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Fresh News Report from MarDon Resort

by Pete Fisher
| September 30, 2017 1:00 AM

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Winners of the 13th Annual MarDon Resort Marathon Dock Tournament show off their trophies and checks. Total payout was $506.00 per species — split between first and second place.

Fall-like fishing has begun on the Potholes Reservoir. The fishing has been very good all or species — especially bass and walleye. The Reservoir water level is currently at 1029.50 and rising. It will continue to rise at different rates as the weather changes through the first part of fall. As the water rises, the rock piles around Goose Island become less visible so be careful navigating around the dunes and Goose Island. The water temps on the main lake and back in the dunes are in the mid-60s.

The walleye fishing has been very good this past week. Several limits are being reported. Troll the face of the dunes in 4-20 feet of water. Most fish are being caught trolling #5 or #7 Flicker Shads and Jointed Rapalas in perch, chartreuse, and Rainbow Trout patterns. Crawler Harnesses with both blades and Smile Blades have been doing well as has the Slow Death/Smile Blade Combo. Use a 1 ½-2 oz. bottom walker.

Crappie, perch and bluegill fishing remains good. Find the habitat boxes and drop a crappie jig, Gulp Alive Minnow, or a Trout Magnet down 4-12 feet. Jumbo perch have been showing around Goose Island. The MarDon Dock is fishing very good for keeper crappie. Dock fishing is only available to registered guests staying at MarDon Resort.

There has been no change in the largemouth bass fishing — it continues to be outstanding. The fish have stacked up on the face of the dunes and are feeding on the tremendous amount of baitfish in the area. Fish the face of the dunes with Zara Spooks, hula grubs on a football head and wacky rigged Senkos and crankbaits. The face of the dam has been producing quality largemouth and smallmouth bass. Fish crankbaits and hula grubs rigged on a football head and tubes.

The 13th Annual MarDon Resort Dock Tournament Sept. 15-17 had 158 entrants and paid out $5,060 in cash prizes. It was a very good turn out. All species on the board were weighed in within the first 12 hours for both first and second place standings. It was then a matter of catching a bigger fish than the current leader during the 41-hour long event.

The annual tournament was a lot of fun. We would like to thank all who participated and helped to make this such a fun and successful event. The raffles raised $2,450 for the CWFAC Habitat Project. The funds raised will be used to purchase the materials required to build more of the habitat boxes to be used in the Potholes Reservoir. Be sure to mark your calendar for the same weekend next year.

Upcoming Events

Fall Special rates continue through Nov. 1

RV and Tent sites — Pay 2 nights and get the third night free

Roofed Rentals — Pay 2 nights and the third night half off