FRESH NEWS: Fish beginning to move out of dunes as water rises

MARDON — The current water level on Potholes Reservoir is 1,031 feet, rising 0.2 feet this week. The water temperature is in the upper 70s on the main reservoir. The water temperatures in the sand dunes are in the mid-80s.

The water level is at the point that both baitfish and gamefish are beginning to move out of the sand dunes and posting up on the face of the sand dunes.

Walleye fishing has been tough this week. The walleye are in 5-20 feet right now. Fish the shallower fish in the sand dunes with No. 5 Flicker Shads — trolled, jerk baits, flukes, swim baits and lipless crank baits. Fish the deeper fish with a Slow Death Hook-Smile Bade rig with a crawler and bottom bouncer. Fish the main channels back in the sand dunes, Crab Creek and the face of the dunes. Fish tight to weed lines! It is an early morning bite, slowing down around 10 a.m. The walleye are starting to move out of the sand dunes to the face.

Largemouth bass fishing remains good. Most fish being caught are in the 2- to 4-pound range. Largemouth are being caught on a wide variety of baits. Jigs, swim jigs, chatter baits, Senkos, lipless crankbaits and frogs have been producing. Fish 2-15 feet of water. Fish the sand dunes as well as the face of the sand dunes.

Smallmouth bass are being caught on the face of the dam, on the rocks around Goose Island and in the sand dunes. Throw a drop shot rig with 4-inch plastics, 5-inch grubs, deep diving crankbaits, jerkbaits and Senkos.

Trout are being caught in front of Potholes State Park and off Medicare Beach. Troll No. 5 or No. 7 Shad Raps or Flicker Shads, Wedding Rings and Needlefish. From shore, cast Rooster Tails, Vibrax spinners or 5-inch curl tail grubs or fish the bottom with Power Bait. No reports from the Seep Lakes this week.

The crappie and bluegill are moving out of the sand dunes and posting up on the face. Troll a No. 5 Flicker Shad or locate a school and use a slip bobber set to a depth matching the top of the school. Use Bobby Garland Baby Shads or DS Fry on a 1/32-ounce Moon-Eyed jig.

Channel catfish are being caught back in the sand dunes. Fish are being caught on cut bait, Catfish Magic, chicken liver and even hot dogs. Most fish being caught are in the 8- to 12-pound range.

Call the MarDon Resort tackle store for current conditions and fishing information at 509-346-2651.