MarDon Fishing Report: September 2020

Thursday, September 24, 2020

MarDon Fresh News – September 25, 2020_Tournament Notice!!!

MarDon Fresh News – September 25, 2020

The current water level on the Potholes Reservoir is 1030.08 – up .98 feet from last week. The water temperature on the Potholes Reservoir has dropped to the mid-60s. Continue to use caution when running between the Goose Island and the face of the dam as well as running the sand dunes – the Reservoir is coming up – but still a lot of dunes and rocks just below the surface.

Walleye fishing has been good this week! Best bet is to troll a #5 Flicker Shad along the face of the dunes. Look for walleye in the mouth of Crab Creek, along the face of the sand dunes in 5-20 feet of water. Night crawlers on a slow turn hook with and without Smile Blades behind a 1-2-ounce bottom bouncer will always catch fish as well. If you are fishing crawlers – bring a lot – the perch and bullhead will go thru them.

Congratulations to Mike Matkowski and Richard Shaff for taling first place in the “Old Farts” Tournament put on by the Banks Lake Bass Club. This is the third year in a row the this team has placed first and for their efforts – they took home $1,340 for their one day effort! Largemouth bass fishing has been very good for 1-4-pound fish. Fish the face of the sand dunes - look for weedlines and points that drop quickly into 8-25 feet of water. Fish Skirted Hula Grubs, crankbaits, spinnerbaits when the wind is blowing, frogs, and Senkos.

Fish the rock piles around Goose Island, the face of the dam and the face of the sand dunes with Senko’s, Hula grubs and drop shot lures for Smallmouth. Crankbaits have been catching fish as well.

Trout fishing will begin to pick up with the dropping water temp. 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.

Crappie and Bluegill fishing continues to be excellent this week along the face of the 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.

The Rod Meseberg Walleye Classic is still happening! It will take place October 10-11, 2020. The entry fee is $300.00 per team – Big Fish and Total Weight pots also available. Sign up anytime at the MarDon Resort office or Saturday morning from 6:00-7:00am at the tournament trailer – cash or check only at the trailer. Call for more information. Come out and have some fun and support the Central Washington Fish Advisory Committee and the habitat restoration project!

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

Congratulations to Mike Matkowski and Richard Shaff - they took first place in the "Old Farts Tournament" for the third year in a row with a one day winning weight of 21.22 pounds!

Thursday, September 17, 2020

MarDon Fresh News – September 17, 2020

The current water level on the Potholes Reservoir is 1029.10 – up 1.50 feet from last week. The water temperature on the Potholes Reservoir has dropped to the mid-60s. Continue to use caution when running between the Goose Island and the face of the dam as well as running the sand dunes.

Walleye fishing picked up slightly this week pulling both crankbaits and worms. Best bet is to troll a #5 Flicker Shad along the face of the dunes. Look for walleye in the mouth of Crab Creek, along the face of the sand dunes. Night crawlers on a slow turn hook with and without Smile Blades behind a 1-2-ounce bottom bouncer are still catching fish as well. If you are fishing crawlers – bring a lot – the perch and bullhead will go thru them.

The largemouth bass fishing has been very good for 1-4-pound fish. Fish the face of the sand dunes - look for weedlines and points that drop quickly into 8-25 feet of water. Fish Skirted Hula Grubs, crankbaits, spinnerbaits when the wind is blowing, frogs, and Senkos.

Fish the rock piles around Goose Island, the face of the dam and the face of the sand dunes with Senko’s, Hula grubs and drop shot lures for Smallmouth. Crankbaits have been catching fish as well.

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

Pete Fisher of MarDon Resort with a nice Potholes Reservoir walleye!

Saturday, September 12, 2020

Fresh News Technical Issue - Repaired - Sept. 12, 2020

To our readers from MarDon Resort. We apologize for the disruption in providing fishing news from the Potholes Recreation area. Due to a technical difficulty we were not able to post the last 7 weekly reports.

Today on Sept 12, 2020 we have fixed the issue and have posted the last 7 reports beginning with this post.

Sincerely,

MarDon Resort

Upcoming Events:

Oct 10-11, 2020 - Spring Walleye Classic. This is a long and favorite, traditional fishing event at MarDon Resort. For more information and registration please contact the resort. (509) 346-2651

October 22-25 - 2020. Pacific Northwest Walleye School. More information to come. Here is the link to the instructor - johnniecandle.com

MarDon Fresh News – September 12, 2020

The current water level on the Potholes Reservoir is 1027.60 – the same level as last week. The Reservoir is 18.90 feet below full pool and 1.10 feet above normal low pool. The water temperature on the Potholes Reservoir is in the mid to upper seventies reaching around the low 80s 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. Lots of boats are getting stuck on sand dunes!

