 5/8/22 - 6,657,701 Walleye (Fry)
  • May 2021 - 7,612,364 Walleye (Fry)
  • Fall 2021 - 57,259 Walleye (4.72)
  • 06/21/2021 - 295 Muskellunge (15.1)
  • May 2020 - 4,680,708 Walleye (Fry)
  • 09/15/2020 - 9,037 Walleye (6.5)
  • 09/10/2020 - 1,001 Channel Catfish (8.1)
  • 06/23/2020 - 295 Muskellunge (13.5)
  • 05/13/2020 - 122 Muskellunge (13.3)
  • October 2019 - 6,589 Walleye (9.1)
  • May 2019 - 7,242,750 Walleye (Fry)
  • 08/31/2019 - 21,093 Walleye (6.05)
  • 06/24/2019 - 386 Muskellunge (11.8)
  • 10/08/2018 - 1,003 Channel Catfish (8.3)
  • 05/16/2018 - 7,769,991 Walleye (Fry)
  • 9/28/2017 - 9,632 Walleye (7.6")
  • 5/4/2017 - 535,000 Walleye (fry)
  • 5/2/2017 - 300,000 Walleye (fry)
  • 5/1/2017 - 6,200,000 Walleye (fry)
  • 10/30/2017 - 667 Walleye (9")
  • 10/30/2017 - 2,922 Walleye (8.9")
  • 10/23/2017 - 1,029 Walleye (9")
  • fall 2016 - 4,585 Walleye (10.0")
  • 9/28/16 - 9,621 Walleye (7.1")
  • 5/3/16 - 8,585,911 Walleye (Fry)
  • 10/29/2015 - 1,956 Walleye (8")
  • 09/24/2015 - 9,627 Walleye (8")
  • 04/29/2015 - 10,682,093 Walleye (Fry)

