Water temperatures continue to rise in a majority of southeast Iowa’s lakes and ponds, according to this week’s fishing report from the Department of Natural Resources.

Lake Darling in Washington County reported a water temperature of 80 degrees with a green cast. Black Crappie and Bluegill bite both remain good, as anglers are starting to slow troll for Crappies over the cedar trees in the middle of the lake and down along the rock piles by the dam. The best chance for bluegills is over the rock piles in 5-6 feet of water along the bays. Largemouth Bass are set up along the drop-offs in deeper water.

Keokuk County’s Lake Belva Deer is seeing slightly cooler water temperatures, water clarity of about eight feet, and similar bite conditions. Crappie bite is most active in the early morning by trolling in 9-12 feet of water, just outside the flooded trees and on towards the dam. Bluegills are still in the curly-leaf beds and have been caught with a worm and bobber. For Largemouth Bass, work the edges of the weed beds and the mounds at the upper end of the lake.

In Henry County, water temperature is holding at 80 degrees in Lake Geode. Crappie, Bluegill, and Bass bite are all good. Bluegill and Crappie have both moved out to deeper water with the largest being 8 inches in length. Most Bass remain under the legal size limit, as they have moved to the deep water drop-offs.

Crappie and Bluegill fishing have picked up lately in Big Hollow Lake in Des Moines County. Best bite for Crappie is early morning or late evening. Worms and bobbers in the flooded brush and trees have been successful for catching Bluegills. Scott County’s Lost Grove Lake saw anglers fishing the edges of the weed beds for Bluegills, and the edge of the flooded timber for Black Crappies. Largemouth Bass fishing remains mostly fair in southeast Iowa.

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