MarDon Fresh News – May 31, 2019

MarDon Fresh News – May 31, 2019 

The current water level on the Potholes Reservoir is 1045.70-feet – up 3.6 inches from last week. The water temps are heating up – temps in the sand dunes are in the low-70’s. The water temps on the main Reservoir are in the upper-60’s.

The bass have about finished up their spawning activity. Fish the sand dunes with ½ oz jigs and craw trailers, Swim Jigs, Chatter Baits, Punch Rigs, Senkos and frogs or Zara Spooks. The top-water bite has been good this week and should continue. There are Smallmouth back in the sand dunes and around the rocks around Goose Island. Fish Booyah finesse jigs, Wacky Rigged Senkos, Crankbaits, Tubes and Swimbaits for the Smallmouth. Anglers have been doing well on Smallmouth on the face of the dam using crankbaits as well.

Walleye fishing was a little spotty this week due to the storm we had come through on Memorial Day. It is improving as the weather warms and stabilizes. The fish are still back in the weeds and sand dunes but are moving a little deeper in the channels and to the face of the dunes. Troll the channels and weed lines with Smile Blades/Slow Death Hooks/2 oz bottom walker and ½ a crawler in 8-15 feet. Troll from .8-1.2 miles per hour. The crankbait bite is producing as well. Troll a #5 Flicker Shad or Rapala Shad Rap.

Trout are being caught off Medicare Beach and in front of the State Park both from shore and by boat. Bank fisherman are using Power Bait, worms and marshmallows, a 12-18” leader, and a 1/8-1/4 oz. egg sinker above the swivel. Boat anglers are trolling Wicked Lures Trout Killers, Needlefish spoons, #7 Flicker Shads and Shad Raps. Trout fishing in the Seep Lake has been very good this past week. Top Lakes continue to be been the Hamptons and Cattail Lake. Top Baits have been Worms and marshmallows, Berkley Power Bait, Rooster Tails, and Berkley Mouse Tails.

Soda and Long Lake are producing decent catches of crappie and bluegill.

The crappie and bluegill are showing up at the MarDon Resort dock. Several good catches of 10-12-inch crappies are coming in. Fish trout Magnets, flies, VMC Wingding jigs and Berkley Gulp Alive Minnows on a 1/32 oz. jig head. Only registered guests of MarDon Resort are permitted to fish off the dock.By boat, head back in the dunes towards the Job Corps dike and fish the willows or up Lind Coulee by M Road for bluegill and crappie using the same baits mentioned above.

The fishing is improving daily - call the MarDon Tackle Store for the latest fishing info at 509-346-2651.

Upcoming Events:

June 1-2 - Limit Out Marine Big Bass Tournament

June 1-2 Hero’s Salute Weekend Special – All Police, Fire and Military stay the first night at regular price and get the second night FREE!

Amos Trent of MarDon Resort with a nice batch of Potholes Reservoir Walleye!

MarDon Fresh News – May 24, 2019

MarDon Fresh News – May 24, 2019 

The current water level on the Potholes Reservoir is 1045.40-feet – up 9.4 inches from last week. The Reservoir is one-foot shy of full pool level of 1046.50 feet. The water should continue to rise this week. The water temps back in the sand dunes are running in the mid-60’s. The water temps on the main Reservoir are in the upper 50’s to low 60’s.

Some of the Largemouth and Smallmouth have spawned, some are on beds and some have yet to spawn. The cold front last week has set back some of the spawning activity. Fish the sand dunes with ½ oz jigs and craw trailers, Swim Jigs, Chatter Baits, Punch Rigs and chartreuse Spinnerbaits. The water is clearing up in the Reservoir – making sight fishing a viable option. Throw a Wacky Rigged Senko or Berkley General to bedded and cruising fish. Fish in 1-10 feet of water along willow lines. There are Smallmouth back in the sand dunes and around the rocks around Goose Island. Fish Booyah finesse jigs, Wacky Rigged Senkos, Crankbaits, and Swimbaits for the Smallmouth. Anglers have been doing well on Smallmouth on the face of the dam using crankbaits as well.

