MarDon Fresh News – 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!

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 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.

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. 

 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!