According to this week’s fishing report, water temperatures have risen into the 60’s in a majority of southeast Iowa’s lakes and ponds as warmer weather has improved the area’s fishing conditions. 

Black Crappie and Bluegill fishing in Washington County’s Lake Darling are both good. Look for Crappies in 9-10 feet of water. Bluegill are being found around the rock piles and tree falls in 5-7 feet of water. Use a worm and bobber for Bluegill. Largemouth Bass fishing remains fair, with males starting to stake out territories and build nests. 

In Keokuk County, Lake Belva Deer is seeing similar conditions. Crappies are hung up in 8-10 feet of water in the flooded timber, but are expected to move to shallow water soon. Bluegill bite continues to improve as they are in shallower water than the Crappies. Largemouth Bass, particularly the males are moving to shallow water as well. 

Big Hollow Lake in Des Moines County saw some of the warmest water temperatures, recorded at 65 degrees on Tuesday. Black Crappie, Bluegill, and Largemouth Bass bite were all good. Crappies are expected to spawn any day now, and Bluegill are being caught in 3-4 feet of water using small jigs or bobbers and worms. For Largemouth Bass, work soft plastics in 3-4 feet of water during the afternoon. 

The weed beds are growing fast at Lost Grove Lake in Scott County. Most Crappies are still out a little deeper. Bluegill fishing is good, especially in the flooded brush in 3-4 feet of water. Look for male Largemouth Bass in the shallow water setting up nesting territories.

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