Anglers were treated to great bite opportunities last week with Trout stocking in several fishing areas. 

Discovery Park Pond in Muscatine County, East Lake Park Pond in Henry County, and Wilson Lake in Lee County were stocked with 1,000 Trout each last Saturday, with plenty of Trout left. Fishing is excellent in Discovery Park Pond. Bobber and bait or lures have been effective for catching Trout. Conditions are good in East Lake Park Pond and Wilson Lake. A valid fishing license and paid Trout fee are still required to fish in these locations. 

The bite is not quite as high in other areas, but Bluegill fishing remains fair in Des Moines County at Big Hollow Lake. Look for Bluegill in 6-8 feet of water. Water temperature is in the 40’s, but may reach 50 degrees in the afternoon. 

In Keokuk County, the Lake Belva Deer water temperature sits between 46-48 degrees. Black Crappie, Bluegill, and Largemouth Bass fishing are all fair. Anglers slow trolling for Crappie in 10-12 feet of water are also catching Bluegill as a result. Small Bass are being caught in shallow water, as the bigger fish remain in deeper water. 

In Washington County, Lake Darling water temperatures remain in the mid-40s. Black Crappie are fair, staying in 10-12 feet of water. In 6-8 feet of water, Bluegill are fair as well. Jigs tipped with a worm or slip bobber rigs are recommended. 

Water temperatures in Lost Grove Lake in Scott County are in the 40s. Algae has begun blooming and is being pushed to the shore. Black Crappie fishing is slow, but can be expected in 14-16 feet of water. Bluegill are fair in 6-7 feet of water near the flooded brush. Largemouth bass continue to hunt sunfish in 6-10 feet of water. 

For more information on the above lakes call the Lake Darling Fisheries Office at 319- 694-2430.