Melvern Reservoir Fishing Report - Updated: 4/16/24

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Crappie Good-Very Good up to 15 inches Crappie fishing has improved with increasing water temperatures.  Crappie will begin to come into the shallows to spawn.  Target coves with submerged timber and vegetation.  Small plastics or minnows are producing bites. 
White Bass Good up to 16 inches White Bass are spawning.  Target rivers and creeks upstream of the reservoir or on the dam.  Jig and plastics, spoons, or small crankbaits are producing bites  
Walleye/Saugeye/Sauger Good 15-20 inches Walleye are post-spawn and feeding.  Fish can be found on mudflats or near river channels in 10-20ft. Nightcrawlers rigged with bottom bouncers or jigs with plastics are producing bites. 
Catfish Good - Very Good up to 40lbs.
Blue Catfish can be caught near river channels and wind-blown shorelines. Cut shad is producing the most bites.

  

Black Bass Fair 1-5 lbs Bass activity is slow but has improved 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.