FRESH NEWS: Smallmouth beginning to show at Potholes

MARDON — The current water level on Potholes Reservoir is 1,045.1 feet, coming up 1.05 feet this past week. We are currently 1.4 feet below full pool. The water temperature on the main lake is right around 50 degrees. The sand dunes are staying in the mid- to upper 50s.

The largemouth bass fishing continues to be very good. Fish back in the sand dunes. Throw 1/2-ounce black-and-blue jigs, swim jigs, jerkbaits, chatter baits, spinnerbaits and Texas-rigged plastics. The bass are spawning.

Smallmouth bass are being caught. Fish 18-30 feet using drop shot rigs, blade baits and tubes. Fish the rock piles around Goose Island and along the face of the dam.

Walleye fishing remains fair. Fish the humps in front of the sand dunes and near Perch Point. Trolling and jigging are both producing. Troll a slow death rig at about 0.8 mph on a bottom bouncer or jig 1/2-ounce blade baits in 12-28 feet of water. The walleye are spawning. This will push many of the fish into the channels in the dunes.

Trout fishing has been fair. Troll No. 7 Flicker Shads or spoons at 2-3 mph. Fish Medicare Beach or from MarDon Resort to Blythe Point. Corral Lake, Upper Goose Lake and Long Lake have been producing trout. Use Rooster Tails or PowerBait from shore or troll Wedding Rings from a boat.

No reports of perch, crappie or bluegill yet.

Call the MarDon Resort tackle store for current conditions and fishing information at 509-346-2651.