The latest weekly fishing report shows improving conditions across several southeast Iowa lakes, with trout and bass among the most active species.
At Big Hollow Lake near Des Moines, water temperatures are around 50 degrees and falling slightly after recent cold rains. Largemouth bass activity is rated fair, with anglers finding success on warmer, sunny days along open shorelines where the sun warms the water.
At the Jefferson County Park New Pond, trout fishing remains good. Anglers are having the best luck using a bobber and bait such as corn, PowerBait, or worms. A valid fishing license and trout fee are required.
Lake Darling near Washington is seeing fair action for both black crappie and largemouth bass. Crappies are being caught in shallow water around brush piles and rocky shorelines, while bass are moving into the shallows on sunny days before returning to deeper water during cooler weather.
Wilson Lake in Lee County is reporting excellent rainbow trout fishing. Anglers are finding trout near cedar trees close to shore and in sheltered corners of the lake.
At Lake Sugema in Van Buren County, largemouth bass fishing is rated good along rip-rapped shorelines using plastics or spinnerbaits, while channel catfish activity remains slow, with cut bait or dead minnows recommended.
Anglers are reminded that a valid fishing license and trout fee are required when fishing for trout in stocked lakes.