Walleye fishing remains fair. Best bet is to troll a #5 Flicker Shad along the face of the dunes. Look for walleye in the mouth of Crab Creek, along the face of the sand dunes. Night crawlers on a slow turn hook with and without Smile Blades behind a 1-2-ounce bottom bouncer are still catching fish as well. If you are fishing crawlers – bring a lot – the perch and bullhead will go thru them.

Fish the rock piles around Goose Island, the face of the dam and the face of the sand dunes with Senko’s, Hula grubs and drop shot lures for Smallmouth. Crankbaits have been catching fish as well.

The trout fishing on the Reservoir was decent 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.

Not much to report on the Seep Lakes this week. Fish Powerbait or marshmallows with a worm 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 for trout.

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

Chris Sittman, from Kennewick and his son Kyle had a great day fishing the Potholes Reservoir for some nice Largemouth bass!

MarDon Fresh News – August 28, 2020

The current water level on the Potholes Reservoir is 1027.73 – down 1.00 feet from last week. The Reservoir is 18.77 feet below full pool and 1.24 feet above normal low pool. The water temperature on the Potholes Reservoir is in the low 80s with temps reaching the mid to upper 80s 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. Lots of boats are getting stuck on sand dunes – and it is an expensive and time-consuming rescue.

Walleye fishing continues to be fair this week. With the water flooding out of the dunes and the water temp up, walleye have moved out to the face of the dunes. Best bet is to troll a #5 Flicker Shad in the main channels of the dunes and along the face of the dunes. Look for walleye in the mouth of Crab Creek, along the face of the sand dunes. Night crawlers on a slow turn hook with and without Smile Blades behind a 1-2-ounce bottom bouncer are still catching fish as well. If you are fishing crawlers – bring a lot – the perch and bullhead will go thru them.

The largemouth bass fishing continues to be very good. Fish the face of the sand dunes - look for weedlines and points that drop quickly into 8-25 feet of water. Fish 8-12” plastic worms in 10-25” of water or a Strike King 8 or 10XD crankbait. Spinnerbaits when the wind is blowing, frogs, and Senkos, chatter baits and swim jigs are working as well. Several 5+ pound fish have been caught this week.

Fish the rock piles around Goose Island and the face of dunes with Senko’s, Hula grubs and drop shot lures for Smallmouth. Crankbaits have been catching fish as well.

The trout fishing on the Reservoir has been fair 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 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 fishing has been very good this week along the face of the 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.

Julie Koeppen with a jumbo Potholes Reservoir Crappie caught out on the face of the sand dunes!

MarDon Fresh News – August 21, 2020

The current water level on the Potholes Reservoir is 1028.73 – down 1.50 feet from last week. The Reservoir is 17.74 feet below full pool and 2.26 feet above low pool. The water temperature on the Potholes Reservoir is in the low 80s with temps reaching the mid to upper 80s 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. Lots of boats are getting stuck on sand dunes – and it’s an expensive and time-consuming rescue.

Walleye fishing has been only fair this week. With the water flooding out of the dunes and the water temp up, walleye have moved out to the face of the dunes. Best bet is to troll a #5 Flicker Shad in the main channels of the dunes and along the face of the dunes. Look for walleye in the mouth of Crab Creek, along the face of the sand dunes. Night crawlers on a slow turn hook with and without Smile Blades behind a 1-2-ounce bottom bouncer are still catching fish as well. If you are fishing crawlers – bring a lot – the perch and bullhead will go thru them.

Fish the rock piles around Goose Island and the face of dunes with Senko’s, Hula grubs and drop shot lures for Smallmouth. Crankbaits have been catching fish as well.

Crappie and Bluegill fishing has been good this week along the face of the 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.

Wyatt Smith from Othello with two beautiful Potholes Reservoir Largemouth Bass!

MarDon Fresh News – August 14, 2020

The current water level on the Potholes Reservoir is 1030.26 – down 1.63 feet from last week. The Reservoir is 15.87 feet below full pool and dropping quickly. The water temperature on the Potholes Reservoir is in the low 80s with temps reaching the mid to upper 80s 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 has been fair this week. With the water flooding out of the dunes, walleye have moved out to the face of the dunes. The crankbait bite has tuned on for walleye. Troll a #5 Flicker Shad in the main channels of the dunes and along the face of the dunes. Look for walleye in the mouth of Crab Creek, along the face of the sand dunes. Night crawlers on a slow turn hook with and without Smile Blades behind a 1-2-ounce bottom bouncer are still catching fish as well. If you are fishing crawlers – bring a lot – the perch and bullhead will go thru them.

