Fished Friday - Sunday at the Seep Lakes south of Potholes reservoir.

We camped at Long Lake / Sage Lakes, but did not fish Sage Lakes, despite rumors of large trout, including tiger trout, there - for fear that the warm water would increase fish mortality.

We targeted bass throughout the weekend, and fishing was not tremendous. Caught a lot of small fish, both largemouth and smallmouth, we suspect that high pressure was the culprit, the big fellas were sulking on the bottom with a belly ache.

Long lake turned up almost exclusively smallmouth for us. Also, three walleye caught near the island just up lake from the out-flow. Great area on this lake is reportedly the inlet at the top of the lake, but it did not produce for us. Seemed to be heavily pressured. Lots and lots of carp, could not manage to get these big bruisers to bite though.

Hutchinson lake looked great for bass, but only managed 1 7" largemouth in an hour and a half of morning fishing (Sat).

Teal lakes did not fish well for us, maybe they're managed for trout? We weren't targeting trout.

We did do some exploring, and the fastest fishing was in some un-named ponds along a creek, but the bass were very small, 4-5".

FYI to anyone planning trips there, it seems that on the National Wildlife Refuge, you can only camp at one of the 9 sites at Soda Lake. However, much more camping available at the state-managed Seep Lakes area. The road into Seep Lakes is real wash-boardey, you gotta go slow.

Soapbox statement: in waters that feature natural fish reproduction (like these) you're doing a real favor to the next angler - and yourself for your trip next year - when you practice catch and release. Please consider it on these small bodies of water.

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