Fishing Reports

Kansas Regional Map

For up-to-date information, look up the fishing report for the lake of your choice. Field staff update the fishing reports each week through the fishing season, reporting on fishing success, lake levels, water temperatures, and other important information.

You also can get helpful information from the Fishing Forecast.

Below are links to Google .kmz files for all fish attractors statewide.

All statewide fish attractors' GPS (KMZ)

All artificial statewide fish attractors' GPS (PDF)

Listing of Downloadable Bathymetric Maps

Purchase Fishing License Here

Fishing reports provide general angling information from KDWPT staff. The department cannot update the reports on a regular, frequent basis. Many factors determine angling success, and fishing conditions and individual fishing success may vary from the report. Anglers are responsible for deciding what species to fish for, what methods to use, and where and when to fish. You can help fellow anglers by sharing successful fishing notes at http://www.facebook.com/kdwpt.

OTTAWA STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 3/18/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, Location
Largemouth Bass Fair to Good 12-18 inches Bass should be feeding heavily in preparation for the spawn in May. Fish can be caught around any aquatic vegetation, off the rocky jetties, and around the overhanging trees in the water. Fish can be caught use wacky worms, Senkos, Ned Rigs, spinnerbaits, roadrunners, and crankbaits.
Bluegill/Sunfish Good 5 to 7 Inches Look for bluegill around the rocks on the piers, flat shorelines, and around any brush in the water. Worms and small jigs are a good bet. These guys can be caught throughout the year using a variety of techniques. Some anglers prefer to fly fish with small nymphs or dry flies fished on the surface.
Channel Catfish Fair to Good 12-25 inches Fish can be caught just about anywhere on the lake. Anglers should try using shad sides, shad gizzards, shrimp, nightcrawlers, and chicken liver.  Targeting inflow is a popular method as the catfish will congregate there to feed. The shallow upper end is a great area to find big catfish on warm days.
Saugeye Fair 18-25 inches The best number of saugeye can be found on the upper end around the jetties and other rocky areas. Jig and crawler, large shiners, crankbaits, and swim baits are all good options to use for catching saugeye now. Anglers will also find some around the brush piles and off the ends of the jetties closest to the dam.
Crappie Good 8-15 inches Anglers should target the brush piles and other submerged structure with minnows and jigs. Focus on deeper structure like brushpiles and rocks during summer. Anglers are encouraged to harvest high numbers of crappie to help maintain a desirable level. Our recent sample indicated there are very high numbers of crappie in the lake now and anglers could have great success throughout the year. 
General Comments

Water Temperature--44ºF   

CAUTION: LONGER BOAT TRAILERS MAY FALL OFF EDGE OF BOAT RAMP WHEN WATER IS LOW



CEDAR BLUFF RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 2/9/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, Location
Black Bass Slow Up to 6 lbs. No Report.
Channel Catfish Slow Up to 12 lbs. No Report.
Crappie Good Up to 15 inches No Report
Walleye Fair Up to 28 inches No Report
White Bass/Wipers Good

Whites up to 17 inches

Wipers up to 13.5 lbs.

No Report

ICE REPORT-As of 2-9-2024, the is real close to ice free and all boat ramps are open.

WATER TEMPERATURE-35 degrees F

SURFACE ELEVATION- 2124.54 ft. above MSL-19.46 ft. below conservation pool

ATTENTION: An established zebra mussel population has been documented at this water making Cedar Bluff an ANS designated water.  With this designation, regulations are in effect primarily aimed at discouraging water containing microscopic zebra mussel larvae from leaving the property and establishing in new waters.  Any time one leaves the reservoir it is best to clean mud, vegetation, or attached zebra mussel adults off of boats and other equipment, drain any thing on a boat or other equipment that holds water, and allow boats and other equipment to dry completely before using them at another body of water.  It is now illegal to use wild-caught bait from Cedar Bluff at any other water.  Live fish are not to be taken off the property.  And all livewells and bilges must be drained prior to leaving the property.

It is illegal to release fish into public water unless it was taken from that water. So please discard any leftover bait in a trash can.



GLEN ELDER RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 3/18/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, Location
Crappie Fair 9-15 inches As the weather warms fish should be transitioning away from winter holding patterns. Points and channel breaks that allow fish to easily move in between shallow and deep water can be good targets. Try fishing deep brush piles and other hard structure. Prespawn fish should be feeding heavily in preparation for the spawn in April and May. Use minnows, jigs, spoons, or small crankbaits.  
Trout Good 10-15 inches

All trout will be stocked in the GLEN ELDER OUTLET this season due to low water levels in the state park pond. About 825 pounds of quality rainbows were stocked on March 4th. This is the last stocking of the season. Hatchery-raised trout can be targeted by a number of methods. Many anglers use traditional methods like fly fishing or small spinners, while some try corn, pellet feed, and even cheese. 

Please note the season change, and don't forget ALL anglers fishing in the Glen Elder outlet ARE REQUIRED to have a trout permit Dec. 1 through March 31st!

Walleye Fair to Good 11-25 inches Mid-March and early April is spawning season for Walleye. They head to rocky shorelines and dams to spawn at night. Try using lures with a lot of flash and vibration to illicit a reaction bite along these shorelines at night. During the day these fish should be staging in a nearby area. Look for nearby structure, river channels, or flats with baitfish. Fish that have already spawned will be looking to feed and recover. Walleye are often caught using jigging spoons, minnows, crankbaits, and spinners. 
Black Bass Good 12-20 inches As the water starts warming up, bass should be in a prespawn feeding mode.  Smallmouth tend to prefer harder, rockier bottoms, while Largemouth might be found on softer bottoms and weed beds. Don't overlook standing timber and brush piles. Look for areas that hold baitfish. Use a quarter ounce or an eighth ounce jig tipped with a minnow or baitfish imitation. You could also have success with hair jigs and jigging spoons. With a 21 inch length limit these Smallmouth are almost all sublegal so please handle them with extreme care and release them immediately after catching them. 
Catfish Good 15-35 inches

Channel Cats can be found almost anywhere in the lake. Targeting inflows can be successful after rains. Blue Cats tend to prefer deeper structure or windblown flats. Try river channel bends, old road beds, and submerged bridges. Fall sampling indicated good numbers of blues and channel catfish in the reservoir now. Best baits to use include cut bait, stinkbait, shad sides, shrimp, and nightcrawlers. 

Remember, there is a 35 inch length limit on blue catfish at Glen Elder.

White Bass Good to Excellent 11-18 inches White Bass and Wipers can be found chasing shad near brushpiles, river channels, drop offs, and other structure. Higher numbers of big whites tend to be caught west of the causeway. Look for drop-offs and points for suspended fish. Downwind shorelines can produce good numbers of actively feeding fish. Use a variety of jigs, spinners, or minnows to catch fish all year.  
Anglers can now find GPS locations for each of the brush piles located in the reservoir. Simply click on this link Good Fishing Spots and select the individual brush pile. As we enhance these brush piles throughout the year, we'll make a note under each individual location.

Current Water Temperature: 45ºF        Current Water Level: 4.7 feet low

Some boat ramps are unusable due to low water conditions. This currently includes Granite Creek, North Fork River, Carr Creek, and Walnut Creek. Boller Point ramp is very shallow but usable by shallow drafted vessels. Repairs to the face of the dam were completed in February 2023. Water levels should start to rise with rain. 



JEWELL STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 3/18/2024 Print

Species
Rating Size Baits, Method, Location
Crappie Fair to Good 9-11 inches Anglers should target the brush piles and other submerged structure with minnows and jigs. Anglers are encouraged to harvest high numbers of crappie to help maintain a desirable level. Our recent sample indicated there are very high numbers of crappie in the lake now and anglers could have great success throughout the year.
Largemouth Bass Good 12-22 inches

Fish can be caught around any aquatic vegetation, off the rocky jetties, and around the overhanging trees in the water. I would focus on submerged wood. The larger trunks that provide horizontal cover seem to hold bigger bass. Fish can be caught use wacky worms, Senkos, Ned Rigs, spinnerbaits, roadrunners, and crankbaits. 

There is an 18 inch minimum length limit on all bass in Jewell

Channel Catfish Good 11-25 inches

Fish can be caught just about anywhere on the lake. Anglers should try using shad sides, shad gizzards, shrimp, nightcrawlers, and chicken liver.  Targeting inflow is a popular method as the catfish will congregate there to feed. However, in the colder months catfish tend to congregate in deeper holes. 

Remember there is a 15 inch minimum length limit on channel catfish

Bluegill

Redear Sunfish

Good 6-9 inches Look for bluegill around the rocks on the piers and around any brush in the water. Worms and small jigs are a good bet.  These guys can be caught throughout the year using a variety of techniques.  Some anglers prefer to fly fish with small nymphs or dry flies fished on the surface.
General Comments
ATTENTION ANGLERS! There is a regulation for all sunfish species which began in January 2019. Fish between 6 and 9 inches must be immediately released. There is no limit on the number of fish less than 6 inches, but anglers are limited to only 5 fish greater than 9 inches per day. This applies to bluegill, redear sunfish, green sunfish, and their hybrids.

Water temperature: 45ºF 

Water level: 7.5 Feet Low



KANOPOLIS RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 2/29/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, and Location
Channel/Blue Catfish Good 16 - 21"

Fishing cut and prepared baits along the river channel from the south boat ramp all the way to buzzard bay. Try deeper catfish humps and structure near bluffs.

Remember there is a 35" minimum length limit on Blue Catfish at Kanopolis Reservoir.

Crappie Good 10 to 14+ inches Try deeper structure, brush piles, or the river channel with 1/16 oz. jigs and live minnows. 
Trout Good   The third trout stocking for the seep stream occurred on February 16th. 
Saugeye Good 14 - 22" Wind blown points and flats in the middle and lower ends of the reservoir are best. Also try shallow shoreline areas first thing in the morning.  Shad imitating swimbaits and jigs tipped with minnows or worms can be productive baits.
White Bass Fair All sizes - up to 17 inches Casting swimbaits, bucktail jigs, and Kastmaster spoons along wind blown points and areas near the river channel. Using slab spoons or live minnows is also producing some fish right now along brush piles and in the river channel. 
Wiper Fair All sizes Similar locations and baits as those used for white bass.
General Comment

Currently the south shore boat ramp is the only ramp in the water but due to the large sandbar at the end of the breakwater it is difficult to get most boats from the ramp and out of the cove.

Current lake elevation and water temperature is available on the location page linked to this fishing report. It is updated daily by the Corps of Engineers.

 



KEITH SEBELIUS RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 3/14/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, and Location
Crappie Fair 7 to 16 inches Did have reports of crappies being caught around the public fishing dock using jigs and jigs tipped with minnows prior to ice development.  
Saugeye/Walleye Fair 13 to 27 inches No Reports.  An 18" minimum length limit is in effect.
Wiper Good 10 to 28 inches Would recommend fishing for them around the east side of Leota Cove, Monkey Island and Concrete cove using jigs and swim baits.
Catfish Fair 10 to 30 inches Did hear of some catfish being caught up in the shallows using shad, gizzards, shrimp, or stink bait on the bottom.
Largemouth/Spotted Bass Good 10 to 20 inches Would recommend fishing up in the coves or along the Dam and Breakwater using crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and plastics. 
General Comments

WATER TEMPERATURE- 45°

SURFACE ELEVATION- 2295.21 ---- 9.09 feet below conservation pool

Currently, the water level is 4.08 feet higher than it was one year ago, at this time. 

Remember it is illegal to release any fish into public water unless it was taken from that water.  Please discard leftover bait in a trash can.



KIRWIN RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 3/14/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, and Location
Crappie Fair 7 to 17 inches No Reports because No boats allowed from October 1 to April 1, 2024.  Would recommend fishing the north and south shore fish attractors using jigs and jigs tipped with minnows when boats are allowed back on April 1.  Could also possibly catch some off the Dam using jigs and minnows.
Walleye Fair 10 to 29 inches No Reports.  However, walleye should be moving into the Dam to spawn. Therefore, should get those roadrunners and crankbaits out.
White Bass/ Wiper Good 10 to 28 inches No Reports. 
Catfish Fair 10 to 30 inches No Reports
Largemouth Bass Fair 12 to 22 inches No Reports
General Comments

WATER TEMPERATURE- 45°

SURFACE ELEVATION- 1720.83 ---- 8.42' below conservation pool

Currently, the water level is 3.14' lower than it was one year ago, at this time.  

The fish cleaning station is currently closed for the winter. A boat cleaning facility (CD3) has also been added by the fish cleaning station and should be turned on shortly.   

If you have any questions regarding Kirwin Reservoir and the surrounding public lands, contact the USFWS at 785-543-6673.  

Remember it is illegal to release any fish into public water unless it was taken from that water.  Please discard leftover bait in a trash can.

 



LOVEWELL RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 3/18/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, Location
Walleye Fair  16-25 inches

Mid-March to early April is usually spawning season for Walleye. These fish seek out rocky shorelines or dams to spawn on at night. Use lures with a lot of flash and vibration to illicit a reaction strike on these spawning fish. During the day these fish should be staging nearby. Post-spawn fish are often caught using jigging spoons, minnows, brightly colored lures, or nightcrawlers.

*KDWP stocked 3 million Walleye fry into Lovewell last April and 15,000 intermediates last fall. 

White Bass/Wipers Good

7-14 inches

15-25 inches

White Bass and Wipers will suspend on river channels, drop-offs, and deep brushpiles. Downwind shoreline will attract actively feeding fish. Look for schools of baitfish and these predators are probably nearby. Using a variety of jigs, spinners, or minnows can catch fish most of the year.

*600,000 wiper fry were stocked into Lovewell last May 

Crappie Fair 8-14 inches Try fishing deep brush piles and other hard structure. Use minnows or jigs as fish prepare to spawn in April or early May. Typically crappie will spawn in less the 10 feet of water. Look for places that hold baitfish and structure near these spawning areas as fish transition to the spawn. 
Catfish Good 16 to 38 inches

Fall sampling indicated good numbers of Channel Catfish, Blue Catfish, and Flathead Catfish. Best baits to use for Channel Catfish include stinkbait, shad gizzards, shad sides, shrimp, and nightcrawlers. Blue Catfish usually go for cut bait and Flatheads tend to prefer live bait. Anglers often report good spring catches of blue catfish near Walleye Point, Cedar Point, and Pawnee Point.

Remember there is a 35 inch minimum length limit on blue catfish in Lovewell.  All blue catfish less than 35 inches must be released immediately. 

Comments
Anglers can now find GPS coordinates, descriptions, and histories of some of the major brush piles in Lovewell. Simply follow this link Good Fishing Spots and select the individual brush pile to find out more information. More Georgia Cubes were added in April 2020! 

Current water temperature:  44ºF            Current water level:0.6 feet low 

Please discard of leftover bait in a trash can, even baitfish. Remember it is illegal to release any fish into public water unless it was taken from that water!



ROOKS STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 3/14/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, and Location
      CURRENT FISHING
Largemouth Bass Fair 6-21 inches No Reports.
Bluegill Fair 3-9 inches No Reports.
Catfish Fair 10-25 inches No Reports.
Black Crappie Fair 5-12 inches No Reports
General Comments

Water Temp. 47 Degrees

Lake is approx. eight to nine feet low.   



SHERIDAN STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 11/16/2023 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, and Location
Crappie Fair Up to 13 inches Vertically fishing white 1/16th oz. jigs off the dam and around the deeper fish attractors.
Largemouth Bass Fair Up to 5 lbs. Casting soft plastics along rocky shorelines and around laydown trees and brushpiles.    
Saugeye Fair Up to 3 lbs. Casting smaller sassy shads and other shad imitations along creek channel edges and along the face of the dam has been good for a few fish.
Bluegill Fair/Good Up to 8 inches Worms under a bobber around shallow brush and rock structure.
Channel Catfish Fair/Good Up to 18 inches. Still-fishing cut bait, shrimp, and prepared baits along edges of the old creek channel.  
Wiper Fair Up to 2 lbs. Vertically fishing small slab spoons.
Comments

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks has issued Sheridan State Fishing Lake be opened to public fish salvage effective 11/6/2023. 

The order is posted on signs around the lake.  It allows the public to collect fish by any legal methods as well as by hand, dip net, throw net, minnow trap or seine, snagging, gig, speargun, bow and arrow or crossbow with a barbed head and line attached from bow/crossbow to arrow per regulation 115-7-1.  This fish salvage order also removes all daily creel limits and size limits per regulation 115-25-14.  This public fish salvage will remain in effect until posted notice signage on site is removed.           

For more information contact Dave Spalsbury, District Fisheries Biologist at 785-726-3212.



WEBSTER RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 3/14/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, and Location
Crappie Fair 7 to 17 inches Did have reports of fish being caught on the maintained fish attractors. Would recommend fishing around the north and south shore breakwaters and fish attractors using jigs, slab spoons and jigs with minnows. 
Walleye Fair 14 to 28 inches Did have reports of some fish being caught. Would recommend fishing for them just outside the maintained fish attractors using jigs and slab spoons. They will also be coming into the Dam to spawn; therefore, it would be a good time to cast diving lures, roadrunners and curly tails around dawn and dusk.
White Bass/Wiper Fair 8 to 28 inches Did have reports of both species being caught around the north and south shore fish attractors and breakwaters using jigs and jigs tipped with minnow. Trolling diving lures could also be productive.
Catfish Fair 12 to 30 inches Did have reports of catfish being caught up in the shallows using shad, shrimp, gizzards, or stink baits on the bottom.
Largemouth Bass Fair 12 to 22 inches Did have reports of fish being caught around the maintained fish attractors.
General Comments

WATER TEMPERATURE- 45°

SURFACE ELEVATION- 1877.91 ---- 14.54' below conservation pool

The water level is 5.20' lower than it was one year ago at this time.  

Old Marina and Morel boat ramps are not usable; however, Rock Point, Goose Flats and Lakeview boat ramps are open at this time.  Fish cleaning station is currently closed for the winter.  A boat cleaning station (CD3) has also been added by the fish cleaning station and should be turned on shortly.

Remember it is illegal to release any fish into public water unless it was taken from that water. Please discard leftover bait in a trash can.



WILSON RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 2/29/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, Location
Striped Bass Fair 7-25 pounds No Reports. Larger fish are relating to deeper water near Lucas campground, mouth of Marshall Cove, Hell Creek and towards the dam. Try trolling crankbaits, casting/jigging large bucktail jigs, or drifting live shad or sunfish along channel breaks.
 Walleye Good 18-27 inches No Reports. Trolling or casting crankbaits and swimbaits over main lake points early morning or late evening are your best bets. 
Blue/Channel Catfish Good 2-20 pounds

Channel Catfish: Fish can be found from shallow to moderate depths. Try cut bait or dough bait thorough the reservoir.

Blue Catfish: scattered throughout the reservoir, try fresh cutbait in 6-30 feet of water on river channel swings or flats near these swings. 

Release all Blue Catfish between 32 - 40 inches. Two can be kept outside this range but only one can be kept over 40 inches.

White Bass Fair 12-18 inches, up to 3 pounds No Reports. Casting shad imitating swimbaits and bucktail jigs over windblown points and using slab spoons along the river channel.
Black Bass Good 12-20 inches No Reports. Soft plastics, spinnerbaits, and crankbaits around structure.
White Perch Poor 4 to 12 inches - IT IS ILLEGAL TO HAVE A WHITE PERCH ALIVE IN YOUR POSSESSION - IF YOU CATCH IT AND WANT TO KEEP IT - IT HAS TO BE DEAD IN A COOLER OR LIVEWELL. THEY ARE NO LONGER LEGAL AS LIVE BAIT FOR STRIPERS OR OTHER FISH!!!!!
General Comments

Lake Elevation = 2.41 feet below conservation pool.

We have two Aquatic Invasive Species - white perch and zebra mussels and have joined Cheney and El Dorado as lakes with both species. The law now says that if anyone leaves the lake with water in your livewell or boat, you are subject to a ticket for transporting Zebra Mussels since they will spawn and the microscopic little mussels will probably be in every drop of water in the lake. Make sure you drain all water from the boat before you leave the boat ramp area!!! We have been taking veliger samples and the samples were high so be sure to drain and dry everything!!!!!!



Fishing reports provide general angling information from KDWPT staff. The department cannot update the reports on a regular, frequent basis. Many factors determine angling success, and fishing conditions and individual fishing success may vary from the report. Anglers are responsible for deciding what species to fish for, what methods to use, and where and when to fish. You can help fellow anglers by sharing successful fishing notes at http://www.facebook.com/kdwpt.

