With warm weather continuing and water temperatures near 80 degrees, bite conditions have declined slightly in southeast Iowa’s lakes and ponds.

In Washington County, Black Crappie, Bluegill, and Largemouth Bass bite are all fair. Anglers are slow trolling for Crappies over the cedar trees in the middle of the lake and along the rock piles by the dam. For Bluegill, trolling out over the habitats in 6-8 feet of water is recommended. Bass are set up along the drop-offs to deeper water. Troll crankbaits around the point and the rock piles along the old lagoon.

Keokuk County’s Lake Belva Deer saw similar conditions over the last week. For Black Crappies, try fishing in the early morning, trolling in 9-12 feet of water just outside the flooded trees. The curly-leaf pondweed is dying back, pushing bluegills into the flooded trees to hide from Bass. Meanwhile, anglers looking for bass should start fishing the hard structures like mounds, gravel beds, and flooded timber.

Bite conditions at Lake Geode in Henry County are fair as well. Slow troll for Crappies in 8-10 feet of water along the drop-offs. Bluegills have moved to some of the new habitat built during the renovation, and Bass have slid down to cooler water out at the drop-offs.

Bluegill bite is good in Des Moines County’s Big Hollow Lake. Look for them in 6-7 feet of water in the flooded brush and trees. In Lost Grove Lake in Scott County, Black Crappie, Bluegill, and Largemouth Bass bite are all fair. Lost Grove Lake has reported Eurasian Watermilfoil, an invasive plant species. Those using boats are asked to remove all vegetation from boats and trailers before leaving the ramps.

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