Management

  • 2025 - Vegetation-Treatment: 5 ppb initial treatment for POCR3 control under the ice. This application was to the upper basin of East Okoboji.
  • 2025 - Vegetation-Treatment: POCR3 management with 5 ppb treatment under the ice to the middle basin of East Okoboji.
  • 2024 - Vegetation-Treatment: curly leaf pondweed treatment, under ice with Sonar A.S.
  • 2024 - Vegetation-Treatment: sonar A.S under the ice bump from January treatment north and middle bay
  • 2024 - Vegetation-Treatment: Boating lanes created using Aquathol K
  • 2023 - Vegetation-Treatment: Bump Sonar (A.S.) concentration to 5 ppb.
  • 2023 - Vegetation-Treatment: Bump to 3.0 ppb with Sonar (A.S) in lower basin of East Okoboji.
  • 2022 - Vegetation-Treatment: Whole lake systemic treatment using Sonar (A.S.) to control Eurasian watermilfoil and curly leaf pondweed. Lower chain of lakes also treated at the same rate.
  • 2022 - Vegetation-Treatment: Middle Basin of East Okoboji treatment bumped 1 ppb using whole lake systemic herbicide.
  • 2022 - Vegetation-Treatment: Bumped middle basin fluridone concentration 0.8 ppb using Sonar (A.S.)
  • 2022 - Vegetation-Treatment: Concentration bumps in both the Upper Basin and Middle Basins of East Okoboji using systemic herbicide to treat MYSP2 and POCR3.
  • 2022 - Exotic Species-Vegetation: Eurasian watermilfoil found in East Okoboji near the Hwy 9. ramp by vegetation survey crew
  • 2017 - Vegetation-Removal: A meeting with the East Okoboji Lakes Improvement Corporation was held on October 17th, 2016. Ideas for mechanical removal were discussed.
  • 2017 - Vegetation-Removal: The project was was completed with 18 acres for appoximately $16,000. This cutting was intended to provide a navigation lane around the outside of the lake.
  • 2017 - Vegetation-Removal: A curlyleaf pondweed working group has been established. This team consists of local city and county leaders, lake association representatives and drinking water utilities.
  • 2016 - Shoreline Activities-Vegetative Plantings: Final engineering is complete for a shoreline restoration project on the DMA at East Okoboji Beach. This project will restore a 30 ft buffer of native prairie to nearly 800 ft of public shoreline.
  • 2016 - Exotic Species-Mussels: Veliger sampling was completed monthly.
  • 2016 - Exotic Species-Vegetation: An extensive growth of curlyleaf pondweed covered the north end (north of the Narrows) from May to early July.
  • 2015 - Commercial Fishing-Other: A total of 9,750 lbs (carp), 17,300 lbs (buffalo) and 400 lbs (FWD) for a total of 27,450 lbs of rough fish was removed by commercial fisherman.
  • 2015 - Exotic Species-Mussels: Veliger sampling was completed monthly from May through September
  • 2015 - Vegetation-Coverage: An extensive growth of curlyleaf pondweed covered the north end (north of the Narrows) from May to early July.
  • 2014 - Fish Kills-Undetermined: On August 7th, hundreds to thousands of dead freshwater drum began washing up along the shoreline. All drum were approximately 14 inches in length. It is assumed the die off was associated with a large year class of drum resulting in a density rela
  • 2014 - Exotic Species-Mussels: Veliger sampling was completed monthly from May through August
  • 2014 - Water Sampling-Dissolved Oxygen: Winter D.O. readings were taken under the ice.
  • 2014 - Commercial Fishing-Other: A total of 49,400 lbs (carp), 87,000 lbs (buffalo) and 61,400 lbs (FWD) for a total of 197,800 lbs of rough fish was removed by commercial fisherman.
  • 2013 - Exotic Species-Mussels: Veliger sampling was completed monthly - June water sample positive with 4 veligers
  • 2013 - Exotic Species-Mussels: On November 1st, a worker with Clary Lake Service called to report suspicious shells on a couple of hoists pulled from East Okoboji Lake at Mau Marine. Upon inspection it was found that nearly all of the hoists being removed from the water at this l
  • 2013 - Exotic Species-Mussels: Subsequent sampling of boat hoists from the lake confirmed zebra mussel infestation
  • 2013 - Commercial Fishing-Other: A total of 27,900 lbs (carp), 100,800 lbs (buffalo) and 13,700 lbs (FWD) for a total of 142,400 lbs of rough fish was removed by commercial fisherman.
  • 2012 - Commercial Fishing-Other: A total of 29,800 lbs (carp), 19,200 lbs (buffalo) and 4,600 lbs (FWD) for a total of 50,600 lbs of rough fish was removed by commercial fisherman.
  • 2012 - Fish Kills-Undetermined: A large temperate bass die off occurred in late September and October Somre largemouth bass were observed Thousands of dead fish were observed along many shorelines. Also sick and dying fish were observed.
  • 2012 - Exotic Species-Fish: During March, 55 silver carp and 82 big head carp were netted by a commercial angler at the Narrows. During April commercial catch yielded two bighead and two silver carp. Gillnetting efforts yielded two silver carp near Parks Marina.
  • 2012 - Exotic Species-Mussels: Fisheries Management and Research staff inspected numerous boat hoists that had been pulled from the lake. Staff discovered three additional juvenile mussels attached to boat hoists near the Hattie Elston Boat Ramp.
  • 2012 - Commercial Fishing-Other: A total of 81,000 lbs (carp), 27,400 lbs (buffalo) and 0 lbs (FWD) for a total of 108,400 lbs of rough fish was removed by commercial fisherman.
  • 2011 - Exotic Species-Fish: Two bighead carp were collected during the August 500' drag seine survey.
  • 2011 - Commercial Fishing-Other: Commercial fishing
  • 2011 - Shoreline Activities-Other: Bank collapse on private property caused by saturated soils and heavy rains
  • 2010 - Other-Other: New courtesy dock at the narrows.
  • 2010 - Survey-Population: DC Electrofish survey - evaluate success of advanced fingerling stocking
  • 2010 - Survey-Population: DC Electrofish survey - evaluate success of advanced fingerling stocking
  • 2010 - Survey-Population: Experimental Gillnet survey - evaluate success of advanced fingerling stocking and general walleye population
  • 2009 - Fish Kills-Natural Causes: On March 25th, 2009 - Report of dead fish on the northeast corner of East Okoboji Lake. Fisheries personnel observed approximately 75 dead fish of various species in a small area near a tile outlet. The cause of the kill is unknown.

