How to Fish Potholes Reservoir

Potholes Reservoir fishing FAQ

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Potholes Reservoir in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 50-62°F. Pre-spawn largemouth bass are actively staging near spawning areas, moving up from winter depths and becoming more aggressive as water temperatures rise Fish are showing reaction strikes on moving baits around shallow cover, particularly in the 5-6 foot depth range as noted in recent reports Key locations: Flooded brush in 5-6 feet of water, particularly in protected areas; Secondary points and staging areas adjacent to spawning flats; Wood cover in protected coves and bays where water warms first. Best techniques: Swim Jigs worked through shallow cover with an aggressive retrieve to trigger reaction strikes, Bladed Jigs around brush and wood cover for active fish, Soft Jerkbaits worked with a stop-and-go retrieve in slightly deeper staging areas. Primary forage: Bluegill, as confirmed by recent fishing reports, Small baitfish moving shallow with warming water. Best bait colors: Light Neutral Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Chartreuse Colors.

How do you catch Walleye on Potholes Reservoir in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 42-52°F. Pre-spawn walleye are staging near spawning areas and beginning their transition from winter depths to shallow spawning zones Fish are becoming more active with warming water temperatures, particularly during low-light periods due to the moderate water clarity Key locations: Rock-laden shorelines and points in 7-15 feet of water that provide staging areas near spawning zones; Channel edges adjacent to shallow flats where fish transition between winter and spawning locations; Deep water breaks near state park channels that serve as primary staging locations. Best techniques: Blade Baits worked vertically along channel edges and staging areas, Live Bait Rigs with minnows slow-dragged along bottom transitions, Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with heavy jigs during prime feeding periods. Primary forage: Yellow Perch schooling in pre-spawn areas, Small baitfish congregating near warming shallows, Bottom-dwelling prey like juvenile perch and darters. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Dark Neutrals, Purple Colors.

How do you catch Panfish / Bluegill on Potholes Reservoir in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 54-65°F. Bluegill are transitioning from winter depths to shallower pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Fish are gathering in schools near emerging vegetation and warming shallow flats, becoming more active as water temperatures rise Key locations: Protected shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 5-8 feet of water; Secondary points leading into spawning bays in 8-12 feet of water; Brush piles and dock areas in 6-10 feet, especially near Crab Creek. Best techniques: Bobbers with light jigs suspended 4-6 feet below surface, Ice Fishing Jigs worked slowly around brush and vegetation, Micro Crankbaits retrieved steadily through staging areas. Primary forage: Small aquatic insects and larvae emerging with warming water, Tiny crustaceans in vegetation, Small minnows gathering in the shallows. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Purple Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Potholes Reservoir in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 48-58°F. Pre-spawn smallmouth bass gradually moving from winter depths to transitional areas, staging near spawning flats Fish becoming more active with warming water, feeding heavily to prepare for spawning Most active during warmer parts of day, particularly in afternoon when water temps peak Key locations: Rock piles and boulder fields adjacent to potential spawning flats in 8-15 foot range; Main lake points with gradual transitions to deeper water; Protected coves with rocky structure, particularly on north-facing banks that warm faster. Best techniques: Blade Baits worked slowly along transitional areas, Tubes dragged and hopped on rocky structure, Ned Rigs worked methodically around staging areas. Primary forage: Perch moving into similar transitional areas, Small crayfish becoming more active in warming rocks. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Metallic Colors.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Potholes Reservoir in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 58-65°F. Bass moving into shallow spawning areas (2-6 feet) near hard bottom and protective cover, with males guarding nests and females staging nearby Pre-spawn feeding actively occurring in transition areas between winter and spawning grounds Heightened territorial behavior and aggressive responses to intrusion near nesting sites Key locations: Protected shallow bays with firm bottom and adjacent deeper water; Areas with flooded brush and vegetation in 2-6 foot depths; Secondary points leading into spawning bays. Best techniques: Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around shallow cover and bedding areas, Shakey Heads for spawning flats and transition areas, Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') along migration routes. Primary forage: Bluegill moving shallow for their own spawn, Small perch in transitional areas, Juvenile minnows in warming shallows. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Dark Neutrals, Purple Colors.

How do you catch Walleye on Potholes Reservoir in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 42-52°F. Walleye are in spawning mode, moving into shallow rocky areas and tributaries at night, with most active feeding during dawn and dusk transitions Fish are staging in pre-spawn areas during the day, relating to the first drop-off adjacent to spawning flats Key locations: Rocky points and gravel shorelines in 2-6 feet of water for active spawning; Adjacent drop-offs in 7-15 feet for daytime staging; Channel edges near state park area for pre-spawn staging. Best techniques: Live Bait Rigs with slow presentations for staging fish, Blade Baits worked slowly along drop-offs, Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') during peak spawn. Primary forage: Perch concentrated in shallow spawning areas, Small baitfish moving shallow with warming water. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Dark Neutrals, Purple Colors.

