Arrived on Monday for our annual 2 week fishing excursion to Potholes Reservoir. We were greeted with warmer weather, and no rain in the forecast. Got out on the lake later than normal (10 am) with having spent the morning getting all our gear and the boat set up for the following couple of weeks. It appears that with the later than normal cold temps and with ice on the lake until later than usual that the fishing may be a challenge for at least the first of the 2 weeks we're here. Looks like about 50% of the Walleye are just coming off the spawn and about half of them still on the spawn. We started out trolling Cranks in the usual 'search' patterns/methods, in the usual locations and watching the sounder for signs of fish. A lot of the usual spots looked devoid of fish. We finally did locate fish at about 1 pm about the same time 24 mph wind gusts came up. We switched to bottom walkers and slow death rings and started catching some fish. 7 fish to the boat and 5 in the live well when we finally gave up for the day. Boat control was difficult with the strong winds/gusts and having found the fish in a small limited area. The fish (all males as would be expected) were in the 13 to 18 range and skinny. Stomach contents tells me they are just starting to actively feed.

DavidA

4/24/2019 10:08:39 AM

Thank you for your report. I would very much be interested in hearing how your fishing proceeds over the following 2 weeks, on a daily basis, if you are up to it.
I am coordinating my twice yearly trip to central Washington for a 4 day walleye fishing trip next month and we will have 6 people and 4 boats. This year we will be in the Banks area, which is a little cooler, so slightly behind Potholes in timing. Hopefully we won't be a full month behind and will get there a little further along in the spawning cycle than you appear to be right now. If only we could both do something about the wind! Thanks again!

ChesterDog206

4/24/2019 10:31:25 AM

We just got back from a 4 day turkey hunt/walleye trip last weekend at Banks. The fishing was super slow. Blue jig worked best for what it's worth. I would suggest pulling in to a tackle shop in Electric City and having a cup of coffee. A lot can be learned in a half hour that can save you hours on the lake.

DavidA

4/24/2019 4:35:05 PM

Great advice Chester. Thanks. The locals always know so much more. And thanks for the heads up from your recent experience. Maybe they are just prespawn and have other things on their minds. Hopefully in a month the guys, at least, will be looking to eat!

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