Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism

Notice

Your safety is our priority. In KDWPT facilities where foot traffic is allowed, please practice social distancing and observe all safety precautions put in place by staff. Thank you.

For the latest information on KDWPT facilities and services, visit https://ksoutdoors.com/KDWPT-COVID-19-Updates.

For the latest information on COVID-19, visit http://www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus/index.htm.

Fishing Reports

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

Northwest Region
Northeast Region
Southwest Region
South Central Region
Southeast Region

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: 5/7/2021 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method, Location
Largemouth Bass	Fair to Good	12-18 inches	Spring is a great time to catch bass as they feed heavily throughout the day. They can be found near the flooded cattails and also hang out under the overhanging branches along the east shoreline. Fish may also be found near the flooded aquatic vegetation around the lake. Try spinnerbaits, Ned rigs, Senkos, and plastics for best results.
Bluegill/Sunfish	Fair to Good	4 to 6 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.
Channel Catfish	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 in the spring as the catfish will congregate there to feed.
Saugeye	Fair to Good	15-24 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.
Crappie	Good	8-14 inches	Anglers should target the brush piles and other submerged structure with minnows and jigs throughout the spring. The crappie bite really picks up as the water temperature warms and anglers are encouraged to harvest high numbers of crappie to help maintain a desirable level. The crappie spawn is just beginning to heat up so anglers should target shallow spawning grounds with minnows and jigs slowly retrieved under a bobber.
General Comments
Water Temperature--57ºF CAUTION: LONGER BOAT TRAILERS MAY FALL OFF EDGE OF BOAT RAMP WHEN WATER IS LOW

CEDAR BLUFF RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 5/6/2021 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method, Location
Black Bass	Good	Up to 4.5 lbs.	Casting soft plastics, swimbaits, or spinnerbaits around brush and rock on prominent points on the mainlake or in coves. Largemouth bass have been caught lake-wide. But, spotted and smallmouth bass tend to prefer rockier habitat and clearer water.
Crappie	Slow	Up to 15 inches	Vertically fishing or pitching jigs at or around brush and timber on points at the mouths or up in coves can be productive.
Walleye	Fair	Up to 28 inches	Post-spawn fish are beginning to bite as anglers have reported catching a few. Drifting jig and nightcrawler or minnow combos or casting shad imitating crankbaits or swimbaits over prominent points, submerged parking lots and road beds is often effective this time of year.
White Bass/Wipers	Good/Excellent	Whites up to 17 inches Wipers up to 13 lbs.	Casting shad imitating curly-tail or bucktail jigs, spoons, and swimbaits over submerged road beds and parking lots, hard bottomed points, and along the dam face. Anglers report catching good numbers of fish with white bass up to 3 lbs. and wipers up to 6 lbs.
WATER TEMPERATURE-57 degrees F SURFACE ELEVATION- 2133.05 ft. above MSL-10.95 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. Cedar Bluff District Newsletter: A biannual newsletter detailing fishing related prospects and activities in the Cedar Bluff District, which includes such waters as Cedar Bluff Reservoir, Sheridan and Scott State Fishing Lakes, Antelope Lake, and other public fishing waters in northwest Kansas are available. If you would like to subscribe to this newsletter you can go to the following link to get on the mailing list. The link is: http://kdwp.state.ks.us/news/KDWP-Info/News/Newsletter-Request-Forms/Request-a-Newsletter-for-the-Cedar-Bluff-Fishing-District

GLEN ELDER RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 5/7/2021 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method, Location
Crappie	Good	9-15 inches	The crappie spawn is quickly approaching and anglers should start to look for some early spawners in the main lake coves. Anglers should also target fish in prespawn areas in 8 to 15 feet of water. The fish will often reside in small bunches and can be difficult to locate but they will bite once located. Some fish may still be found in the brush piles and Georgia cube structures as well but many have begun to disperse from these winter holding areas. Actively searching for roaming crappie will be needed for now with a variety of jigs and minnows your best bets to catch these fish. There are been good numbers of 14 to 15 inch crappie caught recently.
Walleye	Good	11-25 inches	Most of the fish have moved to the central and western portions of the reservoir and can be caught along the river channel. Depths of 20 to 25 feet seem to be best with some fish coming from 30 feet of water. Gibbs Point, Harry's Island, the south bluffs, and Wally World are all good areas to look for walleye this time of year. Tagged Glen Elder Walleye Anglers need to be on the lookout for adult walleye with a Pink Tag attached to the dorsal fin in Glen Elder. A multi-year telemetry study is underway examining walleye mortality patterns, habitat use, and movement. Anglers catching a tagged fish will receive a $100 reward for return of the transmitter which has been placed in the internal cavity of these fish. You may keep the pink tag but we need the transmitter returned. Angler reporting is very critical to this study and you can all do your part by calling the park office, 785-545-3345, if you catch one of these fish or simply drop the transmitter off at the office. You will receive $100 shortly thereafter. Thank you for doing your part in helping us learn all we can about the Glen Elder walleye population!
Black Bass	Good	12-20 inches	Smallmouth bass fishing is picking up with anglers catching some fish around the state park along the north shore. With a 21 inch length limit these fish are almost all sublegal so please handle them with extreme care and release them immediately after catching them. They can also be found along the dam, Granite Creek, and the south bluffs. Anglers typically catch them using a variety of crankbaits, soft plastics, and Ned Rigs. The smallmouth spawn is quickly approaching and many fish will begin to move in shallow. Largemouth bass can also be caught in most of the main lake coves as well as in the state park using spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and Senkos. *The spring 2020 electrofishing sample illustrates the quality smallmouth bass and largemouth bass that can be found at Glen Elder Reservoir across much of the reservoir.*
Channel Catfish	Good	15-30 inches	Catfish can be caught just about anywhere lakewide. The best numbers in the spring can be found around the mouth of Walnut Creek, along Sandy Beach, near Takota Point, and on the flats south of the golf course. Anglers can try drift fishing for them using shad sides, shad gizzards, and stinkbait. The best reports of late indicate good numbers of fish can be found and caught in the upper ends of coves where the water is warmest. We have also been seeing channel catfish along the rocky banks of in the state park. Blue catfish can be found primarily around the Cawker City causeway and west. Remember, there is a 35 inch length limit on blue catfish at Glen Elder.
White Bass	Good	11-18 inches	The white bass spawn is winding down, but anglers should still be able to find fish in the north and south fork river channels as far west as the wildlife property line. Fishing shallow riffle areas and around log jams are good bets to find numbers of concentrated fish, but floating a canoe or kayak down the river is the easiest way to catch a bunch of fish. Anglers can also find these fish along the Cawker City causeway and on the dam as they often spawn in those areas as well. Best baits include twister tails, roadrunners, and small spinnerbaits.
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: 61°F Current Water Level: 0.8 feet high 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!

