The latest fishing report from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources shows improved conditions in several area lakes and ponds, thanks to cooler temperatures last week.

While Bluegill fishing remains slow in Washington County’s Lake Darling, the Channel Catfish bite is good, and has reportedly picked up. Nightcrawlers have worked best, however dip bait should as well. Look for Catfish in 6-7 feet of water off dock ends and in rock piles in front of the sidewalk. The Bass bite showed improvement also, as the fish are more active with cooler water temperatures in the evening.

Lake Belva Deer in Keokuk County saw fair conditions for Bluegills, Catfish and Bass in the last week. Bluegills have been most active on cooler nights, and can be found in the trees at a depth of about 6-7 feet. Drift quietly from spot to spot with a jig tipped with a waxworm. Catfish are along the top of the mounds at the upper end of the lake about 6-8 feet deep, while Bass are suspended at a similar depth out in the trees. The best opportunities for Bass have been early in the morning.

The Skunk River from Rose Hill to Coppock continues to drop, as more sand/gravel bars are starting to show up above the water. Despite lowering 6-10 inches last week, Channel Catfish conditions are good. They can still be found in areas of deeper water around established log jams.

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