The water level is rising and the water temperature is falling on the Potholes Reservoir. The current water level is 1036.78 — 2.28 feet higher than this time last week. The water temperature is in the 45-47 degree range.

The walleye fishing has been consistent this past week with several good stringers coming in. The mouth of Crab Creek and the mid lake humps off Goose Island have been the most productive spots as well as the face of the dam. The walleye have moved deeper and are now concentrated in the 30-45 foot depth range. Vertically jig a ½ oz. silver blade bait or troll a Slow Death hook, with or without a Smile Blade and half a crawler behind a 2-oz. bottom walker.

Crappie fishing remains 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. Fish Trout Magnets or drop shot a 1-1/2”-2.0” Gulp Minnow or nose hook it on a 1/32 or 1/16 oz. jig head. The MarDon dock is producing limits of crappie to 12 inches. Dock fishing is only available to registered guests of MarDon Resort.

The Largemouth are a little tougher to find and get to bite with the colder water. The Smallmouth fishing has been good with several fish in the 4-plus pound range being reported. 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 5” grubs on a 3/8 oz. jig head.

There have been few reports from anglers fishing for trout — but those that are fishing for them are picking up nice sized Rainbows. Troll Flicker Shads or jig ½ oz. blade baits on the main lake. Fish the seep lake with Rooster Tails and Power Bait floated off the bottom. Medicare Beach has been the top shore fishing spot — fish Power Bait floated off the bottom. Top seep lakes for trout have been Soda Lake and Long Lake.

Duck hunting is very good currently. More Northern mallards are showing up as the weather cools. There are also decent numbers of Teal and Widgeon in the area. There are a lot of geese in the fields as well. Mostly little birds right now, but numbers are good.