Fishing Potholes Reservoir

AKA: Potholes Lake

Popular Fish Species
Potholes Reservoir Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
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Potholes Reservoir, WA

Popular Fish Species Potholes Reservoir, WA

Potholes Reservoir Popular Fish - Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Potholes Reservoir continues to provide thrilling smallmouth bass fishing. Fishing for smallmouth bass is good virtually year round. Use shallow spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, crankbaits, tube baits and jerkbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure with drop-shot rigs, small worms, jigs and spoons. Largemouth bass also reside here in good numbers. Rock piles and points are prime areas for smallmouth as these areas are also home to crawfish. When the lake freezes over, consider ice fishing for smallies.

Potholes Reservoir Popular Fish - Walleye

Walleye Fishing

Walleye are thriving in the fertile waters of Potholes Reservoir this year. May and June tend to be the best time for weekend anglers to catch them. During this time they tend to move shallower, closer to shore and begin spawning. Rock and gravel are preferred areas for the spawn. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. As always, stay around schools of baitfish. They are eager to feed throughout the lake, but tend to concentrate around structure on points, flats and ledges off the river channels. Walleye have excellent, low-light vision which helps them find food in deep or murky water. Make an effort to be on the water during low light conditions. A proven method for catching walleye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times. When the lake freezes over in winter, ice fishing for walleye can be very productive. Use GPS to locate spots you normally fish during other times of the year.

Potholes Reservoir Popular Fish - Rainbow Trout

Rainbow Trout Fishing

Stocking by the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife has helped to maintain a catchable population of rainbow trout for anglers at Potholes Reservoir. Fish for rainbow trout here with worms, salmon eggs, prepared baits, small spinners, spoons, jerkbaits and small crankbaits in vibrant colors to mimic their preferred prey. While fishing from a boat is preferred, plenty of trout are caught here by anglers fishing from the bank. Additionally, floating or sinking flies, such as nymphs, streamers, or dry flies, are popular choices for fly anglers targeting rainbow trout. Trolling with lures or flies behind a boat, casting near shoreline structures, or still fishing with bait can all yield success. Adjusting lure size, color, and retrieve speed can enhance chances of enticing these colorful and spirited fish. When the lake freezes over, try your luck at ice fishing.

Potholes Reservoir Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, walleye, rainbow trout, bluegill, yellow perch and whitefish at Potholes Reservoir in Washington.

A fishery with multiple warm-water species of fish, Potholes Reservoir is home to bass, crappie, walleye, perch, bluegill, whitefish and (stocked) rainbow trout. This sprawling, 27,800-acre lake in central WA, 5 miles south of Moses Lake can produce quality fishing one year and just mediocre the next.

Primary fish species residing in Potholes Reservoir

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Potholes Reservoir Amenities

Marina: NO
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: NEARBY
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Fishing Boat Rentals

MarDon RV resort Marina
Rentals: Kayaks
509 346-2651

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Blythe Public Access Boat Ramp
Located in the southwest corner of the lake, off Highway 262, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.

Potholes State Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Campground Loop, this is a five-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Sampsons Pit Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast corner of the lake, off Highway 262, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.

Marinas

MarDon RV resort Marina
8198 Hwy 262 SE
Othello, WA 99344
509 346-2651