More consistent cooler temperatures are bringing on increased opportunities for anglers in southeast Iowa, according to the latest Fishing Report from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

Washington County’s Lake Darling is seeing a water temperature in the low sixties, and fair bite conditions for Black Crappies, Bluegills, and Channel Catfish. Most anglers continue to slow troll over Crappie habitats in 8-10 feet of water. Bluegills meanwhile have moved onto the rock piles with about 4-5 feet of water over them. Nice catfish continue to be caught along the culvert piles near the shore in 6-8 feet. With colder water temperatures, live baits or chicken liver are recommended.

In Keokuk County, Lake Belva Deer has a water clarity of 35 inches and temperatures in the mid-60s. The Black Crappie bite is good, especially in deeper water 8-10 feet down in the trees along the old creek channel and around the edges of the timber. Work the rocks off the ends of the jetties and dam for Catfish, using nightcrawlers and minnows. Larger Bass are being picked up in the mornings, so work the upper end of the lake where the six-inch rock was placed along the shoreline. Bass like to work those areas for crawdads.

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