MarDon Fishing Report: MarDon Fresh News

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!

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.