Fall-fishing has begun on the Potholes Reservoir. The fishing has been good for all species. Now is the time to get a mixed bag of perch, crappie, bluegill, walleye, bass and catfish. The Reservoir water level is currently at 1030.10 and will continue to rise at different rates as the weather changes through the first part of fall. As the water rises, the rock piles around Goose Island become less visible — be careful navigating around the dunes and Goose Island. The water temps on the main lake and back in the dunes are in the low-60’s in the morning warming to the upper 60’s by evening.

The walleye fishing has been good. Limits are being reported with an average of 4-8 walleye per boat each morning. They have moved deeper — off mid-lake humps in 20-30 feet of water. At this depth it is tough to effectively fish crankbaits — so anglers have switched back to Slow Death hooks both with and without a Smile Blade and half a crawler. Troll at 0.7-1.0mph using a 1-2 oz. bottom walker.

Crappie, perch and bluegill fishing has picked up on the main Reservoir. Find the mid-lake humps and fish the tops and sides of them in 13-20 feet of water. Fish a 1-1/2”-2.0” Gulp Minnow on a 1/32 or 1/16 oz. jig head — or drop worms for them. Jumbo perch have been showing around Goose Island – more quality than quantity. The MarDon Dock is fishing very good for keeper crappie. Dock fishing is only available to registered guests staying at MarDon Resort.

The Largemouth bass fishing is still going strong and the Smallmouth fishing has picked up. For Largemouth fish the face of the dunes and the tops of the mid-lake humps with football heads, hula grubs, crankbaits, and Senkos. The smallmouth is taking the same baits adding tubes to that list. Fish around Goose Island in 5-15 feet of water as well as the face of the dam.

Fall Specials

Reduced rates continue through Nov. 1

RV and tent sites — Pay two nights and get the third night free

Roofed Rentals — Pay two nights and the third night half off