The Channel Catfish bite in southeast Iowa is picking up, according to the weekly fishing report from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Water temperatures for most of these bodies of water sit in the low 80s.

In Washington County’s Lake Darling, water clarity is about 2 feet, but switching to chicken liver or stink bait upwind of the riprap shorelines has produced nice-sized Catfish. Bluegills are out in the shaded bays around the tree falls, while Black Crappies are suspended out in the middle in 6-7 feet of water. In the early mornings, Largemouth Bass are hunting up in the rock piles.

Lake Belva Deer in Keokuk County has a water clarity of about 8 feet. The Black Crappie, Bluegill, and Largemouth Bass bite all continue to be fair. Try slow trolling outside the flooded trees for Crappies, vertically jigging around the trees for Bluegills, and using topwater baits for Bass.

In Henry County, Lake Geode has just a little green tint as the bite conditions are fair as well. Crappies are in deeper water for the summer, so slow troll in 8-10 feet along the drop-offs. Some Bluegill spawning beds may be active as they are still in new lake mode. Much like the Black Crappies, Largemouth Bass continue to hang around the drop-offs.

Navigation will be difficult in the Iowa River near Columbus Junction, as water levels dropped this week, exposing more sandbars. The Channel Catfish bite is good, however, as it’s time to break out the stink baits and cut baits. Use the slow current to carry the smell to catfish just above the bigger logjams.

The Skunk River from Rose Hill to Coppock dropped as well. Small boats may still be able to get around, but you need to know where you are going. Most Catfish have finished up nesting and moved to deeper water around the brush piles and log jams.

For more information on the above lakes and rivers, call the Lake Darling Fisheries Office at 319-694-2430.