Walleye fishing has improved drastically this past week. The fish are still back in the weeds and sand dunes – but have begun to feed. Several limits are being reported daily. Fish the dunes with a swim jig or swimbait along the weed lines in 2-6 feet – or fish the channels with Smile Blades/Super Death Hooks/2 oz bottom walker and ½ a crawler in 8-15 feet. Troll from .8-1.2 miles per hour. Th crankbait bite is picking up as well. Troll a #5 Flicker Shad or Rapala Shad Rap.

Trout are being caught off Medicare Beach both from shore and by boat. Bank fisherman are using Power Bait, worms and marshmallows, a 12-18” leader, and a 1/8-1/4 oz. egg sinker above the swivel. Boat anglers are trolling Wicked Lures Trout Killers, Needlefish spoons, #7 Flicker Shads and Shad Raps. Trout fishing in the Seep Lake has been very good this past week. Top Lakes have been the Hamptons and Cattail Lake. Top Baits have been Worms and marshmallows, Berkley Powerbait, Rooster Tails, and Berkley Mouse Tails.

The crappie and bluegill are showing up at the MarDon Resort dock. Several good catches of 10-12-inch crappies are coming in. Fish trout Magnets, flies, VMC Wingding jigs and Berkley Gulp Alive Minnows on a 1/32 oz. jig head. Only registered guests of MarDon Resort are permitted to fish off the dock.By boat, head back in the dunes towards the Job Corps dike and fish the willows for bluegill and crappie using the same baits mentioned above.

The fishing is improving daily - call the MarDon Tackle Store for the latest fishing info at 509-346-2651.

Upcoming Events:

Memorial Day Weekend: 

May 26^th– Karaoke with Paul Carlson

A happy angler shows a nice walleye caught on a guided trip with Ross Outdoor Adventures!

Sue Ballas of Bothell, WA with a jumbo Bluegill caught while trolling for walleye!

MarDon Fresh News – May 17, 2019

MarDon Fresh News – May 17, 2019 

The current water level on the Potholes Reservoir is 1044.63-feet – up slightly from last week. The water should continue to rise for the next several weeks to reach full pool of 1046.5 feet. The water temps back in the sand dunes are running in the mid-60’s. The water temps on the main Reservoir are in the upper 50’s to low 60’s.

The Largemouth and Smallmouth are beginning their spawning cycle. Most should bedded up by the next full moon which will occur on May 18^th. Fish the sand dunes with ½ oz jigs and craw trailers, Swim Jigs, Chatter Baits, Punch Rigs and chartreuse Spinnerbaits. The water is clearing up in the Reservoir – making sight fishing a viable option. Throw a Wacky Rigged Senko or Berkley General to bedded fish. Fish in 1-10 feet of water along willow lines. There are Smallmouth back in the sand dunes and around the rocks around Goose Island. Fish Finesse jigs, Wacky Rigged Senkos, Crankbaits, and Swimbaits for the Smallmouth. Anglers have been doing well on Smallmouth on the face of the dam using crankbaits as well.

Walleye fishing is improving. The walleye have finished spawning and have moved down from their spawning areas to the weeds back in the dunes. Fish the dunes with a swim jig or swimbait along the weed lines in 2-6 feet – or fish the channels with Smile Blades/Super Death Hooks/2 oz bottom walker and ½ a crawler in 8-15 feet. Troll from .8-1.2 miles per hour. A few walleyes are being caught on #5 & #7 Flicker Shads and Rapala Shad Raps.

