Despite the weather turning colder, anglers are finding their opportunities to test the bite across southeast Iowa.

Trout fishing remains good in Discovery Park Pond in Muscatine County, East Lake Park Pond in Henry County, and Wilson Lake in Lee County. In Discovery Park Pond, they are making themselves at home around the pier and off the points and corners of the dam. As a result of turbid waters in East Lake Park Pond in Henry County, anglers are using something with a little flash to get their attention. Continue to look for Trout in 4-6 feet of water around trees and cedars in Wilson Lake. A valid fishing license and paid Trout fee are still required to possess Trout.

In Keokuk County, Lake Belva Deer water temperatures dropped to the mid-40s, as Black Crappie bite remains slow. The Bluegill bite is fair, with anglers slow trolling for Crappie catching some Bluegills as they head to deeper water.

Lake Darling in Washington County saw a drop in water temperature, sitting in the mid-40s as well. Black Crappie and Bluegill bite are still fair. Most Crappie remain over the cedars in 10-12 feet of water. Continued colder weather could reduce the Bluegill bite.

The Bluegill and Largemouth Bass bite is fair in Lost Grove Lake in Scott County, with water temperatures in the 40’s. Bigger Bluegills are still hanging out in 6-7 feet of water around the flooded brush. Most Bass have moved to deeper water along the old creek channel, with anglers still catching 10-12 inch Bass in 4-5 feet of water around rock piles and trees.

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