Fresh news: a good, big-mouthed walleye in the pits this week

The current water level in the drilling reservoir is 1,028.10 feet, down 0.15 feet this week. We are currently 1.6 feet above the lowered pool. The water temperature is 68 degrees in the main tank. Water temperatures in the dunes are in the low 70s.

Use extreme caution while running in the dunes, against the dunes, and between Goose Island and Dam Face. There are a lot of hazards that are just below the surface and not visible to the rider.

The water level reaches the point where both bait fish and game fish emerge from the dunes and splash out on the dune face.

Fishing for walleye has been very good this week. Walleye at 10-25 feet now. Fishing for humps in front of the dunes with #5 or #7 Flicker Shads or #9 Flicker Minnows – catch baits, jerk baits, swimbaits and lipless crankbaits. Catch deep-sea fish with the Slow Death Hook-Smile Bade with Crawler and Bottom Guard. Plastic and 3-inch grubs are produced on a 1/4-ounce jig head as well. Fish Crab Creek and Dune Face.

Fishing for largemouth bass is still good. Most fish are caught in the 2 to 4 lb range. Largemouth fish are caught using a wide variety of baits. Hula grubs, jigs, swimbaits, chatterbaits, XD 8 or 10s, Senkos, lipless crankbaits, and frogs have all been produced. The fish is 2-20 feet out of the water. Dune hunting as well as dune face.

Smallmouth bass are caught on the dam face, on the rocks around Goose Island and in the dunes. Cast a drop rig using 4″ plastics, 5″ larvae, tubes, deep diving crankbaits, jerkbaits, and snookos.

Trout are caught in front of the state park and off Medicare Beach. Dwarf No. 5 or No. 7 shad rap of shimmer shades, wedding rings, and needlefish. From inshore cast Rooster Tails, Vibrax Spinners, 5″ Curly Tail larvae or bottom fishing with a Power Bait. There are no reports from Seeb Lakes this week.

Crappie and bluegill appear on the dune face. Use Flicker Shad #5 or locate a school and use the slider set at a depth corresponding to the top of the school. Use Bobby Garland Baby Shads or DS Fry on this 1/32-ounce Moon-Eyed Dancing.

Channel catfish are caught back in the dunes as well as on the dune face. Fish are caught using cut baits, catfish lures, chicken livers and even sausages. Most fish caught are in the 8 to 12 lb range.

Call the MarDon Resort store for current conditions and fishing information at 509-346-2651.