Anglers should start to see the bite pick up in southeast Iowa, according to the latest Fishing Report from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. 

Water temperatures should continue to drop in Lake Darling with the recent cooler weather. Water clarity is approximately 27 inches and improving coming into fall. The Black Crappie, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, and Largemouth Bass bite are all fair. Crappies are around the culverts and rock piles at about eight feet. Bluegills are expected to begin making their way towards the shallows this week, while some nice Catfish are being caught around rock piles out from the fishing sidewalk. For Bass, work a medium diving crankbait, slow trolling parallel to the shoreline or bouncing over the mid-depth habitat. 

In Keokuk County, Lake Belva Deer has a slightly better clarity at 35 inches. Black Crappie conditions are good, especially in 8-10 feet of water in the trees along the old creek channel and around the edges of the timber. They may be in scattered schools, requiring movement. Anglers are catching nice Catfish by the dam and jetties. Meanwhile, smaller bass are in shallow water, with bigger ones moving in soon. 

For more information on the bite conditions in southeast Iowa, click here.