ATCHISON STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 3/18/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Black Crappie  Fair up to 0.9 lbs For best luck, try a jig and minnow next to rocky areas along the shoreline or near brush piles. Fish are being caught deeper still. 
Bluegill  Fair to Good up to 0.5 lbs Bluegill can be caught with a nightcrawler under a bobber near brushpiles.
Channel Catfish Fair up to 7.7 lbs Channel catfish can be caught from shore using cut shad, dough balls, or chunks of worm. 
Largemouth Bass Fair to Good up to 2.0 lbs Spinnerbaits or plastics worked around brush piles and rocks.
Redear Sunfish Fair up to 0.75 lbs. Redear can be caught jigging a chunk of worm near shoreline structure.  
General Comments
If you have information that you would like to contribute to the fishing report contact Nick Kramer at nick.kramer@ks.gov



BROWN STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 3/18/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Black Crappie  Fair up to 1.0 lbs. A few crappie can be found by jigging over deeper brush piles along the dam or the brush in between jetties on the west side.
Bluegill  Fair - Good up to 0.3 lbs. Bluegill may be caught using a chunk of worm  and jigging it over brush piles.
Channel Catfish Fair to Good up to 5.5 lbs Catfish can be caught from shore using cut bait, dough baits, or chicken livers. 
Largemouth Bass Fair to Good up to 4.0 lbs. Spinnerbaits or plastics working the shallows, along the face of the dam and the brush piles.  
Redear Sunfish Fair up to 0.4 lbs. Redear may be caught using a chunk of worm near shoreline structure.
General Comments

We are working to establish some native aquatic vegetation at Brown SFL. The fences in the water are to protect the plants until they spread naturally. Please do not disturb the plantings.

If you have information that you would like to contribute to this fishing report, contact Nick Kramer at nick.kramer@ks.gov



CENTRALIA CITY LAKE - Last Updated: 2/28/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, Location
Channel Catfish Good  Up to 20 pounds The lake has maintained a great channel cat fishery for over ten years.  The 2023 fall sample recorded that the number of channel catfish continue to remain at a high level with fairly good numbers of fish over 20 inches. However, growth of channel catfish has slowed down due to the high numbers of smaller fish so I encourage you to harvest fish less than 24 inches. The creel limit at the lake is 10 channel catfish per day and there is no length based restrictions. Good luck.
White Bass Good 1/2 to 1 lb. The most recent fish sampling shows that the white bass population is doing well with the most fish over 12 inches ever recorded at the lake. The size structure is good with a bunch of fish from 11 to 12 inches long and 7% of the ones sampled were over 15 inches. The is no daily creel limit and some harvest would be good for the overall fishery.
Wiper Slow Up to 26" A low population of wipers are maintained with stockings of small fish to help manage the white bass and gizzard shad populations. Recent stockings have not had good survival and wiper numbers have since fallen (which explains the high numbers of white bass right now).  Wiper creel limit is 2 per day.  
Crappie Fair to Good 1/2 to 1 pound "Crappie aren't what they used to be" is what I frequently here from anglers about this lake. These statements are supported by my fish sampling data over the years as we are not near the highs maintained from 2013 to 2020 when crappie fishing was hot. Part of this is due to competition with much higher numbers of white bass (please feel free to harvest some of them) and partly due to a shift in the population from white crappie to the slower growing black crappie - in the 2023 sample 12% of black crappie were over 8 inches compared to 77% of the white crappie. I assume this will settle back in the next couple of years but either way I would still call this a good crappie lake and lots of them will probably be caught this year.   
Saugeye Fair 2 to 8 lbs. Saugeye are doing well. The fall 2023 fish sampling effort produced the most saugeye in 6 years. Of those fish collected, 20% were over the 18 inch minimum length limit, which is the lowest percentage recorded in 15 years. However, 49% of the fish were 15 to 18 inches long so there are a bunch of upcomers in the system.  Should be another decent year fishing for them.
Largemouth Bass Slow  1/2 to 5 pounds Bass numbers are improving but would still be considered an overall low population.  However, the fish in the lake are big and we saw surprisingly high numbers of 5 pound fish last year.  Best places are the rock piers, standing timber and around the West boat ramp. Bass are covered by an 18 inch minimum length limit.
General Comments
Centralia Lake is a 400 acre lake that is noted for good channel cat, saugeye and crappie fishing. The lake facilities include multiple ramps, picnic tables, plenty of camping pads and many sites with electricity. Centralia is enrolled in the CFAP program, which means a City permit is not required for fishing visits. Perry Reservoir has zebra mussels and with Centralia Lake being close it is at high risk. Please, always clean your boat when moving to different water bodies.



CLINTON RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 3/7/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, and Location

Zebra Mussels are present at Clinton Reservoir

Be sure to CLEAN, DRAIN and DRY all equipment that comes in contact with the water to keep from spreading them to another lake.

Current Fishing Conditions
Blue Catfish Good-Very Good Up to 40 lbs Blue Catfish can be caught near river channels and wind-blown shorelines. Cut bait is producing the most bites.
Walleye/Saugeye/Sauger Good 14-18 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. 
Crappie Good-Fair up to 15 inches Crappie fishing has been good throughout the winter.  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. 
Channel Catfish Good 0.5-5 lbs Channel Catfish activity is increasing.  Nightcrawlers or cut bait are producing the most bites early in the season.  
White bass/Wiper Good 0.5-10 lbs White Bass and Wiper 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  
Largemouth/Smallmouth Bass Fair 1-5 lbs Bass activity is slow, but will improve with increasing water temperatures 
District Newsletter     If you want to keep up with what is going on with Clinton Reservoir (including GPS coordinates to any newly placed brush piles) and other lakes in DG, SN, and OS Counties sign up for the Lawrence District Newsletter by clicking this link: http://kdwp.state.ks.us/news/KDWP-Info/News/Newsletter-Request-Forms/Request-a-Newsletter-for-the-Larkwrence-Fishing-District
General Comments

Spillway to Wakarusa River (below Clinton Dam):

Few reports.  Discharge has remained low.  Please properly dispose of Invasive Carp. Do not release fish alive or transport live Invasive Carp.

Water Level and Discharge:  The most recent water level conditions can be found at the following website: 

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

Invasive Species:

Be sure to Clean, Drain, and Dry your boat when you leave to prevent the spread of Zebra mussels. Do not transport live bait captured from Clinton Reservoir.

Fish Habitat:

20 Crappie jacks were placed near Bloomington West Park and should provide good habitat for shore fishing.



DOUGLAS COUNTY-LONE STAR LAKE - Last Updated: 3/7/2024 Print

Fisheries Newsletter     If you want to keep up with fisheries developments at Lonestar (including GPS coordinates for any newly placed brush piles), sign up for the Lawrence District Newletter at the following link: http://kdwp.state.ks.us/news/KDWP-Info/News/Newsletter-Request-Forms/Request-a-Newsletter-for-the-Lawrence-Fishing-District
Channel Catfish Good  0.5-6 lbs Channel Catfish activity is increasing.  Nightcrawlers or cut bait are producing the most bites early in the season.  
Largemouth Bass Fair 0.5-5 lbs Bass activity is slow, but will improve with increasing water temperatures 
Bluegill/Redear Sunfish Fair Up to 10 inches Bluegill activity is slow, but will improve with increasing water temperatures
Crappie Good-Fair up to 12 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 using minnows or small plastics. 
General Comments

Invasive Species:  Lonestar Lake has Eurasian Water-Milfoil.  Please remove aquatic vegetation from all watercraft before transporting. 

Brush piles were placed at the following location on 6/22/22:

2 west side of dam (~13ft): N 38 50.370',  W 95 22.964'2 north west cove (~12 ft): N 38 50.348', W 95 22.947'4 east side of dam(~14ft): N 38 50.418', W 95 22.647'2 Big tree east cove near boat ramp (~12 ft): N 38 50.122', W 95 22.632'41 east point near boat ramp (~20ft): N 38 50.155', W 95 22.693'

Crappie Jacks were placed around the new ADA access dock on 9/21/22 



DOUGLAS STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 3/7/2024 Print

 Species Rating Size Baits, Method, and Location
Channel catfish Good 0.5-5 lbs Channel Catfish activity is increasing.  Nightcrawlers or cut bait are producing the most bites early in the season.  
Largemouth Bass Fair 0.5-5 lbs Bass activity is slow, but will improve with increasing water temperatures 
Bluegill/Redear Sunfish Fair Up to 10 inches Bluegill activity is slow, but will improve with increasing water temperatures
Crappie Good-Fair up to 12 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. 
Fisheries Newsletter     If you want to keep up with what's going on at Douglas State Fishing Lake sign up for the Lawrence District 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
General Comments
 



GARDNER CITY LAKE - Last Updated: 2/29/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Bluegill Good Up to 8 inches Livebait under a bobber or soft plastics fished slowly in deeper water
Channel Catfish Good Up to 14 lb. Channel catfish can be taken now on a variety of live or prepared baits.  
Crappie Fair Up to 12 inches Look for pockets of deeper water with structure.  Fish should be suspended in 10-15 feet of water. Small soft plastics and maribou jigs in a variety of colors.  
Largemouth Bass Good Up to 4 lbs Slow moving jerk baits and square bill crank baits fished with long pauses should be effective in the cold water temperatures
White Bass slow 14 to 17 inches White bass can be taken in open water on baitfish imitation lures.  
General Comments
 



GEARY STATE FISHING REPORT - Last Updated: 3/12/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Crappie Fair   near brush/rock drop offs and channel ledges 10 ft deep on jigs, minnows, and spinners
Catfish Fair   near wind blown flats on cut bait and worms
Saugeye Fair   near dam and rock points on jigs, worms, and crankbaits
Black bass Slow/Fair   near rock and brush on jigs and crankbaits
Bluegill Slow/Fair   on small jigs and worms in coves and near brush
General Comments

This deep clear lake offers a diverse fishery. Best for 2024 should be for saugeye, crappie, and largemouth bass.

WARNING..ZEBRA MUSSELS PRESENT!!!



HERINGTON CITY LAKE (NEW) - Last Updated: 3/12/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Catfish Fair   near wind blown flats and creeks on cut bait and worms
Crappie Fair   near points, brush, and rock 10ft deep on jigs and minnows
Walleye Fair   along the dam and edges of flats and points on jigs, worms, and spoons
White Bass/Wipers Fair   along creeks, dam and points on spinners, jigs, and crankbaits
General Comments
This lake provides a diverse fishery, but best in 2024 should be crappie, wiper, and white bass.



HERINGTON CITY LAKE (OLD) - Last Updated: 3/12/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Catfish Fair   near wind blown flats and creeks on cut bait and worms
Crappie Fair   near brush and rock 5ft deep on jigs and minnows
Largemouth Bass Slow/Fair    
Bluegill Slow/Fair   near brush/rock 5ft deep on jigs and worms
White Bass Fair   along creeks and dam on spinners and crankbaits
General Comments

This shallow lake has the best fishing for crappie and channel catfish.

Blue-Green Algae: Current advisories and warnings are listed here: https://www.kdheks.gov/algae-illness/index.htm



HILLSDALE RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 2/29/2024 Print

Species  Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Walleye Fair  Up to 9 lbs. Fish deeper water structure with slow moving baits.  Look for walleye to move up onto shallow rocky habitat near the dam and bridges as they prepare to spawn.
Crappie Good Up to 13 inches Fish near structure with a variety of small jigs.  Fish should be suspended in deeper water.
White Bass Fair Up to 2 lbs. Target white bass off wind blown points. Jigs and shad imitation lures are the best baits right now. 

Largemouth

Bass 

Slow Up to 4 lbs. Target shallow water structure and rocky structure.  Slow moving jerk baits and crank baits are producing some bites.
Newsletter Good 4 pages Click the following link to sign up for the newsletter http://kdwp.state.ks.us/news/KDWP-Info/News/Newsletter-Request-Forms/Request-a-Newsletter-for-the-Kansas-City-Fishing-District
Channel Catfish Fair Up to 10 lbs. Channel catfish can be taken on a variety of baits lakewide using prepared or live baits. Target creek mouths the day after a rain. Fish shallows as water continues to warm.    
General Comments

WATER LEVEL: As of February 29 the water level is .1 feet below conservation pool. You can check current water conditions at http://www.nwk.usace.army.mil/Locations/DistrictLakes/HillsdaleLake/DailyLakeInformation.aspx

Zebra mussel infestation has been confirmed at Hillsdale Reservoir.  As of 6/17/16 the lake has been designated an Aquatic Nuisance Species water. Fish may not be transported alive from ANS designated waters.  Please remember to CLEAN, DRAIN, and DRY your boats and equipment before using another waterbody.  Dispose of all bait on dry land.  Please search ksoutdoors.com for more information about zebra mussels.       

  



HOLTON - BANNER CREEK - Last Updated: 3/18/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Lake Contour Map Pretty Good 8.5"x11" Color Banner Creek has been mapped by the Kansas Biological Survey and there is a map available at Contour Map
Black Crappie Fair up to 1.25 lbs. Some crappie can be caught by targeting brush in the 10-20 foot range.
Bluegill Fair up to 0.5 lbs. Bluegill can be caught over brush piles or near rock using chunks of worm or small jigs. 
Channel Catfish Fair to Good up to 12.5 lbs. Catfish can be caught from shore using cut bait, stink bait, or livers. Many fish are up shallow right now.
Largemouth Bass Fair up to 3.5 lbs. Crankbaits, spinners or plastics along the shoreline, rip rap and structure. 
Walleye/ Sauger Slow to Fair

Walleye up to 6.25 lbs.

Sauger up to 2 lbs.

Some anglers are having luck catching Walleye along the dam or off of submerged humps. Others have targeted these fish trolling along the creek channel in the mid-part of the lake. 
White Bass Fair up to 2.5 lbs. Cast a jig along the rocks or along the dam to target them. Some anglers have been catching a good number of nice sized fish. 
General Comments

We will be conducting a creel survey at Banner Creek between March 1 and October 31, 2024. You may be approached by creel clerk and asked about your catch.

If you would like to contribute to this fishing report, contact Nick Kramer at nick.kramer@ks.gov

The locations of fish habitat placed in this lake can be found here



JEFFREY ENERGY CENTER - MAKE-UP LAKE - Last Updated: 2/28/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, and Location
Black Bass Slow  1 to 5 pounds The lake has traditionally had a good smallmouth bass population, but the current population abundance is well below the historical norm.  Hopefully, the population rebounds in the near future.  The corners of the dam and along the East bank are the best places for smallmouth.  The lake has very few largemouth bass.  
Crappie Fair 1/2 to 1 pound Modest numbers of crappie with 24% 10 inches or bigger.  There is a brushpile just south of the fishing dock.
Catfish Fair to Good 1/2 to 6 pounds The lake has supported a good channel catfish harvest rate through the years.  The southwest corner of the lake and the northern 2 coves tend to be good spots.  The lake has a low level blue catfish population with most below 20 inches.  The lake is home to some big flathead. If the inlet is flowing, then good fishing can be found there for all three species.  
Walleye and Sauger Fair 1 to 5 pounds The 2023 fall gill netting and electrofishing samples show the number of walleye is below normal yet most of them are over the 15-inch minimum length limit. Sauger were introduced into the lake in 2021 and have done well so far.  The 2023 data shows sauger are already out performing walleye in this lake and growing quickly with 65% exceeding the 15-inch minimum length limit. The two species (walleye & sauger) are combined in KS regulations and an angler can harvest a combined total of 2 per day at the Jeffrey Lakes.    
White Bass Fair 1/2 to 2 pounds White bass numbers are suppressed for the second year in a row and fishing success in 2024 will likely not meet the highs this lake is known for.  
Wipers Fair Up to 12 pounds Wiper numbers are below normal with 69% of the fish collected last fall were less than 20 inches. 
General Comments

Anglers need to check into the Jeffrey Energy Center Guard House located north of St. Mary's, then west off K-63 Hwy.  You can call the Guard House to check on availability at (785) 456-6149.  The Jeffrey Energy Center allows 30 anglers to fish at any one time.  If the inlet is flowing, then good fishing can usually be found there.   

Make-Up Lake has zebra mussels which makes the lake designated as a Aquatic Nuisance Species water.  It is illegal to transport alive fish from ANS designated waters. To help prevent the spread of invasive species, please CLEAN, DRAIN & DRY all equipment when changing water bodies and dump your bait.



JEFFREY ENERGY CENTER AUX. LAKE - Last Updated: 2/28/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, and Location
Lake Closed     Auxiliary Lake is closed to fishing until March 15th
Black Bass Fair 1 to 4 lbs

The smallmouth bass population is recovering from a surprising collapse 5 years ago. Numbers of smallmouth have been on the rise but still below the historical norm.  The dam is a great spot to start looking for smallmouth.   

The lake has maintained a moderate to low level largemouth bass population through the years.  The 2023 sample shows the population has regressed and would be considered a poor fishery for the immediate future.  The East bank, South cove, and around the island are usually the best largemouth spots.

White Bass Fair Up to 3 lbs The lake has been maintaining a great white bass fishery but the recent sample shows that their abundance has fallen down to modest numbers with most of the fish being young & small.    
Wiper Fair Up to 12 lbs The 2023 wiper numbers are well above average due to high survival from the 2022 stocking. The majority are still small with 71% of the fish collected in October of 2023 were less than 16-inches. Fair numbers of bigger wiper are available with 13% from 16" to 20" and 16% from 20" to 24".
Walleye and Sauger Fair Up to 5 lbs Walleye are maintained through regular stockings and the current population is slightly above average with 83% of the walleye collected being 15 inches or larger. The lake is also home to an emerging sauger population that is growing quickly with 34% of the sauger collected in fall of 2023 were over 15 inches. Walleye and sauger are grouped together in KS regulations and a total of 2 per day can be harvested at the Jeffrey Lakes if they are over the 15-inch minimum length limit.  
Crappie Fair Up to 1.5 lbs Crappie numbers have never been robust at this lake but they have been doing better the last few years. The most recent sample had an excellent size structure as 34% was over 12 inches.  There is some habitat cubes along the dock and a big brush pile along the point just North of the boat ramp.  
General Comments

Auxiliary Lake is closed to fishing until March 15th

Anglers need to check into the Jeffrey Energy Center Guard House located north of St. Mary's, then west off K-63 Hwy.  You can call the Guard House to check on availability at (785) 456-6149.  The Jeffrey Energy Center allows 30 anglers to fish at any one time. 

Auxiliary Lake has zebra mussels which makes the lake designated as a Aquatic Nuisance Species water. Fish may not be transported alive from ANS designated waters. To help prevent the spread of invasive species, please CLEAN, DRAIN & DRY all equipment when changing water bodies and dump your bait.



LAKE SHAWNEE - Last Updated: 3/7/2024 Print

Fisheries Newsletter     If you want to keep up with what's going on at Lake Shawnee (including GPS coordinates for any new brush piles placed into the lake) sign up for the Lawrence District 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
Zebra Mussels were found in Lake Shawnee during the summer of 2013. Lake users should Clean, Drain, and Dry boats, trailers, and any equipment that comes in contact with the water to keep from moving zebra mussels elsewhere.
Bluegill Fair Up to 10 inches Bluegill activity is slow, but will improve with increasing water temperatures 
Channel Catfish Good 0.5-10 lbs Channel Catfish activity is increasing.  Nightcrawlers or cut bait are producing the most bites early in the season.  
Black Bass Fair Up to 5 lbs. Bass activity is slow, but will improve with increasing water temperatures 
White Bass/Wiper Good up to 5lbs. White Bass and Wiper 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 
Crappie Good-Fair .5 - 1lbs 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. .
Trout Very Good up to 5lbs Trout can be caught on powerbait, spoons, or rooster tails.  Trout Season will run from December 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024.  A trout license is required to possess trout during the trout season. After March 31, anyone with a valid fishing license may harvest up to 5 trout/day. 
General Comments

Urban Catfish stocking.  Catchable sized Channel Catfish will be stocked in March, April, May, and September.  

On March 14th, the following ponds will be stocked with catchable-sized Channel Catfish.

Governor's Ponds, West Lake (Gage Park), Central Park, Shawnee Jr., Horseshoe Bend, Clarion Park, Shawnee State Fishing Lake.

20 cedar tree brush piles were submerged to provide fish habitat.  



LEAVENWORTH STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 3/18/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Invasive Species Alert Not Good   Brittle Naiad has been found near the boat ramp. Please inspect your boat and trailer before leaving to ensure you are not transporting this invasive plant.
Largemouth Bass Fair to Good up to 2.5 lbs Bass are being caught by anglers using jigs or plastics along the shoreline and in & around brush piles, rip-rap, and fallen trees.  
Channel Catfish Fair to Good up to 2.5 lbs Channel Catfish may be taken occasionally from shore using cut bait or livers. From a boat, some catfish can be found near brush piles.
Flathead Catfish Fair to Good up to 30 lbs This lake has a decent number of Flathead Catfish. They can be caught using a small sunfish along the dam or other rocky areas.
Bluegill Fair up to 0.4 lbs Bluegill can be caught using a chunk of worm jigged over brush piles and weed beds.
Crappie Slow to Fair up to 1.25 lbs Some crappie have been caught by anglers jigging minnows off points in 15-20 feet of water. 
Redear Sunfish Slow to Fair up to 0.75 lbs This lake has a good population of shellcrackers. Redear can be caught using a small chunk of worm near brushpiles and shoreline habitat. Best luck would come from a boat or kayak in the coves further up each of the arms. 
General Comments

The locations of brushpiles and artificial habitat can be found here.

