Despite fluctuating temperatures over the last week, anglers in southeast Iowa were still out testing the bite.

In Washington County, Bluegill and Largemouth Bass fishing remains fair. Bluegill fishing has been hit and miss, but some are being picked up over the rock piles in 5-8 feet of water. Bass seem timid due to unstable weather, but can be found working the edges of deeper water with slow trolled crankbait.

Lake Belva Deer in Keokuk County saw similar Bass fishing. Soft plastics are recommended through the trees at mid depths. Black Crappie fishing is slow, but occasional schools have been found in the flooded timber. Jigs and minnows will allow anglers to work slowly and prevent them from scattering.

Catfishing has slowed in Lost Grove Lake in Scott County, however on warmer days they can still be found working the rocks with a piece of cut bait under a bobber. Anglers in search of Largemouth Bass have been able to pick them up working the rocks along the north shore with slow retrieved crankbait or jigs bounding off underwater rocks.

When the weather warms up, Largemouth Bass fishing is expected to pick back up in Big Hollow Lake in Des Moines County. Anglers had some success working soft plastics along the bottom in 3-4 feet of water. Black Crappie were scattered, requiring frequent moving to find the limit of fish.

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