The largemouth bass fishing has been very good this week. Fish the face of the sand dunes - look for weedlines and points that drop quickly into 8-25 feet of water. Fish 8-12” plastic worms in 10-25” of water or a Strike King 8 or 10XD crankbait. Spinnerbaits when the wind is blowing, frogs, and Senkos, chatter baits and swim jigs are working as well. Several 5+ pound fish have been caught this week.

Fish the rock piles around Goose Island with Senko’s, Hula grubs and drop shot lures for Smallmouth. Crankbaits have been catching fish as well.

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.

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

MarDon Resort resident - Jeff Dillion - with a nice Largemouth Bass caught and released on the Potholes Reservoir.

MarDon Fresh News – August 7, 2020

The current water level on the Potholes Reservoir is 1031.89 – down 2.00 feet from last week. The Reservoir is 14.61 feet below full pool and dropping quickly. The water temperature on the Potholes Reservoir is in the low 80s with temps reaching the mid to upper 80s 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 has been fair this week. With the water dropping quickly, the bait and walleye are transitioning out of the dunes and moving towards the face. The crankbait bite has tuned on for walleye. Troll a #5 Flicker Shad in the main channels of the dunes and along the face of the dunes. Look for walleye in the mouth of Crab Creek, along the face of the sand dunes. Night crawlers on a slow turn hook with and without Smile Blades behind a 1-2-ounce bottom bouncer are still catching fish as well. If you are fishing crawlers – bring a lot – the perch and bullhead will go thru them.

The largemouth bass fishing has been good this week. Fish the sand dunes - look for weedlines and points that drop quickly into 8-25 feet of water. 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. Several 5+ pound fish have been caught this week.

Fish the rock piles around Goose Island with Senko’s, Hula grubs and drop shot lures for Smallmouth. Crankbaits have been catching fish as well.

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

Barb Brady from Othello with a nice Potholes Reservoir Largemouth Bass!

MarDon Fresh News – July 31, 2020

The current water level on the Potholes Reservoir is 1033.89 – down 1.89 feet from last week. The Reservoir is 12.89 feet below full pool and dropping quickly. The water temperature on the Potholes Reservoir is in the low mid 80s with temps reaching the mid to upper 80s 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 has been fair to good this week. Still look along the weedlines. With the water dropping, the bait will start to move towards the face of the dunes and the walleye will follow. The crankbait bite has tuned on. Troll a #5 Flicker Shad in the main channels of the dunes. Look for walleye in Crab Creek, and in the sand dunes. Night crawlers on a slow turn hook with and without Smile Blades behind a 1-2-ounce bottom bouncer are still catching fish as well.

The largemouth bass fishing has been good this week. Fish the sand dunes -look for weedlines and points that drop quickly into 8-10 feet of water. 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.

Fish the rock piles around Goose Island with Senko’s, Hula grubs and drop shot lures for Smallmouth. Crankbaits have been catching fish as well.

Crappie and Bluegill fishing is picking up 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.

MarDon Resort resident - Ron Wentz and crew with a great catch of Potholes Reservoir Channel Catfish!

MarDon Fresh News – July 24, 2020

The current water level on the Potholes Reservoir is 1035.50 – down 2.00 feet from last week. The Reservoir is 11.00 feet below full pool and dropping quickly. The water temperature on the Potholes Reservoir is in the low mid 70s with temps reaching the 80 plus 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 has been good this week. Still look along the weedlines. With the water dropping, the bait will start to move towards the face of the dunes and the walleye will follow. The crankbait bite has tuned on. Troll a #5 Flicker Shad in the main channels of the dunes. Look for walleye in Crab Creek, and in the sand dunes. Night crawlers on a slow turn hook with and without Smile Blades behind a 1-2-ounce bottom bouncer are still catching fish as well.

The largemouth bass fishing remains good. Fish the sand dunes -look for weedlines and points that drop quickly into 8-10 feet of water. 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.

Fish the rock piles around Goose Island with Senko’s, Hula grubs and drop shot lures for Smallmouth. Crankbaits have been catching fish as well.

The trout fishing on the Reservoir remains good 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.

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.

MarDon Resort resident - Ron Wentz and crew with a great catch of Potholes Reservoir Channel Catfish!