JEWELL STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 5/7/2021 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method, Location
Crappie	Good	9-11 inches	Anglers should target the brush piles and other submerged structure with minnows and jigs throughout the spring. The crappie bite really picks up as the water temperature warms and anglers are encouraged to harvest high numbers of crappie to help maintain a desirable level. The crappie spawn is on and anglers should start to look for these fish in shallow water near stickups or other types of structure. Target these fish with minnows and jigs slowly retrieved under a bobber.
Largemouth Bass	Good	12-22 inches	Largemouth can be found near the flooded cattails and also hang out around flooded trees, stumps, and logs. Fish may also be found near the flooded aquatic vegetation around the lake. Try spinnerbaits, Ned rigs, Senkos, and plastics for best results. The bass are beginning to spawn now and males can be found aggressively guarding their nest. There is an 18 inch minimum length limit on all bass in Jewell
Channel Catfish	Fair to 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 in the spring as the catfish will congregate there to feed. Also, anglers have had great success fishing off the jetty next to the boat ramp. Remember there is a 15 inch minimum length limit on channel catfish
Bluegill Redear Sunfish	Fair to 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 new 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: 64ºF Water level: FULL

KANOPOLIS RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 5/6/2021 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method, and Location
Channel Catfish	Good	16 - 21"	Some are being caught on cut bait along windy shorelines.
Crappie	Good	10 to 14 inches	Crappie have moved shallow and some are spawning. Try 1/16 and 1/8 oz. jigs along the dam in 4-8' of water. Try shallow points and brush piles in the middle of the lake as well. Chartreuse and pink jigs or very small swimbaits are working.
Trout			The final trout stocking occurred on Thursday, April 8th. Due to high water most fish were placed in the middle and upper end of the stream.
Saugeye	Fair	14 - 22"	Few are being caught but look for them on wind blown points in the middle and lower ends of the reservoir. Some are still on the dam. Try 1/8 - 1/4 oz. swimbaits and jigs (pink and chartreuse work well in the muddier water).
White Bass	Good	All sizes - up to 17 inches	White Bass have moved into the river and reports of several White Bass being harvested. Try yellow plastic grubs and small swimbaits.
Wiper	Fair.	All sizes	No report
General Comment
Elevation: 4 feet above conservation pool. Water Temperature: 59 - 62 degrees 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: 4/29/2021 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method, and Location
Crappie	Fair	7 to 16 inches	Did have reports of crappies being caught around the artificial brush piles under private boat slips, and the fish attractor structures close to the public fishing dock near the mouth of Leota Cove and up in the coves. Been using jigs and jigs tipped with minnows.
Saugeye/Walleye	Fair	13 to 27 inches	Did have reports of fish being caught along the Dam and point on the east side of Leota Cove, up by the Marsh Dike and point south of the swim beach using jigs, or jigs tipped with live baits. An 18" minimum length limit is in effect.
Wiper	Good	10 to 28 inches	Did have reports of fish being caught and would concentrate on areas around Monkey Island and the RR bridge abutments on the south side using jigs and slab spoons.
Catfish	Fair	10 to 30 inches	Did have reports of fish being caught up to the west end, the Dam, and other rocky areas using shad, worms, cut bait, shrimp and stink bait on the bottom.
Largemouth/Spotted Bass	Good	10 to 20 inches	Did have reports of fish being caught along the Dam, up in the coves and around the breakwater using crankbait's and plastic imitations.
General Comments
WATER TEMPERATURE- 55° SURFACE ELEVATION- 2298.25 ---- 6.05' below conservation Currently, the water level is 2.65 feet lower than it was one year ago, at this time. All waters in the Stockton District are currently open to fishing during this COVID-19 outbreak. Just remember to utilize social distancing and avoid congregating at boat ramps. 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. Now Available: A Webster District newsletter that includes fisheries related information about Webster, Kirwin and Keith Sebelius Reservoirs is available. If you would like to subscribe to this spring and fall newsletter you can go to the following link to get on the mailing list. http://kdwp.state.ks.us/news/KDWP-Info/News/Newsletter-Request-Forms/Request-a-Newsletter-for-the-Webster-Reservoir-Fishing-District

KIRWIN RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 4/29/2021 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method, and Location
Crappie	Fair	7 to 17 inches	Anglers have been catching fish around the north and south shore fish attractors, along river channel drop offs and along the Dam using jigs and jigs tipped with minnows.
Walleye	Fair	10 to 29 inches	Did have reports of fish being caught along the Dam, river channels and up on the flats. Therefore, would be a good idea to get those jigs and nightcrawlers out.
White Bass/ Wiper	Good	10 to 26 inches	Did have reports of fish being caught around the fish attractors and along the dam using jigs with twister tails, road runners and crank baits. Would also look for them up to the west end of the reservoir.
Catfish	Fair	10 to 30 inches	Did have reports of fish being caught up Bow Creek and North Fork Solomon arms, the Dam and Crappie Point using shad, worms, cut bait, and stink bait on the bottom.
Largemouth Bass	Fair	12 to 20 inches	Did have reports of fish being caught. Therefore, would try fishing up in the shallow areas off the Dam, coves and rocky area using jigs and crankbaits. Remember there is a 15-inch length limit on bass.
General Comments
WATER TEMPERATURE- 55° SURFACE ELEVATION- 1729.55 ---- 0.30' above conservation pool Currently, the water level is 0.47' higher than it was one year ago, at this time. Docks have been removed at the North ramp and South shore ramp. The fish cleaning station is still closed. Both ramps are open at this time. All waters in the Stockton District are currently open to fishing during this COVID-19 outbreak. Just remember to utilize social distancing and avoid congregating at boat ramps. 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. Now Available: A Webster District newsletter that includes fisheries related information about Webster, Kirwin and Keith Sebelius Reservoirs is available. If you would like to subscribe to this spring and fall newsletter you can go to the following link to get on the mailing list. http://kdwp.state.ks.us/news/KDWP-Info/News/Newsletter-Request-Forms/Request-a-Newsletter-for-the-Webster-Reservoir-Fishing-District

LOVEWELL RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 5/7/2021 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method, Location
Walleye	Fair	16-25 inches	The walleye spawn is over for the year. After spawning, fish are often caught off the north shore between Cedar Point and Walleye Point with the swim beach area an excellent spot to try in the evening.
White Bass/Wipers	Fair to Good	7-14 inches 15-25 inches	Anglers will find fish along the dam and other rip rapped shoreline around the reservoir. Casting a variety of small crankbaits, roadrunners, and slabs can all catch fish this time of year. Wipers are often found off the dam and along the creek channel on the lower half of the reservoir this time of year.
Crappie	Fair to Good	8-14 inches	The crappie spawn is just starting to kick off and there are likely a few fish showing up in shallow water near the shoreline in the coves and creek arms. Anglers should also target fish in prespawn areas in 8 to 15 feet of water. The fish will often reside in small bunches and can be difficult to locate but they will bite once found. Some fish may still be found in the brush piles and Georgia cube structures as well but many have begun to disperse from these winter holding areas. Actively searching for roaming crappie will be needed for now with a variety of jigs and minnows your best bets to catch these fish.
Catfish	Fair	16 to 35 inches	Anglers can find catfish lakewide and they should be fairly easy to catch throughout the spring. Best baits to use in the spring include stinkbait, shad gizzards, shad sides, shrimp, and nightcrawlers. Anglers often report good catches of blue catfish near the Highway 14 bridge and around the 2-mile road area through April and May. 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: 63ºF Current water level: 0.3 feet above conservation pool 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: 4/29/2021 Print

pecies	Rating	Size	Baits, Method, and Location
			CURRENT FISHING
Largemouth Bass	Good	6-18 inches	Anglers are catching fish lake wide using crankbait's and plastic imitations.
Bluegill	Fair	3-9 inches	Anglers are catching fish lake wide use worms under a bobber.
Catfish	Fair	10-25 inches	Would try using worms, stinkbait and shrimp on the bottom.
Black Crappie	Good	5-10 inches	Catching them lake wide using jigs, jigs with worms and jigs with minnows.
General Comments
Water Temp. 58 Degrees Lake is currently full. All waters in the Stockton District are currently open to fishing during this COVID-19 outbreak. Just remember to utilize social distancing and avoid congregating at boat ramps. Now Available: A Webster District newsletter that will include Webster, Kirwin and Keith Sebelius Reservoir's will be coming out soon. If you would like to subscribe to this newsletter you can go to the following link to get on the mailing list. The link is: http://kdwp.state.ks.us/news/KDWP-Info/News/Newsletter-Request-Forms/Request-a-Newsletter-for-the-Webster-Reservoir-Fishing-District

