A universally accessible fishing pier is located at the north end of the lake along Hill Avenue. Elinor Bedell State Park provides shore fishing access, camping and day use facilities. 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 available 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.

West Okoboji is Iowa's deepest natural lake at 136 feet and at 3,847 acres, second in size only to Spirit Lake. The lake's 39 feet mean depth is greater than most of Iowa's lake's maximum depth. Water from approximately 22 square miles drains into the lake. Three state parks, Pillsbury Point, Gull Point and Pike's Point are located on its 19.6 miles of shoreline.

There are no motor size restrictions with boat access provided at two locations on the lake. Access is also available from a connected lake, East Okoboji. Besides being a great fishing lake it is also a true water playground with motor boating, water skiing, sailing, swimming and just about anything else you want to do in or on water.