Trout are being caught off Medicare Beach both from shore and by boat. Bank fisherman are using Power Bait, worms and marshmallows, a 12-18” leader, and a 1/8-1/4 oz. egg sinker above the swivel. Boat anglers are trolling Needlefish spoons, #7 Flicker Shads and Shad Raps. Trout fishing in the Seep Lake has been very good this past week. Top Lakes have been the Hamptons, Warden Lake, Corral Lake and the Widgeon – Pillar Chain. Top Baits have been Worms and marshmallows, Berkley Powerbait, Rooster Tails, and Berkley Mouse Tails.

The crappie and bluegill are beginning to show up at the MarDon Resort dock. Several good catches of 10-12-inch crappies are coming in. Fish trout Magnets, flies, VMC Wingding jigs and Berkley Gulp Alive Minnows on a 1/32 oz. jig head. Only registered guests of MarDon Resort are permitted to fish off the dock. By boat, head back in the dunes towards the Job Corps dike and fish the willows for bluegill and crappie using the same baits mentioned above.

The fishing is improving daily - call the MarDon Tackle Store for the latest fishing info at 509-346-2651.

Upcoming Events:

May 18^th– Berkley Big Bass Tournament

Memorial Day Weekend: 

May 23^rd– Live Music with Paul Sweeney at the Beach House

May 26^th– Karaoke with Paul Carlson

Jake from Cle Elum shows off a nice Smallmouth bass he caught and released off the MarDon Resort dock!

A happy angler with a nice crappie caught on the MarDon Resort Dock!

MarDon Fresh News – May 10, 2019

MarDon Fresh News – May 10, 2019 

The current water level on the Potholes Reservoir is 1044.46-feet – up slightly from last week. The water should continue to rise for the next several weeks to reach full pool of 1046.5 feet. The water temps back in the sand dunes are running in the mid-60’s. The water temps on the main Reservoir are in the upper 50’s to low 60’s.

The 2019 Rod Meseberg Spring Walleye Classic is in the books! 324 Walleye were caught and released healthy. The average fish at the scales weighed 2.49 pounds up from 2.25 in 2018. We paid out $15,220 in prize money to the anglers. Big Fish Day 1 weighed 5.88 pounds and Big Fish caught Day 2 weighed in at 8.42 pounds caught by Allan Buchan and Ron Smith. Tournament winners were Scott Spalding and Chris Schamer with 41.02 pounds for a two-day -12 fish bag. Nice!! Thank you to the 92 fishers. And thanks to Conrath Marine in Spokane for being our major sponsor, The Beach House for cooking our kick-off dinner and Bill Gilman of Sportsman’s Bait for extra Big Fish money. Last of all, thanks to Sam at Potholes General Store for the cookies...the fishers loved them. THIS IS A CWFAC FISH HABITAT FUNDRAISER. This event raised approximately $3,450 for the ongoing habitat restoration project on the Potholes Reservoir. Thank you to all involved!

The Largemouth and Smallmouth are beginning their spawning cycle. Most should bedded up by the next full moon which will occur on May 18^th. Fish the sand dunes with ½ oz jigs and craw trailers, Swim Jigs, Chatter Baits, Punch Rigs and chartreuse Spinnerbaits. The water is clearing up in the Reservoir – creating sight fishing a viable option. Throw a Wacky Rigged Senko or Berkley General to bedded fish. Fish in 1-10 feet of water along willow lines. There are Smallmouth back in the sand dunes and around the rocks around Goose Island. Fish Finesse jigs, Wacky Rigged Senkos, Crankbaits, and Swimbaits for the Smallmouth.

Walleye fishing has spotty this week. The walleye have about wrapped up their spawning cycle. Many have moved out of their spawning areas and have moved into the sand dunes to recover from the spawn and begin feeding. Fish the dunes with a swim jig or swimbait along the weedlines in 2-6 feet – or fish the channels with Smile Blades/Super Death Hooks/2 oz bottom walker and ½ a crawler in 8-15 feet. Troll from .8-1.2 miles per hour. The crankbait bite should begin soon.