SHERIDAN STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 5/6/2021 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method, and Location
Crappie	Fair	Up to 13 inches	Vertically fishing jigs around brush, vegetation, and rock in shallow water is effective.
Largemouth Bass	Fair/Good	Up to 5 lbs.	Casting swimbaits and soft plastics around shoreline brushpiles, along the dam, around the fishing piers, and around laydown trees.
Saugeye	Fair/Good	Up to 3 lbs.	Drifting jigs tipped with nightcrawlers or minnows or casting swimbaits or crankbaits over underwater shelves and points or along the creek channel.
Bluegill	Fair/Good	Up to 8 inches	Worms under a bobber around deeper brush or rocky shorelines.
Channel Catfish	Fair/Good	Up to 19 lbs.	Stillfishing shrimp, liver, or prepared baits off the bottom has been productive lately.
Wiper	Fair	Up to 2 lbs.	Most fish are inadvertently caught by catfish anglers this time of year.
Comments
It is illegal to release any fish into public water unless it was taken from that water, so please discard any unused bait in a trash can. Cedar Bluff District Newsletter: A biannual newsletter detailing fishing related projects and activities in the Cedar Bluff District, which includes such waters as Cedar Bluff Reservoir, Sheridan and Scott State Fishing Lakes, Antelope Lake, and other public fishing waters in northwest Kansas are available. If you would like to subscribe to this newsletter you can go to the following link to get on the mailing list. The link is: http://kdwp.state.ks.us/news/KDWP-Info/News/Newsletter-Request-Forms/Request-a-Newsletter-for-the-Cedar-Bluff-Fishing-District

WEBSTER RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 4/29/2021 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method, and Location
Crappie	Fair	7 to 17 inches	Have had reports of fish being caught around the north and south shore breakwaters and fish attractors. Jigs or jig's tipped with minnows have been productive.
Walleye	Fair	14 to 26 inches	Did have reports of fish being caught off the bank and up on the flats. Therefore, it would be a good time to get those jigs and night crawler's out. Stocked 1 million walleye fry on 4-15-2021.
White Bass/Wiper	Good	8 to 24 inches	Have had reports of fish being caught around the north corner of the Dam, Broken up concrete ramp and Lakeview/beach area fishing from the shore casting jigs and road runners. Also, been hearing of some being caught up to the west end of the reservoir trolling diving lures.
Catfish	Fair	12 to 30 inches	Did have reports of catfish being caught up in the shallows of coves and river channel using shad, worms, shrimp, and stink bait on the bottom.
Largemouth Bass	Fair	12 to 20 inches	Did have reports of bass being caught. Therefore, would try in the coves, around the breakwaters and along the rocky areas using jig's, plastic bait's, crankbait's and spinner baits.
Rainbow Trout	Fair	10 to 18 inches	The trout season closed on April 15th; therefore, no trout stamp is needed to fish for them in the Stilling Basin, however, the daily creel limit of 5 still applies.
General Comments
WATER TEMPERATURE- 55° SURFACE ELEVATION- 1892.89 ---- 0.44' above conservation pool The water level is 0.48' higher than it was one year ago at this time. High-water boat ramps usable at this level are Old Marina, Goose Flats, Morel & Rock Point. All boat ramps are currently open at this time. All waters in the Stockton District are currently open to fishing during this COVID-19 outbreak. Just remember to utilize social distancing and avoid congregating at boat ramps. 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. Now Available: A Webster District newsletter which includes informative fisheries information about Webster, Kirwin and Keith Sebelius Reservoirs is currently available. If you would like to subscribe to this spring and fall newsletter you can go to the following link to get on the mailing list. http://kdwp.state.ks.us/news/KDWP-Info/News/Newsletter-Request-Forms/Request-a-Newsletter-for-the-Webster-Reservoir-Fishing-District

WILSON RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 5/6/2021 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method, Location
Striped Bass	Fair	2-25 pounds	Fair. Stripers have moved towards flats along the river channel. Try large bucktail jigs and swimbaits along horseshoe bend, the bluffs on the upper end, and Duvall cove area.
Walleye	Fair	18-25 inches	Fair. Some Walleye have moved to flats along the river channel and some are being caught along the bluffs and rocks in front of Duvall Cove. Try the Minooka point area as well. Underspins, swimbaits, and large jigs are working well.
Blue/Channel Catfish	Good	2-20 pounds	Channel Catfish) Channel cats are biting well. Try cut bait or live minnows along shallow, wind-blown shorelines. Otoe, Hell Creek, and State Park Cove have been good. Blue Catfish) Blue cats are still in the upper end of the river and Hell Creek. Try fresh cutbait in 3-6 feet of water. NEW REGULATION FOR 2020: 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	Fair. Few reports but some are being caught near the Cedar Creek boat ramp. Try small swimbaits and white plastic grubs.
Black Bass	Fair	12-20 inches	Fair. Most are still in prespawn phase so try crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and chatterbaits (white and bluegill colored) in 4-8' of water near spawning areas. Some have been caught shallow on finesse baits as well.
White Perch	Poor	4 to 12 inches	No report. - 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 inches below conservation pool. Surface Temperature = 59-63 degrees F BOAT RAMP UPDATE: All boat ramps except Lucas Park are open. WEAR YOUR LIFE JACKETS and be courteous at boat ramps! We have two Aquatic Nuisance 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!!!!!!

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ATCHISON STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 5/3/2021 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method & Location
Perry Newsletter	Good to Excellent	4 pages (lots of pics)	Twice a year I will be publishing a newsletter with Perry and other waters in my district. If you would like the newsletter e-mailed to you click here and fill in the blanks.
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. Some anglers are catching 7-9" fish under a slip bobber from the jetties.
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. Lots of fish up shallow right now.
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: 5/3/2021 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method & Location
Perry Newsletter	Good to Excellent		Twice a year I will be publishing a newsletter with Perry and other waters in my District. If you would like the newsletter e-mailed to you click here and fill in the blanks.
Black Crappie	Fair	up to 1.0 lbs.	Crappie can be caught from shore using a jig or minnow, either casting or sitting under a bobber. Some anglers have caught some spawning fish from the jetties using a slip-bobber and minnow or jig.
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
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: 4/26/2021 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method, Location
Channel Catfish	Fair to Good	Up to 20 pounds	Over the history of the lake, the channel catfish population has maintained a great fishery. The 2020 sample recorded that the number of channel catfish are up, but the average size of fish is down.
White Bass	Fair	1/2 to 1 lb.	The most recent sample shows low numbers of white bass but they are nice sized with 80% were 12 inches or bigger.
Wiper	Fair	Up to 26"	There is decent numbers of wiper with most 16 to 22 inches long. Wiper creel limit is 2 per day.
Crappie	Fair to Good	1/2 to 1 pound	Crappie numbers are swinging back up from being down the last two years. The majority of the fish are below 8 inches but crappie grow exceptionally fast at this lake.
Saugeye	Fair to Good	2 to 8 lbs.	The abundance of saugeye in the 2020 sample was slightly above the long-term average. 31% of the saugeye were over the 18 inch minimum length limit with a lot of 15 inch saugeye coming on.
Largemouth Bass	Poor	1/2 to 5 pounds	Bass are few and far between at this lake, but they are big. 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. Do you want some more information on fishing in the Manhattan area? You can subscribe to the free Manhattan Fisheries Newsletter by clicking the link.

