MarDon Fresh News – May 22, 2020

MarDon Fresh News – May 22, 2020

The current water level on the Potholes Reservoir is 1044.50 – up .87 feet from last week. The Reservoir is 2.50 feet below full pool. According to Operations in Ephrata, the target water level to reach this Spring is still 1046.50.  The water temperature on the Potholes Reservoir is in the mid to upper 60s.

Walleye fishing has improved considerably over this past week. Many anglers have been limiting or coming close.  Look for walleye in Crab Creek, Lind Coulee and in the dunes along the Winchester Wasteway channel. Walleye anglers had success trolling night crawlers on a slow turn hook with and without Smile blades behind a 1-2-ounce bottom bouncer or troll a #5 or #7 Flicker Shad in perch variations.

The bass bite is on with a lot of 1-3-pound fish being reported. Some bigger fish are being caught as well. Fish back in the sand dunes and the Crab Creek arm for largemouth. Fish from the front of the sand dunes all the way back to the Job Corps dike for largemouth bass. Pitch black & blue or green pumpkin jigs with a craw trailer into the willows and wood. Spinnerbaits, frogs, and Senkos, and swim jigs are working as well.

For smallmouth bass – fish the humps in front of the sand dunes, the face of the dam, and the rock piles around Goose Island. Fish swimbaits, crankbaits, jigs, and Senkos. 

The trout fishing on the Reservoir continues to be productive. Troll a #7 Flicker Shad 100 feet out the back of the boat. Chrome Clown, Slick Blue Alewife, and Flashy Perch have been producing trout in the 2-5-pound range. Troll at 2-2.5 mph. The Wicked Lures Trout Killer has been producing trout and walleye as well.

Several Seep Lakes produced nice catches of trout over the past few days. Notable lakes were Corral Lake, both Upper and Lower Hampton, and Warden Lake. Fish Powerbait or marshmallows with a worn on the bottom. Use an egg sinker to get it to the bottom and a leader long enough to float the bait above the weeds. From a boat - cast Rooster Tails or troll Dick Nite spoons and Wicked Lures Trout Killers.

A few more Crappie and Bluegill are being caught in the sand dunes and at the mouth of Crab Creek. Fish Baby Shads, DS Frys and Trout Magnets on a 1/32^nd oz. tipped with a maggot vertically jigged or with a slip bobber.

For reservations please call the office at 509-346-2651. The office is open – but operating under limited hours Monday thru Saturday.

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

 The walleye fishing on the Potholes Reservoir has turned on this week! Good numbers of eaters and big fish are being caught!