If you have information that you would like to contribute to this fishing report, contact Nick Kramer at nick.kramer@ks.gov. 

Special note: The lake has non-native aquatic plants! Please inspect your trailer and fishing gear before leaving the lake to ensure you are not transporting these plants to any other lakes.    

Please pick up and take home any trash that you may have brought with you.                                                                                                                                                           



LOUISBURG-MIDDLE CREEK SFL - Last Updated: 2/29/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Channel Catfish Fair 1/2 to 11 lbs. Channel catfish can be taken right now on a variety of baits lake-wide. Target deep water   
Flathead Catfish Slow Most 4-10lbs. But some up to 30lbs. Target structure and vegetation edges with live bait. Boulders south of the dam also hold some flathead catfish.  Drifting cut bait or live bait along the dam may produce fish.  
Crappie Good  Up to 12 inches Minnows and jigs are producing the most fish right now. Majority of the population is 8-10 inches, but some nicer ones can be found. Target slightly deeper structure throughout the lake.  Tree structure varies from 5-30 feet. 
Saugeye Fair Up to 3 lbs. Saugeye are being caught near submerged roadbed and flats adjacent to the dam. Slow moving worm rigs on deep water shelfs as well. 
Largemouth Bass Fair Up to 3 lbs. Largemouth can be taken on jerk baits, crank baits, and glide baits fished slowly with intermittent pauses.   
Wiper/White Bass Fair Up to 4 lbs. Crankbaits and shad imitation baits fished near submerged road also target near schools of gizzard shad.  
General Comments
 



MIAMI STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 2/29/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Largemouth Bass Good 0.5-6 lbs Slow moving jerk baits, crank baits, and glide baits near rocky habitat and submerged brush. 
Bluegill Good Up to 0.33 lbs Jigs or worms fished near shoreline structure.
Channel Cat Fair 1-10 lbs Channel cats can be taken now on a variety of live or prepared baits lakewide. 
Crappie Fair Up to 13 inches Crappie can be taken using a variety of jigs and small swim baits.  Target deepest water off the end of the piers.
White Bass Slow 14-17 inches White bass can be taken on shad imitation lures and white marabou jigs.   
General Comments
The curly-leaf pondweed has died off and the lake has cleared up.  Shoreline access should be back to normal.



MILFORD RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 3/12/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, Location
Catfish Good  

Channel catfish can be caught on cut bait, worms, and stink bait. Blue catfish are typically caught on fresh cut bait. Target wind blown flats and river channel ledges for catfish. 

LOOK FOR RECENTLY TAGGED BLUE CATS!!!

Blue Catfish...all between 25"-40" must be released...creel limit is 5, but only 1 can be 40" or longer

Crappie Fair   10-20ft deep suspended near points, flooded brush, and ledges on jigs and minnows
Walleye Fair  

Target rocky or wind-swept mud banks or along dam with jigs, crankbaits, or bottom bouncers w/ worms

21" minimum length limit, 2/day creel limit.

White Bass/Wipers Fair  

Target windy banks and points using jigs on reservoir 

Wiper creel limit is 5/day

Smallmouth Bass Slow/Fair    
Largemouth Bass Slow/Fair    
Outlet Slow/Fair   Catfish on cut bait; walleye, white bass, and wipers on jigs. 
General Comments
Wiper...creel limit is 5/day

Blue Catfish...all between 25"-40" must be released...creel limit is 5, but only 1 can be 40" or longer

CAUTION: DO NOT TRANSFER LIVE BAIT FROM ONE BODY OF WATER TO ANOTHER!!! ALONG WITH ZEBRA MUSSEL INFESTATION, INVASIVE CARP ARE IN DRAINAGES ASSOCIATED WITH THE KANSAS RIVER AND CAN EASILY BE MISTAKEN FOR SHAD!!!

Blue-Green Algae: Current information listed here: https://www.kdheks.gov/algae-illness/index.htm

Sign up for the most recent Milford district fisheries newsletter today!

Daily water info Daily Lake Information 



NEBO STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 3/18/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Bluegill Slow to Fair up to 0.3 lbs. Bluegill can be caught using a small chunk of worm or small ice jigs over brush piles
Channel Catfish Fair to Good up to 5.0 lbs Channel catfish can still be caught using worms, cut shad, or doughballs.
Largemouth Bass Fair to Good up to 7.0 lbs The lake contains a nice population of larger fish for a small State Fishing Lake. They can be caught using spinnerbaits, plastics, or crankbaits around the brush piles. 
White/ Black Crappie Fair up to 1.0 lbs. Tube jig or minnow along shoreline and around the brush piles. Water is dirty so choose baits that will make a lot of noise both in color and in sound. Best luck would come near the islands on the north shore.
 Comments
If you have information that you would like to contribute to this fishing report, contact Nick Kramer at nick.kramer@ks.gov.



OLATHE - LAKE OLATHE - Last Updated: 2/29/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Bluegill Good Up to 8 inches Nightcrawler under a bobber fished near deeper structure.
Channel Catfish Fair Up to 5 lbs. Channel catfish are being taken on live and cut baits. Target deep water as the water begins to warm.    
Largemouth Bass Good Up to 6 lb. Largemouth bass can be caught using slow moving jerk baits, glide baits, and crank baits.  Target rocky substrate and submerged brush.   
Saugeye Fair Up to 4 lbs. Slow moving jigs and worm presentations on deep water humps. 
Wiper Slow Up to 11 lbs. Use shad imitation baits and find bait fish near drop-offs.  
White Crappie Good Most fish around 7 inches, but some are greater than 10 inches. Jigs or minnows fished near brushpiles. Crappies will be in deeper water. 
General Comments

Caution!!! Asian Carp have made their way up stream to below Lake Olathe dam.

Remember it is illegal to move fish from below dam to above the dam or use fish captured below dam for bait above the dam.  



PAOLA CITY LAKE - LAKE MIOLA - Last Updated: 2/29/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Largemouth Bass Good 0.5-5 lbs Crank baits, jerk baits, and glide baits fished slowly with intermittent pauses on the dam and near submerged structure. 
Channel Catfish Good  0.5-6 lbs Channel catfish can be caught lakewide on live or prepared bait. Larger fish should be in deeper water near the dam.
Crappie Good 0.5-1 lbs Minnows and jigs are catching fish right now. Crappie are in deeper water, near submerged vegetation. 
Saugeye Fair Up to 22 inches Saugeye can be found drifting or trolling on deep structure with nightcrawler or crawler harnesses.  
Wiper  Slow Up to 24 inches Use shad imitation baits fished near main lake points.
Bluegill and Redear Sunfish Fair Up to 10 inches Use piece of nightcrawler or small jig and bobber at vegetation edges and rocky structures to target the panfish. 
 
General Comments

Zebra mussels have been found at Paola City Lake (Lake Miola). The lake has been designated as an Aquatic Nuisance Species water. Fish may not be transported alive from ANS designated waters. To help prevent the spread of invasive species, please CLEAN, DRAIN & DRY all equipment when changing water bodies and dump your bait.

More brushpiles were added again on 3/17/20. Some new brushpiles were created and some brush was added to some of the existing 2018/19 structures. Many of the new brushpiles can also be accessed by casting from the shore. 

GPS Coordinate locations for all brushpiles. 

N 38.58540, W 094.84338

N 38.58954, W 094.84549 

N 38.58493, W 094.84037

N 38.59411, W 094.84538

N 38.58334, W 094.84544

N 38.58928, W 094.85039

N 38.58596, W 094.84532



PERRY RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 3/18/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Zebra Mussels Invasive! up to 3/4" Since the infestation was discovered in Oct. of 2007 these mussels have spread throughout the lake. It's up to all of us to make sure these are not spread to other area lakes, Clean-Drain-Dry everything that is taken out of Perry. Please do not move water from Perry Reservoir.
Channel Catfish Good up to 10.0 lbs Try targeting larger rocky shorelines or adjacent mudflats with nightcrawlers and cutbait.
Sauger Slow up to 2.6 lbs. There are good numbers in the reservoir but few are above the protective 18" minimum length limit.  Try trolling crankbaits or lindy rigs along the dam. Casting a jig or crankbait in areas under a light may produce some fish during the night. 

Largemouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass

Fair

Fair

up to 5.0 lbs.

up to 5.0 lbs.

Try casting crankbaits and spinner jigs near fallen trees along the shoreline. 
White Bass Fair up to 1.5 lbs. White Bass can be caught using any bait resembling a shad or even from crappie jigs. These fish can be caught breaking up schools of shad near the surface
White Crappie  Slow to Fair up to 1.5 lbs. Some crappie may start moving shallow with warming temperatures while others are still holding deep. Fish can be caught anywhere from shallow to 15 feet deep.
Blue Catfish  Fair  up to 25.0 lbs.

A few nice fish in the 35 inch length limit range can be caught, but many fish are below the length limit. Remember blue cats look similar to channel catfish, so be careful with identification.  

There are several hundred Blue Catfish tagged with a small metal tag on the top of their gill plate as part of a population study. The majority of these fish are less than 35" and should be released. If you do harvest a tagged fish greater than 35" please report your tag number to nick.kramer@ks.gov. 

Comments

For current lake elevation, inflow, and outflow click here and for the lake forecast click here

If you would like to place habitat in Perry Reservoir or contribute to the fishing report, please contact the Fish Biologist, Nick, at nick.kramer@ks.gov to obtain a permit. 

The locations of all known fish habitat can be found here.

This is a generic report and will be updated as information becomes available.



POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY LAKE - Last Updated: 2/28/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, and Location
Black Crappie Fair 1/3 to 1 lb. Moderate numbers of crappie.
Bluegill Fair to Good 6 to 10 inches The lake has a nice bluegill population.
Channel Catfish Fair 1/2 to 6 lbs. The lake contains good numbers of catfish for a small lake.  
Largemouth Bass Good 1/2 to 4 lbs. The lake has been maintaining a great largemouth bass population, however the 2023 sample showed a recent regression in overall bass numbers.  Bass 13 to 18 inches long are protected at this lake.
General Comments
This small 49 acre lake is located in northeast Pott. County. The fishing conditions are very similar to that of a large farm pond. The lake is noted for good catch and release largemouth bass fishing due to the abundance of the species.



POTTAWATOMIE STATE FISHING LAKE NO. 1 - Last Updated: 2/28/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, and Location
Bluegill Fair  Up to 9 inches The bluegill population offers good numbers of 6 to 8 inch fish.  Great place to take a kid with worms and a bobber.  
Channel Catfish Slow 3/4 to 5 pounds The lake has a low level catfish population.
Crappie Fair 1/2 to 1 pound Crappie abundance has been stable the last few years with most 8 to 10 inches long.  
Largemouth Bass Fair 1/2 to 5 pounds The lake is known for being a good spot for catch and release bass fishing.  The 2023 annual sampling effort showed that the lake continues to provide a great largemouth bass fishery.  Abundance was at a six year high and the size structure was decent with 25% of the fish over 12 inches.  You can catch them pretty much anywhere at this lake.
General Comments
This small 24 acre lake is similar to pond fishing. The lake is known for catch and release of largemouth bass and harvest of nice bluegill. The lake's channel catfish are protected by a 15 inch minimum length limit.



POTTAWATOMIE STATE FISHING LAKE NO. 2 - Last Updated: 2/28/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, and Location
Black Bass Fair  1/2 to 4 pounds The 2023 sample records that the black bass population has been holding steady for some time now, with good numbers of largemouth bass and a moderate smallmouth bass population.  
Channel Catfish Fair  3/4 to 5 pounds The lake is in the Urban Stocking Program which provides regular stockings of 12 to 18 inch channel catfish. The lake received five stockings in 2023 for a total of 3,800 channel catfish. Best baits tend to be worms or commercial catfish baits. Channel catfish creel at the lake is 5 per day.  
Crappie Fair  1/4 to 1 pound The lake has supported a decent crappie population through time.  The current population is doing ok with slightly below average numbers of fish over 10 inches and a few really big crappie as well.  There is some habitat structures just out from the boat ramp dock and under the buoy.  
Bluegill and Redear Sunfish Fair less than pound The lake has struggled to grow sunfish to a size large enough that anglers want to keep for frying.  The population receives high angling pressure from both panfish anglers and from anglers targeting sunfish to use for catfish bait.  To hopefully continue to please both angler bases and help increase the overall size structure of sunfish, the lake is being implemented with a special sunfish regulation starting in 2019.  This new slot limit requires the release of sunfish species from 6 to 9 inches.  The creel limit of fish over 9 inches is five per day and there is still unlimited daily harvest of fish less than 6 inches.  This regulation change will be evaluated over time to verify if it will continue into the future.
General Comments
Pott. # 2 is noted for family outings, scenic views, catch and release bass fishing, harvest of small crappie and channel catfish. 



ROCKY FORD FISHING AREA - Last Updated: 2/28/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, and Location
Catfish Fair 1 to 20+ pounds

Fishing for all three species of cats can be good below Rocky Ford dam. Channel can be caught on worms, cut bait or prepared bait.  Flathead can be taken on live bait or lures. Blue catfish are usually caught on fresh cut bait.  

Please check any blue catfish for a yellow or orange tag in its back as we have been tagging some to collect more information on the species in Tuttle Creek Lake and the Big Blue River.  Feel free to harvest or release the fish, but please report the tag number and the general location of the catch to (620) 342-0658 or ely.sprenkle@ks.gov   A big THANK YOU to all who report their catch!

White Bass and Wipers Fair  1/2 to 8 pounds Is a good spot for white bass and wipers.  Jigs or crankbaits.
Drum Fair 1/2 to 5 lbs. Drum are an abundant species at Rocky Ford and can be caught on worms, minnows, and jigs. 
Saugeye Fair  3/4 to 5 pounds A few saugeye always being caught below the dam and is one of the best places around to catch them.  Brightly colored jigs, swimbaits, crankbaits or jerkbaits.  Fair numbers of 14 to 16 inch saugeye.  There is no length based regulations at Rocky Ford for saugeye or walleye.
General Comments

Rocky Ford , a river fishery, is located just south of the Tuttle Creek Dam on the Big Blue River. Anglers have the opportunity to harvest fishes generally associated with moving water. Saugeye, white bass, the catfishes, drum, crappie and carp can be harvested. Angler access and success is affected by release rates from the nearby Tuttle Creek Reservoir. You can check current conditions HERE 

Tuttle Creek Lake has zebra mussels and makes the lake, the River Pond, and Rocky Ford designated as Aquatic Nuisance Species waters. Fish may not be transported alive from ANS designated waters. To help prevent the spread of invasive species, please CLEAN, DRAIN & DRY all equipment when changing water bodies, do not move fish and dump your bait.



SABETHA PONY CREEK - Last Updated: 3/18/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Black Crappie Good up to 1.5 lbs Fish have moved back off shore and can be found jigging around the plentiful standing timber.
Bluegill Fair to Good up to 0.5 lbs Bluegill may be caught using a chunk of worm or a small jig over brush piles.
Channel Catfish Fair to Good up to 17.0 lbs There are some nice sized Channel Catfish in this impoundment. They can be caught from shore using cut bait or livers 
Largemouth Bass Fair to Good up to 5.0 lbs. Best success for bass is coming by using soft plastic worms near structure in 3-10 ft or water or just off of the many ledges. 
Walleye Slow to Fair up to 5.5 lbs. Walleye may be found along the dam and off of points.
Wiper  Great up to 7.5 lbs. Wipers may be caught by fishing along points in the lake using any lure that resembles a shad. Luck could also be had by trolling along the dam and open areas.
General Comments

Attention anglers, If you fish this water body and would like to contribute your knowledge to the fishing report shoot an email to nick.kramer@ks.gov. Thanks!

This is a generic report and will be updated as information becomes available.  



SHAWNEE MISSION PARK LAKE - Last Updated: 2/29/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, Location
Bluegill Fair Up to 8 inches Livebait under a bobber fished near deeper structure
Crappie Fair Up to 15 inches Worms and minnows near structure are producing the best.  A variety of small jigs will also work. Target deeper water suspended near structure.
Channel Catfish Fair Up to 6 lbs. Some being caught lake wide. Best bite with fresh cut bait. 
Wiper Slow Up to 9 lbs. Live bait and shad imitation baits along the dam are producing the best. 
Largemouth Bass Good Up to 4 lbs. Slow moving jerk baits and crankbaits near rocky and brushy structure.  
Trout     Variety of small spinners, spoons, and shiny lures.  Some fly fishing presentations may be effective.  
General Comments
In addition to a state fishing license, a Johnson County fishing permit is required. If you plan to fish for trout, a Johnson County trout permit is also required. Johnson County fishing/trout permits are available through Johnson County Parks and Recreation District and other select vendors.



SHAWNEE STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 2/28/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, and Location
Largemouth Bass Good 1/2 to 6 pounds The lake has been maintaining a very good population of largemouth bass for the last ten years.  The 2023 spring electrofishing sample shows the population is doing well.  However, the current size structure is smaller than average.  Historically, the lake has been one of the best places around to catch largemouth over 15 inches and this should continue to be true for the foreseeable future.  
Crappie Fair to Good 1/2 to 1 pound The crappie fishery is doing well.  The October 2023 fish sampling showed the number of crappie is down but the size is up with 88% over 10 inches.  
Channel Catfish Good 1/2 - 4 pounds The lake is in the Urban Stocking Program and is regularly stocked with 12 to 18 inch channel catfish which leads to good catch rates of fish in that size range. The lake received four stockings in 2023 for a total of 3,500 channel catfish. These stocked fish usually like all the traditional catfish baits but dough baits or worms tends to do the best.  Channel catfish daily limit is 5. 
General Comments

Located north of Silver Lake, Shawnee State Fishing Lake is the site of good catch and release largemouth bass fishing. The lake is also noted for channel catfish harvest since the lake receives frequent stockings of harvestable sized catfish from March through September. The Jeffrey Energy Center Lakes and Perry Reservoir both have zebra mussels and with Shawnee State Lake being close it is at high risk. Please, always clean your boat when moving to different water bodies.

Fish habitat GPS coordinates Decimal Degrees Degrees Minutes
East end of dam cedar trees 39.200351 -95.801881 N 39 12.021 W 95 48.113
West end of dam cedar trees 39.200640 -95.805438 N 39 12.038 W 95 48.326
Out from ramp brush pile 39.201053 -95.801924 N 39 12.063 W 95 48.115



TUTTLE CREEK - Last Updated: 2/28/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, and Location
Crappie Fair to Good 1/2 to 2 pounds The lake has provided excellent crappie fishing the last few years due to good spawning success and robust summer growth. The 2023 fall sample shows that numbers of crappie over 10-inches is still above the long-term average for the lake. In addition, the 2023 spawn was very successful in producing another strong year-class of crappie. Fish this time of year will move into shallows on warm afternoons and I know a few anglers are getting on them. Good Luck!
White Bass Fair 1/2 to 2 pounds White bass numbers have been low due to limited spawning success for most of the last decade. The species did produce a robust spawn in 2021 which has helped bolster the fishery as the 2023 sample had the most white bass over 12-inches in nine years. I wouldn't call the fishery good yet but it is much improved and hopefully this will continue. 
Channel Catfish Fair  Good numbers of 24-28" fish with fair numbers of bigger ones.

The lake and the connected river system has maintained a good channel catfish population through the history of the lake and has been one of the best places around to catch channel cats over 8 pounds. The fishery had been underperforming from 2013 to 2020 but has rebounded and been doing well the last three years. The 2023 sample recorded that 19% of the channel catfish were above 24-inches, which is the highest percentage seen in a decade. Fishing in the upper end of the lake and the river tends to be the most consistent spots for channel cats.

K-State is conducting a study to track fish movements and there are a few channel catfish with a purple tag in their back - please release all fish with a purple tag

Blue Catfish Fair to Good Lots of fish from 20" to 30" and seeing a few fish getting over 40 pounds

Blue catfish are finally well established in the lake and population expansion has slowed down. The lake will likely never have as high numbers of blue cats as other KS lakes but this allows for good growth and a plus size range of fish. Summer sampling in 2023 showed that 61% of the blue catfish were from 20-inches to 30-inches and 19% were over 30-inches. The upper end of the lake tends to be the best bet for blues with fresh cut bait or shad.

New harvest regulations for blue catfish starting in 2022: 10 fish daily creel limit which may include only one fish 30 inches or longer.  

Please check any blue catfish for a yellow or orange tag in its back as we have been tagging fish to collect more information on the species in Tuttle Creek Lake.  It is up to you if you wish to release the fish or harvest it (if legally applicable), but please report the tag number and the general location of the catch to (620) 342-0658 or ely.sprenkle@ks.gov  We also have a few fish with a purple tag that have a transmitter for tracking their movements, PLEASE RELEASE FISH WITH A PURPLE TAG. A big THANK YOU to all who report their catch!

