Chariton River

Open-water season is waning, but those who are getting out are finding some fish.

NORTHWEST Black Hawk Lake Water temperature has dropped to the mid-50’s. Water level is about 12 inches below the crest of the spillway. Water clarity is about one foot. Black Crappie – Fair: Try along Ice House Point shore and in or on the fish house in Town Bay. Keeper-size fish are 8- to 10-inches. Bluegill – Slow. Channel Catfish – Fair: Try cut

Water temps have dropped to right about 60 degrees on most fisheries across the state. Here’s what that means for the bite.

NORTHWEST Black Hawk Lake Water temperature is in the mid-60’s. Lake level is about 10 inches below the crest of the spillway. Water clarity is about one foot. Black Crappie – Fair: Anglers are picking up some 8- to 10-inch fish in and around the fish house shelter on Ice House Point. Bluegill- Slow. Channel Catfish – Fair: Try cut bait or dip baits

NORTHWEST Black Hawk Lake Water temperature is in the low 70’s. Lake level is about 9 inches below the crest of the spillway. Water clarity is about one foot. Black Crappie – Fair: Anglers are picking up some 8- to 10-inch fish in and around the fish house shelter on Ice House Point. Bluegill– Slow. Channel Catfish – Fair: Try cut bait

The bite appears to be fair across the species board.

Water temps and levels seem to be dropping at a number of fisheries across the state. As for what that might mean for the bite …