The water level has dropped two feet this past week and is currently at 1032.35 feet. This brings the Reservoir to a level 12.95 feet lower than the high mark this year. The water temps back in the dunes are reaching the mid 80’s during the day with the main lake surface temps are in the low 80’s.

The trout fishing has slowed with the warm water temperatures. Not many folks fishing for trout this past week If you are targeting trout – use your fish finder to locate the thermocline and troll right above the thermocline with Flicker Shads, Shad Raps and Hot Lips. Depending on how deep the thermocline is, you may need additional weight or a Dipsy Diver to get the bait to the fish.

The walleye are still holding in the weeds in 5-18 feet. Storm GT 360s, crankbaits, Smile Blade – Slow Death Rigs, and crawler harness/blade combinations have been catching fish. Top colors are orange and chartreuse, and perch patterned crankbaits. Troll the edges of the willows or weed beds. Early in the morning and late evening/night are the best times to try for walleye in this heat and high water temperature.

Not many crappie reports form the Reservoir this week. The MarDon Resort dock fishing has been good for numbers with fish to 16 inches being caught The Trout Magnet in brown and Bull Dog, 1”and 2” Gulp Alive Minnows and crappie jigs tipped with maggots are doing the trick. The bluegill fishing off the dock has been very good this week. Use Trout Magnets and crappie jigs tipped with maggots or small pieces of worm. The perch fishing has picked up on the Reservoir. Perch are being caught in 10-22 feet of water using a variety of panfish jigs and Gulp Minnows, and worms around Goose Island. Dock fishing is only available to registered guests staying at MarDon Resort.

The Channel Catfish and bullhead fishing continues to be very good. A lot are being caught while trolling for walleye or fishing a worm on the bottom. Fish around Goose Island, the face of the dunes, and up Lind Coulee for the Channel Cats.

The largemouth bass fishing is going strong. Fish the dunes with SPRO Bronzeye Pop 60s, Rebel Pop-Rs and Zara Spooks for topwater action and Strike King square bill crankbaits and football head jigs for deeper action. There are good numbers of quality smallmouth bass in the dunes as well. Bass fishing along the face of the dam has been good this past week for both largemouth and smallmouth bass. Throw crankbaits, tubes, and 5” Kalin’s grubs for both.

Upcoming Events

Aug. 13: Live Music – Paul Sweeney

Aug. 26 : Lake Poker Run and Beach Party

Aug. 26,27: ABA Bass Tournament