The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (upper arm) is open for everyone; the other 3 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Big Spirit Lake
Dickinson County, Iowa · 5,680 acres (8.9 sq mi)
46°F water, level steady, calm this morning.
About Big Spirit Lake
Big Spirit Lake spreads over 5,680 acres in Dickinson County, Iowa. Big Spirit Lake is the largest natural lake in Iowa and anchors the Iowa Great Lakes chain.
From end to end it runs about 4.4 miles and its shoreline adds up to about 16.3 miles. The water sits about 1,400 ft above sea level. It reaches about 24 ft at its deepest. Spirit Lake is about 1.6 miles south.
- Size
- 5,680 acres (8.9 sq mi)
- Deepest
- About 24 ft
- Shoreline
- About 16.3 miles
- End to end
- About 4.4 miles
- Elevation
- About 1,400 ft
- Type
- Natural lake
- County
- Dickinson County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Saturday Good
- 6:30 am – 8:45 amsunrise · wind 5 mph
- 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 10 mph
Sunday Good
- 6:30 am – 8:45 amsunrise · wind 10 mph
- 4:15 pm – 5:30 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 10 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish in Big Spirit Lake
Big Spirit Lake holds walleye, yellow perch, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, muskie, crappie and bluegill and sunfish. At 46°F on the surface right now, here is how each one should behave.
- GoodWalleye
Good cool-water bite, best at dusk and after dark.
- GoodYellow perch
Schooled near weed edges and soft bottom.
- SlowLargemouth bass
Cold and sluggish. Fish slow and deep near steep banks.
- SlowSmallmouth bass
Cold. Slow presentations on deep rock.
- GoodNorthern pike
Prime range. Weed edges and shallow bays.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Upper arm
The lake narrows toward the incoming river or creek; moving water carries food.
- 2
- 3
- 4
3 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.
Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.
Water temperature
At the surface, seen .
Water level
Steady over 7 days.
Latest reading .
Ice
Open water
Ice thickness is an estimate from air temperature, not a measurement. Check the ice yourself before going on it.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 7:11 am · sunset 4:57 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Big Spirit Lake
- Spirit Lakeabout 1.6 mi south
- Arnolds Parkabout 5.1 mi south
- Milfordabout 8.6 mi south
- Jacksonabout 9 mi northeast
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Questions about Big Spirit Lake
What fish are in Big Spirit Lake?
Big Spirit Lake holds walleye, yellow perch, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, muskie, crappie and bluegill and sunfish. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Big Spirit Lake?
About 24 ft at the deepest point. The 3-D view shows where the deep water is.
How big is Big Spirit Lake?
5,680 acres, with about 16.3 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Big Spirit Lake?
Spirit Lake is about 1.6 miles south; Arnolds Park is about 5.1 miles south.
What is the water temperature at Big Spirit Lake today?
The surface was about 46°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Big Spirit Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
