With fall approaching, anglers in southeast Iowa are still out testing the bite. Water temperatures in Big Hollow Lake in Des Moines County are dropping fast. Down from the 80s last week, the lake currently sits in the mid-60s. Bluegill are fair, and are expected to move into shallow water as they adjust to the temperature change.

Water temperatures of Lake Belva Deer in Keokuk County are ranging from 62 degrees in the morning to about 66 in the afternoon. Black Crappie is fair, with best bite expected before 10 a.m. along the beach down to the dam. Bluegill is fair as well, with stable weather patterns improving catch rates. Fishing the upper end of the lake along gravel bottom areas and over the top of the mounds is recommended.

In Washington County, Lake Darling temperatures range from 62 in the morning to 68-69 in the afternoon. Black Crappie and Bluegill fishing is picking back up with cooler and stable weather patterns.

Colder weather is eliminating the green color of Lost Grove Lake in Scott County, with water temperatures around 60 degrees in the morning and mid-to-upper 60s in the afternoon. Bluegill bite is picking up, but they are not yet populating shallow water. 10-12-inch bass are beginning to hunt in shallow waters, with bigger ones expected to follow.

Skunk River levels from Coppock to the Mississippi river are very low. An increase in water level will help fish reach their overwintering holes later this fall.

For additional fishing information contact the Lake Darling Fisheries Office at 319-694-2430.