CLINTON RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 5/3/2021 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			35 inch minimum length limit and 5 daily creel limit went into effect January 1, 2016. This regulation was implemented to protect brood fish, so that the population could have a chance to improve.

Smallmouth Bass			18 inch minimum length limit went into effect Jan. 1, 2016. This regulation change makes smallmouth bass regulations the same as those for largemouth bass.

Crappie	Fair	0.5-1.5 lbs	Crappie are being caught in water 10-20 feet deep around brush piles and standing timber vertically fishing jigs. Some reports of fish moving shallow to spawn.
Channel catfish	Fair	0.5-5 lbs	Some action using shad, cut bait, sunfish, minnows and nightcrawlers.
Wiper	Fair	4-8 lbs	Using swim baits and large jigs, either casting or jigging over channel breaks. Trolling crankbaits are producing some fish.
White bass	Fair	0.5-2 lbs	Trolling crankbaits, or vertically fishing jigs over channel breaks and along the dam.
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
Anglers please remember to practice proper social distancing, especially at boat ramps areas and other locations that naturally concentrate users. All boat ramps are open in the State Park. Also, the Bloomington Ramps are open, except for Bloomington West (i.e. north of town of Clinton). Be sure to Clean, Drain, and Dry your boat when you leave, to keep from spreading Zebra mussels to other lakes.

DOUGLAS COUNTY-LONE STAR LAKE - Last Updated: 5/3/2021 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	Fair	0.5-6 lbs	Using minnows, nightcrawlers, cut bait, and stink bait.
LM Bass	Fair	0.5-3 lbs	Some action casting jigs, and crankbaits along shoreline cover.
Bluegill	Fair	Up to 0.25 lbs	Using worms under a bobber, jigs, and small spinners.
General Comments

DOUGLAS STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 5/3/2021 Print

General Comments
Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method, and Location
Channel catfish	Fair	0.5-4 lbs	Using nightcrawlers, minnows, stink bait, shad, and sunfish.
LM Bass	Fair	0.5-3 lbs	Casting crankbaits and jigs along shoreline cover.
Bluegill	Fair	Up to 0.33 lbs	Using worms under a bobber, jigs, and small spinners.
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

GARDNER CITY LAKE - Last Updated: 5/3/2021 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method & Location
Bluegill	Fair	Up to 8 inches	Livebait under a bobber fished near structure.
Channel Catfish	Fair	Up to 14 lb.	Channel catfish can be taken now on a variety of live or prepared baits.
Crappie	Good	Up to 12 inches	Use minnows and jigs near docks and vegetation edges. Some recent reports of a good bite near docks.
Largemouth Bass	Fair	Up to 4 lbs	Finesse plastics, jigs, or spinner-baits target docks and vegetation edges.
White Bass	Slow	14 to 17 inches	A good population of white bass exists in this lake. White bass can be taken in open water on shad imitation lures.
General Comments

GEARY STATE FISHING REPORT - Last Updated: 5/4/2021 Print

Species	Rating	Baits, Method & Location
Crappie	Fair/Good	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/Good	near dam and rock points on jigs, worms, and crankbaits
Black bass	Fair	near rock and brush on jigs and crankbaits
Bluegill	Fair	on small jigs and worms in coves and near brush
General Comments
This deep clear lake offers a diverse fishery. Best for 2021 should be for saugeye, crappie, and largemouth bass. WARNING..ZEBRA MUSSELS NOW PRESENT!!!

HERINGTON CITY LAKE (NEW) - Last Updated: 5/3/2021 Print

Species	Rating	Baits, Method & Location
Catfish	Fair	near wind blown flats and creeks on cut bait and worms
Crappie	Fair/Good	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/Good	along creeks, dam and points on spinners, jigs, and crankbaits
General Comments
This lake provides a diverse fishery, but best in 2021 should be crappie, wiper, and white bass.

HERINGTON CITY LAKE (OLD) - Last Updated: 5/3/2021 Print

Species	Rating	Baits, Method & Location
Catfish	Fair/Good	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	Fair/Good
Bluegill	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 which are stocked annually. Blue-Green Algae: Current advisories and warnings are listed here: https://www.kdheks.gov/algae-illness/index.htm

HILLSDALE RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 5/3/2021 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method & Location
Walleye	Fair	Up to 9 lbs.	Walleye are post spawn now and should be feeding on shallow flats. Jigs and shallow running crankbaits are the best method of take.
Crappie	Good	Up to 13 inches	Crappie are biting shallow and are on the bank. Jigs and/or minnows are producing best now.
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. Plastic baits are producing the most fish.
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	Slow	Up to 10 lbs.	Channel catfish can be taken on a variety of baits lakewide using prepared or live baits.
General Comments
WATER LEVEL: As of May 3rd the water level is 0.8 feet above 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: 5/3/2021 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method & Location
Great Kansas Fishing Derby			Banner Creek has been included in the Great Kansas Fishing Derby. Anglers who catch a tagged fish can register the tag number on www.ksfishderby.com to claim a prize.
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
Perry Newsletter	Good to Excellent		Twice a year I will publish a newsletter discussing Perry and other waters in the district. If you would like the newsletter emailed to you click here and fill in the blanks.
Black Crappie	Fair	up to 1.25 lbs.	Crappie may be moving shallow with warming weather. Try finding some brush piles or georgia cubes in the around the 10' range.
Bluegill	Fair	up to 0.5 lbs.	Bluegill can be caught over brush piles 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
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 Please leave all habitat at these locations. Do not drag these to your own secret locations.

JEFFREY ENERGY CENTER - MAKE-UP LAKE - Last Updated: 4/28/2021 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 average. 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	Crappie numbers have been low for a few years but are trending up due to good spawns in 2017 and 2018. Ok numbers of fish over 10 inches. There is a brushpile just south of the dock.
Catfish	Fair	1/2 to 6 pounds	The lake supports a good channel catfish harvest rate. The south west 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.
Walleye	Fair	1 to 5 pounds	The 2020 fall gill net samples and electrofishing samples indicate the lake has a fair walleye population available to anglers with the majority of fish being over 15 inches. Walleye regulations are 2 per day and a 15 inch minimum length limit.
White Bass	Fair	1/2 to 2 pounds	There was a giant white bass spawn in 2020 that is dominating the population.
Wipers	Fair	Up to 12 pounds	Wiper numbers were below average in the 2020 fall sample. Most of the fish seen were 15 to 18 inches long.
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. Do you want some more information on fishing in the Manhattan area? You can subscribe to the free Manhattan Fisheries Newsletter by clicking the link.

