I have been roped into going to the potholes for a camping trip. I have been there before but have never really fished it. I am new to warmwater fish. Any tips would be appreciated. I will have my sled with me.
Thanks.

Trolling plugs can produce some really nice trout, I usually use Rapalas there.

Just got back from Pot Holes on Tuesday. Troll the face of the dam in 15 feet of water for Walleye, one taste and you'll be glad you did.

Also troll the channel in Crab Creek for Walleye. It ranges from 10 to 23 feet deep.

Go into Mar Don Resort and get a couple of worm rigs and bottom bouncers. They will show you what they are if you don't know.

Also ask the clerks there what else is working and where to go. They are in the business to help you catch fish or they wouldn't do such good business.

I did really well in front of the dam and in Crab Creek for Walleye. I also heard that people were also catching them between the dam and Goose Island.

I can't help you out Trout wise, since I didn't target them this time around.

You will also catch your share of Smallmouth Bass if you troll for Walleye.

Not much info, but I hope it helps. JACK

Thanks guys,
Jack,
What about boat speed and leader length?
Where is crab creek is potholes?

My leaders were probably 4 to 5 feet, it has never really mattered.

I used my bow mounted electric trolling motor as well as my Yamaha 25 horse four stroke for trolling. In the Crab Creek area, the wind can be still and I trolled at a snails pace with the electric. Near the dam where it can be more windy, My gps ground speed was 1.2 mph into the wind and 2.5 mph with the wind. All speeds worked for Walleye this time.

Remember though to keep an eye on the sun. The higher the sun in the sky, the deeper you will want to troll in the main lake.

Crab Creek is located in an area of the lake called The Dunes. There is no way to explain where Crab Creek is unless you are looking at a map to follow along. The Dunes can be very confusing if you don't pay attention where you are going or where you have been. I'll see if I can find that section of a map for you and post it. Feel free to ask more questions.

I almost forgot.....this has been the worst year they have ever seen for the mosquitos over there. Don't mess around, buy the stuff with the most Deet in it for protection. Those thinks were traveling in flocks this year!

The only reason I suggested Walleye fishing to you is because we can't get them on the West side of the mountains unless you go down to the Columbia. Once you taste a Walleye, you'll rate it up there with Halibut and fresh Albacore Tuna. JACK

Jack,
youdaman!
i found crab creek inlet in moses lake and outlet on the map. not sure where youre talkin about but I plan on chekin out every inlet i can find.
headin out now, ill post the report on tues
thanx
wb

Wooly Bully,

When they are talking about Crab Creek, they are talking about it on the main lake and a little way into the islands. Crab Creek is basicly the far shore from the State Park and up a little ways into the islands. Back in the islands there is also some great largemouth water. Worms, grubs, and plugs work great. Perch pattern plugs work very well. Trout are in the main lake infomt of the State Park and off of Mar Don's. There are some big trout in there so be prepared.

Jack,

Do you think my inflatable pontoon could take it? Or should I just borrow a motor and take out the 12 foot aluminum?

Thanks!

Curtis

The wind can kick up a little at Potholes, and it is a fairly big lake by inflatable standards. I would take the aluminum with a motor this time and learn the lake first.

There are several small launches as well as bigger established launches on the lake.

Figure out where you are going to fish and ask the people at Mar Don where the nearest launch is in relation to that spot. Good luck, JACK