MarDon Fishing Report: 2019

Friday, December 20, 2019

Marry Christmas!

~ From all of us at MarDon Resort!

Thursday, December 12, 2019

MarDon Fresh News – December 13, 2019

The current water level on the Potholes Reservoir is 1040.00 - up .60 feet from the previous week. The water continues to cool with main lake temps in the upper 30’s– and the sand dunes are in the low 30’s with ice forming.

There is not a lot fishing pressure on the Reservoir currently – but if you brave the cold, fog, and wind – you can do pretty well on trout, walleye and smallmouth bass fishing deeper water.

The bass fishing is slowing with the cooler water temps and the fish are moving deeper. Slow your presentation down or fish reaction baits like Blade Baits. Fish the 20-40-foot range. Fish the face of the sand dunes with a ½ oz. football head jig coupled with a hula grub, ½ oz. Blade Baits, Tubes and Drop Shot baits. The Smallmouth bass are being found on the face of the dam and on the rock piles around Goose Island – as well as on the face of the sand dunes. Fish Booyah finesse jigs, Crankbaits, Tubes and drop-shot DS Minnows for the Smallmouth.

For trout - fish Medicare Beach to the Mouth of Crab Creek and in front of the State Park. Troll Gibbs Wee G Spoons, Wicked Lures Trout Killers, Needlefish spoons, #7 Flicker Shads and Shad Raps at 2.5 - 3.0 mph. Use leaded line with 3-colors out or troll with a 2 oz. banana sinker. Set the drag light as the average trout is 2-5 pounds and can break the line on the initial strike.

The Crappie and Bluegill have gone deeper with the cooler water temps but can still be caught. Fish the face of the dunes and in the mouth of Crab Creek. Locate schools with your electronics and then anchor up and drop Bobby Garland Baby Shads and Trout Magnets or worms on a slip bobber in 20-30 feet of water.

Duck hunting has been a fair this week – with not much coming down in the way of new birds. Goose hunting has been very good with a mix of Snow Geese and darker geese.

The MarDon store has a good supply of decoy weights, twine, and shotgun shells for your duck hunting!

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

Jerry Han and his buddy Jon Crawford of Kennewick, WA enjoyed a cold - but productive day of trout and walleye fishing! The large walleye was released after the pic!

Thursday, December 5, 2019

MarDon Fresh News – December 6, 2019

The current water level on the Potholes Reservoir is 1039.40 - up 1.00 foot from the previous reading on November 22. The rate that the Reservoir is filling approximately 1.00 foot per week. The water continues to cool with main lake temps in the upper 30’s– and the sand dunes are in the low 30’s with ice forming. The ice may come off of the dunes this week with mild temperatures forecasted.

The bass fishing is slowing with the cooler water temps and the fish are moving deeper. Slow your presentation down or fish reaction baits like Blade Baits. Fish the 10-30-foot range. Fish the face of the sand dunes with a ½ oz. football head jig coupled with a hula grub, ½ oz. Blade Baits, Strike King KVD 5XD crankbaits, Tubes and Drop Shot baits. The Smallmouth bass are being found on the face of the dam and on the rock piles around Goose Island – as well as on the face of the sand dunes. Fish Booyah finesse jigs, Crankbaits, Tubes and drop-shot DS Minnows for the Smallmouth.

The walleye fishing is fair with the majority of walleye being caught on 1/2oz. Blade Baits and Whistle Pigs. Fish the face of the sand dunes in front of the West Arm and Crab Creek, Lind Coulee, and the face of the dam in 10-30 feet of water. Mark fish on the humps in front of the sand dunes and vertically jig. Fish are also being caught by trolling a Slow Death Hook and a 2 oz. bottom walker and ½ a crawler in 10-30 feet. Troll from .8-1.2 miles per hour.

Duck hunting has been a bit slow this week. Most of the smaller water has ice on it – but should thaw this week with the mild temperatures. Goose hunting has been very good with a mix of Snow Geese and darker geese.