JEFFREY ENERGY CENTER AUX. LAKE - Last Updated: 4/26/2021 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method, and Location
Black Bass	Slow to Fair	1 to 4 lbs	The 2020 sample documented that smallmouth bass numbers continue to trend downwards with the lowest abundance seen in over a decade. The lake continues to provide fair smallmouth fishing, but the current population will be less than what anglers have come to expect for this lake. The lake has a low level largemouth bass population dominated by fish 14" to 16" long. The East bank, South cove and around the island are usually the best largemouth spots.
White Bass	Good	Up to 3 lbs	The white bass population is well above average for abundance with 88% of the fish sampled last fall being over 12 inches and 4% were over 15 inches.
Wiper	Fair	Up to 12 lbs	There are fair numbers of wiper in the lake with most of the fish sampled last fall being 20 to 24 inches.
Walleye	Slow to Fair	Up to 5 lbs	The walleye population has been trending up the last few years. No recent reports of walleye catch. Walleye regulations are 2 a day and a 15-inch minimum length limit.
Crappie	Fair	Up to 1.5 lbs	Crappie numbers have been improving the last three years and the population is offering decent numbers of fish over 10 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
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: 5/3/2021 Print

General Comments
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 0.25 lbs	Using worms under a bobber, small spinners, and jigs.
Channel catfish	Fair	0.5-6 lbs	Some fish being caught using shad, minnows, cut bait, liver and stink bait.
LM Bass	Fair	0.5-3 lbs	Casting jigs along patches of aquatic vegetation, some also being caught along rocky shorelines using jigs or crankbaits.
Brushpiles were constructed and placed at 5 locations in April 2010. Locations were marked with GPS using datum NAD83: 1) N38.99217 W095.63188, 2) N39.00736 W095.62968, 3) N38.99254, W095.63210, 4) N38.99619 W095.632202, 5) N39.01043, W095.63014. November 07 locations were marked with GPS using datum WGS84 in decimel degrees: 1) N39.00740 W095.62978; 2) N39.00819 W095.63046; 3) N39.00810 W095.63055; 4) N39.00806 W095.63043; 5) N39.00638 W095.62261; 6) N39.00247 W095.62495; 7) N38.99622 W095.63205; 8) 39.00274 W095.63202.

LEAVENWORTH STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 5/3/2021 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.
Great Kansas Fishing Derby			Leavenworth State Fishing Lake is participating in the inaugural Great Kansas Fishing Derby this year. If you can a tagged fish you may register it at www.ksfishderby.com to claim a prize.
Perry Newsletter	Good		Twice a year I will be publishing a newsletter with Perry and other waters in the district. If you would like the newsletter e-mailed to you click here and fill in the blanks.
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	The best bet for crappie would be to fish a jig and minnow along the shoreline.
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.
Wiper	Fair	up to 4.0 lbs	Wiper can be caught near points in the lake using baits that resemble shad. Schools can also be located by shad breaking the surface. More Wiper were sampled this year than in previous years.
Walleye	Slow	Up to 3.25 lbs	Fish a jig and minnow along the dam.
General Comments
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: 5/3/2021 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method & Location
Channel Catfish	Slow	1/2 to 11 lbs.	Channel catfish can be taken right now on a variety of baits lakewide.
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.
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 vegetation edges and shallow brush right now.
Saugeye	Slow	Up to 3 lbs.	Saugeye are being caught near submerged roadbed and flats adjacent to the dam. Jigs are the best producing bait right now. Most of the saugeye being caught right now are shorts, but some keepers (> 18 inches) are being found as well.
Largemouth Bass	Fair	Up to 3 lbs.	Largemouth can be taken on finesse plastics and spinnerbaits fished near trees in the coves and at vegetation edges. Some are being taken on the flats with crankbaits.
Wiper/White Bass	Slow	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: 5/3/2021 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method & Location
Largemouth Bass	Fair	0.5-5 lbs	Plastic finesse baits along vegetation edges are producing the best right now.
Bluegill	Fair	Up to 0.33 lbs	Jigs or worms fished near shoreline structure.
Channel Cat	Slow	1-10 lbs	Channel cats can be taken now on a variety of live or prepared baits.
Crappie	Good	Up to 13 inches	Crappie can be taken on jigs near culvert and rock jetties. Crappie are being caught on both sides of the culvert at this time. Majority of the fish being caught are around 8 inches, but some larger ones can be found.
White Bass	Slow	14-17 inches	A good population of white bass exists in this lake and is not often targeted. White bass can be taken on shad imitation lures and white marabou jigs.
General Comments
The curly-leaf pondweed is back for the spring. Look for it to die-off mid-June.

MILFORD RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 5/3/2021 Print

Species	Rating	Baits, Method, Location
Catfish	Fair/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 still 5, but only 1 can be 40" or longer
Crappie	Fair/Good	10-20ft deep suspended near points, flooded brush, and ledges on jigs and minnows
Walleye	Fair/Good	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/Good	Target windy banks and points using jigs on reservoir Wiper creel limit is now 5/day
Smallmouth Bass	Fair
Largemouth Bass	Fair
Outlet	Fair	Catfish on cut bait; walleye, white bass, and wipers on jigs.
General Comments
*LOOK FOR RECENTLY TAGGED BLUE CATS!!!* *Wiper...creel limit is 5/day* *Blue Catfish...all between 25"-40" must be released...creel limit is still 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, ASIAN 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 WARNING! ZEBRA MUSSELS NOW IN RESERVOIR AND OUTLET! Sign up for the most recent Milford district fisheries newsletter today! Daily water info Daily Lake Information

NEBO STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 5/3/2021 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method & Location
Perry District Newsletter	Good to Excellent		Twice a year I will be publishing a newsletter with Perry and other waters in my district. If you would like to have the newsletter e-mailed to you click here and fill in the blanks.
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: 5/3/2021 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method & Location
Bluegill	Good	Up to 8 inches	Nightcrawler under a bobber fished near shoreline structure.
Channel Catfish	Good	Up to 5 lbs.	Channel catfish are being taken on live and prepared baits.
Largemouth Bass	Good	Up to 6 lb.	Largemouth bass have moved shallow. Largemouth bass can be found at edges of water willow, rock edges, and shallow brush. Plastic baits are producing best right now.
Saugeye	Fair	Up to 4 lbs.	Jigs tipped with a nightcrawler fished on the flat. Shad imitation baits will also produce bites. There is a good population of 18 inch saugeye available to anglers right now.
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.
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: 5/3/2021 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method & Location
Largemouth Bass	Good	0.5-4 lbs	Finesse plastics fished near vegetation edges and structure.
Channel catfish	Slow	0.5-6 lbs	Chicken liver or worms fished near mainlake points.
Crappie	Good	0.5-1 lbs	Minnows and jigs are catching fish right now. Crappie are shallow near structure, brushpiles, weed edges, and rock banks.
Saugeye	Slow	Up to 22 inches	Saugeye can be found drifting or trolling mudflats using jigs tipped with nightcrawler or jigging spoons.
Wiper	Slow	Up to 24 inches	Use shad imitation baits fished near main lake points.
Bluegill and Redear Sunfish	Fair	Up to 10 inches	The bluegill and redear sunfish populations are in really good shape right now with many fish in the 7-9 inch length range. Use piece of nightcrawler or small jig 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: 5/3/2021 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. Mussels will start spawning as the water temperature rises to around 54 degrees. Please do not move water from Perry Reservoir.
Perry District Newsletter	Good-Excellent		We publish a newsletter for Perry and other waters in the district twice a year. If you would like the letter e-mailed to you click here and fill in the blanks.
Channel Catfish	Good	up to 10.0 lbs	Channel Catfish bite has been pretty slow, that or anglers haven't been targeting them. Some fish could be found in the creek and river channels.
Sauger	Slow	up to 2.6 lbs.	There are good numbers in the reservoir but are difficult to target. 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.	Lots of small 8-10 inch bass were seen this past spring. Fishing should be great as these fish continue to grow. Try casting crankbaits and spinner jigs near any of the newly 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. Try casting around rocks or look for schools of fish breaking up the balls of shad. There are A LOT of 6-9 inch fish out there but some larger 14-16 inch fish can still be found.
White Crappie	Slow to Fair	up to 1.5 lbs.	Crappie are beginning to move from creek and river channels to shallower water as we warm. Best luck would be to target brush piles or habitat along a gradient of water depths or start with deeper piles in the morning and move shallower as the day progresses. Some anglers have had luck catching fish shallow, up in the rocks, while others are still finding them around 10 feet.
Blue Catfish	Fair	up to 25.0 lbs.	We have been sampling good numbers of fish in the mid-lake area, over old channels or near drop offs. A few nice fish in the 35 inch length limit range can be caught, many fish are below the length limit, with a few blue catfish over the 35 inch minimum length limit. Remember blue cats look similar to channel catfish, so be careful with identification.
Comments
As of May 4th, the current lake elevation is at 891.61 (0.1' above conservation pool) and staying relatively stable . For current lake conditions click here and for the lake forecast click here. All boat ramps are open. Devil's Gap boat ramp is limited to one lane. 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: 4/28/2021 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 a great largemouth bass population. Bass 13 to 18 inches long are protected.
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: 4/28/2021 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.
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 is starting to improve but there are still few fish over 10 inches.
Largemouth Bass	Good	1/2 to 5 pounds	The 2020 annual sampling effort documented that the lake continues to provide a very high abundance of largemouth bass. The average fish size is currently smaller than normal, with most of the fish below 15 inches. The lake is known for being a good spot for catch and release bass fishing.
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. Do you want some more information on fishing in the Manhattan area? You can subscribe to the free Manhattan Fisheries Newsletter by clicking the link.

