Potholes Reservoir
A Columbia Basin Project reservoir behind O'Sullivan Dam, about 15 miles south of Moses Lake. It is known for walleye and bass, plus winter trout and ice fishing in cold years.
Species
Fishery rating out of 5.
Walleye
Most-targeted fish here. Work dune edges and drop-offs with bottom bouncers and crawler harnesses.
Largemouth Bass
Flooded willows and the dunes in spring and early summer.
Smallmouth Bass
Rocky shorelines and main-lake points.
Rainbow Trout
Best in winter, early spring and fall. Net pen fish are released yearly; try near MarDon Resort and Medicare Beach. Some top 20 in.
Yellow Perch
Panfish numbers vary by year. An ice fishing target in the Lind Coulee arm.
Crappie
Black crappie around willows and brush in spring.
Boat launches
7 launch sites. Fees and hours change, so confirm before you go.
- Potholes State ParkFeeWashington State Parks on Hwy 262. Ramp and dock; watercraft launch fee and Discover PassDirections ↗
- MarDon ResortMarinaPrivate resort on Hwy 262 with marina, boat rentals and tackle shopDirections ↗
- Glen WilliamsPublicWDFW water access site. Discover Pass requiredDirections ↗
- Lind Coulee BridgePublicWDFW water access on the Lind Coulee arm. Discover Pass requiredDirections ↗
- Medicare BeachPublicWDFW water access site, popular for trout. Discover Pass requiredDirections ↗
- BlythePublicWDFW water access site. Discover Pass requiredDirections ↗
- Crab CreekPublicWDFW primitive ramp, unimproved; may be unusable at low water in summer and fallDirections ↗
Size & creel limits
Minimum size and daily limit for each species in Potholes Reservoir are published by the state. Look up the current size and creel limits for this lake directly: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (2026-27 pamphlet on eRegulations) ↗
Bait & tackle nearby
Closest shops to the lake and its boat launches. Call ahead for live bait and hours.
- MarDon Resort Tackle ShopNearby8198 Highway 262 E, Othello(509) 346-2651Directions ↗
Local tips
- Water levels drop sharply through summer and fall for irrigation, which can leave primitive ramps high and dry.
- Two-pole fishing is allowed here with the two-pole endorsement.
- In cold winters the reservoir can freeze; the Lind Coulee arm is the popular ice fishing spot.
View on interactive map
Zoom and pan on a street, satellite or terrain map. Red pins are boat launches.
More Washington lakes
Lake Chelan Banks Lake Lake Wallula (McNary Pool) Lake Washington Ross Lake Riffe Lake Lake Entiat Lake Pateros All Washington lakes →
Always wear a life jacket and check your state's current regulations before you fish.