Melvern Reservoir Fishing Report -
Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Crappie Good-Fair up to 15 inches  Crappie will begin to break off their winter pattern as they begin to stage near spawning areas (coves with brush piles, timber, and rock).   Crappie can be caught around brush piles and standing timber using minnows or small plastics. 
White Bass Good up to 18 inches White Bass are schooled near river/creek mouths and off the dam.  They are pre-spawn and will begin spawning in the coming weeks.  Jig and plastics, spoons, or small crankbaits are producing bites 
Walleye/Saugeye/Sauger Good 15-20 inches Walleye are preparing to spawn in the coming weeks.  Fish can be found shallow on rocky shorelines at night or staging offshore during the day. Jigs and plastics or crankbaits produce the most bites.
Catfish Good - Very Good up to 40lbs.

Blue Catfish can be caught near river channels and wind-blown shorelines. Cut bait is producing the most bites

Channel Catfish activity is increasing.  Nightcrawlers or cut bait are producing the most bites early in the season.  

Black Bass Fair 1-5 lbs Bass activity is slow, but will improve with increasing water temperatures 
Fisheries Newsletter     If you would like to receive additional information about this lake a couple of times a year, sign up for the newsletter at the following link http://kdwp.state.ks.us/news/KDWP-Info/News/Newsletter-Request-Forms/Request-a-Newsletter-for-the-Lawrence-Fishing-District
Saugeye     18 inch minimum length limit went into effect Jan. 1, 2023.  This change makes Saugeye, Sauger, and Walleye have the same regulations at Melvern Reservoir.
General Comments

Water Level: Current water level conditions can be found at:

https://www.nwk.usace.army.mil/Locations/District-Lakes/Melvern-Lake/Daily-Lake-Info-2/

Invasive Species: Melvern Reservoir has Zebra Mussels.  Remember to clean, drain, and dry your boat to prevent spread of Zebra Mussels to other waterbodies.