POTTAWATOMIE STATE FISHING LAKE NO. 2 - Last Updated: 4/28/2021 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method, and Location
Black Bass	Fair to Good	1/2 to 4 pounds	The lake has good numbers of largemouth bass and a low level smallmouth bass population. A 6.2 pound smallmouth bass was sampled at the lake last year. Early spring is when a few really big smallies get caught every year. Bass in this lake can be tough to catch because they have all seen a lot of lures. Trying something different may be helpful if you are having a slow day at the lake.
Channel Catfish	Fair	3/4 to 3 pounds	The lake is in the Urban Stocking Program so it is regularly stocked with 12 to 18 inch channel catfish. The first stocking of the year occured on April 16th when the lake received 940 catchable sized catfish. Best baits tend to be worms or commercial catfish baits. Channel catfish creel at the lake is 5 per day. The fish feeder program has been suspended due to repeated vandalism.
Crappie	Fair	1/4 to 1 pound	The lake supports a fair crappie population. There is some artificial habitat just out from the dock and anglers have been catching a few there. Anglers have been catching some close to the bank.
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 them 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. Do you want some more information on fishing in the Manhattan area? You can subscribe to the free Manhattan Fisheries Newsletter by clicking the link.

ROCKY FORD FISHING AREA - Last Updated: 4/28/2021 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method, and Location
Catfish	Slow to Fair	1 to 20+ pounds	Fishing for all three species of catfish can be good at Rocky Ford. 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 (785) 539-7941 or ely.sprenkle@ks.gov A big THANK YOU to all who report their catch!
White Bass and Wipers	Fair to Good	1/2 to 8 pounds	Action starting to pick up. Crankbaits or white jigs.
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 to Good	3/4 to 5 pounds	Lots and lots of saugeye were flushed out of Tuttle Creek in 2019 and many of those fish end up at Rocky Ford. One of the best places to catch early spring saugeye. Fishing has been good the last week. Brightly colored jigs, swimbaits, crankbaits or jerkbaits.
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 Zebra mussels were found in Tuttle Creek on August 16, 2017. This makes the Reservoir, River Pond and Rocky Ford as designated 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. Do you want some more information on fishing in the Manhattan area? You can subscribe to the free Manhattan Fisheries Newsletter by clicking the link.

SABETHA PONY CREEK - Last Updated: 5/3/2021 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method & Location
Perry District Newsletter	Good to Excellent		Twice a year I will be publishing a newsletter with Perry and other waters in my district. If you would like the newsletter e-mailed to you click here newsletter and fill in the blanks.
Black Crappie	Good	up to 1.5 lbs	Some anglers have been pulling fish out of the timber or along the pond dam on the west side using slip bobbers with either a minnow or a jig.
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 should be along the dam and off of points.
Wiper	Great	up to 7.5 lbs.	Wipers can 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: 5/3/2021 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method, Location
Bluegill	Fair	Up to 8 inches	Livebait under a bobber fished near shoreline structure.
Crappie	Fair	Up to 15 inches	Worms and minnows near structure are producing the best.
Channel Catfish	Slow	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.	Finesse plastics are working best right now fished near deeper structure. Jigs are catching fish as well.
Trout	Good	Catchable	Trout are biting on flies, powerbait, and minnows.
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: 4/29/2021 Print

Species

Rating

Size

Baits, Method, and Location

Largemouth Bass

Fair to Good

1/2 to 6 pounds

The lake maintains a very good population of largemouth bass with an excellent size structure. The 2020 spring electrofishing sample collected the highest number of bass in 20 years. Nice sized largemouth can be found throughout the lake.

Crappie

Fair

1/2 to 1 pound

The lake was in an experimental study to reduce gizzard shad numbers. This lake tends to be dominated by gizzard shad over 10 inches that compete with crappie for food and space. This kept the crappie small and skinny. We were successful in reducing gizzard shad numbers which has resulted in crappie having the highest percentage of fish over 8 inches in 20 years. Hopefully, this leads to better angling in 2021.

Channel Catfish

Fair

1/2 - 4 pounds

The lake is in the Urban Stocking Program and is frequently stocked with 12 to 18 inch channel catfish which leads to good catch rates of fish in this size range. The second stocking of 2021 was on April 29th when 700 pounds of channel catfish was put into the lake. So far this year, a total of 1,350 catfish have been stocked. Channel catfish daily limit is 5.

The two fish feeders have been repeatedly vandalized and the program has been suspended at the lake.

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.

Do you want some more information on fishing in the Manhattan area? You can subscribe to the free Manhattan Fisheries Newsletter by clicking the link.

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: 4/28/2021 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method, and Location
Crappie	Good	1/2 to 2 pounds	The crappie population is doing great. The 2020 sample collected the most fish over 10 inches in over 20 years. A few reports of shallow crappie in the upper end of the lake, but most of the fish still seem scattered 5-10 down. Jigs and/or minnows.
White Bass	Slow	1/2 to 2 pounds	White bass numbers continue to be low due to limited spawning success the last six years.
Catfish	Fair	Up to 40 pounds	The lake and the connected river system maintains a good channel catfish population and is one of the best places around to catch channel over 8 pounds. The blue catfish population is finally starting to get established with the first successful natural spawn documented in 2016. To protect the population until it can sustain itself, a 35-inch minimum length limit is in place. The plan is to modify the regulations to allow more harvest of blue catfish starting in 2022. Please check any blue catfish for a yellow 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 (785) 539-7941 or ely.sprenkle@ks.gov A big THANK YOU to all who report their catch!
Largemouth Bass	Slow	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	Current numbers of saugeye in the Reservoir are fairly low. Best saugeye fishing can be found in the River Pond or Rocky Ford.
General Comments
You can check current water conditions HERE Zebra mussels were found in Tuttle Creek in 2017. This makes the Reservoir, River Pond and Rocky Ford as designated 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. Do you want some more information on fishing in the Manhattan area? You can subscribe to the free Manhattan Fisheries Newsletter by clicking the link.

