The water level is rising, and the water temperature is falling on the Potholes Reservoir. The current water level is 1034.50 — two feet higher than this time last week. The water temperature is 50-52 degrees.

The walleye fishing has been decent with several limits coming in. The mouth of Crab Creek and the mid lake humps off of Goose Island have been the most productive spots. The walleye have moved into a bit deeper water and are now concentrated in the 20-30 foot depth range. Troll 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 fishing continues to be very good both from the MarDon Dock and out on the main lake. Fish the humps off the face of the dunes in 15-20 feet of water. Drop shot a 1-1/2”-2” Gulp Minnow, or nose hook it to a 1/32 or 1/16 oz. jig head. The MarDon dock is producing limits of crappie to 12 inches.

Bass fishing for both Largemouth and Smallmouth has been 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, drop shot baits, and five-inch grubs on a 3/8 oz. jig head. The face of the dam has been producing quality Smallmouth bass

The trout fishing is picking up on the Reservoir. Troll Flicker Shads for both trout and walleye. Fish Seep Lake with Rooster Tails and Power Bait floated off the bottom. Medicare Beach has been the top spot for trout this past week. Top lakes for trout have been Soda Lake and Long Lake.

Duck hunters have been bringing in limits of local birds. Some mallards are starting to show and with the colder weather in the forecast, the birds should be moving in soon.