As a majority of water temperatures in southeast Iowa’s lakes, ponds, and rivers remain in the 80’s, the bite is slow, however anglers still have their opportunities.

Water clarity in Washington County’s Lake Darling is about 20 inches. Most fish are hanging out between 6.5 and 7.5 feet to stay cool. For Bluegills, try slow trolling a small jig tipped with a waxworm over the tops of the rock piles. Anglers can test the Bass bite in the morning by running a shallow diving crankbait at about 3-4 feet, just below the phytoplankton layer, or with a medium diver between 5-9 feet later in the day. The Catfish bite is fair, as they continue to hang out just off where the rip-rap ends underwater.

In Keokuk County’s Lake Belva Deer, anglers are still picking up a few Black Crappies in 6-7 feet of water along the trees out from the beach. Vertically jig around the trees to a similar depth for Bluegills. Along the face of the dam continues to be a good place to catch nice Catfish, while Bass are suspended down about 6-7 feet out in the trees. Try soft plastic or weedless jigs early in the morning for Bass.

Lake Geode in Henry County is seeing Crappies out in deeper water for the summer. Try slow trolling in 8-10 feet of water along the drop-offs. Work the rock piles and flats for Bluegills in about 8-9 feet of water. Bass have slid down the slope at the drop-offs to avoid the heat, so the best bite is early or just as the sun goes down.

Water levels continue to drop in the Skunk River from Rose Hill to Coppock. The Catfish bite remains fair as stink baits and chicken livers are recommended. With the drop in water levels, find the deeper water and the fish will be there.

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