The area is very dry. Large water is down much from last year also with large areas of mud flats surrounding the shore lines. The shallow potholes in that area are almost all gone. Some ducks around but not like in previous years. The ones in the area are very concentrated. The northern section of the area you mentioned has more water. The area just north of Fredonia that was so good last year is completely dry. Where is the DU magazine when things are bad? Might be a good story for them to do one on the drought situation in the same area they promoted a couple of years ago. Anyway you should have a good hunt. Don't give in and hire a guide.....if you spend some time scouting you'll get ducks and have a chance at some giant honkers. Good luck.