Iowa DNR fishing report for week ending Aug. 8, 2018

BY PCC STAFF

LEE COUNTY - The following is the weekly fishing report from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources for the week ending Aug. 8, 2018

Iowa River (Columbus Junction to Mississippi River) The Iowa River is getting low enough that the bigger sandbars are starting to show.Channel Catfish - Fair:Catfishing has picked up a little. Work the outer edges of the brush piles early in the morning and late evening. Stink baits are made for this time of year.

Lake Belva Deer Water temperature in low 80's to upper 70's; 90 + degree temperatures next week should make that go back up.Bluegill-Fair:Anglers are picking up bluegills in the flooded timber between 10 and 12 feet of water.Black Crappie - Fair:Anglers are still finding crappies while slow trolling in the open water area between the beach and the dam; early morning before 10 am is best.

Lake Darling Water temperatures dropped a little since last week, but that trend doesn't look to continue with the weather forecast.Largemouth Bass-Fair:Anglers are picking up bass around the deeper habitat. In the early and late parts of the day, look for them to be in shallow but not far from the deep water ledges.Bluegill - Fair:Look for bluegills out around the rock piles and brush in 6-8 feet of water.

Lost Grove Lake Lots of boats and kayaks out on the lake. Black Crappie -Fair:Anglers are picking up some crappies later in the evening as these fish come to shore to feed later in the day.Largemouth Bass - Fair:Anglers are catching bass in the flooded brush on the north side of the lake in the early morning hours.

Skunk River (Coppock to Mississippi River) The river level dropped more since last week, but most jon boats should still be ok.Channel Catfish - Fair:Starting to get low enough that you should be able to concentrate more on the deeper holes.

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

Mississippi River Pool 19 Tailwater stage is5.95feet at Lock and Dam 18above Burlingtonand isfalling.We have not received any fishing report information for this pool this week.Channel Catfish - No Report: Try fishing above brush piles and snags along the side channels and main channel; use stink bait or shad. Bluegill - No Report: Look for bluegills in the backwaters around brush piles. Try fishing with worms under a bobber.Walleye - No Report: Look for walleyes on the wing dams. Cast crankbaits or troll three-way rigs with crawlers.

River stages have been falling this past week. Main channel water temperature is around 78 degrees. Water clarity is fair. Fishing is being reported as slow.If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19, contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.