In the latest Fishing Report from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, recent warmer days and nights had warmed Lake Darling in Washington County to 60 degrees as of last Friday. This has slowed the Black Crappie bite, while Bluegill and Bass conditions are fair. For Bluegills, fish the rock piles with about 4-5 feet of water over them. Bass still seem to be in deeper water.

In Marr Park Pond, however, the Bluegill bite is good, with a worm and bobber recommended for the best action. Rainbow Trout conditions are excellent, with plenty still available following last weekend’s fall stocking. Use small jigs or bobbers and powerbait, waxworms, or red worms for Trout. 

Lake Belva Deer in Keokuk County is seeing conditions slow, as Crappies have not yet made their way to the shallows. Cold temperatures in the forecast will likely get the Catfish into winter mode, while unstable weather patterns are pushing Largemouth Bass to deeper water. 

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