Water temperatures have cooled off a bit in southeast Iowa’s lakes and ponds, with anglers still seeing plenty of opportunities to test the bite. This according to the latest fishing report from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

In Washington County, the Bluegill bite has been good in Lake Darling as most have moved back to the habitat in 6-8 feet of water. Anglers continue to troll for Black Crappies over the cedar trees in the middle of the lake and down the rock piles by the dam, while Largemouth Bass are set up along the drop-offs to deeper water.

Also in Washington County, conditions are good for Bluegill and Largemouth Bass in Crawford Pond. Pockets of active Bluegill nests can be found on the west side of the pond, however most are out along the outer edge of the weed beds. A decent number of male bass are still working in the weed beds in 3-5 feet of water, while females and bigger males are out in deeper water.

Lake Belva Deer in Keokuk County is seeing anglers troll 9-12 feet of water for Black Crappies just outside the flooded trees out from the beach. The Bluegill bite is good, particularly on the edges of the curly-leaf pondweed beds with a worm and bobber or small jig tipped with a waxworm. Largemouth Bass are also being caught on the edges of the beds, as well as the mounds at the upper end of the lake.

Bite conditions for Black Crappie, Bluegill, and Largemouth Bass are all good in Henry County’s Lake Geode. Six-to-eight-inch Crappies are in the deeper water along the drop-offs. For Bluegills, try a worm and bobber in 3-5 feet of water. Bass continue to occupy the deep water drop-offs.

To view the Iowa Fishing Report in its entirety, click here.