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.