FRESH NEWS: Burbot make for rare catch at Potholes

The current water level on Potholes Reservoir is 1,043.6 feet, dropping 0.05 feet this past week. We are 2.9 feet below full pool. Surface temps are 38-42 degrees. The forecast for the next 10 days shows us warming up with the highs reaching the 60s by this weekend. We have had a lot of wind once again this week, but it has been a warm wind from the south, warming the water. It won’t be long before the fish start moving.

 We have had a lot of wind again – not many anglers out on the water.  If you venture out, use jig blade baits and 3.5-inch swim baits on a 1/4-ounce jig head for walleye, bass and trout. Jig in 18-35 feet of water across the face of the sand dunes.  Corral Lake and Upper Goose Lake have been the top trout lakes. From the bank cast Rooster Tails or use PowerBait off the bottom. 

We did have an interesting and rare catch this week. Local anglers Rusty Johnston and John Darby, out looking for walleye, ended up catching 16 burbot – only keeping their limit. The pair were jigging 1/2-ounce  blade baits in 18-20 feet of water. Burbot are not caught often. You may pick one up incidentally while jigging for walleye or smallmouth, but 16 is unheard of on Potholes Reservoir. The limit on burbot is five per angler per day, no minimum size. 

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