The MarDon store has a good supply of decoy weights, twine, and shotgun shells for your duck hunting!

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

Mason Meseberg and Britt Wardenaar after a a successful field hunt of Mallards, dark geese, and Snow Geese

Friday, November 22, 2019

MarDon Fresh News – November 22, 2019

The current water level on the Potholes Reservoir is 1039.07 - up .91 feet from the previous reading on November 12^th. . The rate that the Reservoir is filling is slowing and will average approximately 1 foot per week. The water continues to cool with main lake temps in the low to mid 40’s – and the sand dunes are in the low 40’s.

The bass fishing is fair. The fish are moving deeper and slowing a little. Fish the 10-30-foot range. Fish the face of the sand dunes with a ½ oz. football head jig coupled with a hula grub, ½ oz. Blade Baits, Strike King KVD 5XD crankbaits, Tubes and Drop Shot baits. The Smallmouth bass are being found on the face of the dam and on the rock piles around Goose Island – as well as on the face of the sand dunes. Fish Booyah finesse jigs, Crankbaits, Tubes and drop-shot DS Minnows for the Smallmouth.

Duck hunting has been a bit slow this week. Mallards, Teal and Widgeons are in the area with few new birds coming down. Cooler weather and wind will help move the birds. Goose hunting has been very good with a mix of Snow Geese and darker geese.

The MarDon store has a good supply of decoy weights, twine, and shotgun shells for your duck hunting!

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

Thursday, November 14, 2019

MarDon Fresh News – November 15, 2019

The current water level on the Potholes Reservoir as of the last reading on November 12^th was 1038.16 feet – up 2.46 feet from one week ago. The rate at which the Reservoir is filling will moderate to an average of rising one foot per week. The water temp is cooling quickly with the colder temps. The water temp in the sand dunes is in the lower 40’s with the main Reservoir running at 44 degrees.

The bass fishing is fair. Fish a little slower and a little deeper - 10-30-foot range. Fish the face of the sand dunes with a ½ oz. football head jig coupled with a hula grub, ½ oz. Blade Baits, Strike King KVD 5XD crankbaits, Tubes and Deep Jerk Baits. The Smallmouth bass are being found on the face of the dam and on the rock piles around Goose Island – as well as on the face of the sand dunes. Fish Booyah finesse jigs, Crankbaits, Tubes and drop-shot DS Minnows for the Smallmouth.

The walleye fishing is fair with the majority of walleye being caught on 1/2oz. Blade Baits or Whistle Pigs. Fish the face of the sand dunes in front of the West Arm and Crab Creek, Lind Coulee, and the face of the dam in 10-30 feet of water. Mark fish on the humps in front of the Sand Dunes and vertically jig. Fish are also being caught by trolling a Slow Death Hook and a 2 oz. bottom walker and ½ a crawler in 10-30 feet. Troll from .8-1.2 miles per hour.

Crappie and some Bluegill continue to be caught on the face of the dunes and in the mouth of Crab Creek. Locate schools with your electronics and then anchor up and drop Bobby Garland Baby Shads and Trout Magnets or worms on a slip bobber in 12-30 feet of water.

Duck hunting has been fair this week. Mallards, Teal and Widgeons are in the area with a few new birds coming down. The cooler weather should help. Goose hunting has been very good with a mix of Snow Geese and darker geese.

The MarDon store has a good supply of decoy weights, twine, and shotgun shell for your duck hunting!

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

Chris Fisher of Fisher Brothers Bait Company with a nice Fall Smallmouth!

Pete Fisher of MarDon Resort caught this Fall Walleye trolling a #7 Rapala Shad Rap!

Thursday, October 31, 2019

MarDon Fresh News – November 1, 2019

The current water level on the Potholes Reservoir is 1034.02 feet – up 2.02 feet from one week ago. The water temp is cooling quickly with the colder temps. The water temp in the sand dunes is at 45 degrees with the main Reservoir running at 49 degrees.

