One of the activities that people can participate in outdoors while still adhering to COVID-19 social distancing protocols is fishing. Before you hit the waters around southeast Iowa, Iowa DNR Fisheries Biologist stationed at Lake Darling State Park, Chad Dolan has a report of activity on waterways in the area.

At Lost Grove Lake in Scott county, large mouth bass fishing has been fair. Black crappie fishing has been slow.

At Big Hallow Lake in Des Moines county, large mouth bass fishing has been fair. Black crappie fishing there has also been fair.

At Lake Belva Deer in Keokuk county, large mouth bass fishing has been fair.

He also describes fishing conditions this week at Lake Darling near Brighton. “The water is warming back up after the April snowfall. The water temperature is 51 degrees. Water clarity is good at about four feet. Large mouth bass fishing at Lake Darling has been fair. Anglers continue to pickup a few bass in the colder water. The bite should pick back up as the sun warms the shallows.”

While fishing, you should adhere to all social distancing guidelines. Fishing licenses can be purchased online through the Iowa DNR website.