Southeast Iowa’s lakes and rivers remain warm as late summer heat holds on, with water temperatures in the low to mid-80s. Anglers are finding fish moving between deeper waters and nearby shallows as feeding activity begins to increase ahead of fall.
Big Hollow Lake
Fish are holding in deeper water, but activity is picking up.
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Black Crappie – Fair: Look for crappies in 7–8 feet of water in flooded timber. Vertically jigging in trees or drift trolling along the outer edge of cover has been productive.
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Bluegill – Fair: Bluegills are still in their summer pattern, about 6 feet down in flooded timber.
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Largemouth Bass – Good: Bass are becoming more active. While still near deeper water, they are beginning to feed in slightly shallower areas.
Cedar River (Moscow to Columbus Junction)
The river is running about two feet below bank full, offering better access for fishing.
Iowa River (Columbus Junction to Mississippi River)
Levels are a foot or so below bank full, keeping conditions relatively stable.
Lake Geode
The lake remains green in color, but clarity is slowly improving to around 1.5 feet.
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Black Crappie – Fair: Crappies are around artificial habitat in 8–10 feet of water, suspended just above the bottom.
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Bluegill – Fair: Most bluegills are holding in 8–10 feet along steeper banks.
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Largemouth Bass – Good: Bass action is improving as more fish venture into shallower water. Crankbaits in 5–6 feet along drop-offs are working well.
Skunk River (Rose Hill to Coppock)
River levels have fallen several feet since last week, but the water is still well over half bank full. Anglers are urged to use caution, as muddy water can hide new snags brought in by recent high water.
For more information on these lakes and rivers, contact the Lake Darling Fisheries Office at 319-694-2430.