Recent rain and cooler nighttime temperatures are beginning to lower water temperatures across southeast Iowa, but the rain has also raised river and lake levels and reduced water clarity in some areas.
At Lake Geode, the water temperature is 78 degrees after about two inches of rain. Crappie fishing is rated fair, with fish holding near habitat in eight to ten feet of water next to ledges. Bluegills are also being found near fish habitat along steep drop-offs.
Lake Belva Deer received about two inches of rain, bringing the lake level up slightly and reducing visibility to just under two feet. Bluegill and largemouth bass fishing are rated slow, although the bite may improve as the water cools.
Lake Darling received three-and-a-quarter inches of rain. The lake rose approximately 18 inches, with water reaching the bottom of the fishing pier. The water is brown, with duckweed and algae washed in from upstream. Fishing conditions are uncertain, but bluegills are expected to hold near deeper-water habitat, while bass may remain close to cover until conditions stabilize.
At Big Hollow Lake, crappie fishing is slow. Try vertical jigging with a minnow or using a slip bobber and minnow in seven to eight feet of water near the trees along the lake’s south side.
Lake Sugema reports fair largemouth bass fishing around rock jetties and riprapped shorelines. Crappie and bluegill fishing remain slow. At Lake Wapello, bass fishing is fair around brush piles and rocky shorelines, while crappie fishing is slow.
River anglers should be aware of rapidly changing levels. The Iowa River below Columbus Junction rose about one foot following the rain. Channel catfish fishing is fair near logjams using cut bait or stink bait. The Cedar River rose about eight inches, while the Skunk River between Rose Hill and Coppock rose approximately three feet in 24 hours, with additional water moving downstream.
Anglers are also reminded to clean, drain and dry boats and equipment.