LakeScope Reports Get the app

The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (point drop-off) is open for everyone; the other 3 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen

Potholes Reservoir

Grant County, Washington · about 15,000 acres (23.4 sq mi)

45°F water, calm this morning.

Water45°F
Level—no gauge
Wind today10 mphS
Best bite3:15 pmto 5:00 pm

About Potholes Reservoir

Potholes Reservoir spreads over about 15,000 acres in Grant County, Washington. O'Sullivan Dam holds it back on the Crab Creek.

It stretches about 12.1 miles end to end and its shoreline adds up to about 60 miles. Its surface is about 1,040 ft above sea level. The deepest water is about 142 ft. The nearest town, Cascade Valley, is about 3.8 miles northeast. The closest city is Richland, about 47 miles away.

Size
About 15,000 acres (23.4 sq mi)
Deepest
About 142 ft
Shoreline
About 60 miles
End to end
About 12.1 miles
Elevation
About 1,040 ft
Type
Reservoir
Dam
O'Sullivan Dam, Crab Creek
County
Grant County

The lake from above

1 2 miles N
Spot 1 is open for everyone; grey dots are the PRO spots.

Best fishing times

Saturday Good

  • 6:30 am – 8:45 amsunrise · wind 8 mph
  • 3:15 pm – 5:00 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 10 mph

Sunday Good

  • 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 7 mph

Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.

Fish in Potholes Reservoir

Potholes Reservoir holds largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, trout, walleye, crappie, yellow perch and bluegill and sunfish. With the surface at 45°F, the notes below say which of them should be biting.

  • Slow
    Largemouth bass

    Cold and sluggish. Fish slow and deep near steep banks.

  • Slow
    Smallmouth bass

    Cold. Slow presentations on deep rock.

  • Good
    Trout

    Good range. Near the surface and along shorelines.

  • Good
    Walleye

    Good cool-water bite, best at dusk and after dark.

  • Fair
    Crappie

    Schooled on deeper brush piles. Fish small jigs slowly.

From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.

Fishing spots

  1. 1
    Point drop-off

    The bottom falls away fast off this point; fish rest deep and move up the slope to feed.

  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4

3 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.

Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.

Water temperature

45°F

At the surface, seen .

Water level

No daily level reading for this lake.

Ice

Open water

Ice thickness is an estimate from air temperature, not a measurement. Check the ice yourself before going on it.

Weather and wind

Saturday 55° / 41° 10 mph S Mostly Sunny
Sunday 50° / 44° 9 mph S Light Rain Likely · 76% rain

Sunrise 6:58 am · sunset 4:24 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).

Towns and places to stay near Potholes Reservoir

  • Cascade Valleyabout 3.8 mi northeast
  • Moses Lakeabout 5 mi northeast
  • Wardenabout 6.9 mi east
  • Moses Lake Northabout 7.9 mi north
  • Richlandnearest city, about 47 mi south

Prices and availability come from booking partners; we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

Questions about Potholes Reservoir

What fish are in Potholes Reservoir?

Potholes Reservoir holds largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, trout, walleye, crappie, yellow perch and bluegill and sunfish. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.

How deep is Potholes Reservoir?

About 142 ft at the deepest point. The 3-D view shows where the deep water is.

How big is Potholes Reservoir?

About 15,000 acres, with about 60 miles of shoreline.

What town is near Potholes Reservoir?

Cascade Valley is about 3.8 miles northeast; Moses Lake is about 5 miles northeast.

What is the water temperature at Potholes Reservoir today?

The surface was about 45°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.

Potholes Reservoir on your phone

The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.

Get it on Google Play

Lakes near Potholes Reservoir

More about Washington lakes