Fall bite good on Potholes Reservoir
Now is the time to get out and fish Potholes Reservoir. Bundle up and come out for some fun fall fishing for all species!
Courtesy photo/MarDon Resort
MARDON — The current water level on Potholes Reservoir is 1,035.7 feet, rising 1.7 feet this week. We are currently 9.2 feet above low pool. The reservoir will rise rapidly now that the outflow gate has been closed. The water temperature is in the low 50s on the main reservoir. The water temps in the sand dunes are in the low 50s.
The fall bite is going well for all species, so it’s time to get out on the water. The weather might be a bit chilly and challenging, but the fish are eating.
Walleye fishing continues to be good this week. The walleye are in 10-30 feet. Now is the time to start jigging blade baits, Jigging Raps, Shadow Raps and plastics. Slow Death Hook-Smile Blade rig with a crawler and bottom bouncer is producing as well.
Largemouth bass fishing continues to be very good. Most fish being caught in the 2- to 4-pound range. Largemouth are being caught on a wide variety of baits. Hula grubs, tubes, grubs and 8 or 10 XDs. Fish 5-20 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, tubes, deep diving crankbaits, jerkbaits and Senkos.
Trout are being caught in front of the State Park and off Medicare Beach. Troll No. 5 or No. 7 Shad Raps orFlicker 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 out on the face of sand dunes. 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 on the face of the sand dunes and around Goose Island. Fish are being caught on cut bait, Catfish Magic and chicken liver. Most fish caught are in the 8- to 12-pound range with several 20- to 30-pound fish coming in.
Call the MarDon Resort tackle store for current conditions and fishing information at 509-346-2651.