In the latest fishing report from the Department of Natural Resources, bite conditions in a majority of southeast Iowa remain fair, however these could improve with the recent cooler weather.

Washington County’s Lake Darling saw its first report of Channel Catfish around the piles of culverts just off shore as the males are guarding their nests. Black Crappies are over the cedar trees in the middle of the lake, and along the rock piles by the dam in 9-10 feet of water. For Largemouth Bass, try jigging just off the edges of steeper drop-offs and slow trolling over the trees and rocks in 10-12 feet of water.

The water temperature of Lake Belva Deer in Keokuk County, much like Lake Darling, is hovering just below 80 degrees. Black Crappie have been caught by trolling approximately 1-2 mph just outside the flooded trees and on towards the dam. For Bluegills, vertically jig around the trees to a depth of 10 feet with a 1/64 oz jig tipped with a waxworm. Largemouth Bass bite is picking up at the tops of the mounds on the upper end of the lake.

In Henry County, Crappies in Lake Geode are out in deeper water for the summer, while Bluegills are in the rock piles and gravel bottom spots. Both are typically swimming in 8-10 feet of water. Largemouth Bass have slid down the slope at the drop-offs to avoid the heat.

The Iowa River is low at Columbus Junction, but smaller boats should still be able to get off at the ramp in Wapello, as well as the Schwob ramp. There are still plenty of sandbars to fish off for Channel Catfish.

Water levels have bumped up slightly in the Skunk River from Rose Hill to Coppock. A small jon boat should get you up the river. Try working the high cut banks and under the roots hanging down into the water to find male Catfish guarding the nests. With increased water flow, it’s a good time to fish the deeper water off the end of the sandbars.

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