Warm temperatures continue to improve fishing conditions across Southeast Iowa, with several local lakes seeing increased activity as fish move into late spring patterns. According to the Iowa DNR, water temperatures across the region are now mostly in the low-to-mid 60s.
At Lake Darling near Brighton, anglers are finding black crappies split between shallow spawning areas and deeper brush piles in 8 to 10 feet of water. Bluegills are holding near rock piles, while largemouth bass are beginning to establish nesting territories in the shallows. Water clarity remains very good.
At Lake Geode, crappies continue to hold in deeper habitat around 8 to 10 feet. Bass fishing remains weather-dependent, with sunny days producing action along rock shorelines and underwater mounds, while cloudy conditions push fish toward steeper drop-offs.
Big Hollow Lake in Des Moines County is reporting fair crappie and bass fishing. Crappies have mostly moved back toward deeper flooded timber, while bass anglers are having success working weed bed edges.
At Lake Belva Deer near Sigourney, bluegills are moving into shallow water, although nesting activity has not fully started. Bass are cruising shallow areas, and anglers are having luck with crankbaits.
River anglers are also seeing improving conditions. On the Skunk River near Oakland Mills, channel catfish activity is picking up in the evenings using minnows, cut bait, and nightcrawlers. Flathead catfish fishing below the dam has been especially productive using small sunfish and bluegills for bait.