Recent spring weather means the opportunities are growing for anglers in southeast Iowa.

The water temperature in Lake Darling in Washington County is 50 degrees, with water clarity of about two feet. Largemouth Bass fishing is good, with slow worked crankbait recommended.

Slightly colder temperatures were seen in Keokuk County’s Lake Belva Deer, hovering between 46 and 47 degrees. Largemouth Bass fishing is fair, however anglers are encouraged to look for pre-spawn action on the north side of the lake around the rocks as the weather gets warmer.

Following the recent spring release, Rainbow Trout fishing is good in Discovery Park Pond in Muscatine County. Bait and bobber or small jigs work well, while spinners could attract more aggressive fish. Anglers looking for trout were catching Largemouth Bass as well.

Trout fishing conditions were good at Jefferson County Park, as well as Wilson Lake in Lee County. Work the flooded stumps by the foot bridge in Jefferson County, and the cedar trees and brush piles near the shore in Wilson Lake.

In Des Moines County, both Black Crappie and Largemouth Bass fishing in Big Hollow Lake were fair. Crappie were caught around the flooded trees on the north side, while anglers are starting to catch bass in 3-4 feet of water as it warms up.

Lost Grove Lake in Scott County recorded some of the lowest temperatures, sitting in the low 40s. Fishing the shoreline for Channel Catfish is recommended as they hunt for dead fish pushed there by the wind. Largemouth Bass fishing was fair as well, working the rocks on the north side of the lake. Success has been seen with a slow retrieved crankbait or jig bounced off the underwater rocks.

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