How do you catch Panfish / Bluegill on Potholes Reservoir in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 65-75°F. Male bluegills moving into shallow spawning areas 2-6 feet deep, actively defending nesting colonies Females staging in slightly deeper water 8-12 feet, moving in periodically to spawn Increased aggression and territorial behavior around spawning beds, especially near vegetation and structure Key locations: Protected shallow bays with firm bottom near vegetation in 2-6 feet; Areas near docks and brush in spawning depth range; Deeper staging areas 8-12 feet adjacent to spawning flats. Best techniques: Bobbers with small live bait or micro jigs worked slowly over beds, Crappie Dock Shooting around dock areas where spawning colonies gather, Ice Fishing Jigs worked vertically for precise presentation to bedding fish. Primary forage: Small insects and larvae, Tiny crustaceans, Small aquatic worms. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Light Neutral Colors, Purple Colors.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Potholes Reservoir in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 55-65°F. Smallmouth bass are moving into shallow spawning areas (2-8 feet) as waters warm, with males establishing and guarding nests on gravel or rocky flats near deeper water access Pre-spawn fish staging on secondary points and first break lines adjacent to spawning flats, making daily movements between staging and spawning areas Aggressive territorial behavior during nest preparation and defense, with increased willingness to strike at threats to the nest Key locations: Rocky or gravel flats in protected coves and bays with nearby deep water access; Secondary points with mixed rock and gravel substrate in 8-15 foot range; Shallow rock piles and boulder fields adjacent to spawning areas. Best techniques: Tubes worked slowly along potential spawning flats and rock transitions, Ned Rigs fished with subtle movements around staging areas, Soft Jerkbaits worked with long pauses for pre-spawn fish. Primary forage: Crayfish emerging from winter dormancy, Young perch in shallow rocky areas, Small baitfish moving shallow with warming water. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Green Colors.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Potholes Reservoir in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 68-76°F. Post-spawn largemouth are actively feeding to recover energy, utilizing shallow vegetation and structure in 5-10 foot depths Fish are establishing early summer patterns with frequent feeding periods around bluegill spawning areas and vegetated flats Key locations: Matted grass and vegetation in less than 10 feet of water, particularly in the Crab Creek area; Secondary points with vegetation near spawning flats; Shallow rock piles and brush adjacent to spawning areas. Best techniques: Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked through and over vegetation, Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for working through thick vegetation, Frogs/Toads for working over matted grass. Primary forage: Bluegill, especially around spawning areas and vegetation, Young of the year baitfish beginning to emerge. Best bait colors: Dark Neutrals, Natural Craw Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Walleye on Potholes Reservoir in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 48-62°F. Post-spawn walleye are transitioning from spawning areas to early summer feeding patterns, actively feeding during dawn/dusk periods Fish are utilizing shallow water during low-light periods but moving deeper during bright days due to moderate water clarity (10ft Secchi) Key locations: Shallow flats adjacent to spawning areas in 7-15 feet of water; Rock piles and humps near deep water access; Points and irregular shoreline features with access to deeper water. Best techniques: Trolling Shallow (0-9') with crankbaits during early morning and evening, Live Bait Rigs with leeches or minnows along transition areas, Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') during low light periods. Primary forage: Perch in shallow to mid-depth areas, Small baitfish moving shallow with warming water. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Dark Neutrals, Purple Colors.

How do you catch Panfish / Bluegill on Potholes Reservoir in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 65-75°F. Bluegill are transitioning to post-spawn feeding patterns, becoming more active in slightly deeper water adjacent to spawning areas Fish are establishing daily feeding patterns around newly growing vegetation and structure, most active during morning and evening hours Key locations: Weed edges and newly emerging vegetation in 5-10 feet of water; Dock areas with brush or structure in 8-15 feet of water; Protected coves with a mix of vegetation and woody cover. Best techniques: Bobbers with lightweight jigs suspended at specific depths, Live Bait Rigs worked slowly around structure, Crappie Dock Shooting for fish holding tight to cover. Primary forage: Small aquatic insects and larvae, Zooplankton in and around vegetation, Small crustaceans near bottom structure. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Light Neutral Colors, Purple Colors.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Potholes Reservoir in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 58-68°F. Actively feeding as they recover from spawn, moving from shallow spawning areas to deeper transitional structures Fish become more aggressive and territorial, defending areas near prime feeding zones Feeding patterns are most active during early morning and evening hours, with periodic feeding throughout the day Key locations: Rocky points and ledges in 8-15 foot depth range adjacent to spawning flats; Secondary points with boulder clusters in transition areas; Deep weed edges forming near shoreline irregularities. Best techniques: Tubes worked slowly along rocky transitions, Ned Rigs dragged through boulder fields, Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for active fish. Primary forage: Juvenile Perch gathering near rocky areas, Crayfish becoming more active in warming waters, Small baitfish schools in transition areas. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Metallic Colors.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Potholes Reservoir in Summer?

