DNR Fishing Report for New London area

Sites selected to report are within a one hour drive from New London. Information is taken from the DNR Iowa Fishing Report.

Lake Geode 16 min (10 mi): Water temperature is 77 degrees. Water clarity is good at a little over 6 feet. Water has a green hint to it. Black Crappie — Slow: A few crappies are still in shallow; look for them in the tree falls along the shoreline. Most have headed out to deeper water for the summer. Bluegill — Good: Still some active beds in the shallow bays. Most of the bigger bluegills are just under 8-inches. Largemouth Bass — Good: Bass are15- to 16-inches. They are concentrated around the tree falls along the shore. While the water willows are coming back, they haven't established a weed line yet.

Big Hollow Lake 21 minutes (18 mi): Water temperature is in the upper 70s. Water is clear. Bluegill — Good: Work the shallow flats and around the jetties to find some of the last males on the nests. Then work the trees and brush in about 6 feet of water. Largemouth Bass — Good: Soft plastics rigged weedless and attached to a strong line work best in this lake with abundant flooded woody habitat.

Iowa River at Columbus Junction 40 min (30 mi): The Iowa River is dropping fast, but still remains about bank full at Wapello.

Lake Darling 46 min (40 mi): Water temperature is 75 degrees. Water clarity is good at 38 inches. Just a hint of green color. Black Crappie — Fair: Crappies have returned to the deeper (10-12 feet) habitat: the rock piles down by the dam, the big brush piles along the south side, etc. Anglers are vertical jigging for them. Bluegill — Good: Bluegills are still on the nest in some areas of the lake, but more and more are moving to the rock piles and other habitat in 5-8 feet of water. Largemouth Bass — Good: Find where the wind is blowing into the rocks and you should find the bass. Most, but not all spawning nests are finished. Mostly males being caught; females are still out deep for the post-spawn.

River stage is above flood stage for most of these pools. Water clarity is poor. Main channel water temperature is around 70 degrees. Fishing is being reported as slow. Some boat ramps are inaccessible due to high water. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19 contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062

Mississippi River Pool 18, 33 min (30 mi) Tailwater stage is 15.11 feet at Lock and Dam 17 at New Boston and is forecast to reach 15.2 feet over the weekend. Flood stage is 15 feet. The gates are out of the water at the Lock and Dam. River stage is 14.47 feet at Keithsburg; flood stage is 14 feet. The Toolsboro ramp is closed due to high water. The Hawkeye Dolbee ramp and parking area will be under water. Bluegill- No Report: Look for bluegills to move shallow in the backwaters. Try pieces of worm under a bobber around brush piles. Channel Catfish- No Report: Look for channel catfish around snags and flooded timber; use night crawlers or stink bait. Largemouth Bass- No Report: Look for bass to move up shallow around brush and logs as water temperatures rise; try fishing at Huron Island. White Crappie- No Report: Look for crappies up shallow in the backwaters. Try jigs and minnows or minnows under a bobber in brush piles at the Huron Island complex.

Mississippi River Pool 19: Tailwater stage is 11.32 feet at Lock and Dam 18 above Burlington and is falling. Flood stage is 10 feet at Lock and Dam 18. The gates are out of the water at the dam. River stage is 16.12 feet at Burlington; flood stage is 15 feet. River stage is 528.24 feet at Fort Madison; flood stage is 528.0 feet. Tama Beach and Sullivan Slough boat ramps will be inaccessible due to high water. Bluegill- No Report: Look for bluegills to start to move shallow in the backwaters. Try pieces of worm under a bobber around brush piles. Channel Catfish- No Report: Look for channel catfish around snags and flooded timber; use night crawlers or stink bait. Largemouth Bass- No Report: Look for bass up shallow in the backwaters around brush piles and logs. White Crappie- No Report: Look for crappies in the backwaters. Try jigs and minnows or minnows under a bobber in brush piles.