Recent high temperatures have slowed the bite conditions in a majority of southeast Iowa’s lakes and ponds according to the latest fishing report from the Department of Natural Resources.

Lake Darling water temperatures reached 83 degrees as Bluegill and Largemouth Bass fishing are both slow. The Channel Catfish bite is fair, as they are still cruising along the edge where the rip-rap ends underwater. The thermocline bottoms out at 9 feet, so don’t fish below that.

Lake Belva Deer in Keokuk County saw similar temperatures, and a thermocline of 5-7 feet. The Black Crappie, Bluegill, and Bass bite are all slow as they continue to hang out near the trees in 6-7 feet of water. Channel Catfish are along the face of the dam, and anglers are reminded to try the “Old Pond”.

The highest water temperatures come out of Henry County’s Lake Geode at 86 degrees. Water has turned green with a transparency of only a couple of feet. Black Crappies, Bluegills, and Largemouth Bass are trying to stay cool in about 8-9 feet of water.

The Channel Catfish bite remained fair in the Iowa River at Columbus Junction. Use stinkbaits and cut bait, allowing the current to carry the smell to the fish. Try fishing above the bigger log jams or just off the backside of the sandbars. Find deeper water and you will find the fish.

As the Skunk River from Rose Hill to Coppock dropped significantly this week, try for Channel Catfish in deeper water during the cooler parts of the day.

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