Spirit Lake and Okoboji tips

[dobiel]

A buddy and I are heading down to stay on Spirit Lake for the weekend and will be targeting both Smallies and LMB on Spirit Lake and West Okoboji. The temps look like they're gonna be in the 60's down there all week long but they've been getting all this cold and wet weather we've been getting up here so we're wondering what tactics might help to put some prespawn lunkers in the boat. We're primarily looking to fish artificial baits. We're staying at a small resort on the NE shore of Anglers Bay on Spirit Lake. Any tips would be helpful since we don't have a lot of time down there and haven't fished either lake before. Thanks!

[Esox_Magnum]

Can't help you on the bass but it will be walleye weekend so expect 1500-2000 walleye guys on the water.

[Wayne Ek]

As Esox said it's going to be busy down there. Depending upon the wind...

I just got back from spending 4-days fishing Okoboji for bass. The water temps. vary from 45-degrees on the main lakes in the morning to 51-degrees in some of the back bays and canals. If it were me I wouldn't leave Spirit, if the wind cooperates. For green fish on Spirit I would be hitting any of the back bays, canals and along the grade. If you have to fish Okoboji then I would look at Triboji or Upper Gar. As much as I love chasing smallies, I would be targetting green fish this trip.

[dobiel]

Thanks guys! We had originally booked the trip for last weekend but the weather looked pretty snotty so we rebooked for this weekend. I'm not too concerned with the crowds even though I'd rather visit on a different time than Walleye opener but weather dictated the situation and I'm hell bent on fishing for some Bass. If all goes well I'd love to make this a yearly trip to extend our shorter Bass season. I'm looking forward to the trip and have heard positive things on the fishing down there.