Trout are being caught off Medicare Beach both from shore and by boat. Bank fisherman are using Power Bait, worms and marshmallows, a 12-18” leader, and a 1/8-1/4 oz. egg sinker above the swivel. Boat anglers are trolling Needlefish spoons, #7 Flicker Shads and shallow running Rapalas. Trout fishing in the Seep Lake has been very good this past week. Top Lakes have been the Hamptons, Warden Lake, Corral Lake and the Widgeon – Pillar Chain. Top Baits have been Worms and marshmallows, Berkley Powerbait, Rooster Tails, and Berkley Mouse Tails.

No reports on Perch, Crappie or Bluegill yet off the MarDon dock. There are some Bluegill and Crappie being caught in the sand dunes. We only need a week or two of the good weather to get the panfish going.

The fishing is improving daily - call the MarDon Tackle Store for the latest fishing info at 509-346-2651.

Left to right - Winners of the 2019 Rod Meseberg Spring Walleye Classic - Chris Schamer & don Scott Spalding with a $3,970 Check for their winning effort, Dan Conrath of Spokane Valley Marine - major sponsor of the Classic, Mike and Marilyn Meseberg - owners of MarDon Resort and founders of the Central Washington Fish Advisory Committee.

Tye Mertis of Moses Lake with two nice Walleye caught and released during the Rod Meseberg Spring Walleye Classic!

MarDon Fresh News – May 3, 2019

MarDon Fresh News – May 3, 2019 

The current water level on the Potholes Reservoir is 1044.20-feet – up .4 feet from last week. The water should continue to rise for the next several weeks to reach full pool of 1046.5 feet. The water temps back in the sand dunes are running in the low 60’s. The water temps on the main Reservoir remain in the mid-50s.

The Largemouth bass fishing remains very on the Potholes Reservoir as well as in the smaller Seep Lakes. Fish the sand dunes with ½ oz jigs and craw trailers, Swim Jigs, Chatter Baits, Punch Rigs and chartreuse Spinnerbaits. Fish in 1-10 feet of water along willow lines. There are Smallmouth back in the sand dunes and around the rocks around Goose Island. Fish Finesse jigs, Wacky Rigged Senkos, Crankbaits, and Swimbaits for the Smallmouth

Walleye fishing has been a bit slow this past week due to a cold front that came through and the fish are finishing up their spawning cycle and dispersing throughout the Reservoir. The walleye fishing should pick up this week with warming temps and stabilizing weather. Fish lower Lind Coulee, Crab Creek and up the Winchester flow with Smile Blades/Super Death Hooks/2 oz bottom walker and ½ a crawler. Troll from .8-1.2 miles per hour. 

Trout are being caught off Medicare Beach both from shore and by boat. Bank fisherman are using Power Bait, worms and marshmallows, a 12-18” leader, and a 1/8-1/4 oz. egg sinker above the swivel. Boat anglers are trolling Needlefish spoons, #7 Flicker Shads and shallow running Rapalas. Trout fishing in the Seep Lake has been very good this past week. Top Lakes have been the Hamptons, Warden Lake, Corral Lake and the Widgeon – Pillar Chain. Top Baits have been Worms and marshmallows, Berkley Powerbait, Rooster Tails, and Berkley Mouse Tails.

A big shout to the Washington Bow Fishing Association for braving some nasty weather to help remove some carp from the Potholes Reservoir during their Carp Shoot! The carp move into the shallows and destroy the spawning process of other game fish. The winds were high and visibility low, but they still managed to remove some carp from the Potholes Reservoir.

No reports on Perch, Crappie or Bluegill yet – off the MarDon dock or out in the main Reservoir. We only need a week or two of the good weather to get the panfish going.

The fishing is improving daily - call the MarDon Tackle Store for the latest fishing info at 509-346-2651.

Lucky Smith from Ephrata with a Potholes Reservoir carp shot during the WBA Carp Shoot this past weekend.

A nice bucket of carp removed from the Potholes Reservoir.