WASHINGTON STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 4/26/2021 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method, and Location
Bluegill	Fair	Up to 1/3 lb	The lake has a decent bluegill population.
Channel Catfish	Fair to Good	Up to 7 lbs	The lake supports a good channel catfish population. The 2020 fall fish sampling recorded the best potential in 20 years. Numbers of catfish are up and the size of the fish was well above average. Should be a good spot for channel catfish in 2021.
Crappie	Fair	Up to 1lb	The crappie population is currently dominated fish less than 8 inches. However, there is still fair numbers of crappie above 10 inches.
Largemouth Bass	Fair to Good	Up to 4 lbs	The largemouth bass population has been improving the last few years and the 2020 sample collected the most bass in over a decade. The size structure is starting to improve also with 44% above 15 inches.
Saugeye	Slow	Up to 3 lbs	Saugeye numbers are low and harvest is expected to be low until the population rebounds through stocking efforts.
General Comments
Do you want some more information on fishing in the Manhattan area? You can subscribe to the free Manhattan Fisheries Newsletter by clicking the link.

WYANDOTTE COUNTY LAKE - Last Updated: 5/3/2021 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method & Location
Black Crappie	Fair	Up to 13 inches	Jigs or minnows near deeper brush or drop-offs.
Bluegill	Fair	Up to 8 inches	Worms under a bobber.
Channel Catfish	Fair	Up to 10 pounds	Worms or cut bait are producing the best right now.
Largemouth Bass	Good	Up to 5 pounds	Finesse plastics near deeper structure or vegetated flats.
Smallmouth Bass	Fair	Up to 17 inches	Crankbaits or jigs near rocky habitat.
Wiper/White Bass	Slow	Up to 17 inches	Shad imitation baits off wind blown points or flats
Trout	Good	Up to 14 inches	Worms, powerbait, small spinnerbaits, and flies are all productive now.
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.

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BARBER STATE FISHING LAKE - LOWER - Last Updated: 5/3/2021 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	No report	Most in the 1 lb. size range	Fishing cut bait or stink bait lake wide. Harvest regulations include a 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	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.

The Great Kansas Fishing Derby started at Barber SFL on May 1st and will run through July 31st. If you catch a tagged fish, go to www.KSFishDerby.com to claim your prize.

Water temperatures are warming but the cold weather probably slowed down the climb but should still be in the upper 50's to low 60's. Channel catfish, crappie and largemouth bass should be biting a little better every week.

All waters in the Dodge City District are currently open to fishing during this COVID-19 outbreak. Remember to utilize social distancing and avoid congregating at boat ramps.

We have not received any 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!

A Dodge City District newsletter is available. Information about fishing and fisheries management throughout southwest Kansas will be updated at least twice each year. If you would like to subscribe to this newsletter you can go to the following link to get on the mailing list. http://kdwp.state.ks.us/news/KDWP-Info/News/Newsletter-Request-Forms/Request-a-Newsletter-for-the-Dodge-City-Fishing-District

CLARK STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 5/3/2021 Print

Species	Rating	Sizes Possible	Baits, Method, & Location
Crappie	Slow	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.
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	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	Slow	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	Up to 17 inches	Shad bodies on small jig heads have been doing ok. 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. There are no harvest restrictions at this time.

Water temperatures are warming but the cold weather probably slowed down the climb but should still be in the mid 50's. Channel catfish, white bass, crappie and largemouth bass should be biting a little better every week.

Lake is still nearly 5.5 feet low.

All waters in the Dodge City District are currently open to fishing during this COVID-19 outbreak. Remember to utilize social distancing and avoid congregating at boat ramps.

We have received very few reports from anglers. You may call the Dodge City Regional office as 620-227-8609 to make a report.

Boats are being put on the water only at ramps on the south east side.

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: 5/3/2021 Print

Species	Rating	Sizes Possible	Baits, Method, & Location
Crappie	Slow	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 include a 15-inch minimum length limit and 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	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 8 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.

The Great Kansas Fishing Derby started at Meade Lake on May 1st and will run through July 31st. If you catch a tagged fish, go to www.KSFishDerby.com to claim your prize.

We have received very few reports from anglers. You may call the Dodge City Regional office as 620-227-8609 to make a report.

All waters in the Dodge City District are currently open to fishing during this COVID-19 outbreak. Remember to utilize social distancing and avoid congregating at boat ramps.

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: 5/3/2021 Print

Species	Rating	Sizes Possible	Baits, Method, & Location
Crappie	No report	Most of these fish are 5-7 inches with an occasional 14 incher.	Drifting jigs over deeper water or vertically fishing minnows, jigs, and slab spoons over the tops of the fish attractors and other 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 include a 5/day creel limit.
Largemouth bass	No report	Up to 6 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	Slow	Up to 16 inches	Casting crankbaits and swimbaits over points, shelves, and along rip-rapped shorelines adjacent to deeper water. This is a new species in the lake and a few should make it to the minimum length limit of 18-inches by this summer. There will be a 2/day creel limit when they do reach 18 inches.

The Great Kansas Fishing Derby started at Meade Lake on May 1st and will run through July 31st. If you catch a tagged fish, go to www.KSFishDerby.com to claim your prize.

All waters in the Dodge City District are currently open to fishing during this COVID-19 outbreak. Remember to utilize social distancing and avoid congregating at boat ramps.

We have not received any 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: 5/3/2021 Print

Species	Rating	Sizes Possible	Baits, Method, & Location
Crappie	Slow	Mostly 3 - 5 inch fish that were spawned last year.	Drifting jigs over deeper water 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	Fair	Most in the 1 lb size range but up to 7 lbs	Fishing cut bait or stink bait lake wide. Harvest regulations include a 15-inch minimum length limit and 2/day creel limit.
Largemouth bass	No report	Up to 18 inches	Casting soft plastics, swimbaits and jerk baits around fish attractors, shoreline brush and vegetation along sun-warmed shorelines. Harvest regulations include a 18-inch minimum length limit and 2/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	Nearing 15 inches	Casting crankbaits and swimbaits over points, shelves, and along rip-rapped shorelines adjacent to deeper water. Harvest regulations include a 18-inch minimum length limit and 2/day creel limit.
Wipers	Fair	Nearing 15 inches	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 16 inches and wipers up to 8 lbs. have been reported. Harvest regulations include a 18-inch minimum length limit and 2/day creel limit.

Water temperatures are warming but the cold weather probably slowed down the climb but should still be in the mid 50's. Channel catfish, crappie and largemouth bass should be biting a little better every week.

We have received very few reports from anglers. You may call the Dodge City Regional office as 620-227-8609 to make a report.

All waters in the Dodge City District are currently open to fishing during this COVID-19 outbreak. Remember to utilize social distancing and avoid congregating at boat ramps.

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!

