MarDon Fresh News – July 17, 2020

MarDon Fresh News – July 17, 2020

The current water level on the Potholes Reservoir is 1037.50 – down 2.05 feet from last week. The Reservoir is 9.00 feet below full pool and dropping quickly. The water temperature on the Potholes Reservoir is in the low 70s with temps reaching the upper-70s back in the sand dunes. Use caution when running between the Goose Island and the face of the dam as well as running the sand dunes. 

Walleye fishing continues to be fair this week – you just have to find the right weedline. The walleye are still in the weeds – but tend to move around more with the falling water level. There is still enough water, weeds, and food in the dunes – the walleye don’t need to move or chase much. Troll tight to the weeds in 8-15 feet of water. As the water drops, the crankbait bite will pick up.  Look for walleye in Crab Creek, and in the sand dunes. Walleye anglers are having success trolling the weedlines using 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 largemouth bass fishing remains very good. Fish from the front of the sand dunes all the way back to the Job Corps dike and up Crab Creek for largemouth bass. Pitch black & blue or green pumpkin jigs with a craw trailer into the willows and wood. Spinnerbaits when the wind is blowing, frogs, and Senkos, chatter baits and swim jigs are working as well.

A few angers have been picking up some quality 3-4-pound smallmouth on the face of the dam trolling bottom bouncers with worms for walleye. Other than that – fish the rock piles around Goose Island with Senko’s, Hula grubs and drop shot lures. Crankbaits have been catching fish as well.

The trout fishing on the Reservoir picked up a bit this week.  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. Best fishing has been out in front of the Potholes State Park.

Warden Lake, upper and lower Hampton, and Corral Lake are still the top Seep Lakes for trout. 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.

Crappie and Bluegill are being caught in decent numbers in the sand dunes and at the mouth of Crab Creek. Troll a number 5 Flicker Shad or 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.

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

Upcoming Event: August 29th, 2020 -Lake Poker Run - All day event - challenging competition with payout. Food and music will be provided for the event.

John Kruse - host of Northwestern Outdoors Radio with a nice Potholes Reservoir largemouth bass!