Largemouth Bass Slow to Fair 1 to 5 pounds Coves in southern third of the Reservoir have some locally good largemouth bass populations. The McIntyre Cove area tends to produce the best fishing with Carnahan Cove second best.
Saugeye Fair  Up to 6 pounds

2023 was a great year for saugeye fishing and the fall fish sampling suggests 2024 is going to be even better. Gill net samples produced the most saugeye in a decade with 38% of those fish over the 15" minimum length limit. The 2023 stocking produced another strong year-class with lots of 10-inchers that should hopefully reach legal length by late summer of 2024. As long as there is not a large water release from the lake this spring (which tends to makes all the saugeye go downstream), then this should be one of the top 5 years for saugeye at the lake. No recent reports but things should be picking up.

Since saugeye like to leave Tuttle Creek through the dam downstream, some of the best opportunities to harvest saugeye is in the River Pond or Rocky Ford or at the "tubes". Great shoreline access at all of these spots and fish are regularly being caught year-round.

K-State is conducting a study to track fish movements and there are a few saugeye with a purple tag in their back - please release all fish with a purple tag.   

Rainbow Trout Great Most around 1 pound but a few have been stocked that are near 10 pounds The third stocking of trout this season at Willow Lake was on 02/21/2024 when the lake received 1,200 rainbow trout. So far for this winter the lake has received a total of 4,000 trout. These are hatchery reared fish so they like the commercial trout baits but will also take live bait, lures, and flies. A trout permit is required of all anglers fishing at Willow Lake during the trout season. Lots of fish were caught during this last warm spell and should continue to be good for awhile. Good luck. 
General Comments

You can check current water conditions HERE

Tuttle Creek has zebra mussels which makes the lake, the River Pond and Rocky Ford designated as Aquatic Nuisance Species waters. Fish may not be transported alive from ANS designated waters. To help prevent the spread of invasive species, please CLEAN, DRAIN & DRY all equipment when changing water bodies and please do not move fish you have caught or your bait.



WASHINGTON STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 2/28/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, and Location
Bluegill Fair to Good Up to 1/3 lb The lake has a decent bluegill population. 
Channel Catfish Good  Up to 15 lbs The lake has supported a good to great channel catfish population through the years.  The 2023 fall fish sample showed above average numbers of catfish with an excellent size structure of 20% over 28 inches.  
Crappie Fair Most 8"-10" The crappie population is doing well with most of the fish from fall sampling were from 8 to 10 inches long.
Largemouth Bass Good Up to 6 lbs The largemouth bass population continues to improve and I would now call it a good bass lake.  The 2023 sample showed robust numbers of bass with plenty over 18 inches.
General Comments
New dock is in!



WYANDOTTE COUNTY LAKE - Last Updated: 2/29/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Black Crappie Fair Up to 13 inches Jigs or minnows near deeper brush or drop-offs. 
Bluegill Good Up to 8 inches Worms under a bobber. 
Channel Catfish Slow Up to 10 pounds Worms or cut bait are producing the best right now. Fish near incoming water after a rain. Target deeper water as the water is till cold.
Largemouth Bass Good Up to 5 pounds Crank baits, jerk baits, and glide baits fished slowly with intermittent pauses.
Smallmouth Bass Slow Up to 17 inches Crankbaits, jerk baits, glide baits, or jigs near rocky habitat 
Wiper/White Bass Slow  Up to 17 inches Shad imitation baits off wind blown points or flats.  
General Comments
A Wyandotte County fishing permit is required to fish this property. A Wyandotte County trout permit is required for trout fishing. Please contact Wyandotte County Unified Government Parks and Recreation Department at 913-573-8327 for more information. 



Fishing reports provide general angling information from KDWPT staff. The department cannot update the reports on a regular, frequent basis. Many factors determine angling success, and fishing conditions and individual fishing success may vary from the report. Anglers are responsible for deciding what species to fish for, what methods to use, and where and when to fish. You can help fellow anglers by sharing successful fishing notes at http://www.facebook.com/kdwpt.

BARBER STATE FISHING LAKE - LOWER - Last Updated: 2/27/2024 Print

Species Rating Sizes Possible Baits, Method, & Location
Crappie Poor to Fair  Up to 12 inches Try jigs & minnows around brush and weeds near deeper structure. 
Channel Catfish Fair Most in the 1 lb. size range Fishing cut bait, frozen shrimp or stink bait lake near shallow flats.
Largemouth bass  Poor to Fair Up to 4 lbs. Try using soft plastics and jerk baits near structure. 
Sunfish Poor  Up to 8 inches Worms under a bobber and small jigs fished vertically around brush.
Walleye Poor to Fair Up to 4 lbs Try using large crankbaits or jigs near rocks and points



CLARK STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 2/28/2024 Print

 

 

Species Rating Sizes Possible Baits, Method, & Location
Crappie No report Up to 12 inches

Drifting jigs over deeper water in the main body of the lake or vertically fishing minnows, jigs, and slab spoons over the tops of the fish attractors and other deeper structures. 

Harvest regulations include 50/day creel limit.

Channel Catfish Slow Most in the 1 lb size range

Fishing cut bait or stink bait lake wide.

Harvest regulations is 5/day creel limit.

Largemouth bass No report Up to 4 lbs

Casting soft plastics, swimbaits and jerk baits around fish attractors, shoreline brush and vegetation along sun-warmed shorelines.

Harvest regulations include a 15-inch minimum length limit and 5/day creel limit.

Bluegill/Redear No report Up to 8 inches

Worms under a bobber and small jigs fished vertically around brush in deeper water.

There are no harvest restrictions at this time.

Walleye No report Up to 4 lbs

Casting crankbaits and swimbaits over points, shelves, and along rip-rapped shorelines adjacent to deeper water.

Harvest regulations include a 15-inch minimum length limit and 5/day creel limit.

White Bass

 

 

Fair Whites up to 17 inches Trolling crankbaits or vertically fishing slab spoons over the tops of fish attractors or prominent windblown main lake points and shelves.  Most of the larger white bass range from 12 to 17 inches..

 

Water temps should be in the hig 30s to low 40s.  We have received very few reports from anglers.  You may call the Dodge City Regional office as 620-227-8609 to make a report.   Regular reporting will resume in April of 2023.

Please discard of leftover bait in a trash can, even baitfish. Remember it is illegal to release any fish into public water unless it was taken from that water!



HORSETHIEF RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 2/28/2024 Print

 

 

Species Rating Sizes Possible Baits, Method, & Location
Crappie No report Up to 12 inches

Drifting jigs over deeper water in the main body of the lake or vertically fishing minnows, jigs, and slab spoons over the tops of the fish attractors and other deeper structures. 

Harvest regulations include 50/day creel limit.

Channel Catfish Slow Most in the 1 lb size range

Fishing cut bait or stink bait lake wide.

Harvest regulations are 5/day creel limit.

Largemouth bass No report Up to 4 lbs

Casting soft plastics, swimbaits and jerk baits around fish attractors, shoreline brush and vegetation along sun-warmed shorelines.

Harvest regulations include a 15-inch minimum length limit and 5/day creel limit.

Bluegill/Redear No report Up to 8 inches

Worms under a bobber and small jigs fished vertically around brush in deeper water.

There are no harvest restrictions at this time.

Walleye/saugeye No report Up to 4 lbs

Casting crankbaits and swimbaits over points, shelves, and along rip-rapped shorelines adjacent to deeper water.

Harvest regulations include a 15-inch minimum length limit and 5/day creel limit.

 

Water temps should be in the high 30s to low 40s.  We have received very few reports from anglers.  You may call the Dodge City Regional office as 620-227-8609 to make a report.   Regular reporting will resume in April of 2023.

Please discard of leftover bait in a trash can, even baitfish. Remember it is illegal to release any fish into public water unless it was taken from that water!



MEADE STATE LAKE - Last Updated: 2/28/2024 Print

 

Species Rating Sizes Possible Baits, Method, & Location
Crappie No report Up to 12 inches

Drifting jigs over deeper water in the main body of the lake or vertically fishing minnows, jigs, and slab spoons over the tops of the fish attractors and other deeper structures. 

Harvest regulations include 50/day creel limit.

Channel Catfish Slow Most in the 1 - 2 lb size range

Fishing cut bait or stink bait lake wide.

Harvest regulations are 5/day creel limit.

Largemouth bass No report Up to 4 lbs

Casting soft plastics, swimbaits and jerk baits around fish attractors, shoreline brush and vegetation along sun-warmed shorelines.

Harvest regulations include a 13 - 18 inch slot length limit and 5/day creel limit.

Bluegill/Redear No report Up to 8 inches

Worms under a bobber and small jigs fished vertically around brush in deeper water.

There are no harvest restrictions at this time.

Saugeye No report Up to 5 lbs

Casting crankbaits and swimbaits over points, shelves, and along rip-rapped shorelines adjacent to deeper water.

Harvest regulations include a 15-inch minimum length limit and 5/day creel limit.

 

Water temperature should be in the high 30s- low 40s.  We have received very few reports from anglers.  You may call the Dodge City Regional office as 620-227-8609 to make a report.   

Please discard of leftover bait in a trash can, even baitfish. Remember it is illegal to release any fish into public water unless it was taken from that water!



PRATT COUNTY LAKE - Last Updated: 2/27/2024 Print

 

Species Rating Sizes Possible Baits, Method, & Location
Crappie Poor to Fair  4-8" Try jigs or minnows near structure.  
Channel Catfish Fair  Most in the 1-2 lb size range but up to 7 lbs Fishing cut bait or stink bait lake wide on warmer days.
Largemouth bass Poor to Fair Up to 18 inches Try using soft plastics or jerk baits near rocks on warmer days.
Bluegill Poor Up to 8 inches Worms under a bobber and small jigs fished vertically around brush and rocks.
Walleye Poor to Fair Up to 21" Try large jigs, jerk baits, and crank baits near shallow rocks.
Wipers Poor Up to 18" Jigs, spoons, and crank baits around windblown points.



SCOTT STATE LAKE - Last Updated: 2/9/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Channel Catfish Fair Most in the 13 to 18 inch range No Report
Crappie Fair Up to 15 inches Vertically fishing minnows and small slab spoons around deeper brush piles.
Largemouth Bass Slow Up to 5.5 lbs. No Report
Sunfish Good Up to 8 inches Vertically fishing various presentations involving wax worms, and to a lesser degree nightcrawlers, around deeper brushpiles.
Saugeye Slow Up to 7 lbs. No Report
Rainbow Trout Good Up to 3 lbs.

The second stocking of the trout season occurred on 2-9-2024 as approximately 900 fish were stocked.

Still fishing power bait, corn, worms, marshmallows alone or in various combinations or casting small spoons and spinners are popular methods.  Casting various nymphs with a fly rod can be good too.

General Comments

Ice Report-As of 2-9-2024, the State Lake and Barrel Springs are ice free and the boat ramp is open.

Release all saugeye less than 18 inches and largemouth bass less than 15 inches.

Please discard of leftover bait in a trash can, even baitfish. Remember it is illegal to release any fish into public water unless it was taken from that water!

 



Fishing reports provide general angling information from KDWPT staff. The department cannot update the reports on a regular, frequent basis. Many factors determine angling success, and fishing conditions and individual fishing success may vary from the report. Anglers are responsible for deciding what species to fish for, what methods to use, and where and when to fish. You can help fellow anglers by sharing successful fishing notes at http://www.facebook.com/kdwpt

MCPHERSON STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 2/29/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Channel catfish Fair 1 - 5 lbs. Try worms and cutbait on the bottom.
Crappie Good 8-14" Reports of fish caught lake wide on jigs and minnows.
Largemouth bass Fair Up to 6 lb. Try using soft plastics, spinner baits, and crank baits near structure. 
Saugeye Poor 15-26" No reports but try 1/8 and 1/4 oz. jigs tipped with worms along the dam, piers and upper end.
General Comments

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ANTHONY CITY LAKE - Last Updated: 2/27/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Channel catfish Fair up to 12lbs Try fishing cut bait, worms, or stink bait near shallow flats.
Crappie Poor Up to 14" Try jigs or minnows near structure. 
Largemouth Bass Poor to Fair Up to 5lbs Try using soft plastics or jerk baits near structure. 
General Comments
 



BLACK KETTLE STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 2/29/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, & Location
Crappie Poor 6" to 10" Fish with small minnows and jigs around brush. There are a few nice crappie in the lake although most are fairly small.
Bluegill Poor   Worms under a bobber or very small jigs.
Channel Catfish Fair 2-6 lbs. Fish with cut bait, stink bait, or chicken livers lake wide.
Largemouth Bass Fair 12" to 20" Fish shallow brush with Texas rigged softbait, jigs, and spinnerbaits. The water here is typically murky so try darker colored lures (black & blue, dark purple, green pumpkin).
General Comments
 



BUTLER STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 3/15/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Channel Catfish Slow to Fair up to 20 inch

Creel limit 2/day Length Limit 15-inches

Shad, cut bait, worms, and shad sides have produced some fish this week.  Fishing baits on the bottom in areas with wind have been best.

Largemouth Bass Slow   A few fish were caught on the warmer days.  Jigs and jerk baits produced fish.
Crappie Slow up to 8 inch Most of the crappie at Butler are small with very few quality sized fish.  Crappie can be caught on small minnows or jig and float near shoreline cover.
Bluegill     No reports this week on bluegill
General Comments
Lake has refilled over the winter and boat ramp in again usable.



CHASE STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 3/15/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Zebra Mussels Have Been Discovered in Chase State Fishing Lake.    

Chase SFL is an ANS designated water. Read the news release HERE.

 Zebra mussel veligers (larval zebra mussels) are too small to be seen with the unaided eye and they can be found in boat livewells, minnow buckets, boat bilges, and anything else that is capable of holding even a small amount of water.

 Be sure to drain all equipment before leaving the lake to avoid moving veligers to other waters. THIS INCLUDES MINNOW BUCKETS AND BOAT LIVEWELLS AND BILGES!!!

 CLEAN DRAIN & DRY Every Lake, Every Time!

 Click HERE to learn how to prevent the spread of zebra mussels.

Channel Catfish Slow to Fair  

Harvest regulations include a 15-inch minimum length limit and 5/day creel limit.

Shad sides are a great choice during late winter.  Fish on shorelines where the wind is blowing in.

Largemouth Bass Slow  

There is a 13 to 18 inch slot limit on Largemouth Bass in effect at the lake.

Few recent reports this week.  Larger slow moving baits such as jerk baits and jig and pig are excellent early season bass baits.  Faster presentations can be used on the warmer days.

Saugeye Slow   4+-inch flukes along the dam, points, and rocky shorelines.  
Spotted Bass Slow   Same as largemouth bass.
Bluegill Slow   Look for bluegill in shallow areas with cover during warm and sunny days.  Small jigs or live bait are good choices.
Crappie Fair   Jigs in brushpiles and along breaks.
General Comments
 



CHENEY RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 2/27/2024 Print

SPECIES RATING SIZE BAITS, LOCATION, METHODS
Zebra Mussels    

Zebra mussels can be found attached to rocks lakewide. Zebra mussel veligers are too small to be seen with the unaided eye and they can be found in boat livewells, minnow buckets, boat bilges, water toys, and anything else that is capable of holding even a small amount of water. Be sure to drain all equipment before leaving the lake to avoid moving veligers to other waters. THIS INCLUDES MINNOW BUCKETS, BOAT LIVEWELLS, AND BILGES!!!

Click HERE to learn how to prevent the spread of zebra mussels.

White Bass and Wiper Poor  Up to 27" Spoons, Flukes, and jigs near deep drop-offs. 
Walleye Poor  Up to 27" Try using big jigs or spoons on deeper points.
Crappie Poor to Fair Up to 17" Try using jigs or minnows near deep drop offs and brush piles. 
Blue Catfish Fair  Up to 50lbs Fish with live bait or cut bait near shallow flats. Reports of small (10"-20") Blue Catfish being caught. Be sure to identify your catch!
Channel Catfish Fair to Good Up to 20lbs Try fishing cut bait or stink bait near shallow flats.
White Perch Fair  Up to 12"

White perch can be caught in similar areas as White Bass and Wipers using smaller lures. Most White Perch are 5"-9". 

White perch cannot be used as live bait, but they do make good cut bait. For tips on identifying a white perch from a white bass, wiper or striped bass click HERE.

All white perch in your possession must be dead. It is illegal to posses live white perch.

COMMENTS
The lake is still 5.25ft low. Most boat ramps are unusable. Use caution when boating.



COUNCIL GROVE CITY LAKE - Last Updated: 3/12/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
       
Zebra Mussel     Zebra mussels have been discovered in Council Grove City Lake. Click HERE for more information.
Bluegill Slow/Fair   near gravel banks and vegetation on small jigs and worms
Crappie Fair   10 ft deep near ledges on jigs and minnows
Channel catfish Fair   near windy flats and flooded brush on cut bait and worms
Black bass Fair   on jigs, spinnerbaits, or crankbaits 5-15ft deep near docks, points, and brush
Walleye Fair   along dam and deeper points/banks on jigs and spoons
White bass Fair   along dam and points on spinners and jigs
General Comments
The City of Council Grove requires Aquatic Nuisance Species certification of anglers and boaters at Council Grove City Lake. You must have this certificate in your possession while fishing and/or boating at Council Grove City Lake.



COUNCIL GROVE RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 3/12/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Zebra Mussels    

Zebra mussels have been discovered in Council Grove Reservoir.

Zebra mussel veligers (larval zebra mussels) are too small to be seen with the unaided eye and they can be found in boat livewells, minnow buckets, boat bilges, water toys and anything else that is capable of holding even a small amount of water.

Be sure to drain all equipment before leaving the lake to avoid moving veligers to other waters. THIS INCLUDES MINNOW BUCKETS AND BOAT LIVEWELLS AND BILGES!!!

CLEAN DRAIN & DRY Every Lake, Every Time!

Click HERE to learn how to prevent the spread of zebra mussels.  

Channel Catfish Fair   near wind blown flats and creek channel ledges on cut bait and worms
Saugeye Fair/Good   near dam and gravel/rock points on jigs and worms
White Bass Fair   along deep rock points and ledges on spinners and jigs
Wiper Fair   a few in with white bass
Crappie Fair/Good  

10-20 ft deep on minnows and jigs near points, brush, and ledges

Creel limit 20/day

General Comments

Outlet fishing is slow/fair for catfish, white bass, and saugeye

Click HERE for water level information.



COWLEY STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 3/15/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Bluegill Slow   Bluegill action will be improving as temperatures increase.  Small live bait offerings under a small float fished near cover is a good method.  South facing shorelines warm more quickly and hold fish earlier than shorelines.
Channel Catfish Slow to Fair up to 17 inch

15-inch minimum length limit 5/day creel limit

A few cats have been caught recently on worms and cut bait on windy shorelines.

Largemouth Bass Slow to Fair   Jerk baits along the south facing rocky shorelines and ends of fishing piers during the warmer days.
Redear Sunfish Slow   Same as bluegill
General Comments
 



EL DORADO RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 3/15/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Zebra Mussels    

Zebra mussel veligers (larval zebra mussels) are too small to be seen with the unaided eye and they can be found in boat livewells, minnow buckets, boat bilges, water toys and anything else that is capable of holding even a small amount of water.

Be sure to drain all equipment before leaving the lake to avoid moving veligers to other waters. THIS INCLUDES MINNOW BUCKETS AND BOAT LIVEWELLS AND BILGES!!!

CLEAN DRAIN & DRY Every Lake, Every Time!

Click HERE to learn how to prevent the spread of zebra mussels.  REMEMBER!! Zebra Mussels are also present in the Trout Area below the dam!!

Wiper     Be sure to properly ID your catch as there is there is an 21-inch minimum length limit and 2/day creel limit on wiper.. Click HERE for tips on identifying wipers.
White bass     Not many reports on whites and wipers this week.  
White Perch     Click HERE for info on properly identifying white perch.
Crappie Fair Up to 15+ inches

20/day creel limit

Crappie are breaking out of their winter patterns and beginning to scatter.  Crappie will be moving shallower as water temps continue to rise.  Good baits are jig and float and minnow and float.

Blue Catfish Good up to 40 inches, with a lot of 18 to 24 inch "eater" sized fish.

There is a 25 to 35 inch protective slot limit on blue catfish and a 5/day creel with no more than 2 blue catfish over 35 inches.

The blue catfish bite has been good to very good recently.  Fresh cut bait fished on the bottom in areas where the waves are blowing into shallow shorelines has been producing limits of unders with good catches of bigger fish in the 28 to 40 inch range.  Blue cats are easily accessible from shore this time of the year and will continue to be for the next few weeks.  

