Those who braved the winds and rain of this past week experienced some great fall fishing on the Potholes Reservoir. With water temperatures falling to the low to mid 50’s, the walleye fishing is going strong. The Potholes Reservoir water level is currently at 1032.50 — up just over a foot from last week.

The walleye fishing has been very good with limits being reported. The face of the dunes, mid lake humps, and Lind Coulee continue to be the most productive spots. The walleye have moved a bit deeper and are now concentrated in the 20-30 foot depth range. Troll either a Slow Death hook, with or without a Smile Blade and half a crawler behind a 2 oz. bottom walker. Silver ½ oz. blade baits are doing well for walleye and bass as well.

Crappie and bluegill fishing continues to be very good both from the MarDon Dock and out on the main lake. Find the mid-lake humps and fish the tops and sides of them in 10-30 feet of water. Fish a 1-1/2”-2.0” Gulp Minnow on a 1/32nd or 1/16th oz. jig head. The MarDon dock is producing limits of crappie to 12 inches.

Bass fishing for both Largemouth and Smallmouth has been extremely good across the Reservoir. Top spots have been the face of the dam, Goose Island, and the face of the dunes. Fish football heads and hula grubs, crankbaits, Senkos, tubes and 3-5” grubs on a 3/8 oz. jig head.

The trout fishing is starting to pick up both on the Reservoir and in the Seep Lakes. Troll the Reservoir with Flicker Shads for both trout and walleye. Fish the seep lake with Rooster Tails and Power Bait floated off the bottom. Top lakes for trout have been Soda Lake and Long Lake. Check the regulation to be sure the lake you are planning on fishing is still in open season.

Duck hunters had a very good week with the windy weather. Join the Royal Booster Club for an opportunity to hunt pheasant on private donated land – and by doing so you will be supporting the Royal City School District’s extracurricular activities.