The bass fishing continues to be very good! Fish the face of the sand dunes with a ½ oz. football head jig coupled with a hula grub, Senkos, Strike King KVD 5XD crankbaits, Tubes and Jerk Baits. Fish from 2 to 20 feet. The Smallmouth bass are being found on the face of the dam and on the rock piles around Goose Island – as well as on the face of the sand dunes. Fish Booyah finesse jigs, Wacky Rigged Senkos, Crankbaits, Tubes and DS Minnows for the Smallmouth.

The walleye fishing remains good. Fish the face of the sand dunes in front of the West Arm and Crab Creek, Lind Coulee, and the face of the dam in 5-30 feet of water. Start by trolling a #5 or a #7 Flicker Shad at 1.5-2.5 miles per hour on a long line. If this does not produce – switch to trolling a Slow Death Hook and a 2 oz. bottom walker and ½ a crawler in 8-25 feet. Troll from .8-1.2 miles per hour. Jig Blade Baits and Whistle Pigs when you mark fish on the humps.

Bluegill and big crappie and a few Perch continue to be caught on the face of the dunes and in the mouth of Crab Creek. Troll #5 Flicker Shads to locate schools or use your electronics to find the schools and then anchor up and drop Bobby Garland Baby Shads and Trout Magnets or worms to the fish.

Duck hunting has been fair this week with several limits of ducks being reported. Mallards, Teal and Widgeons are in the area with a few new birds coming down. The cooler weather should bring new birds down.

The MarDon store has a good supply of decoy weights, twine, and shotgun shell for your duck hunting!

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

Wyatt Smith of Moses Lake had an awesome fall day! Despite the cold weather Wyatt had a great day for Largemouth and Walleye!

Thursday, October 24, 2019

MarDon Fresh News – October 25, 2019

The current water level on the Potholes Reservoir is 1031.66 feet – up 1.35 feet feet from one week ago. The water temp remains around 54 degrees.

It continues to be a great time to fish the Potholes Reservoir if you want to catch a mixed bag! The fishing for most all species in the Reservoir is from good to outstanding as the fish react to the changing of the season.

The bass fishing continues to be extremely good! Fish the face of the sand dunes with a ½ oz. football head jig coupled with a hula grub, Senkos, Strike King KVD 5XD crankbaits, Tubes and Jerk Baits. Fish from 2 to 20 feet. The Smallmouth bass are being found on the face of the dam and on the rock piles around Goose Island – as well as on the face of the sand dunes. Fish Booyah finesse jigs, Wacky Rigged Senkos, Crankbaits, Tubes and DS Minnows for the Smallmouth.

Duck hunting has been fair this week with several limits of ducks being reported. Mallards, Teal and Widgeons are in the area with a few new birds coming down. We need some colder weather to get more ducks in the area.

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

Upcoming Events:

October 26th, 2019. Halloween Party Event. Come dressed in your favorite costume, enjoy food, drinks, games for the awesome social event. For more information contact the resort.

Johnnie Candle a successful professional walleye tournament angler and guide on Devil's Lake in North Dakota visited the Potholes Reservoir to teach a 3-day long walleye class. The class focuses on tackle, techniques and electronics - both seminar and on the water instruction. We will be posting information on next year's walleye school as it draws near.

Friday, October 18, 2019

MarDon Fresh News – October 18, 2019

The current water level on the Potholes Reservoir is 1030.31 feet – down .30 feet from one week ago. The water temp remains around 54 degrees. With the water level where it is - continue to use extreme caution while boating between Goose Island and the face of the dam and the face of the sand dunes!

The walleye fishing remains good. The lower water temps, cooler nights, and lower water are putting the walleye into a positive feeding mode. Fish the face of the sand dunes in front of the West Arm and Crab Creek, Lind Coulee, and the face of the dam in 5-30 feet of water. Start by trolling a #5 or a #7 Flicker Shad at 1.5-2.0 miles per hour on a long line. If this does not produce – switch to trolling a Slow Death Hook and a 2 oz. bottom walker and ½ a crawler in 8-15 feet. Troll from .8-1.2 miles per hour. Jig Blade Baits when you mark fish on the humps.

