The Fall Walleye Index Netting was held on Potholes Reservoir this week, this study is used to identify walleye populations and health. The data is gathered also to help determine appropriate walleye limits. Mark Peterson, Region 2 Fish Biologist, leads the team that conducts this study. Volunteers help with this extremely laborious event. The volunteers this year were from the Central Washington Fish Advisory Committee (cwfac.org) and the Hidas Valley Scouting Group from Ellensburg.

Late October weather has a great feel with daytime highs in the 60's. For quite some time walleye and perch fishing off the humps at the face of O'Sullivan Dam area has been producing limits. Fishers trolling are also having excellent walleye fishing using a spinner and crawler combo, a Rapala Shad Rap, DC-13's or Baby Hot Lips. It's a good time to gather some walleye dinners for family and friends. With very little fishing pressure the MarDon Dock continues to produce limits of quality crappie up to 13 inches using mini jigs tipped with a small piece of night crawler or a maggot.

Duck and Goose Hunting are still just getting rolling. There are lots of species available in the Potholes Sand Dunes but mainly just the local hatch and no Northerns' are being reported at this time. The Goose Hunting is improving with more and more geese moving into the area but due to our mild weather this hunting has been challenging. With colder temperatures hunting will improve for ducks and geese. Pheasant season opened last Saturday and we did receive positive reports from our Royal Youth Booster Hunters.

Remember every Friday is Free Dock Fishing Friday on the MarDon Dock. You still have to come into the store and get a pass but there is no charge. Call (509)346-2651 for more information.