Sorry for the late response. I just saw your post.
You don't need to get away from the banks on Potholes. There really isn't much "offshore" structure to "fish deep". There's so much abundant cover that the fish use it year round.
I'd fish the outer dunes - the ones closest to the main lake - this time of year. Get off plane well before the first dune if you're new to the area. It's very easy to beach your boat on a sand dune hidden just under the surface. So don't just run up to the first dune you see - you might abruptly stop before you get there! Don't forget to hit Frenchmans' canal, as that can be good this time of year.
Jigs and Texas rigged worms are standard fare in the dunes, as are Senkos and spinnerbaits. The topwater bite in low light conditions can be exhilarating! Colors that work are junebug, green pumpkin, grape, black, and white. Add some chartreuse to the tails of your baits if the water is cloudy.
You didn't mention Linde Coulee, but that's another great area to fish now through the fall. Just cover the banks with crankbaits, tubes, football head jigs, and twin tail grubs in natural colors such as green pumpkin.
Hope that helps!