The Channel Cat and Bullhead fishing is still good – despite the falling water temperature. Fish the slightly deeper holes in around the mouth of Frenchman’s waterway, Crab Creek and Lind Coulee. Look for water in the 10-15-foot range. Use Catfish Magic Bait, Berkley Catfish Nuggets, Liver and worms on the bottom for both.

Pheasant hunting opens this Saturday – October 19^th. Stop by the MarDon store for your shotgun shells, decoy weights and other hunting supplies.

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

Mike Meseberg shows a nice sand dunes Largemouth caught on a black spinnerbait!

Joe and his pup enjoying some shore fishing for trout on Medicare Beach!

Friday, October 11, 2019

MarDon Fresh News – October 11, 2019

The current water level on the Potholes Reservoir is 1030.61 feet – down .23 feet from one week ago. The water temp remains around 54 degrees – but will be cooling further with the current cold snap With the water level where it is -continue to useextreme caution while boating between Goose Island and the face of the dam and the face of the sand dunes!

The walleye fishing remains good. The lower water temps, cooler nights, and lower water are putting the walleye into a positive feeding mode. Fish the face of the sand dunes in front of the West Arm and Crab Creek in 5-30 feet of water. Start by trolling a #5 or a #7 Flicker Shad at 1.5-2.0 miles per hour on a long line. If this does not produce – switch to trolling a Slow Death Hook and a 2 oz. bottom walker and ½ a crawler in 8-15 feet. Troll from .8-1.2 miles per hour. ½ oz. Jig Blade Baits when you mark fish have been producing as well.

Duck and Goose hunting opens October 12^th this year. Stop by the MarDon store for your shotgun shells, decoy weights and other hunting supplies.

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

Walleye fishing continues to produce strong catches right now on the Potholes Reservoir!

Despite the falling water temps, Joni Nye caught this nice 10 pound Channel Catfish trolling for Walleye!

Friday, October 4, 2019

MarDon Fresh News – October 4 , 2019

The current water level on the Potholes Reservoir is 1030.84 feet – up 0.47 feet from one week ago. The water level is slowly creeping up – rising 9 inches over the past 14 days. The water temp continues to cool. The water temp in the sand dunes and on the main Reservoir is in the mid-50s. With the water level where it is -continue to use use extreme caution while boating between Goose Island and the face of the dam and the face of the sand dunes!

Now is the time to fish the Potholes Reservoir if you want to catch a mixed bag! The fishing for most all species in the Reservoir is from good to outstanding as the fish react to the changing of the season.

The bass fishing is extremely good now. Fish the face of the sand dunes with a ½ oz. football head jig coupled with a hula grub, Senkos, Strike King KVD 5XD crankbaits, Tubes and Zara Spooks. Fish from 2 to 20 feet. The Smallmouth bass are being found on the face of the dam and on the rock piles around Goose Island – as well as on the face of the sand dunes. Fish Booyah finesse jigs, Wacky Rigged Senkos, Crankbaits, Tubes and DS Minnows for the Smallmouth.

The walleye fishing remains good. The lower water temps, cooler nights, and low water are putting the walleye into a positive feeding mode. Fish the face of the sand dunes in front of the West Arm and Crab Creek in 5-20 feet of water. Start by trolling a #5 or a #7 Flicker Shad at 1.5-2.0 miles per hour on a long line. If this does not produce – switch to trolling a Slow Death Hook and a 2 oz. bottom walker and ½ a crawler in 8-15 feet. Troll from .8-1.2 miles per hour. ½ oz. Blade Baits have been producing as well.

For trout - fish Medicare Beach to the Mouth of Crab Creek and in front of the State Park. Troll Gibbs Wee G Spoons, Wicked Lures Trout Killers, Needlefish spoons, #7 Flicker Shads and Shad Raps at 2.5 -3.0 mph. Use leaded line with 3-colors out or troll with a 2 oz. banana sinker. Set the drag light as the average trout is 2-5 pounds and can break the line on the initial strike.