Motoring Restrictions

Motoring Restrictions: none

Contacts for this Location

Fishing Regulations

  • Black Bullhead
    • Season: Continuous
    • Daily Bag Limit: unlimited
    • Possession Limit: unlimited
    • Length Limit: none
    • Other:
  • Black Crappie
    • Season: Continuous
    • Daily Bag Limit: combined black and white crappie, 25 fish
    • Possession Limit: unlimited
    • Length Limit: none
    • Other: No daily limit on private waters
  • Bluegill
    • Season: Continuous
    • Daily Bag Limit: 25 fish
    • Possession Limit: unlimited
    • Length Limit: none
    • Other: No daily limit on private waters
  • Brown Bullhead
    • Season: Continuous
    • Daily Bag Limit: unlimited
    • Possession Limit: unlimited
    • Length Limit: none
    • Other:
  • Channel Catfish
    • Season: Continuous
    • Daily Bag Limit: combined: channel, blue and flathead catfish, 8 fish
    • Possession Limit: combined: channel, blue and flathead catfish, 30 fish
    • Length Limit: none
    • Other: Except for border lakes
  • Common Carp
    • Season: Continuous
    • Daily Bag Limit: none
    • Possession Limit: unlimited
    • Length Limit: none
    • Other: May be taken by hand fishing, by snagging, by spear or by bow and arrow, day or night.
  • Freshwater Drum
    • Season: Continuous
    • Daily Bag Limit: none
    • Possession Limit: unlimited
    • Length Limit: none
    • Other: May be taken by hand fishing, by snagging, by spear or by bow and arrow, day or night.
  • Largemouth Bass
    • Season: Continuous
    • Daily Bag Limit: combined black bass, 3 fish
    • Possession Limit: combined black bass, 6 fish
    • Length Limit: 15-inch minimum
    • Other:
  • Muskellunge
    • Season: Open from May 21 - November 30
    • Daily Bag Limit: combined: muskellunge and tiger muskellunge, 1 fish
    • Possession Limit: combined: muskellunge and tiger muskellunge, 1 fish
    • Length Limit: 40-inch minimum
    • Other:
  • Northern Pike
    • Season: Continuous, except for boundary lakes
    • Daily Bag Limit: 3 fish
    • Possession Limit: 6 fish
    • Length Limit: none
    • Other: Except for border lakes
  • Pumpkinseed
    • Season: Continuous
    • Daily Bag Limit: 25 fish
    • Possession Limit: unlimited
    • Length Limit: none
    • Other: No daily limit on private waters
  • Smallmouth Bass
    • Season: Continuous
    • Daily Bag Limit: combined black bass, 3 fish
    • Possession Limit: combined black bass, 6 fish
    • Length Limit: 15-inch minimum
    • Other:
  • Walleye
    • Season: May 7, 2022 through Feb. 14, 2023
    • Daily Bag Limit: 3 fish
    • Possession Limit: 6 fish
    • Length Limit: all 19 to 25-inch walleyes must be immediately released alive
    • Other: No more than one walleye longer than 25 inches may be taken per day
  • White Bass
    • Season: Continuous
    • Daily Bag Limit: none
    • Possession Limit: unlimited
    • Length Limit: none
    • Other:
  • White Sucker
    • Season: Continuous
    • Daily Bag Limit: none
    • Possession Limit: unlimited
    • Length Limit: none
    • Other: May be taken by hand fishing, by snagging, by spear or by bow and arrow, day or night.
  • Yellow Bass
    • Season: Continuous
    • Daily Bag Limit: none
    • Possession Limit: unlimited
    • Length Limit: none
    • Other:
  • Yellow Bullhead
    • Season: Continuous
    • Daily Bag Limit: unlimited
    • Possession Limit: unlimited
    • Length Limit: none
    • Other:
  • Yellow Perch
    • Season: Continuous
    • Daily Bag Limit: 25 fish
    • Possession Limit: 50 fish
    • Length Limit: none
    • Other:

Aquatic Invasive Species

  • Curlyleaf Pondweed
  • Eurasian Watermilfoil
  • Zebra Mussel

To learn more about AIS, visit the Iowa DNR's Aquatic Invasive Species page for more information and resources.

Fish Surveys

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