FRESH NEWS: Walleye fishing steadily good, bass steady
Jason Vosk holds up a a 7-pound, 10-ounce channel catfish caught while trolling a crankbait out on Potholes Reservoir.
Courtesy photo/MarDon Resort
MARDON RESORT — The current water level on Potholes Reservoir is 1034.4 feet, dropping another 2.4 feet this week. The water temperature is in the mid-70s on the main reservoir. The water temperatures in the sand dunes are in the mid-80s.
Walleye fishing continues to be good. 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 Blade 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.
Largemouth bass fishing has been good this week. Most fish being caught are in the 2- to 4-pound range with a few over 5 pounds reported. 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.
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 and Senkos.
Trout are being caught in front of the 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. 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. A few big perch are being caught as well.
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.