The Channel Cat and Bullhead fishing is still very good. Use Catfish Magic Bait, Berkley Catfish Nuggets, and worms on the bottom for both. Fish up Lind Coulee, the mouth of Frenchman’s Wasteway and in the sand dunes for Channel Cats and Bullhead.

Big Bluegill and big crappie and a few Perch continue to be caught on the face of the dunes and in the mouth of Crab Creek. Troll #5 Flicker Shads to locate schools or use your electronics to find the schools and then anchor up and drop Bobby Garland Baby Shads and Trout Magnets or worms to the fish.

Duck and Goose hunting opens October 12^th this year. Stop by the MarDon store for your shotgun shells, decoy weights and other hunting supplies.

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

Father and Son - Bart and Clayton Breckenridge with a nice fall Largemouth and Smallmouth bass!

Captain Russ shows a nice mixed bag of panfish caught trolling along the face of the sand dunes!

Saturday, September 28, 2019

MarDon Fresh News – September 27, 2019

The current water level on the Potholes Reservoir is 1030.84 feet – up 0.40 feet from one week ago. The water level is slowly creeping up – rising 1.07 feet over the past 17 days. The water temp continues to cool. The water temp in the sand dunes and on the main Reservoir is in the mid-60s. With the water level where it is -continue to use use extreme caution while boating between Goose Island and the face of the dam and the face of the sand dunes!

The bass fishing is extremely good now. The water level is pulling the bait and the fish from the sand dunes to the face of the dunes. Fish the face of the sand dunes with a ½ oz. football head jig coupled with a hula grub, Senkos, Strike King KVD 5XD crankbaits, and Zara Spooks. Fish from 2 to 20 feet. The Smallmouth bass are being found on the face of the dam and on the rock piles around Goose Island – as well as on the face of the sand dunes. Fish Booyah finesse jigs, Wacky Rigged Senkos, Crankbaits, Tubes and DS Minnows for the Smallmouth.

The walleye fishing has improved over last week and is now at fair to good. The dropping water temps, cooler nights, and low water are putting the walleye into a positive feeding mode. Fish the face of the sand dunes in front of the West Arm and Crab Creek in 5-20 feet of water. Start by trolling a #5 or a #7 Flicker Shad at 1.5-2.0 miles per hour on a long line. If this does not produce – switch to trolling a Slow Death Hook and a 2 oz. bottom walker and ½ a crawler in 8-15 feet. Troll from .8-1.2 miles per hour. From now thru November – have a ½ oz. blade bait tied on to jig the 10-20-foot depth range.

For trout - fish Medicare Beach to the Mouth of Crab Creek and in front of the State Park. Troll Gibbs Wee G Spoons, Wicked Lures Trout Killers, Needlefish spoons, #7 Flicker Shads and Shad Raps at 2.5 -3.0 mph. Use leaded line with 3-colors out or troll with a 2 oz. banana sinker. Set the drag light as the average trout is 2-5 pounds and can break the line on the initial strike.

Big Bluegill and big crappie continue to be caught on the face of the dunes and in the mouth of Crab Creek. Troll #5 Flicker Shads to locate schools or use your electronics to find the schools and then anchor up and drop Bobby Garland Baby Shads and Trout Magnets to the fish. Perch are being caught in the mouth of Crab Creek and on the humps in front of the exposed dunes.

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

Robin Beekman Johnson and Dave Moorehouse fished with Potholes Reservoir guide Nathan Lafrance for a nice catch of walleye and bluegill!

Friday, September 20, 2019

MarDon Fresh News – September 20, 2019

The current water level on the Potholes Reservoir is 1030.44 feet – up 0.51 feet from one week ago. The water level is slowly creeping up. The water temp is dropping with the cooler nights. The water temps in the sand dunes and on the main Reservoir are in the upper 60s to low 70s With the water level where it is -continue to use use extreme caution while boating between Goose Island and the face of the dam and the face of the sand dunes!