Walleye Fair up to 26 inch

THE WALLEYE LENGTH LIMIT IS 21-INCHES WITH A 2/DAY CREEL LIMIT.

Walleye are moving in to spawn mode and can be found on rocky and gravelly spawning areas.  Males can be found in the spawning areas throughout the daylight hours, but the larger females don't go shallow until after sunset.  Jigs, crankbaits, and jerkbaits are good lure choices during the spawn.  

Rainbow Trout Slow Up to 3 lbs

Trout season opened December 1 and trout action has been good.

Trout were last stocked on Feb 1.  This is the last trout stocking for the Fall '23 - Winter '24 trout season. Fish have been caught on power bait, small spinners, jigs, flies, and pink minnows.

Daily creel limit is 5 trout per day.

Trout permit is required.  For more information on the Kansas Trout Program, go to https://ksoutdoors.com/Fishing/Special-Fishing-Programs-for-You/Trout-Fishing-Program .

General Comments

2.25 ft below Normal Pool, releasing 6 CFS. Click Here for the most up to date lake level information. 

ZEBRA MUSSEL & WHITE PERCH WARNING! El Dorado Reservoir and the Walnut River below the reservoir contain zebra mussels and white perch. Take zebra mussel control precautions when leaving the lake, Trout Area, and Stilling Basin. For information on Zebra Mussels click Here.



HARVEY COUNTY EAST LAKE - Last Updated: 2/27/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Channel Catfish Fair  up to 24" Try fishing cut bait, worms, or stink bait shallow.
Crappie Poor to Fair  up to 14" Try a jig or minnow fished near structure. 
Largemouth Bass Poor  up to 20" Try fishing soft plastics and jerk baits near structure. 
Saugeye Poor to Fair up to 25" Fish with jigs or minnows near the dam or rocks. 
General Comments
Water levels are very low. Use cation if launching a boat!



KINGMAN STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 2/27/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Channel catfish NA    
Largemouth Bass NA    
Northern Pike NA    
Crappie NA    
General Comments

The lake is still under renovation. Boat ramps are currently closed and the lake is still 2 feet low. Once water levels reach navigable levels, boat ramps will re-open. Fish stockings will begin this spring.  

The Salvage Order has been removed. Length and creel limits are in effect again!



MARION COUNTY LAKE - Last Updated: 3/15/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Channel Catfish     Shad sides or stink bait on windy shorelines
Crappie    

20/day creel limit  

Jigs in the brushpiles and along dropoffs.  Heated dock action continues to be sporadic.

Bass    

13 inch to 18 inch slot limit 5 fish per day creel limit.  Please harvest largemouth bass under 13 inches to improve effectiveness of this slot limit!

Look for bass to be moving shallow with the warmer water temperatures.  Larger, slow moving baits are good while water temps are still below the upper 40's and low 50's.

Saugeye     Late winter saugeye are usually found along rocky areas in 5-7 feet of water where they can be caught on jigs, flukes, or jerk baits.
Bluegill      A few bluegill were caught during the warmer days in shallow areas with southern exposure.
White Bass & Wipers     Few reports this week
General Comments
Boat and bait inspections are MANDATORY at Marion County Lake to prevent the spread of Zebra Mussels and other Aquatic Nuisance Species. Protect our waters... don't forget to CLEAN, DRAIN, and DRY!



MARION RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 3/15/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Zebra Mussels     Zebra mussels can be found attached to rocks lakewide. Zebra mussel veligers are too small to be seen with the unaided eye and they can be found in boat livewells, minnow buckets, boat bilges, water toys and anything else that is capable of holding even a small amount of water. Be sure to drain all equipment before leaving the lake to avoid moving veligers to other waters. THIS INCLUDES MINNOW BUCKETS, BOAT LIVEWELLS AND BILGES!
Channel Cat     A few cats were being caught shallow during the warmer weather.  Shad sides and cut bait are great late winter baits for channel catfish. Shallow points and flats where the wind is blowing in are great areas.
White Crappie Fair up to 13 inches

20/day creel limit

Anglers are having fair success recently.  Crappie are being found in the brushpiles in 10 to 18 feet of water.  Jigs and minnows are producing.

Walleye    

NEW WALLEYE HARVEST REGULATIONS EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2022.

18 INCH MINIMUM LENGTH LIMIT 3/DAY CREEL LIMIT WITH NO MORE THAN ONE FISH 21 INCHES OR LONGER.

Walleye are moving in to spawn mode and can be found along breaks just off of the spawning areas and also moving up on the spawning areas.  Nighttime is the best time for spawning walleye.  Jigs, crankbaits, and jerkbaits are popular choices.

White Bass Fair to Good up to 14 inch 8-15 ft of water near breaks and channels and also up on shallow points and floats during the warm and windy days.  White bass have been in the shallower range with the wipers a little deeper.
Wiper Fair to Good 18 to 24 inches See white bass
Coordinates for habitat cubes    

4 cubes N38 22.450’ W 097 04.669’

4 cubes N38 22.455’ W 097 04.664’

4 cubes N38 22.426’ W 097 04.694’

3 cubes N38 22.757’ W 097.05.227’

3 cubes N38 22.763’ W 097 05.211’

3 cubes N38 23.407’ W 097 05.460’

2 cubes N38 23.467’ W 097 05.384’

2 cubes N38 23.478’ W 097 05.399’

4 cubes N38 23.481’ W 097 05.408’

Coordinates for brushpiles and cubes.   The first 3 coordinates are for one large brushpile. Coordinates mark areas with multiple habitat structures in the area.

N 38 21.907' W 097 05.562'

N 38 21.912' W 097.05.560'

N 38 21.920' W 097.05.557'

N 38 22.425' W 097 04.697'

N 38 22.767' W 097 05.208'

N 38 22.757' W 097 05.227'

N 38 23.250' W 097 05.491'

N 38 23.357' W 097 05.470'

Coordinates for brushpiles   Near shore brushpile placements fishable from shore in Cottonwood Cove.

N 38 23.438' W 097 05.398'

N 38 23.436' W 097 05.404'

N 38 23.428' W 097 05.402'

N 38 23.426' W 097 05.405'

N 38 23.499' W 097 05.393'

N 38 23.489' W 097 05.399'

N 38 23.480' W 097 05.401'

N 38 23.472' W 097 05.398'

Coordinates for brushpiles constructed March 2018    

N 38 24.459' W 097 06.907'

N 38 24.450' W 097 06.975'

N 38 22.685' W 097 06.279'

N 38 22.680' W 097 06.279'

N 38 22.216' W 097 06.065'

Coordinates for historical habitat sites that had brush added to them in March 2018.    

N 38 21.911' W 097 05.569'

N 38 22.426' W 097 04.702'

N 38 22.776' W 097 05.220'

Coordinates for new brushpiles constructed April 2019    

N 38 23.464' W 097 05.412'

N 38 23.149' W 097 05.476'

N 38 23.169' W 097 05.516'

General Comments
4.0 feet below Normal Pool, releasing 2 CFS.  Marion Cove boat ramp is the best ramp for launching with the low water level.



SEDGWICK CO. - LAKE AFTON - Last Updated: 3/11/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Zebra Mussels    

Adult Zebra Mussels were found 7/31/08 at Lake Afton.

The zebra mussels reproduce during the warmer summer months and veligers (larval zebra mussels) are present in the water column. Zebra mussel veligers are too small to be seen with the unaided eye and they can be found in boat livewells, minnow buckets, boat bilges, water toys and anything else that is capable of holding even a small amount of water.

Be sure to drain all equipment before leaving the lake to avoid moving veligers to other waters. THIS INCLUDES MINNOW BUCKETS, BOAT LIVEWELLS AND BILGES!!!

Click HERE to learn how to prevent the spread of zebra mussels.

REMEMBER!! Zebra Mussels are also present in Clearwater Creek below the spillway!

White Perch Fair to Good 4"-8" Use a small hook with a small piece of work or panfish lures. White perch may not be possessed alive. They make great cut (dead) bait for catfish!
Channel Catfish Good up to 5lbs Try cut bait or stink bait. Harvest-sized Channel Catfish are stocked regularly in the Spring and Fall. 
Crappie Poor up to 12" Crappie can be found in deeper areas of the lake near brush and drop-offs. Not many big fish in the lake
Bluegill Fair up to 8" Try a small piece of worm under a bobber around rocks and brush.
Largemouth Bass Poor up to 21" Bass can be found near shorelines relating to deep water and off shore structures. Try crankbait and jigs. 
General Comments
Channel Catfish stockings have resume!  Visit https://ksoutdoors.com/Fishing/Special-Fishing-Programs-for-You/Urban-Fishing-Program for more information.



WELLINGTON CITY LAKE - Last Updated: 3/15/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Channel Catfish     Shad sides and fresh cut bait on windy shorelines.
Wiper     Few reports this week, but look for wiper on shallow windy points and flats on the warmer days.
Crappie     The deeper brush piles are holding crappie where they can be caught on jigs.
Saugeye     Jerk baits and flukes along the old and new dam and windy flats.
General Comments
 



WELLINGTON HARGIS CREEK - Last Updated: 3/15/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Channel Catfish Fair to Good Up to 8 lbs Shad sides and worms fished on the bottom along windblown shorelines.
Crappie Fair 6 - 9 inch Minnows or jigs under a float near timber
Largemouth Bass Fair 9 - 15 inch Jigs, grubs, or smaller jerk baits fished near cover.  
General Comments
 



WICHITA - URBAN FISHING REPORT - Last Updated: 3/11/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
       
Channel Catfish Good Up to 20" The majority of public fishing waters around the Wichita Metro Area are stocked regularly in the Spring and Fall with harvest-sized Channel Catfish. They can be easily caught on worms and hotdogs. 
Crappie Fair Up to 12" Try using minnows or a small jigs in deeper areas of the lakes. Crappie fishing is best at the KDOT Lakes, OJ Watson Park, and Chisholm North lake.
Largemouth Bass Poor Up to 20"  Largemouth Bass can be found in most Wichita area lakes but catching can be tough due to low populations and high angling pressure. Your best opportunities to catch bass are at the KDOT lakes, Emery Park, Sunflower Pond, and Chisholm North lake. Stick to slow moving lures during the winter.
Bluegill Fair Up to 10" Bluegill are present in every lake in the area. Try a small piece of worm or a small jig under a bobber.
Rainbow Trout  Good up to 20" Last trout stocking has occurred at Vic's Lake, Slough in multiple pools, and OJ Watson Park (Section with Dock and Fountain). A Trout Permit is required for all anglers at these locations until March 31, 2023. Use floating dough baits, fliers, panfish jigs, worms, small spoons, or spinners.  At Slough Creek, artificial lures with a single hook are allowed.
General Comments

Channel Catfish stockings have resumed! For locations and schedule, please visit https://ksoutdoors.com/Fishing/Special-Fishing-Programs-for-You/Urban-Fishing-Program 

White Perch are present at KDOT West, SG County Park Lakes, South Lake, and North Chisholm Lake. These are designated AIS waters, so no live fish can be transported from these locations INCLUDING SUNFISH FOR BAIT. In addition, no live white perch may be possessed, and anglers are encouraged to not release any caught back into the water. They taste similar to white bass!



WINFIELD CITY LAKE - Last Updated: 3/15/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, and Location
Zebra Mussels    

Zebra mussels were verified in Winfield City Lake in December 2006. Lake users should follow recommended control practices found HERE .

Be sure to drain all equipment before leaving the lake to avoid moving veligers to other waters. THIS INCLUDES MINNOW BUCKETS AND BOAT LIVEWELLS AND BILGES!!!

Crappie Fair 9-12 inches Jigs near the timber or on breaks in 10-18 feet of water.
Channel catfish     Shad sides or fresh cut shad fished on wind blown shorelines is a great later winter/early spring cat tactic.
Black bass     No recent reports.  Slash baits, jerk baits, or jig and pig are good later winter baits.  South facing rocky shorelines would be a good place to look with the low water level.
White bass     No recent reports.  Look for wipers and white bass on shallow wind blown points on warm days.
Wiper     No recent reports.
Walleye    

Walleye minimum length limit 18 inches.

Walleye are in spawn mode and will be found along the rocky spawning areas, points, shorelines, and dam.  Flukes and jerk baits are good baits for spawn walleye and dusk to dawn is the best time for active fish to be in the shallows. 

   
General Comments

The City of Winfield requires additional permits for anglers using the lake. Stop in to the lake office before fishing at the lake.

Lake level is 3.8 ft low



Fishing reports provide general angling information from KDWPT staff. The department cannot update the reports on a regular, frequent basis. Many factors determine angling success, and fishing conditions and individual fishing success may vary from the report. Anglers are responsible for deciding what species to fish for, what methods to use, and where and when to fish. You can help fellow anglers by sharing successful fishing notes at http://www.facebook.com/kdwpt.

TORONTO RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 3/14/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, Location
channel catfish fair

3% 11"-16"

39% 16"-24"

45% 24"-28"

13% 28"-36"

Use a worm or shad sides below riffles in river and Walnut Creek and outlet.
       
white bass good

18% 6"-9"

62% 9"-12"

15% 12"-15"

5% 15"-18"

0% 18"+

Use plastic jig, or spinner below riffles in river and Walnut Creek and outlet. Fish are spawning in riffles. 
white crappie fair

66% 5"-8"

33 8"-10"

1% 10"-12"

1% 12"-15"

<1% 15"+

Use a jig or minnow on deep channel breaks, outlet, and below riffles and backs of coves where water is running into reservoir. 
General Comments

 

Link to USACE reservoir water level: http://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/TORO.lakepage.html

Size structures are from 2023 October test netting and 2021 May electrofishing for largemouth bass. No bass electrofishing occurred in 2022 due to high water.

To view a map of Toronto Reservoir brush piles, copy this file into Google Earth and zoom into the reservoir. 

TORR brush piles 17 (OCTET-STREAM 1.74 kB)

For more information about the Fall River/Toronto Fisheries District, click here to access newsletters.



BIG HILL RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 2/28/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Crappie Good 6-12" Crappie fishing has improved.  Crappie are starting to bite better with warming water temps.  Look for fish to be in deeper water adjacent to spawning areas.  Minnows and small plastic jigs have been working best.
Channel Catfish Fair 16-24" Catfishing has been slow. Look for fish to move into the shallows on warm days. Also target the windward side of the lake for best results.  Shad sides are the preferred bait.
Largemouth and Smallmouth  Bass Fair 12-20" Largemouth bass fishing has been slow. Look for largemouth to move shallower on warmer days.  Smallmouth bass will be near rocky shorelines and the dam.  Jigs have been working best.
Bluegill and Redears Fair 5-7" Bluegill and redear fishing has been fair.  Bluegill and redear can be found near any submerged vegetation and woody structure. Worms under a bobber are working best.
       
General Comments
Release all Largemouth Bass 15-21" in Length, daily creel remains 5/day.



BONE CREEK RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 3/4/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Bluegill / Redear Sunfish  Good  4-8 inches Bluegill and redear sunfish, or "shellcrackers", can be found lakewide along the shoreline. Anglers should focus their efforts along the shoreline in depths less than 6' deep near submerged trees and edges of aquatic vegetation. Areas to pursue will be on the north and south ends of the dam, coves, and rocky habitats. A bobber and worm, fly rod with small flies, and 1/16 ounce jig with a twister tail will be good baits to try. 
Channel catfish  Good  15-36 inches Anglers from the shoreline should focus on the coves, both the north and south side of the dam, west end, and the handicap access on the south side of the lake near the boat ramp. Prepared baits, worms, cut or live bait will be good baits to try. Anglers from boats should focus on flats and near rock habitat. Cut and live bait are good baits to try. 
Black Crappie  Fair 8-14 inches Anglers should focus on submerged trees that are in 15-20' that are in close proximity to depth changes, or creek channels. There are a variety of coves that will hold crappie during the spawn in the spring time. Live minnows under a bobber, spinners, or 1/8-1/16 ounch jigs with twister tails will all be good options. Fall sampling indicated a successful spawn and strong year class of Age-0 (2-3") and Age-1 crappie (8-9.5"), as well as crappie up to 14". 
Largemouth bass  Good

 

8-12" - 15%

12-15" - 11%

15-20" - 74%                                                         

Largemouth bass can be found lakewide in a variety of habitats that are available at Bone Creek. Anglers should focus on the edges of vegetation that can be found along the shoreline and coves, as water begins to warm up this spring. There is an abundance of submerged trees in a range of depths that will also hold fish. The water clarity will affect fishing, depending on time of day, so don't hesitate to fish the trees that can be found in deeper water. Casting swimbaits, jigs, jerkbaits, and spinnerbaits will be your best bet. Don't hesitate to throw the classic "ned rig" in the summertime when fish will be deeper and provide a chance at a strike. 

To bolster the current population and recruitment of Largemouth Bass at Bone Creek, the KDWP fisheries biologist has increased stocking efforts of Largemouth Bass. In 2019, 218, 377 (fry) were stocked when a hatchery surplus was available. In 2021, 13,500 phase II advanced fingerling Largemouth Bass were stocked. In April 2022, 260,000 (fry) were stocked when a hatchery surplus was available. In June 2022, 25,000 advanced fingerling Largemouth Bass were stocked. In June 2023, 25,000 advanced fingerling Largemouth Bass were stocked. In total, 542,774 largemouth bass have been stocked since 2018. 

The KDWP fisheries biologist plans to request 25,000 phase II advanced fingerling Largemouth Bass in upcoming years to help bolster year classes and recruitment of Largemouth Bass. In addition to, it was proposed and passed to move from a 13-18" slot length limit to an 18" minimum length limit to protect the stocked fingerlings and naturally spawned Largemouth Bass to preferred lengths for bass anglers. This went into effect on January 1, 2022. 

Saugeye   Good  19-26 inches

Saugeye can be found on flats of 10-14 ft that is near deeper water of 20 feet and deeper at this time of the year. Any depth changes, or structure, will hold fish and can be caught by a variety of methods, such as trolling or vertical jigging. Anglers have reported catching saugeye near the dam on the east side of the lake on swimbaits, jigheads with plastics, and trolling crankbaits. 

The minimum length for Saugeye at Bone Creek is 18 inches and a daily creel of 5 fish per day! 

General Comments

Water Temperature: 46° F, March 4, 2024

As District Fisheries Biologists, we send out a newsletter to inform anglers of fish sampling result, aquatic outreach events, fish stockings, and habitat improvement projects, for example. We have a spring and fall edition of our newsletters that you can subscribe to. This is sent directly to your email. If you would like to stay up to date on what is happening on Neosho State Fishing Lake (Lake McKinley), Crawford State Fishing Lake (Farlington Lake), Bone Creek Lake, CFAP and FISH properties, and the Mined Land Wildlife Area strip pits, you can subscribe to the Pittsburg District Newsletter at the following link: https://ksoutdoors.com/KDWPT-Info/News/Newsletter-Request-Forms/Request-a-Newsletter-for-the-Pittsburg-Fishing-District 

Be sure to Clean, Drain, and Dry your boat, bait buckets, and recreational watercraft before and after launching your boat. It is important to remove your drain plug on your watercraft upon departure to drain live wells and water inside of your boat; it will protect our natural resources in Kansas for current anglers and future generations to enjoy. Eurasian watermilfoil is an invasive aquatic vegetation that can be found in nearby water bodies. Be sure to inspect your boat, boat trailer, and bait buckets prior to launching at Bone Creek to prevent the spread. Zebra mussels, white perch, and asian carp are all invasive species that can be found in Kansas. Be sure to stay up to date on information regarding Aquatic Nuisance Species. 

If you would like to provide a fishing report for Bone Creek Lake, don't hesitate to contact Connor Ossowski, District Fisheries Biologist, at (620) 231-3173.



BOURBON COUNTY CEDAR CREEK - Last Updated: 2/28/2024 Print

 species ratings size baits, methods, locations
Crappie Good varies Use dark jigs or  minnows in the trees along the drop offs. 
Channel catfish Slow varies, The water is clear with a little color.  Go fishing, the fish have to eat. Try along dam and shoreline, use cut shad, worms, prepared baits.  Fish the creek mouth where the fresh water comes in and the fish are stacked up. 
Largemouth bass Slow varies in range Pattern fish with jigs, spinners, gizzard shad plugs, lots of smaller fish but larger fish like 5 to 7 pounds are available. 
General Comments
The best way to measure social distancing is with a fishing pole. This is a great kayak or small craft lake.  This is a fishing only lake, no recreational boating.
 The catfish in this impoundment are active and ready for action- Try liver, shad, or live bait fish.  Channel catfish are great after a rain in the north end where the creek comes in.  For largemouth bass try fishing some of the standing timber and weedbeds with spinners and buzzbaits.

Zebra Mussels have recently been found in Hillsdale Lake, and we'd like to remind you to stay aware and take all precautions necessary to prevent the spread into uncontaminated waters! This includes cleaning and rinsing your boat, motor, trailer and equipment, draining any excess water from previous outings, and allowing your boat to dry before using it in a different body of water. 

