Lake East Okoboji

East Okoboji Lake is a natural body of water, approximately 1,835 acres (7.43 km²) in area, in Dickinson County in northwest Iowa in the United States. It is part of the chain of lakes known as the Iowa Great Lakes.

The towns of Spirit Lake and Okoboji sit along its western shore.

The lake is shallow, with an average depth of 10 ft (3 m) and a maximum depth of 22 ft (7 m). During the summer months, it is prone to stratification and to overgrowth with algae.

Of the 16.8 miles of East Lake shoreline, only 6 percent is state owned and about 85 percent is developed. In 2002, East Lake Okoboji was named the location of Iowa’s newest state park. The Elinor Bedell State Park offers access to fishing from shore, camping, picnicking, and playground facilities. The lake’s watershed is comprised of 12,212 acres or approximately 19 square miles.The Indians called the lake “Okoboozhy,” and the name is said to mean “Reeds or Rushes,” as they once surrounded the lake. It has the appearance of a river rather than a lake and is the longest natural lake in Iowa.

There are three boat ramps on the lake; the Isthmus access at the far north end of the lake, East Okoboji Beach Access, and #9 Bridge Access at the south end of the lake. Access is also avalaible from West Okoboji and Upper Gar Lake. There are no restrictions on boat or motor size.

Bullheads are king in this lake, with buckets full caught during their spring run. Besides bullheads, there are 37 species of fish present of which 10 species are annually creeled. The other species of fish caught include walleye, bluegill, channel catfish, and yellow perch. Northern pike, crappie, muskie and white bass are also caught in lesser numbers.

Docks, channels, coves, brush, riprap.