With the water temp dropping and the low water – now is the time to be fishing the Potholes Reservoir! The fishing for most all species in the Reservoir is from good to outstanding as they react to the changing of the season.

The bass fishing remains excellent! Low water and falling water temps are spurring some awesome bass fishing. Fish the face of the sand dunes with a ½ oz. football head jig coupled with a hula grub, Senkos, Strike King KVD 5XD crankbaits, and Zara Spooks. Fish from 2 to 20 feet. The Smallmouth bass are being found on the face of the dam and on the rock piles around Goose Island – as well as on the face of the sand dunes. Fish Booyah finesse jigs, Wacky Rigged Senkos, Crankbaits, Tubes and DS Minnows for the Smallmouth.

The walleye fishing has improved over last week. The dropping water temps, cooler nights, and low water have kicked the walleye into a positive feeding mood. Fish face of the sand dunes in front of the West Arm and Crab Creek in 5-20 feet of water. Start by trolling a #5 Fish Flicker Shad at 2.0-2.8 miles per hour on a long line. If this does not produce – switch to trolling a Slow Death Hook and a 2 oz. bottom walker and ½ a crawler in 8-15 feet. Troll from .8-1.2 miles per hour. From now thru November – have a ½ oz. blade bait tied on to jig the 10-20-foot depth range.

The trout fishing on the Potholes Reservoir is picking up with the cooler weather and cooling water temps. Fish Medicare Beach to the Mouth of Crab Creek and in front of the State Park. Troll Gibbs Wee G Spoons, Wicked Lures Trout Killers, Needlefish spoons, #7 Flicker Shads and Shad Raps at 2.5 -3.0 mph. Set the drag light as the average trout is 2-5 pounds and can break the line on the initial strike.

The Channel Cat and Bullhead fishing is extremely productive now. Use Catfish Magic Bait, Berkley Catfish Nuggets, and worms on the bottom for both. Fish up Lind Coulee, the mouth of Frenchman’s Wasteway and in the sand dunes for Channel Cats and Bullhead.

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

Brodie Gleich of Yakima WA caught and released a nice Potholes Reservoir Largemouth Bass! Awesome to see the younger anglers getting hooked on fishing!

Friday, September 13, 2019

MarDon Fresh News – September 13, 2019

The current water level on the Potholes Reservoir is 1029.93 feet – up 0.37 feet from one week ago. The water level is fluctuating up and down constantly – within a 4-5” range – basically staying level this past week. The water temp is dropping with the cooler nights. The water temps in the sand dunes and on the main Reservoir are in the low to mid 70s. 80s. With the water level where it is - use extreme caution while boating between Goose Island and the face of the dam and the face of the sand dunes!

The bass fishing continues to be excellent! Low water and falling water temps are spurring some awesome bass fishing. Fish the face of the sand dunes with a ½ oz. football head jig coupled with a hula grub, Senkos, Strike King KVD 5XD crankbaits, and Zara Spooks. Fish from 5 to 20 feet. The Smallmouth bass are being found on the face of the dam and on the rock piles around Goose Island – as well as on the face of the sand dunes. Fish Booyah finesse jigs, Wacky Rigged Senkos, Crankbaits, Tubes and DS Minnows for the Smallmouth.

The walleye fishing has improved considerably this week with the dropping water temps, cooler nights, and low water. . Fish face of the sand dunes in front of the West Arm and Crab Creek in 6-20 feet of water. Fish a Slow Death Hook and a 2 oz. bottom walker and ½ a crawler in 8-15 feet. Troll from .8-1.2 miles per hour. Troll a #5 Flicker Shad or Rapala Shad Rap in the channels and next to the weed beds at 1.5 – 2.5 miles per hour. From now thru November – I would have a blade bait tied on to jig the 10-20-foot depth range.