Remember to "CLEAN, DRAIN AND DRY" your boats and equipment.

For tips on spring bass fishing check out the KDWPT video at the following link! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpIJaiyW32k 

For crappie anglers, watch this 25-minute video that covers Kansas crappie fishing during spring, summer, fall, and winter https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sazyEuIT_bk 

NO special permits required, this is a Community Fisheries Assistance Program Lake. Use caution, this lake has quantities of standing and submerged trees and limited shoreline access. This is a 220 acre lake with approximately 180 acres of standing trees. Fishing only lake. The lake has a boat ramp, parking lot, security light, floating dock, and vault toilet on the east side of the lake and a boat ramp and parking lot on the west side..



BOURBON COUNTY ELM CREEK LAKE - Last Updated: 2/28/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, & Location
Channel catfish Slow varies Go fishing, the fish have to eat. try bluegill chunks, chicken liver.  Anglers are catching big Fish. Fish feeders are OFF.  Gearup.  
Largemouth bass Slow varies lake wide, use silver crank and spinner baits, or dark jigs,   
Bullheads Slow varies use worms,or liver lake wide  
Bluegill Slow varies small baits and worms under floats, along weedbeds around fish attractors  
         
Crappie Good some small fish but some real good ones also, with 50 limit use minnows and dark jigs, recently bigger fish over 11 inches reportedly caught, but lots of 9 inch fish.    
Comments

The best way to measure social distancing is with a fishing pole. This lake is great for shoreline angling, lots of room to spread out.  The lake is low because of a leaky dam.  Plans are underway to repair the leak.  Go fishing, the fish have to eat.   Remember the length and creel limits.

Due to a leak in the dam water levels can be low and will remain low until repairs are made.  The County and Wildlife and Parks are committed to repairing the dam and restoring the fishery.  This may begin this fall. 

Zebra Mussels have recently been found in Hillsdale Lake, and Linn Valley, Linn County, (Private Lake Development), we'd like to remind you to "Clean, Drain and Dry" your boat and equipment.

 

Get the kids, get your friends and Go Fishing. Remember to "CLEAN, DRAIN AND DRY" your boats, trailers and equipment.

Sign up for the Mound City Fishing District Newsletter today

For tips on spring bass fishing check out the KDWPT video at the following link! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpIJaiyW32k 

For crappie anglers, watch this 25-minute video that covers Kansas crappie fishing during spring, summer, fall, and winter https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sazyEuIT_bk 

With questions about this lake call Donald George, Fisheries Biologist, at 913-795-2218, or Bourbon County at 620-223-3800.



BOURBON STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 2/28/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, & Location
Black Bass- Largemouth and Spotted Bass Slow Fish 10 to 17 inches dominate the population Bass are along the piers, in cover, use spinners, plastic baits, crankbaits. Some fish are in deeper water breaks. 
Bluegill/redear sunfish Slow all sizes Nice redear sunfish are available by slow fishing along the piers with jig, worm under a float. Bluegill are also available but are smaller in size.  
Walleye/Saugeye Slow varies Fish drop offs and at the head of the inflow areas using crank baits, jigs and or minnow
Channel Catfish Slow 12-22 inches Use just about any catfish bait, cut bait, stink baits, chicken liver, worms, the fish feeders are off.  After hard rains fish the south end where the water comes in. Fish the creek mouth where the fresh water comes in and the fish are stacked up.  We recently restocked channel catfish so the density is really high.  Remember the length limit is 15 inches and the creel limit is 2 per person
Crappie Slow 8 - 12 inches and up Sampling indicates a good crappie population with a good percentage of fish over 10 inches.  Try using minnows, jigs under a 5ft float, along the piers.  
General Comments

Zebra Mussels have recently been found in Hillsdale Lake, and Linn Valley, Linn County, (Private Lake Development), we'd like to remind you to " Clean, drain and dry"

The water level is full and ready to fish.  Recently several hundred trees were placed in the lake to improve fish habitat.  

Shoreline fishing can be good in deeper water around the lake.  Fish attracting habitat have been placed along the shoreline to attract fish and improve shoreline angling. This lake produces some nice crappie each year.  Recent sampling indicates that there are many good crappie to catch.  The bass population at this impoundment consists of spotted and largemouth bass.  Spotted bass tend to hang near rocks and the dam, whereas on the south end of the lake your more likely to catch only largemouth bass.  



COFFEY COUNTY LAKE - Last Updated: 2/27/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Methods, Locations
       
largemouth bass Slow 8 in to 21 inches Vibrating jigs, spinnerbaits, crankbaits, swimbaits or jerkbaits fished around structure. Flutter spoons or large plastic worms rigged on shaky heads fished off of points and ledges. Quality fish are present but numbers remain low. Most fish will be caught around or in the warm water outlet.
walleye Slow-Fair 14-25 inches Fish should be on rocky points, humps, or drop offs. Fish can be caught with jig and plastic, jigging rap or spoons.
channel catfish/blue catfish Fair-Good 1/2-5 lbs, Blues up to 50lbs.

Various prepared baits, liver, and worms usually good for channel catfish lakewide. Using fresh cut bait such as shad or carp usually is best for blue catfish. Fishing wind blown banks or up in the riprap should be productive or try creek channel swings and humps. Don't be afraid to fish shallow water for both species. 

921 blue catfish were tagged for a population study, so be on the lookout for tags in the blue cats that you catch and please report any you do catch. If you report a tag, you will receive a prize and your name will be entered in a drawing for a Yeti cooler towards the end of the project.

smallmouth bass Slow-Fair 10-20 inches Throwing small shad imitators like compact spinnerbaits or crankbaits. Crayfish imitating baits should also work. Ned rigs or drop shots are great techniques to use for smallmouth. Recent sampling continues to show a lower density population, however, more smaller fish were sampled this year which is a good sign. We also sampled a beautiful 5 lber. 
white bass/Wipers Fair up to 5lbs. Using small shad imitating baits such as small crankbaits, bucktail jigs, slab spoons, or twister tail grubs fished on wind blown points. 
crappie Slow-Fair 11-15 inches Look for crappie in deeper water near the standing timber or creek channel breaks.
General Comments

Entrance gate phone number is 620-364-2475 call for lake conditions

Fishing near the  warm water outlet during the fall and winter can be very productive for multiple species.

Registration for Coffey County Lake is now available online at https://www.coffeycountyks.org/home/showdocument?id=3502.

A large brush pile was created north of the boat ramp in the old creek channel and is marked with a fish attractor buoy. There were also several trees sunk at the end of the hot water dike and should be easily marked on your locator. These spots should be really good in the fall and winter months.

ZEBRA MUSSELS have been confirmed in Coffey County Lake! Please help stop the spread. Clean, Drain, and Dry your boat and livewell after leaving this lake. It is illegal to transport live fish, bait, and water from this lake.

For more information on waters in Anderson, Allen, Coffey, and Woodson counties click the following link to sign up for the New Strawn District Fisheries Newsletter. http://kdwpt.state.ks.us/news/KDWPT-Info/News/Newsletter-Request-Forms/Request-a-Newsletter-for-the-New-Strawn-Fishing-District



CRAWFORD STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 3/4/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method &Location
Bluegill / Redear sunfish  Fair   4-8"         Bluegill can be caught using a bobber and worm, 1/16-1/32 ounce jighead, and a fly rod and small fly. Locations to try would be near the swim beach in the northwest corner, coves where shallow water and aquatic vegetation can be found, and marina cove.  
Saugeye  Fair Up to 21"                                                                       The fall sample indicated a low-density, high-quality population of saugeye up to 21". A variety of ways to target saugeye are trolling with swimbaits and Rapalas, or vertical jigging. Anglers can also find saugeye up shallow in the fall, winter, and spring when water temperatures are cooler and where they can be found feeding on the flats and shallow habitat. 
Wiper (White bass x Striped Bass hybrid) Fair  18-24" Wiper have been stocked in Crawford State Lake and provide a quality sportfish for anglers to target. Wipers are pelagic, or open water, predators lurking in deeper water during the day, but come up shallow to feed in the morning, evening, and during the night. Some baits to try would be jerkbaits, swimbaits, jigs, and live bait. Trolling and vertical jigging over schools of gizzard shad may yield a fish, or two. The fall sample indicated good numbers above the 18" minimum length limit and a quality population for anglers to utilize. 
Channel catfish  Good     16-24"                   Channel catfish can be found throughout all portions of the lake. Anglers can target in coves on the upper end of the lake, especially during periods of inflow, main lake where submerged trees and Georgia Cubes have been placed, and jetties and docks that can be fished from shore. Prepared baits, gizzard shad, live bait, and chicken liver are all popular baits that anglers might give a try. 
Flathead catfish Good All sizes Flathead catfish can be found in deep water next to submerged trees and structure. Live bait, such as green sunfish, and artificial lures are two types of fishing to try. There have been reports of flathead catfish being caught up to 30 lbs. 
Crappie  Good 6-10" The crappie population has a slightly improved size structure with fish sampled up to 12". However, the majority of the crappie that anglers may find at the end of their line will be in the 6-8" size range. The 6-8" crappie have been aged by fisheries staff and are 8-12 years old. Please consider harvesting your daily creel limit of 50 crappie per day to help reduce numbers of crappie and open up space for them to grow. Georgia Cubes, an artificial habitat structure placed by KDWPT staff, are present in Crawford State Lake and the link in the "General Comments" section will provide you with GPS coordinates. Eight brushpiles were created and added. GPS coordinates are listed below in the comments section. Crappie will congregate near the Georgia Cubes, submerged trees, structure, and docks. Anglers should try live minnows under a bobber, jigs with a twister tail, and streamers with a fly rod. 
Largemouth bass  Good 15-21"

Largemouth bass densities and size structure are improved, since being infected with LMBV (Largemouth Bass Virus) in 2007. Strong year classes in the 8-12" size category indicate good numbers that haven't been as prominent since 2005. Quality fish up to 21" were sampled and anglers will benefit from the improved numbers and quality of largemouth bass in Crawford State Lake. Anglers should focus on coves and jetties using a variety of methods, which include spinnerbaits, top-water lures, plastic lures, and jerkbaits. An often overlooked method, the "Ned Rig" can also be utilized during all times of the year, but specifically in the summer months, when largemouth bass don't seem as willing to bite other types of lures. Cedar trees were added to the lake in October of 2021 and spring of 2019 to enhance fish habitat and spawning structure. 

Largemouth bass phase II advanced fingerlings have been stocked in 2020 (7,500 fingerlings), 2021 (3,750 fingerlings) 2022 (3,890 fingerlings) and 2023 (7,500 fingerlings). The KDWP Fisheries Biologist plans to continue to request phase II advanced fingerling stockings for the next three years to help bolster current year classes of largemouth bass. This will be evaluated through fin clips to assess genetics to realize stocking contribution to the fishery. In conjunction with the stocking, cedar trees will be added to the lake to enhance spawning, refuge, and forage structure near shore for largemouth bass to flourish.  

General Comments

Water Temperature: 46° F, March 4, 2024

KDWPT Fisheries and State Park staff enhanced current fish habitat by adding approximately 150 cedar trees near shoreline spawning areas to enhance largemouth bass and spotted bass structure, as well as added cedar trees to current brushpiles near shoreline access areas in October of 2021. Additionally, nearly 100 cedar trees and 40 "Georgia Cubes" were added to the lake in spring of 2019. Fisheries staff plan to add additional cedar trees to enhance fish habitat in the winter of 2021. 

Cedar trees were placed on existing brushpiles. The GPS coordinates for those existing brushpiles are as follows:

N 37.642683, W 094.806843 (Northeast corner dock)

37.641414, W 094.807232 (East cove dock on west side of cove)

N 37.640050, W 094.809163 (Middle arm, east side)

N 37.637126, W 094.811680 (East fishing pier)

Cedar trees were placed on new brushpiles. The GPS coordinates for the new brushpile locations are as follows (Updated 10/13/2021):

N 37.642581, W 094.808307 (North point) 

N 37.644641, W 094.810386 (North boat ramp)

N 37.643394, W 094.811154 (Marina northeast dock)

N 37.641860, W 094.812640 (Marina Cove southwest dock)

N 37.643614, W 094.811419 (Marina Cafe dock)

N 37.641616, W 094.813571 (Marina Cove, west end)

N 37.641749, W 094.812921 (Marina Cove, southwest dock)

N 37.641966, W 094.806699 (East Cove, east bank)

N 37.641278, W 094.807183 (East Cove, southwest bank)

N 37.641637, W 094.807649 (East Cove, northwest bank)

N 37.642103, W 094.807946 (East Cove, north point)

Georgia Cubes were added to six new locations. The GPS coordinates for the Georiga Cubes are as follows:

16 Georgia Cubes @ N 37.642602, W 094.808321 (North point)

6 Georgia Cubes @ N 37.642695, W 094.806880 (Northeast corner dock)

7 Georgia Cubes @ N 37.641402, W 094.807221 (East cove dock on west side of cove)

5 Georgia Cubes @ N 37.637147, W 094.811688 (East fishing pier)

3 Georgia Cubes @ N 37.643472, W 094.811373 (Marina northeast dock)

3 Georgia Cubes @ N 37.644663, W 094.810369 (North boat ramp)

Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism fisheries staff recently undertook a project to produce lake maps, or bathymetric maps, for public waters statewide. The lake map for Crawford State Fishing Lake can be found at the following link: https://ksoutdoors.com/Fishing/Where-to-Fish-in-Kansas/Bathymetric-Lake-Maps.This link will provide you with a link for all bathymetric lake maps for the state of Kansas. Scroll down to find Crawford State Fishing Lake. This will allow for anglers to view the depths of the lake to choose different habitats and lake depths to fish for different species, year-round. You will also find current GPS locations of habitat structures placed by KDWPT fisheries staff to easily input into your sonar unit, or find if you are fishing from shore. 

Be sure to Clean, Drain, and Dry your boat, bait buckets, and recreational watercraft before and after launching your boat. It is important to remove your drain plug on your watercraft upon departure to drain live wells and water inside of your boat; it will protect our natural resources in Kansas for current anglers and future generations to enjoy. Zebra mussels, white perch, and asian carp are all invasive species that can be found in Kansas. Be sure to stay up to date on information regarding Aquatic Nuisance Species. 

If you would like to provide a fishing report for Crawford State Fishing Lake, don't hesitate to contact Connor Ossowski, District Fisheries Biologist, at (620) 231-3173.



CRITZER LAKE - Last Updated: 2/28/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, Location
Largemouth Bass Slow 13 to 18 inches with a few at 22 inches Work the edges and out in the middle in the trees.   Fish above the stratification line. Some larger fish available, best luck with dark colored jip n pigs, plastic worms, crank baits in close to cover.  The majority of fish are in the 12 inch to 6 pound range.  In 2021 a 9.88 was caught and released.
Smallmouth Bass Poor 13 to 15" A limited fishery exists some are taken on jigs, spinners, along the dam and rocky areas.
Channel Catfish   15" to 8 pounds The fish feeder is Off for the season.   This is a good catfish population with a lot of fish in the 3 pounds and up to 15 pounds range. Use cut shad, cut sunfish, worms, liver, prepared baits, lakewide or along the piers along the parking lot.  We recently stocked several thousand channel catfish into the lake to boost the population. 
Crappie Slow any size Sampling indicates good numbers of nice fish (9 to 12 inches) use minnows and milky white, pink jigs in 12 ft. East half of lake is better. Fish are in deeper water along the 10ft. line.  
Walleye Poor most between 12 to 17 inches  Some are taken on jigs tipped with worms, spinners, dam and upper creek channel
General Comments
This is a great kayak or small craft lake.  This is a fishing only lake, no recreational boating.
Water levels are good and the boat ramp has plenty of water.  Go fishing, the fish have to eat.   
Recently there were 200,000 saugeye fry stocked to spice up the fishing.

This is a great Kayak or small craft lake.  Critzer Lake is one of Kansas' newest lakes and was opened to fishing in August of 2011. Many anglers use kayaks or tubes to float into the cover and are very successful. There is a double lane boat ramp. The floating dock is finished and compliments this great fishing lake.  The lake is primarily a boat lake but there is shoreline access east of the boatramp where anglers can set up on the two piers and be very close to the parking lot. This 220 acre lake offers 180 acres of standing timber so there is a no-wake speed limit.

There is a second, smaller access area located at the south west part of the lake, from 800 rd. and Gorman, north 1/4 mile.  This area makes it easier for anglers in small craft to launch and paddle/fish the more timbered areas. There is a parking lot and gravel ramp and provides shoreline angling also. 

Zebra Mussels have recently been found in Hillsdale Lake, and  Linn Valley Lake, this is a private lake community, we'd like to remind you to stay aware and take all precautions necessary to prevent the spread into uncontaminated waters! This includes cleaning and rinsing your boat and motor, trailer, and equipment, draining any excess water from previous outings, and allowing your boat to dry before using it in a different body of water. 

Remember CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY!

We have improved the area with a floating dock, located just west of the boat ramp.

For tips on spring bass fishing watch this KDWPT video at the following link! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpIJaiyW32k 

Check out this video from Brent Chapman fishing for bass in Critzer Lake! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngvw2uz3oH0 

Great Kansas Fishing Derby May 15 to Sept 15  Visit www.ksfishderby.com for more info; Tagged Fish - Channel Catfish, Bullhead



ELK CITY RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 2/28/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Crappie Good 8-14" Crappie fishing is good.  Warming water temps have fish starting to feed more.  Look for crappie in the river channel as well as near the dam.  Plastic jigs have been working best.
Blue and channel catfish Fair 18-30" Catfishing has been slow.  Look for fish to move into the shallow on a windy shoreline.  Shad has been working best.
White Bass Fair 10-14" The white bass fishing has been slow.  Look for white bass to be staging in the pools in the river before they move up to spawn.   Plastic swim baits have been working best.
Outlet Poor 12-20" Water release remains slow and so does the fishing.  
 
Blue catfish regulations will be changing soon to a 10 per day one fish over 30 inches in length.  Watch fishing regulation signs around the reservoir to see when the regulation goes into effect.
Water Level

Current water levels and discharge can be viewed HERE.

District Newsletter

We have created a fishing newsletter that can be sent out to all that subscribe to it. This newsletter is for fishing information for the Independence District (Chautauqua, Labette, Montgomery, and Wilson counties) only.

Youth/Mentor Pond

The Elk City State Park Youth/Mentor pond is now open. The pond is open to anglers 15 and younger as well as their mentor. A mentor may take more than one youth fishing, but only one mentor may fish per youth they accompany. Two channel catfish can be harvested daily, but largemouth bass are catch and release only. See the park office for more information.



FALL RIVER RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 3/14/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, Location
channel catfish fair

3% 11"-16"

19% 16"-24"

41% 24"-28"

38% 28"-36"

Use a worm or shad sides on deep channel breaks and below riffles in river and Otter Creek.
crappie fair

85% 5"- 8"

13% 8"-10"

1% 10"-12"

1% 12"-15"

<1% 15"+

Use a jig or minnow on deep channel breaks, below riffles in river and Otter Creek, and brush piles in coves. 
       
white bass fair

4% 6"- 9"

31% 9"-12"

46% 12"-15"

19% 15"-18"

Use plastic jig or spinner below riffles in river and Otter Creek.
General Comments:

Link to USACE reservoir water level: http://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/FALL.lakepage.html

Size structures listed are from 2023 October test netting and 2021 spring electrofishing for largemouth bass. 

To view a map of brush piles in Fall River Reservoir and the old sunken Ladd Bridge in the river, copy this file into Google Earth and zoom into the reservoir.

For more information about the Fall River Fisheries District, click here to access newsletters.



FT. SCOTT LAKE - Last Updated: 2/28/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, & Location
largemouth and spotted bass Slow varies spinners, shad imitating crank baits, or soft plastic baits close to fish structure, the deeper side of weed beds and along rocky points. 
channel and flathead Slow varies, some very nice There is a good population of channel catfish, many around 3-4 pounds.  Fish are lakewide, best with cut shad, sponge baits, worms. Recent fish population sampling indicates a great population of channel catfish in the 2 - 5 pound range. Fish the South end where creek comes in during or after a rain.  We recently stocked 1,000 larger channel catfish into this lake. The fish feeders are Off for the season.
walleye Slow varies use dark jigs and crankbaits, along flats and drop-offs.  most fish are above the 18 inch length limit.
crappie Fair varies, many over 11 inches Most fish are caught in the south end, especially around edges and along deeper water breaks.  There are a high percentage of fish over 10 inches.  Try black and white jigs under a float. 
bluegill Slow varies use small baits, such as worms, jigs suspended under a float, in deeper water
General Comments

All boatramps are closed because of low water conditions.

