Southeast Iowa Fishing Report
Big Hollow Lake
Water temperatures are in the mid-70s. Fishing is fair, with crappie activity best in 7–9 feet of water during the morning. Bass are holding tight, with smaller fish in shallow flooded timber and larger bass deeper.
Cedar River (Moscow to Columbus Junction)
River levels are falling after last week’s rains. Channel catfish action is fair, with anglers having the most luck on nightcrawlers and minnows near brush piles and snags.
Iowa River (Columbus Junction to Mississippi River)
The river is dropping back to pre-rain levels. Catfish bite has slowed, but anglers can still pick up fish using nightcrawlers and minnows in brush piles.
Lake Belva Deer
Water temperature is 74 degrees with a green tint from algae blooms. Clarity is about 30 inches. Fishing has slowed some, though bluegill and bass remain fair.
Lake Darling
Water temperature is 73 degrees with just over 4 feet of clarity. Fishing is fair overall, with bluegill, crappie, and bass still active, though bites have slowed slightly.
Lake Geode
Water temperature is 74 degrees with 18 inches of clarity. Fishing is fair to good, with crappie holding in deeper habitat, bluegills active in 7–8 feet, and bass responding to crankbaits near drop-offs.
Lost Grove Lake
Water temperature is in the mid-70s with about 4 feet of clarity. Bluegill fishing is fair in flooded brush, while bass action is good along weed beds and brush in 4–5 feet of water.
For more information, contact the Lake Darling Fisheries Office at 319-694-2430.