Since you're fishing with kids who are not fishermen, don't waste a lot of time searching for trout or walleyes if they're not biting or if the wind is such that you can't fish the big reservoir.

Head into the dunes through one of the main channels and find a bay with panfish-- perch, bluegill, or crappie should do the trick. Use a bobber setup with a minijig and either a piece of nightcrawler or maggots. You should get plenty of action. Be aware that there are special regulations for both crappie and bluegills on the Potholes.

Perch Island (one of the dunes that is submerged part of the year) is an excellent place to find fish as well. It's between the state park and Winchester Wasteway. You can also fish along the face of the dam for just about everything in the reservoir-- and it's a great place for bluegill and crappie as well. I would fish a slip bobber there as the bottom is grabby.

Since the wind is a factor at the Potholes, I would take an anchor and plenty of line. I would also think about a second anchor as well so you can keep your boat in one position. Don't anchor near the dam, and be careful about anchoring in standing timber.

If you fail to score in the big reservoir, load up and try Soda Lake. Also, ask at the Mar Don tackle store; they will usually give you the straight scoop on where the fish are biting and on what.

Have fun! The Potholes is a great place to fish.

Keith