FRESH NEWS: Reservoir level down, water temps up, largemouth biting
Kevin Webster, from Sunnyside, landed this 14.50 pound channel catfish while fishing for crappie with 6 pound test line. They hooked five - landed two - the other one weighed in at 11.50 pounds.
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/MARDON RESORT
MARDON – The current water level on the Potholes Reservoir is 1029 feet – dropping two feet this week. The water temperature is in the upper-70s on the main reservoir. The water temps in the sand dunes are in the mid-to-upper 80s.
The water level is at the point that both baitfish and gamefish are moving out of the sand dunes and posting up on the face of the sand dunes.
Walleye fishing has been fair this week. The walleye are in 5-20 feet right now. Fish the shallower fish in the sand dunes with #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 moving out of the sand dunes to the face.
Largemouth bass fishing remains good. Most fish being caught are in the 2–4-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 the State Park and off Medicare Beach. Troll #5 or #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 #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 1/32nd ounce moon eyed jig.
Channel Catfish are being caught back in the sand dunes and on the face of the sand dunes. Fish are being caught on cut bait, Catfish Magic, chicken liver and even hotdogs! Most fish being caught are in the 8–12-pound range.
Call the MarDon Resort tackle store for current conditions and fishing information at 509-346-2651.