FRESH NEWS: Dropping temperatures mean changes in fishing at Potholes

MARDON — The current water level on Potholes Reservoir is 1,034 feet, rising 2.2 feet this week. We are currently 7.5 feet above low pool. The reservoir will rise rapidly now that the outflow gate has been closed. The water temperature is in the mid- to upper 50s on the main reservoir. The water temperatures in the sand dunes are in the mid-50s. These temperatures will drop quickly as we have a very cold week ahead.

The fall bite is going well for all species. Time to get out on the water! The weather might be a bit chilly and challenging, but the fish are eating.

Walleye fishing has very good this week. The walleye are in 10-30 feet right now. Fish the humps in front of the sand dunes trolling No. 5 or No. 7 Flicker Shads or No. 9 Flicker Minnows. Cast jerk baits, swim baits and lipless crank baits in the shallower water. Fish the deeper fish with a Slow Death Hook – Smile Blade rig with a crawler and bottom bouncer. Half-ounce blade baits and Rapala Jigging Raps are producing as well. Fish Crab Creek and the face of the dunes.

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, Senkos, lipless crankbaits and Spook-type baits have been producing. Fish 2-20 feet of water. Fish the sand dunes as well as the face of the sand dunes.

Smallmouth ass 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 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 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.