FRESH NEWS: Fishing slowing down at Potholes

by Pete Fisher, MarDon Resort contributed report
| November 21, 2023 4:08 PM

The current water level on Potholes Reservoir is 1038.4 feet, rising 0.8 feet this week. We are currently 8.10 feet below full pool. The water temperature is 44-46 degrees on the main reservoir. Not much has changed since last week. With the dropping water temperatures the fish are sliding into their winter habits, going deeper and not feeding as often. Slow your presentation down for walleye and bass.

Walleye fishing is fair to good currently. The walleye are in 20-35 feet. Now is the time to start jigging blade baits, Jigging Raps, Shadow Raps and plastics. A Slow Death Hook-Smile Blade rig with a crawler and bottom bouncer is producing as well.

Largemouth bass fishing has been fair this week. Largemouth are being caught on a wide variety of baits: Hula grubs, tubes, grubs and 8 or 10 XDs. Fish 20-30 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 blade baits.

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. 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 being caught 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.