The best way to measure social distancing is with a fishing pole. Ft Scott Lake has boat ramps and several docks and good shoreline access for fishing.  This lake has great shoreline angling, lots of room to spread out, for social distancing. The lake has a good reputation for producing good stringers of channel catfish.  Channel catfish from the rearing pond are stocked into this lake each fall.  

Recent tree/habitat placements, In 2014, 2015 and 2016, 2017 about 900 xmas trees were placed at each end of the dam and along Scoratino Park.  The tree placement along the dam are very accessible for shoreline anglers.  This project is will improve angler success for bass and crappie.   

Recently there were 3,500 channel catfish stocked to spice up the fishing.

Zebra Mussels have recently been found in Hillsdale Lake, and Linn Valley, Linn County, (Private Lake Development), we'd like to remind you to "CLEAN, DRAIN and DRY" all watercraft before and after entering this lake.

 Remember- Wear a Lifejacket and Reach - Throw - Don t Go. Buy your state fishing license and have fun. Please remember the special length/creel limits.

Get the kids, get your friends and Go Fishing. Remember to "CLEAN, DRAIN AND DRY" your boats, trailers and equipment.

Sign up for the Mound City Fishing District Newsletter today!

For tips on spring bass fishing check out the KDWPT video at the following link! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpIJaiyW32k 

For crappie anglers, watch this 25-minute video that covers Kansas crappie fishing during spring, summer, fall, and winter https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sazyEuIT_bk 

This is a Community Fisheries Assistance Lake Cooperator,no city permits for fishing and boating while fishing. City permit required for recreational boating.

Great Kansas Fishing Derby May 15 to Sept 15  Visit www.ksfishderby.com for more info; Tagged Fish - Channel Catfish



GARNETT NORTH - Last Updated: 2/27/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Crappie Fair 8-14 inches Using live bait or jigs targeting schooling fish in deeper water near dropoffs or brush.
Channel catfish Fair 8-30 inches Livers, shad sides, or other prepared baits along ledges or windy banks. The upper end of the lake should be good when water is running in. Don't be afraid to fish shallow.
Largemouth Bass Fair up to 5lbs. Football jigs or shakey heads worked around structure, also slow rolling spinnerbaits and swimbaits may produce. Rattletraps can be good when water temp gets in or near 50. The length limit was changed to a 15"-21" protected slot limit. You are encouraged to harvest all bass under 15" to improve the population.
Wipers Slow-Fair up to 6 lbs Chicken livers or shad imitating baits such as crankbaits, spinnerbaits, rattletraps, soft jerkbaits, fished around wind blown banks and dropoffs. 
       
General Comments

Please remember to help STOP AQUATIC HITCHHIKERS! CLEAN, DRAIN, and DRY your boat and livewell when leaving water bodies. 

Four Georgia Cube Fish Attractors were placed by the fishing dock (2on the East end and 2 on the West end) on the north end of the lake. 

DO NOT MOVE FISH OR BAIT TO DIFFERENT WATERS!

For more information on waters in Woodson, Coffey, Anderson, and Allen counties, click the following link to sign up for the New Strawn District Fisheries Newsletter.http://kdwpt.state.ks.us/news/KDWPT-Info/News/Newsletter-Request-Forms/Request-a-Newsletter-for-the-New-Strawn-Fishing-District



GARNETT SOUTH - Last Updated: 2/27/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Methods, and Location
       
       
Current Fishing Opportunity      
       
Largemouth Bass Fair up to 5lbs. Football jigs, spinnerbaits, or swimbaits worked slowly. Rattletraps can be productive as the water continues to warm into the 50s.
Bluegill Fair up to 8 inches Small jigs or flies, also bobber with a worm. Good numbers of 6-7" fish are available
Channel Catfish Fair 8-24 inches chicken livers, cut bait or other prepared bait lakewide.
Crappie Slow 6-10 inches Target crappie in the deeper water near structure using jig and plastics or live bait.
       
Trout Good varies The last stocking occurred on Feb. 15th. use small spinners, jigs, or Berkley trout bait. All anglers need a trout permit regardless of what species they are fishing for.

Comments:

This is a Type I water which requires all anglers to posess a trout permit

Please remember to CLEAN, DRAIN, and DRY your boats and livewells to help stop the spread of ANS species. For more information on this lake and other lakes in Anderson, Allen, Coffey, and Woodson Counties, click on the link below to subscribe to the New Strawn District Fisheries Newsletter.

 http://kdwpt.state.ks.us/news/KDWPT-Info/News/Newsletter-Request-Forms/Request-a-Newsletter-for-the-New-Strawn-Fishing-District



JOHN REDMOND RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 2/27/2024 Print

Species Size Rating Bait, Method, Location
Channel Catfish up to 20lbs. Fair Drifting various baits lakewide or focusing on wind blown shorelines using various baits such as livers or fresh cut bait.
Blue Catfish up to 30 lbs. Fair-Good Fishing wind blown shorelines with fresh cut bait. Good numbers of fish 5-12 lbs. 
White Bass up to 3lbs. Fair Throwing shad imitating baits along the dam or wind blown shorelines. Fishing below the dam can be good during low to moderate releases. Good numbers of big fish are available. Fishing along the dredged area may be good.
Crappie up to 15" Fair Some schools may be found around the brushpiles in deeper water.

Comments -   

  Fishing should be good below the dam for multiple species during low to moderate releases.                     

Brush Pile Coordinates:

N 38o 14.743'
W 95 o 45.998'

N 38 14.658'
W 95o 46.138'

N 38o 14.419'
W 95o 46.767'

N 38o 14.256'
W 95o 46.423'

N 38o 14.722'
W 95o 45.641'

N 38o 14.811'
W 95o 45.694'

N 38o 14.922'
W 95o 45.715'

N 38o 15.222'
W 95o 45.728'

Fishing below the dam during low to moderate releases should be good for most species.

 For current lake level and release information click the following link http://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/JOHN.lakepage.html.

ALERT! This lake contains Zebra Mussels please help stop the spread Clean, Drain, and Dry your boat and equipment after leaving this water body. It is Illegal transport live fish, bait, and water from this lake.

For more information on lakes in the New Strawn district click the following link. http://kdwpt.state.ks.us/news/KDWPT-Info/News/Newsletter-Request-Forms/Request-a-Newsletter-for-the-New-Strawn-Fishing-District



LA CYGNE RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 2/28/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, Location
Channel, blue and flathead catfish, Good all sizes,  This lake supports good fishing for big blue cats, good channel channel and flatheads.  Good baits are worm, frozen shad or liver, Sunfish or cut shad, prepared baits.  Try fishing at the hot water outlet, lots of fish collect there. Some blue catfish have been caught that are over 80 pounds.  Catfishing can be very good just about anywhere along the shoreline.  
Crappie Slow 9 - 12 inches Sampling and angler reports indicate that there are still alot of good crappie here, most in the 10-12 inch range.  Best lures to use are jigs/ minnows, near structure.  
Largemouth Bass Slow varies but 16 to 20 inches is common Use surface plugs or plastic worms along the rip rap and shoreline along shaded areas.  Fish are in post spawn patterns.
White bass Fair varies, some almost 2  pounds  Use shad imitations, silver spoons.  Most of the fish caught in the area of the hot water outlet have been the 1 to 2 pound range.  Fish the creek mouth where the fresh water comes in and the fish are stacked up.  
Wiper Fair some up to 12 pounds Most fish are in the 4 - 6 pound range with a few larger.  Find surface gizzard shad and fish close to the shad.  
Carp Slow all sizes newly flooded shoreline cover using dough baits
General Comments

Call the Linn County Park at 913-757-6633.  The water level is great, just a little murky.  The fish are waiting for you.  The best way to measure social distancing is with a fishing pole.  Overall the bass are steady, the channel catfish and wipers are improving. 

BASSMASTERS has recognized LA CYGNE RESERVOIR in its TOP 10 bass lakes of the Midwest.  We know La Cygne  Reservoir is a great bass lake but its nice to receive this type of recognition from Bassmasters.  For more information check out these two sites.   

http://www.cjonline.com/sports/20180707/kansas-la-cygne-reservoir-named-one-of-nations-top-100-bass-lakes

https://www.hayspost.com/2018/07/15/kansas-lake-is-one-of-the-countrys-top-100-bass-fishing-lakes/

For information on the Linn County Marina boat ramps call 913 757-6633.  Fishing at La Cygne produces a mixed bag of fish from big blue, channel or flathead catfish, to white bass and wipers or crappie and largemouth bass. Good shoreline angler access is provided by the Linn County Park on the west side of the lake.

HOT WATER ACCESS. On the east side of the lake access to the hot water return, where a lot of fish are caught when its cold, is: at 69 HWY and Ks HWY 152, go east and drive across the dam on E.2200 Rd., turn north at Young Rd. and go West at E. 2400 Rd. to the parking lot.  Anglers walk from the parking lot west on the path to the hot water return area. But this is a great place to fish.  

This lake has had a reproducing blue catfish population for many years, fingerling blue cats were stocked this fall to supplement that population. Another goal for this lake is to improve blue cat angling.

 Call the Linn County Park at 913-757-6633 for more information or camping, and cabins reservations.

Zebra Mussels have recently been found in Hillsdale Lake and Linn Valley Private Lake, we'd like to remind you to stay aware and take all precautions necessary to prevent the spread into uncontaminated waters! This includes cleaning and rinsing your boat, motor, trailer and equipment, draining any excess water from previous outings, and allowing your boat to dry before using it in a different body of water. 

Get the family, get your friends and Go Fishing. Remember to "CLEAN, DRAIN AND DRY" your boats, trailers and equipment. Don't move water from any lake.

Habitat improvement and shoreline enhancement continue to improve by adding Georgia cubes.  I have added Georgia cubes to several areas to enhance angling especially along shoreline areas.  The gps coordinates are:

Location La Cygne Reservoir

Habitat                                longititude             latititude              description    date

hot water weir                   N 38 22.852           W 094 39.112      13 cubes       2017                 
big bass spot                     N 38 22.420           W 094 39.643      3   cubes       2017 



LYON STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 3/14/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, Location
Bluegill and Redear fair

87% 4-7"

7% 7-9"

2% 9-11"

Use worm, small jig, or small silver spinner around brush piles and rock jetties.   
Channel Catfish fair

33% 11-16"

42% 16-24"

8% 24-28"

17% 28-36"

Use worms or shad sides around channel breaks and where water is running into lake.  The feeders are off for the winter.
Largemouth Bass fair

24% 8-12"

34% 12-15"

42% 15-20"

0% >20"

Use spinners, jigs, or worms around brush piles and channel breaks.
Crappie fair

8% 5-8"

29% 8-10"

33% 10-12"

29% 12-15"

Use small jigs or minnows around brush piles and deep channel breaks. 
Saugeye fair

14% 9-14"

29% 14-18"

57% 18-22"

0% 22-27" 

Jig a jig and worm on dam in at sunset. 
General Comments

ATTENTION!  This lake has zebra mussels.  Live fish may not be transported away from this lake.  Clean, drain, and dry all boats.

Size structure listed for largemouth bass is from May 2023 electrofishing. The size structures listed for crappie, bluegill, redear, and channel catfish are from November 2023 fall test netting.

To view a map of brush pile and habitat cube locations, copy these files into Google Earth and zoom into the lake.  

LYSL habitat cubes (OCTET-STREAM 979 B)
LYSL brush piles 21 (OCTET-STREAM 2.22 kB)

For more information about the Fall River/Toronto Fisheries District, click here to access newsletters.



MARAIS DES CYGNES WILDLIFE AREA - Last Updated: 2/28/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, & Location
blue, flathead, channel catfish Slow varies fish in the river are concentrated below riffles, stink baits, cut shad, liver, live bluegill
white bass/wipers Slow varies minnows, jigs, work the pools below the rifles,
crappie slow varies on the river use jigs just below riffles
carp, buffalo slow but could improve with more river flow. varies fishing or bowfishing can be good to excellent when wildlife pools are draining or the river is flooding.                                              
       
General Comments

This area has shoreline angling, lots of room to spread out, for social distancing.  The marais des cygnes river flow varies but could produce some good fishing opportunities. Several reports about good bluecat caught on cut bait or shad with trotlines or rod n reel.

The river and streams on the state wildlife area are open to fishing. The Marias des Cygnes River is a great place to float and fish.  

Get the kids, get your friends and Go Fishing.

Remember to "CLEAN, DRAIN AND DRY" your boats and equipment. The Marais des Cygnes River is confirmed to contain zebra mussels.  Please take extra precaution by not removing fish and placing them in another body of water (bait fish included), and cleaning, draining, and drying boats motors trailers and all equipment before entering another body of water.  This helps prevent the spread to unc



MELVERN RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 3/7/2024 Print

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. 



MINED LAND WILDLIFE AREA - Last Updated: 3/4/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Panfish  Good   Up to 9"                                                 Bluegill, Warmouth and Redear Sunfish up to 9 inches are common on the strip pits on the Mined Land Wildlife Area. Focus your efforts around structure, slopes, and shallow water at the ends of the pits. Worms under a slip bobber, or 1/16 jigs will be a good bet to try. Casting parallel to shore or the ends of the pits are good locations along vegetation. Fly fishing opportunities are also present; hook sizes of 10-12 with a floating fly or popper may yield fish up to 8 inches. 
Channel Catfish  Good  Up to 32" Channel catfish have been stocked across the entire wildlife area. Try shad sides, liver, worms or prepared baits. Slip bobbers with worms, stink bait, or live bait fished along the edges will be a good technique to try. 
Crappie  Good   8-12" Crappie can be found throughout the different units on the wildlife area. Try minnows, small jigs, or small spinners fished around brush and structure. Boat and kayak anglers may have luck trolling deeper water and cove habitats as well. Units where crappie have been reported to be caught this winter and for anglers to focus on for crappie would be the following units: 7, 8, 11, 33, 41, 44, 45 to name a few. 
Largemouth Bass  Good   8-22" Largemouth bass can be found in many of the strip pits. Focus your efforts around aquatic vegetation, slopes, beaver dams or any terrestrial or aquatic structure, and shallow water. Many of the strip pits have quality populations. However, there are many with an abundance of 8-12" fish. Consider keeping your daily creel limit of 5 largemouth bass under the protected slot limit (i.e., 13 - 18 inches) to reduce densities to allow for better growth in the strip pits. Many strip pits have quality largemouth bass populations with 15-19" being common. 1/2 oz weedless jigs, ned rigs, bladed jigs, and drop shots thrown parallel to the shore along the slope will be a good technique to try. 
Rainbow trout  Good  10-15"

The first rainbow trout stocking of the winter and spring of 2023/2024 occurred prior to the December 1, 2023 Trout Season opener. A total of 1,100 rainbow trout were stocked on November, 2023. A total of 1,300 rainbow trout were stocked on December 27 and December 28, 2023. A total of 1,000 rainbow trout were stocked on January 31, 2024. 

2023/2024 Trout Season / Unit #30 "Trout Pit" Rainbow Trout Stockings 
December 1, 2023 1,260 Rainbow Trout
December 28, 2023 1,300 Rainbow Trout
January 31, 2024 1,000 Rainbow Trout 
   

Rainbow trout are stocked each winter in Unit #30 in the "Trout Pit". The rainbow trout average 1.1 per pound in 2023, so larger rainbow trout will be available for trout anglers. 

Remember anglers -- A trout permit is required to be able to fish on the "Trout Pit" on Unit #30 during the trout season (December 1-March 15). Rainbow trout & Brown Trout are managed under a combined daily creel limit of five fish. 

Directions to the Trout Pit (Unit #30) are as follows: 8 miles south of the McCune turn off on Highway 400 on  NW 100th St. and a half mile to the west on NW Lawton Rd. OR  5 miles west of West Mineral on NW Scammon Rd., 4 miles south on NW 100th St. and a half mile to the west on NW Lawton Rd.

Walleye  Fair  18-21" Walleye have been stocked on the Mined Land Wildlife Area in Units 7, 17, 20, 21, 22, 24, 31, 33, 34, 39, 40, 41, and 44 to provide an additional species and angling opportunity on the wildlife area. Limited opportunities exist, due to not being stocked since 2016. The units and strip pits that have been stocked with walleye provide adequate habitat with deeper water and cooler water temperatures. Trolling and vertical jigging techniques will be a good technique to try. 
Wiper (Striped bass x White bass hybrid)  Fair  15-20" Wiper are stocked on the Mined Land Wildlife Area in Unit #21. Stockings have occurred since 2007. Techniques to try would be to vertical jig spoons and jigs, trolling with Rapalas and spoons, and casting jigs, spoons, and spinning baits. Other opportunities would be to try a slip bobber with live bait, or chicken liver has been reported to yield a few fish. 
Water Levels    

The pits are currently low, due to lack of rainfall, and most are 3 feet low. The Scammon Units are low up to 8 ft. Habitat efforts will take place to take advantage of low water levels, until rainfall begins. Low water levels can be a benefit to the fish populations by concentrating smaller bluegill and crappie to predatory fish, such as largemouth bass, channel catfish, wipers, and walleye.
 

Please use caution during the spring and summer of 2023 of certain boat ramps, due to low water levels. Units 11, 15, 17, 32, 33, and 34 ramps have low water levels and please use caution to not back in too far past the edge of the boat ramp. 

General Comments

Water Temperature: 49° F, March 4, 2024

Bathymetric maps are now available for the Mined Land Wildlife Area strip pits. This is an ongoing effort by the District Fisheries Biologist, so new pits will be added on a weekly basis. The bathymetric maps that show how deep the strip pits are and water contours can be viewed at the following link: http://ksdot.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=3e0ba6a852d2479aa6e384b4f87a0c2b. The free Explorer GIS app can also be downloaded to use when you're out fishing from your mobile phone, or tablet. This has the ability to use your location to use similar to a depth finder while you're fishing. You can search in your Android, or iPhone, app store for "Explorer GIS", once it is installed you can search for "2020 KDWPT Fishing Access". This will allow for view while you're out fishing. Good luck!  

Habitat improvements through the use of hinge-cutting, cedar trees, and "Georgia Cubes" will be placed throughout the unique strip pits on Mined Land Wildlife Area. Angler input is welcomed. If you have individual strip pits that you'd like to see habitat improvements made, please contact Connor Ossowski, District Fisheries Biologist, at (620) 231-3173. These will be advertised on the KDWPT website at the following link: https://ksoutdoors.com/KDWPT-Info/Locations/Hunting-Fishing-Atlas/Fishing-Atlas/GPS-KML-Information-Files/Google-KMZ-file-of-Fish-Attractor-GPS. Fish attractors and habitat additions have been placed on the Mined Land Wildlife Area and the GPS coordinates can be found at the link provided in the previous sentence as well. 

Aquatic Nuisance Species Alert: Be on the look out for Eurasian Watermilfoil if you're fishing on the Mined Land Wildlife Area. This aquatic nuisance plant is present and abundant on multiple strip pits on the Mined Land Wildlife Area. The plant can reproduce rapidly and develop dense mats that don't allow for other beneficial aquatic plants to grow. Eurasian watermilfoil can also impact the fish community in a lake, so please be sure to inspect and clean your fishing gear. Please remember to Clean, Drain, and Dry your kayak, boat, boat trailer, and bait buckets. 

If you would like to provide a fishing report for the Mined Land Wildlife Area, don't hesitate to contact Connor Ossowski, District Fisheries Biologist, at (620) 231-3173.



MONTGOMERY STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 2/28/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, & Location
Channel Catfish Good 14-24" Catfishing remains good.  Look for fish to move shallower on warm days to feed.  If we get any runoff look for them to move up into the creek.  Shad sides have been working best.
Largemouth Bass Fair 8-18" Largemouth bass fishing has remained slow. Look for fish to move shallow on warm sunny days.  They have also been found near the brush piles throughout the lake.  Slow fishing soft plastics has worked best.
Crappie Good 8-12" Crappie fishing has been good.  Look for crappie in the deeper brush piles and around the fishing jetties.  Minnows or small jigs have been working best.
Bluegill/Redear Sunfish Good 6-8" Bluegill and redear fishing remains good.  Look for panfish to move into the shallows on warm days.  Look for fish around any brush piles or vegetations.  Jigs tipped with a worm have been working best.
General Comments

With the extreme drought be careful on the west side of the lake as it is very shallow!

A bathymetric map is available for Montgomery State Fishing Lake at the link above.

District Newsletter

We have created a fishing newsletter that can be sent out to all that subscribe to it. This newsletter is for fishing information for the Independence District (Chautauqua, Labette, Montgomery, and Wilson counties) only.



