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. |