FRESH NEWS: Variety of bait seeing success
A father and daughter spent a great evening at the Potholes reservoir catching bass this past week.
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/MARDON RESORT
MARDON - The current water level on the Potholes Reservoir is 1,036.80 feet – dropping another 1.80 feet this week. The water temperature is in the mid-70s on the main reservoir. The water temps in the sand dunes are in the mid-80s.
Walleye fishing continues to be good. The walleye are staying at 5-20 feet right now. Fish the shallower fish in the sand dunes with 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 11 a.m.
Largemouth bass fishing has been good this week. Most fish being caught are in the 2–4-pound range. Largemouth are being caught using a wide variety of bait. Jigs, swim jigs, chatter baits, senkos, lipless crankbaits and frogs have been producing. Fish 2-15 feet of water. Fish 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” plastics, 5” grubs, deep diving crankbaits and senkos.
Trout are being caught in front of the Potholes State Park and off Medicare Beach. Troll #5 or #7 shad raps of 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. Warden Lake continues to be good.
There are some bluegill and crappie being caught back in the sand dunes and up Lind Coulee. Throw worms for bluegill and trout magnets for both bluegill and crappie. Several reports of good perch fishing back in the weeds in the sand dunes.
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 8–12-pound range.
Call the MarDon Resort tackle store for current conditions and fishing information at 509-346-2651.