In the latest fishing report from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, water temperatures in Washington County’s Lake Darling are between 80-82 degrees. Black Crappie fishing has slowed, while the Bluegill, Channel Catfish, and Largemouth Bass bite are all fair. Use chicken liver just off where the riprap ends underwater, as Catfish like to cruise this edge looking for food.

Lake Belva Deer in Keokuk County is seeing similar water temperatures, but better water clarity, reported at just under eight feet. Bite conditions are all fair. For Crappies, troll 8-10 feet of water outside the flooded trees and on towards the dam. Bluegill can be caught vertically jigging around the trees at a depth of about 10 feet, while Catfish are along the face of the dam. Bass are working back in the trees in the early morning, so topwater baits are recommended.

Henry County’s Lake Geode reported fair bite conditions as well, as Crappies are in deeper water for the summer. For Bluegills, work the rock piles and flats in 9-10 feet of water. Largemouth Bass remain out at the dropoffs, continuing to slide down the slope to cooler water. Best bite is early or just as the sun goes down.

Extra water coming from the Cedar has bumped the Iowa River level 8-10 inches in Columbus Junction, but this is expected to head down during the weekend. The Channel Catfish bite is good, so try using stink baits and cut bait above the bigger log jams or just off the backside of the sandbars.

The Skunk River from Rose Hill to Coppock rose as well due to water from the North Skunk, however it should drop soon. Most Channel Catfish have finished up nesting and moved to the deeper water around brush piles and log jams. Look for them off the backends of the sandbars.

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