IGL or Storm or....?

[cyclones30]

The family and I will be in NW IA for a few days next week for xmas (probably Thurs-Sat) and I'm probably going to bring some ice stuff. I've never fished storm but always hear about the shallow walleyes. Should I look there or head to Spirit (or West if bays have enough ice)?   I'd prefer to catch fish, don't really matter what kind at this point so I'm leaning IGL. We'll be about halfway in between so travel-wise, neither wins over the other. Is Mill Creek near Paullina any good yet after they drained it?

[shessenius]

Where will you be staying???

[cyclones30]

Near Primghar

[shessenius]

O.k.  I was just up at spirit on friday night and didn't catch a thing.  I have not had good luck on that lake during the night.  Just a few smalley's usually, but that is open water fishing.  I would think about going to Lost Island if you have heard of it.  Caught the crap out of crappies this fall.  The ice was not great friday night, however I'm sure that it is good now.  If you head up that way I may be able to help you out with some structure to get on and reel in the crappies.  Catch is that you have to let me know if you get on em.  I plan on being there next weekend.

[esox_magnum]

Spirit normaly isnt a hot bite after dark in the winter,mainly a sunset or just after bite.... Now springtime is a totaly different ballgame I do all my spring walleye fishing on Spirit at or after dark....

[shessenius]

You are right, I get that a lot as well.  I just don't get up to spirit enough.  I spend a lot of time on Lost Island with the boat lift there and such.  I do try to venture up there about one weekend a month.  I am kind-of new to this Ice Fishing thing esox.  I spent some time in a shack last year and loved it.  Only thing is that it kind of cuts into my hunting time a bit.  Do you get out on spirit often?  The time I spent last year was on minnewashta, or however you spell it.  Caught white bass and loved it.

[esox_magnum]

I fish Spirit some in the winter, mainly spring walleyes and early season muskies, most my years spent on West O....

[cyclones30]

I've fished lost island in open water once or twice. Just looking to get on some active fish.

[shessenius]

I have only fished West a few times.  You know it is difficult in my little 15 1/2 foot boat with the big boys out.  I was able to catch a few walleye off of, I believe Pocahontas point.  Spend most of my time at the IGL on Spirit.  Wouldn't mind giving West a try, however it is difficult for me to pinpoint where I would want to go.  I know to little about the lake.  I'm not a very good shack chaser and kind-of like to pave my own way, but I guess that is the only way to "get started" if you will, other than looking at my maps and just finding the structure I want to fish.