Fall fishing is going strong on the Potholes Reservoir. The cooler water temps have had a dramatically positive affect on all species — especially the walleye, crappie and bluegill. With the water temps in the mid 50’s, the fish are active and eating. It’s a time when a wide variety of baits and techniques will work on all species.

The reservoir water level is currently at 1031.05 and will begin to rise at a faster rate. They will begin dumping Moses Lake on November 1.

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 are at varying depths from 6 to 30 feet. Troll either a Slow Death hook, with or without a Smile Blade, and half a crawler or a #7 Flicker Shad or a Rapala Shad Rap. Blade Baits are accounting for more fish as the water cools.

Crappie, perch and bluegill fishing continues to be outstanding 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. The mouth of Crab Creek, around Goose Island, and Lind Coulee are producing panfish. Fish a 1-1/2”-2.0” Gulp Minnow on a 1/32 or 1/16 oz. jig head.

The MarDon Dock is fishing very good for keeper crappie. Dock fishing is only available to registered guests staying at MarDon Resort.

Not much has changed on the bass fishing front this week. Bass fishing for both Largemouth and Smallmouth has been extremely good across the reservoir. The 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 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.

Many duck hunters had a successful opening day with mixed bags of mallards, pintail, widgeon, gadwall, and teal.

Upcoming Events

Fall specials continue to Nov. 1

RV and Tent sites – Pay two nights and get the third night free

Roofed Rentals – Pay two nights and the third night ó off

Oct. 28

Paul Sweeney – Live music at the Beach House