Big Hollow Lake
With the strong winds, Big Hollow has picked up a few more anglers; it’s more protected from the wind than most other area lakes. Black Crappie – Fair: Crappie have moved back into 6-7 feet of water in the flooded timber. Slowly work small jigs floated under a small bobber. Channel Catfish – Fair: If you can get a south wind, work the islands and jetties on the north side where there is little wave action to stir up the bottom. Largemouth Bass – Slow: Work the windward side of the lake along the spots where the waves are hitting the shoreline.
Lake Belva Deer
Water temperature is 54-56 degrees. Water is clear. Recent strong winds are keeping anglers numbers down. Black Crappie – Fair: Crappies have moved in around the trees in 6-7 feet of water and are suspended at about 4-5 feet down Bluegill – Fair: Anglers are catching a few bluegills while fishing for the crappies using small jigs They may not turn down a worm and bobber rig either.
Lake Darling
Water temperature is 56 degrees. Water is fairly clear despite the wind. Black Crappie – Fair: Bite is hit-and-miss. Catch a limit one day and just 3 or 4 the next. They continue to hang out around the habitat under 3 or 4 feet of water. Bluegill – Fair: Anglers are picking up bluegills with small jigs while crappie fishing.
Lake Geode
Water temperature is in the upper 50s. Black Crappie – Good: Find crappies suspended above rock piles or trees in about 6-8 feet of water. Slowly work a Bobber and minnow or small jig. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Bass are starting to get a little more aggressive, but still prefer a subtle presentation.
Lost Grove Lake
The strong winds continue to cut down the number of anglers. Shoreline anglers should try off the ends of the old 230th avenue ravel road and in the area around the red barn boat ramp. (Southside middle ramp). Black Crappie – Fair: Anglers are catching crappie in about 8 feet of water suspended at about 4 feet deep in the flooded trees. Channel Catfish – Fair: Find catfish along the face of the dam; use cutbait.
For more information on the above lakes and rivers call the Lake Darling Fisheries Office at 319-694-2430.