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Potholes Reservoir, Washington, USA

Potholes Reservoir was formed by the building of the O’Sullivan Dam which is one of the largest earthfill dams in the United States. The name “pothole” originated due to large depressions in the earth in that area, some as large as 70 yards wide by 60 feet deep, created during the Pleistocene flooding in prehistoric times. These potholes were filled in the 1950s after the completion of…
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    • All About Potholes Reservoir, WA

    Lake Locations: USA - US West Region - Washington - North Central Washington -

    Potholes Reservoir was formed by the building of the O’Sullivan Dam which is one of the largest earthfill dams in the United States. The name “pothole” originated due to large depressions in the earth in that area, some as large as 70 yards wide by 60 feet deep, created during the Pleistocene flooding in prehistoric times. These potholes were filled in the 1950s after the completion of the O’Sullivan Dam, and water began to fill the reservoir.

    The Potholes Reservoir and O’Sullivan Dam were built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Bureau of Reclamation as part of the Columbia Basin Project. The O’Sullivan Dam was named after James O’Sullivan a local attorney who campaigned continuously to bring water to the then dry area of central Washington. The main purpose of the Potholes Reservoir is to collect return flows from all irrigation in the upper portion of the project for reuse and irrigating in the lower portion. With a maximum depth of 142 feet and mean depth of 18 feet, there is a wide fluctuation of water in the reservoir due to the irrigation process. No power is generated from the O’Sullivan Dam.

    Surrounded by sand dunes and rocky canyons, Potholes Reservoir is a nature lover’s paradise. Located on the Pacific Flyway, birdwatchers can watch millions of birds use the area as a resting and feeding stop on their annual migrations in addition to the many birds and waterfowl that are native to the area. Bass, perch, sunfish, crappie are plentiful for fishing in the Potholes Reservoir. Jackrabbits, ground squirrels, marmots, muskrats and a large variety of mice are abundant in the area where coyotes are the most abundant predatory mammal. Mule deer can be seen in the fringe areas where appropriate habitat exists.

    Located on 640 acres with 6000 feet of shoreline, Potholes State Park has over 350,000 visitors a year. There are four boat ramps for boating and other water sports, as well as sandy beaches for swimming. Campsites with and without utility hookup are available however, no campsites are next to the Potholes Reservoir.

    Built to bring beneficial water to the farming lands, Potholes Reservoir has become a recreational and nature retreat for thousands. Whether you come for the recreational activities, the great fishing, or just to enjoy the natural beauty of the terrain, Potholes Reservoir will definitely will be worth the trip.

    Things to Do at Potholes Reservoir

    These are some activities in the Potholes Reservoir, WA area visitors can enjoy:

    • Vacation Rentals
    • Fishing
    • Boating
    • Swimming
    • Beach
    • Camping
    • Wildlife Viewing
    • Birding
    • State Park

    What Kind of Fish Are in Potholes Reservoir?

    Potholes Reservoir has been known to have the following fish species:

    • Bass
    • Crappie
    • Perch
    • Sunfish
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    Find Places to Stay at Potholes Reservoir

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    More Sites to Book a Potholes Reservoir Vacation

    Our interactive Potholes Reservoir lodging map above is an easy tool for comparing VRBO rental homes and nearby hotels with Booking.com, but there could be times when you need to expand your search for different types of accommodations. Here are some other lake lodging partners we recommend:

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    Potholes Reservoir Statistics & Helpful Links

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    Lake Type: Artificial Reservoir, Dammed

    Water Level Control: Bureau of Reclamation

    Surface Area: 27,800 acres

    Normal Elevation (Full Pond): 1,052 feet

    Average Depth: 18 feet

    Maximum Depth: 142 feet

    Water Volume: 500,000 acre-feet

    Completion Year: 1949

    Trophic State: Eutrophic

    Potholes Reservoir Map
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