Water temp 71-78°F. Active feeding in depths of 6-15 feet, with peak activity around structure during optimal water temperatures (71-78°F) Showing strong preference for ambush points near structure, particularly along humps, rock piles, and dock areas Key locations: Humps and rock piles in 7-15 foot depth range; Dock areas with adjacent deep water access; Points and ledges with sand-to-rock transitions. Best techniques: Drop Shot with finesse presentations in 7-10 feet of water, Texas Rigs worked slowly across humps and structure, Shakey Heads bounced along bottom structure, Spinnerbaits around docks and shallow structure. Primary forage: Bluegill - primary forage based on multiple recent reports, Minnows - particularly along points and banks. Best bait colors: Watermelon, Green Pumpkin, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Walleye on Potholes Reservoir in Summer?

Water temp 71-78°F. Walleye are actively feeding in early morning and evening hours, seeking cooler water during peak daytime temperatures Fish are showing clear bottom-orientation, targeting bluegill and other prey in the 7-15 foot depth range During bright conditions, fish are moving deeper and relating to structure, becoming more active in lower light periods Key locations: Open water basins in 7-15 feet, particularly near structure; Rock piles and humps that provide ambush points; Deep water channels for thermal refuge during peak temperatures. Best techniques: Shakey Heads worked slowly along bottom in 7-15 feet, Drop Shot with bottom contact in deeper water, Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') during peak day hours. Primary forage: Bluegill in the 7-15 foot range, Perch relating to bottom structure, Bottom-dwelling prey species. Best bait colors: Dark Neutrals, Natural Baitfish Colors, Purple Colors.

How do you catch Panfish / Bluegill on Potholes Reservoir in Summer?

Water temp 70-78°F. Bluegill are actively feeding in the 7-14 foot depth range, particularly around ledges and channel edges near the state park area Fish are holding tight to structure and using deeper water adjacent to shallow flats as thermal refuge during peak summer heat Key locations: Channel edges and ledges in 7-14 foot depth range, particularly near the state park; Protected coves with matted grass and brush in 5-10 foot depth; Dock areas providing shade and structure in 5-15 foot depth. Best techniques: Drop Shot with small finesse baits for suspended fish along ledges, Bobbers with live bait suspended at specific depths around structure, Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') around dock posts and brush. Primary forage: Small invertebrates and insects around vegetation, Smaller bluegill and juvenile fish. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Purple Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Potholes Reservoir in Summer?

Water temp 64-78°F. Actively feeding on rock piles and boulder areas in 15-20 foot depth range, showing clear structure-oriented summer patterns Exhibiting suspended feeding behavior during daylight hours, relating to deeper structure as water temperatures warm Key locations: Rock piles and boulder fields in 15-20 foot depth range; Main lake points with significant depth changes; Offshore ledges near deep water access. Best techniques: Drop Shot with finesse worms worked slowly around rock structure, Tubes dragged through boulder fields, Ned Rigs worked along depth transitions. Primary forage: Perch, Crayfish relating to rocky structure. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Pink Colors, Natural Craw Colors.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Potholes Reservoir in Fall?

Water temp 55-65°F. Moving between shallow and medium depths (5-15 feet) with increased feeding activity due to cooling temperatures and fall pattern Actively feeding on perch and other forage fish around structure and vegetation edges Key locations: Dam faces and associated riprap in 5-10 feet of water; Deep ledges with adjacent shallow water access; Creek entrances with debris and cover in 5-15 feet. Best techniques: Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) worked slowly along structure, Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') near dam faces, Spinnerbaits around debris and vegetation edges. Primary forage: Perch, Crappie. Best bait colors: Chartreuse Colors, Natural Shad Colors.

How do you catch Walleye on Potholes Reservoir in Fall?

Water temp 52-65°F. Walleye are actively feeding to build reserves for winter, with increased activity during daylight hours as water temperatures cool Fish are following baitfish schools, particularly perch, and utilizing structural elements as ambush points Movement patterns shift between deep main lake structures and shallower feeding zones based on light conditions and temperature Key locations: Deep rock piles and humps in 15-25 feet of water; Channel edges near the state park area; Points and irregular shoreline features in 7-15 foot depth range. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19'), Blade Baits, Trolling Mid Depth (10-19'). Primary forage: Yellow Perch schooling near structure, Bluegills relating to remaining vegetation, Young-of-year baitfish in open water. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Dark Neutrals, Purple Colors.

