Spirit Lake

[BUSCHY]

Anybody fish here or know what is supposedly in this lake?  Depths?

[sturgeongrouse]

You can find a contour map of the lake at: http://www.sdgfp.info/Wildlife/fishing/Lakemaps/Index.htm

I know people were catching a few walleyes in the fall of 2005.  I did spear a few northern pike from this lake in 2003.  I tried spearing for pike in 2006 and 2007, but have only seen carp come by the spear hole.  I haven't heard anything since then. 

[ipilot]

spirit lake next to okoboji.....just talk to a guy that lives there been doin well at nite for walleyes....dont' know anything else....he knows a guy that seems to know where and when they hit...sounds like of course sundown.   he is retired.....he sits in his buddies shack at a certain time...and has a hot hour or so.....and then its done......same sh-- different lake!!!!!!!!

[Mike]

I think this lake (North of DeSmet) was opened up to liberalized fishing 2 to 3 years ago, because of a winter kill problem. I am not sure what the status is now.

[BUSCHY]

right on that is the one..  I have a friend that owns some land boardering the lake and asked me if I knew what was in it for fish.  I will probably go up there and drill some holes this winter and see what I find.  Too many lakes too little time.. 

[bo]

Spirit was liberalized in the winter of 03 same year i bought the Bait Box, used to see a nice big permie out there pretty much all winter long was told he haddnt been out there this year.  I tried to get some reports off it a couple of years back as to if there was anything left in it.  I was never able to find anyone that new much about it,  Good luck,  Bo

[LikePike]

 Used to live outside of Desmet in the late 90's. Ice fished Spirit lake all the time. Mostly Northerns and a Perch once in a while.  Tried it a couple years ago and didnt have a bite.  Seems much shallower now, couldnt find anything deeper then 6 feet along the south part of lake.

[pbc]

I believe the GF&P only liberalizes waters for permissive fishing on a year by year basis.  I am not sure how this decision is actually passed on to anglers.  I wouldn't go out there and start spearing without firm confirmation of the status.

They were walleyes, pike, and perch in the lake a few years ago.  There were a  number of fish caught below the outlet some 4-5 years ago.  I travel by the lake and haven't noticed any major winterkill the last few springs.  Going back 20 years ago the NW and NE corners of the lake were the most productive.  Lots of perch and northern at that time.  Good luck.

[Mike]

So........have you made it to Spirit Lake Buschy?

[Dons]

I thought all the lakes were liberalized.