FRESH NEWS: Fish beginning to move out of dunes as water rises

MARDON — The current water level on Potholes Reservoir is 1,031 feet, rising 0.2 feet this week. The water temperature is in the upper 70s on the main reservoir. The water temperatures in the sand dunes are in the mid-80s. The water level is at the point that both baitfish and gamefish are beginning to move out of the sand dunes and posting up on the face of the sand dunes. Walleye fishing has been tough this week. The walleye are in 5-20 feet right now. Fish the shallower fish in the sand dunes with No. 5 Flicker Shads – trolled, jerk baits, flukes, swim baits and lipless crank baits. Fish the deeper fish with a Slow Death Hook-Smile Bade rig with a crawler and bottom bouncer. Fish the main channels back in the sand dunes, Crab Creek and the face of the dunes. Fish tight to weed lines! It is an early morning bite, slowing down around 10 a.m. The walleye are starting to move out of the sand dunes to the face.