FRESH NEWS: Water rising and cooling, caution advised around underwater obstacles

MARDON — The current water level on the Potholes Reservoir is 1027.85 feet — rising .05 feet this week. The reservoir is 1.35 feet above the low pool. The water temperature is mid-60s to 70 degrees on the main reservoir. The water temps in the sand dunes are in the low 70s.

Use extreme caution while running in the sand dunes, the face of the dunes, and between Goose Island and the face of the dam. There are a lot of hazards that are just under the surface and not visible to the boater.

Walleye fishing has been very good this week. Walleye may be found at 10-25 feet of depth 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 Bade rig with a crawler and bottom bouncer. Jigging 3-inch plastics and grubs on a ¼ oz. jig head is producing as well. Fish Crab Creek and the face of the dunes.

Largemouth Bass fishing remains good. Most fish are caught in the 2–4-pound range. Largemouth are being caught on a wide variety of baits. Hula grubs, Jigs, swim jigs, chatter baits, XD 8 or 10s, Senkos, lipless crankbaits and Spook-type baits have been produced. Fish 2-20 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 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. 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 one thirty-second 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, chicken liver and even hotdogs! 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.