In the latest Fishing Report from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, anglers still have opportunities to test the bite, despite the recent warmer temperatures.

In Washington County, Lake Darling is seeing water temperatures around 72 degrees in the morning and mid-to-upper 70s by the afternoon. This has led to mostly slow fishing conditions. Black Crappies are around the brush piles in 6-7 feet of water, while Bluegills are staying in about 4-5 feet. Some smaller 2-3 pound Bass have come to the shorelines nearest the deep water drop-offs, but most are staying around the habitat in 7-9 feet of water.

Keokuk County’s Lake Belva Deer has slightly better conditions due to cooler weather to start last week. While Bluegills remain out in deeper water, the Channel Catfish bite is fair. Look for them around the ends of the jetties, and try drifting baits just over the tops of the rock at the mounds in the upper end of the lake. Smaller 12-15 inch Bass are hanging around the shorelines that drop off into deeper water.

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