MarDon Resort Fresh News – September 6, 2022

The current water level on the Potholes Reservoir is approximately 1024.4 feet – raising 8

inches feet over the past week. This calculation is based on the last correct level reported

by the Bureau of Reclamation, posted last Tuesday and measurements taken off the

MarDon dock. This brings us to 22.1 feet below full pool.

The water temps on the Potholes Reservoir are in the upper-70s and the temps in the sand

dunes are in the mid-80s.

With the low water level, use caution when running the face of the sand dunes and the

rocky area between Goose Island and the face of the dam. As the water drops, the baitfish

and bigger fish will migrate out of the sand dunes and post up on the face of the dunes. One

of the best methods this time of year is to troll a #5 Flicker Shad in 4-12 feet of water. You

will catch a variety of species.

Trout fishing on the Potholes Reservoir has been fair this week. Trout in the 2–5-pound

range are being caught. Troll Wee Gee spoons, Needlefish, or #7 Flicker Shads at 2-3 miles

per hour. Fish along Medicare Beach and in front of the State Park. Troll Wedding Rings

with a worm on the face of the sand dunes for trout – and all other species.

The bass fishing has been very good this week. 2–4-pound fish are being caught. Top baits:

hard jerkbaits, a 3/8 oz. chatter bait, 5” wacky rigged Senko, deep diving crankbaits, and

topwater baits. The rock piles between Goose Island and the face of the dam, and the

mouth of Crab Creek have been producing decent smallmouth. . oz. Norisada blade baits,

tubes, crankbaits and Senkos have been the top baits there.

Walleye fishing has been fair this week. The face of the sand dunes is producing some

walleye. Fish 4-18 feet with a slow death rig and a 1-2 oz bottom walker and crawler on

weed lines. You will go thru a lot of worms – as the bullheads are present in large numbers

and very active this time of year. Size #5 and #7Flicker Shads are working as well when

trolled on the face of the dunes. Get on the water early – around first light.

Now is the time to fish for Channel Cats with the warm water temps! Best fishing is at night.

Several fish over 8 pounds have been caught this week. Fish in 2-10 feet of water with

nightcrawlers or Magic Bait. Use a . -1-ounce Egg Sinker and a 1 or 1/0 Whisker Sticker

hook. Fish the face of the dunes where the main flows come in from the sand dunes,

around Frenchman’s wasteway, and in Lind Coulee.

Fish the face of the sand dunes and Lind Coulee for Panfish. Crappie, Bluegill and a few

Perch are being caught. Throw Bobby Garland Baby Shads in Monkey Milk or Blue Ice, the

Fisher Brothers DS Fry in Tadpole color. Use a 1/32 oz jig head under a slip bobber. Troll

#5 Flicker Shads along the face and just inside the dunes.

Call the MarDon Tackle Store for the latest fishing information at 509-346-2651.

A nice Potholes Reservoir largemouth bass caught and released this past weekend!