Trout continue to be caught Medicare Beach to the Mouth of Crab Creek and in front of the State Park. Troll Gibbs Wee G Spoons, Wicked Lures Trout Killers, Needlefish spoons, #7 Flicker Shads and Shad Raps at 2.5 -3.0 mph. Set the drag light as the average trout is 2-5 pounds and can break the line on the initial strike.

Big Bluegill and big crappie are being caught on the face of the dunes and in the mouth of Crab Creek. Several reports of good crappie fishing in Lind Coulee have come in as well. Troll #5 Flicker Shads to locate schools or use your electronics to find the schools and then anchor up and drop Bobby Garland Baby Shads and Trout Magnets to the fish. Perch are being caught in the mouth of Crab Creek and on the humps in front of the exposed dunes.

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

Upcoming Events:

September 13-15 - Marathon Dock Fishing Tournament and Potluck

September 14 – Old Farts Tournament

September 14 – Live Music with Paul Sweeney at the Beach House

Pat Sullivan - MarDon Resort monthly resident fished with local guide Shelby Ross shows a nice mixed bag of Walleye, Crappie, Bluegill, and Perch! Now is the time to get out and fish the Potholes Reservoir!

Friday, September 6, 2019

MarDon Fresh News – September 6, 2019

The current water level on the Potholes Reservoir is 1029.55 feet – down 1.20 feet from one week ago. The water temps in the sand dunes and on the main Reservoir are in the upper 70s to low 80s. With the water level as low as it is - use extreme caution while boating between Goose Island and the face of the dam and the face of the sand dunes.

The bass fishing continues to be excellent! The water continues to drop – pulling baitfish and the bass to the face of the dunes and onto the habitat boxes and humps. Fish the sand dunes and Crab Creek with 3/8^th oz. swim jigs, Senkos, Strike King KVD 2.5 Square Bill crankbaits, and SPRO frogs. As the water continues to drop – the outer dunes and the face of the dunes will continue to improve. Reports of bigger bass are coming in - being caught on the face of the sand dunes in 15-25 feet of water. The Smallmouth bass are being found on the face of the dam and on the rock piles around Goose Island – as well as in the sand dunes. Fish Booyah finesse jigs, Wacky Rigged Senkos, Crankbaits, Tubes and DS Minnows for the Smallmouth.

A few more walleye are being caught. Like the bass fishing – as the water drops – both baitfish and the walleye will move out of the dunes to the face and onto the humps. Fish face of the sand dunes in front of the West Arm and Crab Creek in 6-20 feet of water. Fish a Slow Death Hook and a 2 oz. bottom walker and ½ a crawler in 8-15 feet. Troll from .8-1.2 miles per hour. Troll a #5 Flicker Shad or Rapala Shad Rap in the channels and next to the weed beds at 1.5 – 2.5 miles per hour.

Several reports of good trout fishing came in this week from Medicare Beach to the Mouth of Crab Creek and in front of the State Park. Troll Gibbs Wee G Spoons, Wicked Lures Trout Killers, Needlefish spoons, #7 Flicker Shads and Shad Raps at 2.5 -3.0 mph. Set the drag light as the average trout is 2-5 pounds and can break the line on the initial strike.

The Channel Cat and Bullhead fishing continues to be extremely productive this week. Use Catfish Magic Bait, Berkley Catfish Nuggets, and worms on the bottom for both. Fish up Lind Coulee, the mouth of Frenchman’s Wasteway and in the sand dunes for Channel Cats and Bullhead.

Big Bluegill and big crappie are being caught on the face of the dunes and in the mouth of Crab Creek. Several reports of good crappie fishing in Lind Coulee have come in as well. Troll #5 Flicker Shads to locate schools or use your electronics to find the schools and drop Bobby Garland Baby Shads and Trout Magnets to the fish. Perch are being caught in the mouth of Crab Creek and on the humps in front of the exposed dunes.

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

Upcoming Events:

September 13-15 - Marathon Dock Fishing Tournament and Potluck

September 14 – Old Farts Tournament

September 14 – Live Music with Paul Sweeney at the Beach House

Debbie Daniels and Dave Meseberg show part of their Thursday Morning catch with a nice walleye and Smallmouth bass - fishing the face of the Sand Dunes!