How do you catch Panfish / Bluegill on Potholes Reservoir in Fall?

Water temp 54-65°F. Bluegill are transitioning to deeper structure, focusing on brush, deeper weed edges, and dock areas as water temperatures cool Feeding activity becomes more concentrated during mid-day hours when water temperatures are warmest Key locations: Deep weed edges in 8-15 foot range, particularly near points and creek channels; Brush piles and dock structures in 10-15 foot depths; Protected coves with remaining vegetation, especially near the Crab Creek area. Best techniques: Live Bait Rigs with small jigs suspended at key depths, Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') around structure edges, Crappie Dock Shooting for bluegill holding tight to dock structures. Primary forage: Small aquatic insects and larvae, Remaining plankton and microscopic organisms, Small crustaceans around structure. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Purple Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Potholes Reservoir in Fall?

Water temp 52-68°F. Fish are actively feeding and schooling, following baitfish movements to shallow flats and points as water temperatures cool Transitioning between summer deep water areas and shallower feeding zones, particularly during morning and evening periods Aggressively pursuing prey in water column, often suspending near steep breaks and channel edges Key locations: Main lake points with direct access to deep water; Rocky shorelines and boulder fields in 8-15 foot depth range; Steep breaks and ledges adjacent to shallow feeding flats. Best techniques: Drop Shot worked along depth transitions and suspended fish, Spinnerbaits parallel to rocky banks during cloudy conditions, Tubes bounced along rocky structure. Primary forage: Yellow Perch schooling in transitional areas, Ciscoes moving into shallower water as temperatures cool, Juvenile baitfish congregating near points and breaks. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Metallic Colors, Purple Colors.

How do you catch Walleye on Potholes Reservoir in Winter?

Water temp 38-45°F. Walleye are concentrated in deep water channels and structural elements, typically holding near bottom in 20-35 foot depths during daylight hours Most active feeding occurs during low-light transition periods, with fish moving shallower to feed on perch and other forage near structure edges Key locations: Deep water channels near state park, particularly areas adjacent to structural transitions; Rock piles and humps in 15-25 foot range that provide access to both deep water sanctuary and feeding zones; Deep water points and irregular shoreline features that connect to winter holding areas. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+), Blade Baits, Ice Fishing Spoons. Primary forage: Perch schooling near bottom in deeper water, Suspended baitfish in open water near structure, Bottom-oriented prey like small crayfish. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Dark Neutrals, Metallic Colors.

How do you catch Panfish / Bluegill on Potholes Reservoir in Winter?

Water temp 54-60°F. Bluegill tend to school tightly in deeper water around structure during winter, often remaining stationary for extended periods Feeding activity is reduced but still occurs during warmer parts of the day, especially near deeper weed edges and brush Key locations: Deep weed edges in 12-15 foot range, particularly near points or creek channels; Brush piles and woody structure in 10-15 foot depths; Protected coves with deeper water access. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9'), Live Bait Rigs, Drop Shot. Primary forage: Small aquatic insects, Zooplankton, Tiny minnows. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Light Neutral Colors, Purple Colors.

How do you catch Walleye on Potholes Reservoir in Ice?

Water temp 34-39°F. Walleye tend to congregate in deeper basins and channel areas during ice season, particularly near the state park's channel features Most active during dawn and dusk periods, with a secondary peak during overcast conditions Suspended fish may be present over deep basins following schools of perch Key locations: Deep channel edges near the state park, especially where they intersect with rock piles; Offshore humps and rock piles in 15-25 foot range; Basin areas adjacent to structural elements where perch schools gather. Best techniques: Ice Fishing Spoons worked with aggressive jigging followed by long pauses, Ice Fishing Jigs tipped with minnows for a more subtle presentation, Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set with live minnows for covering multiple depths. Primary forage: Yellow Perch, especially larger specimens in the 3-5 inch range, Bluegills, particularly those holding near structure, Small baitfish schools in basin areas. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Dark Neutrals, Purple Colors.

How do you catch Panfish / Bluegill on Potholes Reservoir in Ice?

Water temp 34-39°F. Bluegill form tight schools in deeper water, typically 10-15 feet, around structure during ice season Feeding activity peaks during early morning and late afternoon, with a focus on small invertebrates and zooplankton Key locations: Deep weed edges in 10-15 foot range, particularly near Crab Creek area; Brush piles and woody structure in protected coves; Deeper flats adjacent to shallow spawning areas. Best techniques: Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements just off bottom, Ice Fishing Spoons with erratic action for triggering reaction strikes, Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set at varying depths to locate active schools. Primary forage: Small aquatic insects and larvae, Zooplankton, Tiny minnows and fish fry. Best bait colors: Purple Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Light Neutral Colors.