MOUND CITY LAKE - Last Updated: 2/28/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, &amp;amp; Location
Channel Catfish Slow Size varies but most are much larger than the 15 inch length limit, with some large fish The fish feeders are Off for the season. The shoreline around the feeders has recently been improved to be nicer for families to fish. This lake produces many good channel catfish.  Try stink baits, chicken liver, cut shad or chunks of sunfish. The lake supports high numbers of 2 to 8 pounders.  The creek in the south end maybe excellent right after a hard rain. We recently stocked channel catfish to expand the population.  
Bluegill/Redear Sunfish Fair varies Use small baits, jigs or small worm under a float set for shallow water, fish maybe in shallow.  Fish around the fish feeder also as there are alot of fish hanging out there.  
Crappie Slow 8 to 14 inches some larger Lots of crappie have been caught this year.  Try habitat, such as brushpiles. Recent sampling indicates that majority of crappie are in the 10 inch range with some fish in the 13 to 15 inch ranges.  Minnows and dark jigs are best.   
Largemouth Bass Slow varies A great population.  There are many fish in the 3+ range.  Recent sampling indicates a good population with majority of fish 14 to 19 inches.  Try  plastics, jig and Pig, slab, try along the rock, trees and timber
General Comments

This is a great Kayak or small craft lake. The fish feeders are off.  The best way to measure social distancing is with a fishing pole.   This lake has great shoreline angling, lots of room to spread out, for social distancing.  Water level is good and clear.  Go fishing, the fish have to eat.  Water conditions are good.  The catfish and crappie are very nice this year.

Mound City Lake has a great reputation for producing good strings of crappie this season.  Best baits are dark colored jigs and minnows, mainly around underwater structure.  Fish feeders are ON.  Largemouth bass numbers have really improved and continues to produce great fishing.  

Recently there were 2,000 channel catfish stocked to spice up the fishing.

Zebra Mussels have recently been found in Hillsdale Lake, and Linn Valley, Linn County, (Private Lake Development)

This is a great kayak or small craft lake.  This is a fishing only lake, no recreational boating.
The City of Mound City is constructing a fishing trail along the west side of the lake.  This will improve shoreline angling access. 
 For tips on spring bass fishing check out the KDWPT video at the following link! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpIJaiyW32k 

For crappie anglers, watch this 25-minute video that covers Kansas crappie fishing during spring, summer, fall, and winter https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sazyEuIT_bk 

Get the kids, get your friends and Go Fishing. Remember to "CLEAN, DRAIN AND DRY" your boats, trailers and equipment.



NEOSHO RIVER AT CHETOPA DAM - Last Updated: 6/29/2023 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, & Location
Paddlefish Poor   Paddlefish snagging season has closed. 
General Comments
THE SNAGGING SEASON IS OPEN FROM MARCH 15 THROUGH MAY 15TH.

•Catch and release is allowed on the Neosho River

•A fish must be kept if placed on a stringer. Culling is not allowed.

•A state-issued permit is required. Two paddlefish may be harvested daily and six may be harvested in a season.

•Barbless hooks are required at Chetopa.

The best fishing occurs at river flows of 10-15,000 cubic feet per second. The following link will take you to the Kansas Water Watch website. Click HERE for river flow data.



NEOSHO STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 3/4/2024 Print

Species Rating Size   Baits, Method & Location
Bluegill & Redear Sunfish                                                                       Good Up to 9" Anglers should focus their efforts near brushpiles, fishing access jetties, or shallow water. A bobber and worm, a 1/16 ounce jig with a small twister tail, or a fly rod with a small fly are all good options to try in water less than 6'. 
Warmouth Fair Up to 9" Warmouth are a species that many anglers aren't aware of, but they're another species for fishing opportunity. Anglers can find warmouth primarily near rocky habitats, such as jetties and on dam, similar to green sunfish. The same tactics for bluegill and redear sunfish can be used to catch warmouth, such as a small hook tipped with a worm under a bobber, fly rod with small flies, and 1/16-1/32 ounce jigs. 
Channel catfish  Good Up to 28"  Channel catfish can be found throughout all portions of the lake. Boat anglers can focus their efforts on the flats of 4-8', coves, and the brushpiles located on the southwest corner of the lake. Shoreline anglers can focus their efforts on the rock jetties throughout the entire lake, however the jetties on the southwest side of the lake are in close proximity of brushpiles that may congregate channel catfish. Prepared baits, shrimp, chicken liver, and cut bait will be your best options to try. 
Flathead catfish Fair Up to 28" Flathead catfish can be caught on live bait, or fresh cut bait, near brushpiles and flats. Brushpiles are located on the southwest corner of the lake. Flathead catfish will move up to the shallows in the morning, evening, and at night, so fishing off the jetties will be your best bet. 
Crappie    Good Up to 12" Anglers can focus their efforts on brushpiles, which are located on the lower end on the southwest corner of the lake, drop offs and changes in depth located in close proximity to jetties, and coves. Crappie will congregate near structure. 1/8-1/16 ounce jigs with twister tails or tipped with a minnow, live minnows, worms, and small spinners are all good baits to try. 
Largemouth Bass  Good Up to 22"                     Anglers can focus on jetties, if fishing from the shore, where brushpiles are in close proximity. Fishing the edges of aquatic vegetation that are located near the shore can hold largemouth bass in wait to ambush prey that utilize the aquatic vegetation for forage and refuge. Jetties are located on the north end as well as the east and west sides of the lake. Baits include spinnerbaits, top-water lures, and plastics are all tactics for anglers to pursue.  
General Comment

Water Temperature: 47° F, March 4, 2024

A habitat enhancement project was conducted in spring of 2020 with over 250 cedar trees being submerged and 27 new brushpile locations being added. You can find the GPS coordinates at the following link by opening the "Complete Online Map": https://ksoutdoors.com/KDWPT-Info/Locations/Hunting-Fishing-Atlas/Fishing-Atlas

Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks fisheries staff recently undertook a project to produce lake maps, or bathymetric maps, for public waters statewide. The lake map for Neosho State Fishing Lake can be found at the following link: https://ksoutdoors.com/Fishing/Where-to-Fish-in-Kansas/Bathymetric-Lake-Maps This link will provide you with a link for all bathymetric lake maps for the state of Kansas. Scroll down to find Neosho State Fishing Lake. This will allow for anglers to view the depths of the lake to choose different habitats and lake features to fish for different species, year-round. You will also find current GPS locations of habitat structures placed by KDWPT fisheries staff to easily input into your sonar unit, or find if you are fishing from shore. 

Be sure to Clean, Drain, and Dry your boat, bait buckets, and recreational watercraft before and after launching your boat. It is important to remove your drain plug on your watercraft upon departure to drain live wells and water inside of your boat; it will protect our natural resources in Kansas for current anglers and future generations to enjoy. Zebra mussels, white perch, and asian carp are all invasive species that can be found in Kansas. Be sure to stay up to date on information regarding Aquatic Nuisance Species. 

If you would like to provide a fishing report for Neosho State Fishing Lake, don't hesitate to contact Connor Ossowski, District Fisheries Biologist, at (620) 231-3173.



OSAGE STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 3/7/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, & Location
Current Fishing Condition      
Fisheries Newsletter     If you want to receive additional information about this lake (including GPS coordinates to any newly placed brush piles) a couple of times during the year, sign up to receive a newsletter using this link http://kdwp.state.ks.us/news/KDWP-Info/News/Newsletter-Request-Forms/Request-a-Newsletter-for-the-Lawrence-Fishing-District
Bluegill/Redear Sunfish Fair Up to 10 inches Bluegill fishing is slow, but will improve with increasing water temperatures
Channel catfish Good 0.5-5 lbs Channel Catfish activity is increasing.  Nightcrawlers or cut bait are producing the most bites early in the season.  
Crappie Good-Fair up to 12 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 dropoffs using minnows or small plastics. 
White Bass/Wiper Good up to 5lbs. White Bass and Wiper 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 
Largemouth bass Good 0.5-3 lbs Bass activity is slow, but will improve with increasing water temperatures   
General Comments

Note:  Zebra Mussels were found at this lake April 27, 2017.  Lake users should clean, drain and dry fishing equipment and boats to keep from moving zebra mussels to other waters.

GPS coordinates for cube clusters placed on 7/13/21 are:                         

1. N 38.772333 W 95.672267           4.  N 38.767067 W 95.668917

2. N 38.77125   W 95.671467           5.  N 38.76465 W 95.67415

3. N 38.771017  W 95.6731              6.  N 38.76345 W 95.674617



PLEASANTON CITY LAKE EAST - Last Updated: 2/28/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, &Location
Wipers Poor size varies,   Majority of fish are in the 3 to 5 pound range. Use spoons, crank baits are good, use shad imitations.
Channel catfish Slow All sizes, This lake has a good catfish population and produces nice fish. The fish feeders are Off for the season.  Anglers commonly catch fish in the 2- 7 pound range, with some over 10 pounds. Best baits are bluegill chunks, worms, liver, traditional chicken liver, shrimp, prepared baits, lake wide.  Gear up for these big channels.  We recently stocked 2000 channel catfish.   
Largemouth bass Fair varies lots of bass with a balanced population. try dropoffs, and the weed bed habitat.  Try using silver or blue crank baits or soft baits.   Lots of bass in the 12 to 15 inch range. 
Walleye/Saugeye Slow 18-24 inches An incidental fish taken near deeper habitat.
White Crappie Slow 8-14 inches The crappie are improving and are in the 8 inch to 15 inches long. Fish are in deeper and around the brushpiles.  Use pink, blue/white tube or green jigs, minnows. After a rain, Fish the creek mouth where the fresh water comes in and the fish are stacked up.
General Comment

This is a great Kayak or small boat lake.  This is a GREAT FAMILY FISHING LAKE.  The best way to measure social distancing is with a fishing pole.  The best time to fish is anytime you can. This lake has great shoreline angling, lots of room to spread out, for social distancing.  Warm weather will really speed up the fishing.  This is a great kayaking while you are fishing lake, no recreational boating.  Have the lake to yourself. 

There are good crappie here.  This lake has a high density of largemouth bass, great fishing for kids! Also, keep in mind that there is a decent wiper population.  The channel cat population in this lake is doing well, and during our sampling we saw a few walleye, as well as some sizeable flatheads.  Channel catfish, 2,800 are stocked in mid October to increase fishing opportunities.   This will supplement the population and maintain fishing opportunities.

Zebra Mussels have recently been found in Hillsdale Lake, and (Private) Linn Valley Lake in Linn County, we'd like to remind you to stay aware and take all precautions necessary to prevent the spread into uncontaminated waters! This includes cleaning and rinsing your boat and motor, trailer, and equipment, draining any excess water from previous outings, and allowing your boat to dry before using it in a different body of water. 

Sign up for the Mound City Fishing District Newsletter today! Remember to "CLEAN, DRAIN AND DRY" your boats and equipment. Don't move water from any impoundment. 

For tips on spring bass fishing check out the KDWPT video at the following link! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpIJaiyW32k 

For crappie anglers, watch this 25-minute video that covers Kansas crappie fishing during spring, summer, fall, and winter https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sazyEuIT_bk 

This lake is enrolled into the Community Fisheries Assistance Program. A city fishing permit is no longer required. Remember- Wear a Lifejacket and Reach - Throw - Don t Go.



PLEASANTON CITY LAKE WEST - Last Updated: 2/28/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, &amp;amp; Location
channel catfish Slow Size varies, some up to 8 pounds The fish feeders are Off for the season. Use cut shad or sunfish or best on chicken liver, shrimp, worms, prepared baits, along dam, lots of fat fish from 2 - 6 pounds.  This lake is a great channel catfish lake with great shoreline angling, lots of room to spread out, for social distancing. Gearup for these big channel catfish.  We recently restocked this lake so the catfish numbers are even higher.  
crappie Slow All sizes Density and quality of fish is good.  The crappie are in and out with the water temperatures.   Most about 9 inches with some in the 12 inch range. Because of the lake design and habitat placements, most fish are accessible from the shoreline. Fish with jigs, blue /white, minnows,
largemouth bass Fair 12-23 inches water levels are good and lots of fish in the 2 to 4 pound range.  Use crank baits or spinners, recent sampling shows many bass over 3 pounds. 
bluegill Slow varies Most fish are under 8 inches. use a small worm or jig under a float.
General Comments

This is a GREAT FAMILY FISHING LAKE. 

Its great weather for fishing. This is a great kayak or small craft lake.  This is a fishing only lake, no recreational boating.
The best way to measure social distancing is with a fishing pole.   The fish feeders are OFF. This lake has great shoreline angling, lots of room to spread out, for social distancing.    Water levels are good. Best time to fish is anytime you can.   Pleasanton West Lake produces a quality bass and channel catfish fishery.  Largemouth bass, overall are in very good condition and health. Try your luck with roadrunners, jigs, and spinners for these sizeable fish!  Recently there were 2,800 channel catfish stocked to spice up the fishing.

Zebra Mussels have recently been found in Hillsdale Lake, and Linn Valley, Linn County, (Private Lake Development), we'd like to remind you to stay aware and take all precautions necessary to prevent the spread into uncontaminated waters! This includes cleaning and rinsing your boat and motor, trailer, and equipment, draining any excess water from previous outings, and allowing your boat to dry before using it in a different body of water. 

Get the kids, get your friends and Go Fishing. Remember to "CLEAN, DRAIN AND DRY" your boats and equipment. Don't move water.

For tips on spring bass fishing check out the KDWPT video at the following link! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpIJaiyW32k 

For crappie anglers, watch this 25-minute video that covers Kansas crappie fishing during spring, summer, fall, and winter https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sazyEuIT_bk 

 This lake has a high density of channel catfish that increases angling opportunity. Remember- Wear a Lifejacket and Reach - Throw - Don t Go. This is a Community Fisheries Assistance Program Lake, no fishing permits required.



POMONA RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 2/28/2024 Print

 Species Rating Size Baits, Method, & Location
Channel, Blue, Flathead Catfish Fair all sizes Good baits are worms or dip baits and cut sunfish or cutshad.  The State Park and the Coe of Engineers provide many great shorelines for family from the bank fishing. The Rock Quarry is a good place for shore fishing. The outlet can be very good when releasing larger amounts of water.  There is the occasional harvest of a blue catfish.  Channel catfish are in great shape, many in the 2 to 4 pound range.  Lots of catfish caught in the spillway on worms or cut bait.
Walleye/saugeye Slow varies Try crank baits or jigs tipped with night crawlers along the flats
White bass/Wipers Slow varies There are good white bass up to 2 pounds and good wipers up to the 5-6 pound pounds.  Good baits are minnows/live baits, cut bait, sometimes for wipers use liver and shad imitation lures.   Look for where shad are schooled up.   
Crappie Slow varies but range 8 -12 inches Very good crappie are still being caught.  Sampling shows alot of good crappie over 10 inches here.   Shallow windy shorelines and points are good places for crappie feeding on gizzard shad. Best baits are dark jigs and/or minnows.   When releasing high volume of water the outlet/spillway is fantastic. 
Largemouth Bass Poor Most are 10 to 15 inches Pomona has a limited black bass fishery with some smallmouth bass being caught. Catches are more common in the Marina area and in the coves on a variety of baits to include crankbaits and soft baits
General Information

Water levels are good. The weather is great for fishing.  Pomona has produced many good crappie in the 10 to 14 inch range and excellent white bass. Angling will improve as the water warms up.   Also remember this lake has a good wiper and an improving walleye, saugeye population.  These are often caught at the drop offs along creek channels, and around concentrations of gizzard shad.

The reservoir also supports some larger walleye and blue catfish, though in low numbers.  These numbers will be improved by future stockings. 

 Zebra mussels now inhabit this lake. This means take EXTRA PRECAUTION to help prevent the spread into uncontaminated impoundments.

"Clean, Drain and Dry" before  and after using any equipment on this lake.

 For additional information, water temperature, release rates, please check:  http://www.nwk.usace.army.mil/Locations/District-Lakes/Pomona-Lake/Daily-Lake-Information/ 

Have FUN, Get the kids, get your friends and Go Fishing. Remember to "CLEAN, DRAIN AND DRY" your boats and equipment. The State and COE Parks are ready for family fishing.

Sign up for the Mound City Fishing District Newsletter today!

Check out this video on fish management provided by KDWPT http://ksoutdoors.com/Fishing/Special-Fishing-Programs-for-You/Fishing-Videos/Kansas-Fish-Management 

For crappie anglers, watch this 25-minute video that covers Kansas crappie fishing during spring, summer, fall, and winter https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sazyEuIT_bk 



WILSON STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 2/28/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location  
Channel Catfish Good 16-24" Catfishing remains good.  Look for fish to move into the shallows on warm days as they move into feed.   Shad sides and chicken liver has been working best.  
Largemouth and Spotted Bass Good 10-22" Largemouth bass fishing has been good.  Look for fish to move into the shallows during warm days.  Fish have also been caught around the deeper brush piles in the lake.  Slow fishing soft plastics has been working best.  
Crappie Good 8-12" Crappie fishing has been good.  Crappie have been near the brush piles around the lake as well as near any submerged vegetation.  Minnows and jigs have been working best.  
Bluegill and Redear Good 6-8" Bluegills and redear fishing remains good.  Look for fish just outside the weedline or near brush piles. Jigs tipped with a worm are working best.  
General Comments
Both maintained boat ramps are currently usable.

A bathymetric map is available for Wilson State Fishing Lake at the link above.

District Newsletter

We have created a fishing newsletter that can be sent out to all that subscribe to it. This newsletter is for fishing information for the Independence District (Chautauqua, Labette, Montgomery, and Wilson counties) only.



WOODSON STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 2/27/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Bait, Method, Location
Largemouth Bass Fair 6-14"  Texas-rigged plastics, football jigs, spinnerbaits, swimbaits, or rattle traps fished around brush piles, rocky banks, or vegetation should produce.
Channel Catfish Fair 12-26" Livers, shad sides, stink bait fished on wind blown banks.  Lots of fish in the 1-4 lb. range. Don't be afraid to fish shallower habitat.
Walleye Fair 8-20" Jig and plastic in deeper water off of points.
Bluegill Fair 4-7" mealworms, nightcrawlers, or small jigs fished near shore and around vegetation or brush.
Crappie Fair  6-12" Crappie are school up around deeper brush piles, using jigs should produce some keepers. Good number of fish around 10" currently with some 12" fish available.
We added 120 brush piles and 220 Georgia Cubes to the lake for fish habitat. For a map of these habitat locations and a bathymetric map of Woodson State Fishing Lake CLICK HERE
The lake has came up and the boat ramp and dock are usable again.



YATES CENTER - SOUTH OWL - Last Updated: 2/27/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Largemouth bass Fair 1-5 lbs. Football jigs, vibrating jigs, Texas-rigged plastics or squarebill crankbaits worked slowly near rocky banks or water willow. 
channel catfish Fair-Good 1/2-15 lbs Using shad sides livers or other prepared baits on wind blown banks should get a few bites. 
Walleye No reports 10-24"  
crappie Fair-Good up to 14" Look for fish in deeper water near dropoffs or available structure. Minnows or jigs should produce fish.
General Comments

STOP AQUATIC HITCHHIKERS! CLEAN, DRAIN, and DRY your boat and livewell before leaving an area. DO NOT MOVE FISH OR BAIT between waters.

We sank 30 Georgia Cube Fish Attractors in this lake and they are holding fish. Click on the following link to download the Google Earth File and get the coordinates. http://ksoutdoors.com/KDWPT-Info/Locations/Hunting-Fishing-Atlas/Fishing-Atlas/GPS-KML-Information-Files/Google-KMZ-file-of-Artificial-Habitat-Fish-Attractor-GPS 

District Fisheries Newsletter. http://kdwpt.state.ks.us/news/KDWPT-Info/News/Newsletter-Request-Forms/Request-a-Newsletter-for-the-New-Strawn-Fishing-District



YATES CENTER CITY LAKE - Last Updated: 2/27/2024 Print

Species Size Rating Baits, Methods, Locations
Redear and Bluegill up to 10" Fair A good population of both species is present in this lake. small jigs or worms fished around deeper brush or timber.
Largemouth Bass 8-18" Fair Football jigs, Texas-rigged plastics, shaky head with big worm, or slow rolling big spinnerbaits around various structural elements. Rattletraps along rocky banks may also be productive. The slot limit was changed to a 15-21" protected slot, meaning you need to release any bass in the 15"-21" range, but you are encouraged to harvest all bass under 15" to help improve the population.
Catfish up to 10lbs. Good Shad sides, worms, or other prepared baits fished on windy flats or upper end of lake when water is coming in. Don't be afraid to fish shallow water. 
Wipers/White Bass 8-18" Fair  Vertical jigging slab spoons or shad imitation jigs around the creek channel and deeper water or fish may be caught along the rocky shorelines or windy points using small spinners, crankbaits, or hair jigs.
Crappie up to 12" Fair-Good Fish are in standing timber along the creek channel 15-20ft deep. Lots of 8-9" fish available please harvest these fish to benefit the population. The creel limit is 20 fish/day.
Walleye 15-24" slow No reports

This lake contains Eurasian Watermilfoil. Please remember to help stop the spread of Aquatic Nuisance Species Clean, Drain, and Dry your boat and equipment when leaving water bodies.

THE LAKE LEVEL IS CURRENTLY 2ft. low.