Friday, August 23, 2019

MarDon Fresh News – August 23, 2019

The current water level on the Potholes Reservoir is 1032.01 feet – down 1.33 feet from one week ago. The Reservoir is 2.91 feet higher than it was this day last year. The water temps in the sand dunes and on the main Reservoir are in the upper 70s to low 80s.

The bass fishing is outstanding! With the water level up almost three feet higher to the day compared to last year – bass anglers have the opportunity to fish spots back in the sand dunes that would not be accessible in a normal year. That said – the water is dropping – pulling baitfish and the bass to the face of the dunes and onto the habitat boxes and humps. This combination offers excellent bass fishing opportunities across a lot of real estate. Fish the sand dunes and Crab Creek with 3/8th oz. swim jigs, Senkos, Strike King KVD 2.5 Square Bill crankbaits, and SPRO frogs. As the water continues to drop – the outer dunes and the face of the dunes will continue to improve. Reports of bigger bass are coming in - being caught on the face of the sand dunes in 15-25 feet of water. The Smallmouth bass are being found on the face of the dam and on the rock piles around Goose Island – as well as in the sand dunes. Fish Booyah finesse jigs, Wacky Rigged Senkos, Crankbaits, Tubes and DS Minnows for the Smallmouth.

The walleye fishing is slowly improving as the water drops. Like the bass fishing – as the water drops – both baitfish and the walleye will move out of the dunes to the face and onto the humps. This provides walleye anglers with a better opportunity to connect and a more weed-free path to troll crankbaits. Fish the West Arm and Crab Creek in 6-20 feet of water. Troll the channels and weed lines in the sand dunes with a Slow Death Hook and a 2 oz. bottom walker and ½ a crawler in 8-15 feet. Troll from .8-1.2 miles per hour. Troll a #5 Flicker Shad or Rapala Shad Rap in the channels and next to the weed beds at 1.5 – 2.5 miles per hour. If the fish are not there – move to the face of the sand dunes using the same techniques.

No reports on trout fishing this week. If you do want to catch some nice Rainbows your best bet would be to fish in front of Medicare Beach to the Mouth of Crab Creek and in front of the State Park. Troll Wicked Lures Trout Killers, Needlefish spoons, #7 Flicker Shads and Shad Raps at 2.5 -3.0 mph. Set the drag light as the average trout is 2-5 pounds and can break the line on the initial strike.

The Channel Cat and Bullhead fishing remains to be extremely productive this week. Use Catfish Magic Bait, Berkley Catfish Nuggets, and worms on the bottom for both. Fish up Lind Coulee, the mouth of Frenchman’s Wasteway and in the sand dunes for Channel Cats and Bullhead.

Big Bluegill and big crappie are being caught on the face of the dunes and in the mouth of Crab Creek. Several reports of good crappie fishing in Lind Coulee have come in as well. Troll #5 Flicker Shads or locate schools, or use your electronics to find the schools and drop Bobby Garland Baby Shads and Trout Magnets to the fish. Perch are being caught in the mouth of Crab Creek and on the humps in front of the exposed dunes.

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

Upcoming Events:

August 24th - Lake Poker Run - All day event – challenging game competition with payout. Food will be provided for the event. Call MarDon Resort for sign- up information.

August 31-Sept 2 - Labor Day Weekend

September 1st - Karaoke with Paul Carlson at the Beach House!

MarDon Resort Yard Sale - Saturday - Sept. 2nd – Awesome deals on awesome stuff!

September 13-15 - Marathon Dock Fishing Tournament and Potluck

Annual guest of MarDon Resort - Collin Posner and family from Gold Bar caught a mixed bag this weekend of catfish, perch and this big 29" walleye weighing 9.0 pounds caught trolling a #5 Perch Rapala!

Jackson Purcell of Moses Lake with a 10" Bluegill caught on the Potholes Reservoir - lots of big Bluegill out there this year!