Potholes Reservoir
Potholes Reservoir
- Boat Ramps
- 8
- Access Points
- 28
- Species
- 11
Potholes Reservoir is a 28,000-acre body of water located approximately seven miles south of Moses Lake in Grant County, Washington. Built behind O'Sullivan Dam (the longest earthen dam in the country), this diverse fishery is known for its unique network of sand dunes, channels, islands, and underwater structures that create exceptional habitat for numerous fish species. The reservoir is fed by Crab Creek, which flows out of Moses Lake, and features distinct northern and southern sections with different fishing characteristics. Open year-round, Potholes offers excellent fishing for both warm-water species and trout, making it one of the premier multi-species fisheries in the Pacific Northwest.
Species & education
Learn what type of fish are at Potholes Reservoir and what's needed to catch them.
Fish stocking schedule
Latest 5 stockings
- Rainbow Trout12,899 fish · FryOct 22, 2026
- Channel Catfish3,050 fish · Catchable sizeJun 9, 2026
- Rainbow Trout250 fish · Catchable sizeMay 29, 2026
- Channel Catfish950 fish · Catchable sizeMay 28, 2026
- Rainbow Trout71,000 fish · FryMar 3, 2026
Source
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
Updated Nov 13, 2026. Dates are as precise as the agency reports them.
Open stocking page, opens in new tabFishing spots, boat ramps & amenities
Learn how to get on Potholes Reservoir. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.
Know where you can legally fish on Potholes Reservoir
See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.
Washington licenses and regulations
Washington Boating Regulations
When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.
Washington Fishing License
Residents and non-residents alike must have a license to fish or shellfish in Washington waters. Everyone age 15 and older needs a fishing license. You do not need a license if you are fishing for common carp, crawfish, bullfrogs, or collecting relic shells.
Washington Fishing Regulations
This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. This river is prone to emergency regulations. Stay up to date on specific river regulation changes. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.
Washington Stream Access Laws
In Washington, the public has a right to use streams that are capable of floating a “bolt of shingles” during high flows. While a bolt of shingles is not large, this test does eliminate some smaller streams capable of being floated in a kayak. Washington does not recognize a right to portage across private land.
Take Potholes Reservoir with you
The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.
Use the map without signal
Download the map around Potholes Reservoir to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Potholes Reservoir to find where and when fish are biting for you.
HD depth charts from Garmin
Find drop offs, ledges, channels, points and shallow flats with Garmin depth charts in the app.
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Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)
See the best times to fish Potholes Reservoir and check the forecast before you go.
No forecast data available.
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