SCOTT STATE LAKE - Last Updated: 5/6/2021 Print

General Comments
Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method & Location
Channel Catfish	Fair/Good	Most in the 13 to 18 inch range	Fishing cut bait, shrimp, or prepared bait off the bottom lake wide. Anglers report catching mostly fish smaller than 15 inches, but fish up to 5 lbs. have been reported.
Crappie	Fair/Good	Up to 13 inches	Fish are spawning thus can be caught fishing jigs under a bobber along riprapped shorelines especially when laydown trees and overhanging brush is present. Fish up to 14 inches are available.
Largemouth Bass	Fair/Good	Up to 5.5 lbs.	Casting soft plastics around shoreline brush and laydown trees.
Sunfish	Good	Up to 8 inches	Small jigs and/or worms fished around the fish attractors and around brush and laydown trees along steeper shorelines.
Saugeye	Good	Up to 7 lbs.	Casting crankbaits and swimbaits over points, shelves, and along rip-rapped shorelines adjacent to deeper water.
Rainbow Trout	Good	0.5 lb. average	The sixth and final stocking of the trout season was made on 4-1-2021 and consisted of a release of approximately 600 rainbow trout into Barrel Springs Pond. Still fishing powerbait, worms, canned corn, and marshmallows alone or in various combinations or casting small spoons and in-line spinners can be productive.
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! Cedar Bluff District Newsletter: A biannual newsletter detailing fishing related projects and activities in the Cedar Bluff District, which includes such waters as Cedar Bluff Reservoir, Sheridan and Scott State Fishing Lakes, Antelope Lake, and other public fishing waters in northwest Kansas are available. If you would like to subscribe to this newsletter you can go to the following link to get on the mailing list. The link is: http://kdwp.state.ks.us/news/KDWP-Info/News/Newsletter-Request-Forms/Request-a-Newsletter-for-the-Cedar-Bluff-Fishing-District

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MCPHERSON STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 5/6/2021 Print

Species

Rating

Size

Baits, Method & Location

Channel catfish

Fair

1 - 5 lbs.

Fair. Catfishing is fair right now. Try worms and cutbait on the bottom.

Crappie

Good

8-13"

Good. The crappie bite is picking up. Some are being caught suspended along steep banks on lower end. Others are starting to move shallow for the spawn. Either try live minnows or small swimbaits and crappie jigs.

Largemouth bass

Fair

Up to 6 lb.

Fair. Bass have moved shallow near cattails and rock. Try squarebill crankbaits, spinnerbait, and dragging jigs (black&blue or green pumpkin).

Saugeye

Poor

15-26"

No reports but try 1/8 and 1/4 oz. jigs tipped with worms along the dam and piers.

General Comments

Water temperature: 64-66 degrees

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ANTHONY CITY LAKE - Last Updated: 5/6/2021 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method & Location
Channel catfish	Fair to Good	up to 12lbs	Try fishing cut bait, worms, or stink bait near wind blown areas.
Crappie	Fair	Up to 14"	Try jigs or minnows near structure.
Largemouth Bass	Fair to Good	Up to 5lbs	Try using plastic worms, crank baits, or spinner baits near structure.
General Comments
Please practice social distancing and observe all safety precautions put in place by staff. Thank you. For the latest information on the COVID-19 virus, visit http://www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus/index.htm .

BLACK KETTLE STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 5/3/2017 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 lakewide.
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: 5/6/2021 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method & Location
Fishing Newsletter			We have created a fishing newsletter that can be sent out to all that want it. This newsletter is for fishing information for the El Dorado District (Sumner, Cowley, Butler, Chase, & Marion counties) only. To subscribe, click HERE .
Channel Catfish	Fair		Creel limit 2/day Length Limit 15-inches Fish areas where the wind is blowing in. Worms, stink baits, or fresh cut baits are all good selections.
Largemouth Bass	Fair to Good	up to 17 inch	Large plastics, jig-n-pig, or jerk baits near shallow shoreline cover during warm sunny days have been producing some fish.
Crappie	Good	up to 12 inch, most fish are 6 to 7 inch	Crappie are spawning at Butler and are close to any shoreline cover. Use jigs or minnows and work around brush or vegetation. The majority of the crappie in the lake are small and the crappie population density needs to be reduced. Take those smaller crappie home (as long as you don't exceed the 50/day creel limit!) as they won't get much bigger in Butler if you throw them back. Overpopulation of the crappie has created slow growth rates so don't feel bad about taking home a nice bucket of smallish crappie...you'll be doing the lake a favor!
Bluegill	Good	Up to 7 inches	Worm and bobber near brushy cover and rocks.
General Comments

CHASE STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 5/6/2021 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	Fair	up to 5 lbs	Harvest regulations include a 15-inch minimum length limit and 5/day creel limit. Shad sides, cut bait, or worms on windy shorelines.
Largemouth Bass	Fair	up to 17 inch	There is a 13 to 18 inch slot limit on Largemouth Bass in effect at the lake. Large plastics or jerk baits on drop offs.
Saugeye	Fair	up to 18 inch	Flukes or crank baits along windy shorelines.
Spotted Bass	Fair	up to 14 inch	Jig and plastics along the dam and off the rock points.
Bluegill	Good	up to 6 inch	Hard to beat a small piece of worm fished under a small float near weeds, brush, or rock.
Crappie	Good	up to 14 inch	Crappie are spawning and can be caught near shore around brush or other cover. Jigs and minnows are excellent choices for spawn fishing.
General Comments

CHENEY RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 5/7/2021 Print

SPECIES	RATING	SIZE	BAITS, LOCATION, METHODS
Fishing Newsletter			All KDWPT fisheries districts are offering a fishing newsletter that can be sent out to all that want it. The newsletters are aimed at keeping anglers informed about fishing opportunities and information in their areas of interest. The first few editions of the Cheney Fisheries District have been completed and are ready for distribution.
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	Fair	Up to 27"	Try using jigs or crank baits near shallow water.
Walleye	Poor to Fair	Up to 26"	Try using large crank baits and jigs near shallow points and drop offs.
Crappie	Fair	Up to 17"	Try using jigs or minnows 10ft or shallower. Many people have been fishing the banks with moderate success at best. Minnows seem to be the best bait right now.
Blue Catfish	Fair	Up to 40 lbs	Fish with live bait or cut bait near shallow wind blown areas or creek mouths.
Channel Catfish	Fair to Good	Up to 20lbs	Try fishing cut bait or stink bait near wind blown areas.
White Perch	Fair	Up to 12"	White perch are being caught using similar methods for Wipers and White bass. Most White Perch are 5"-8". 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
KDWPT facilities are open to the public. Please practice social distancing and observe all safety precautions put in place by staff. Thank you. For the latest information on the COVID-19 virus, visit http://www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus/index.htm .

COUNCIL GROVE CITY LAKE - Last Updated: 5/3/2021 Print

Species	Rating	Baits, Method & Location

Zebra Mussel		Zebra mussels have been discovered in Council Grove City Lake. Click HERE for more information.
Bluegill	Fair	near gravel banks and vegetation on small jigs and worms
Crappie	Fair/Good	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/Good	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: 5/3/2021 Print

Species	Rating	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/Good	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: 5/6/2021 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method & Location
Bluegill	Fair	up to 8 inch	Small jigs or a bobber and live bait are good choices. Fishing near the brushpiles has provided some good panfish action.
Channel Catfish	Fair	up to 18 inch	15-inch minimum length limit 5/day creel limit Stink baits, worms, and fresh cut bait off the piers and points.
Largemouth Bass	Fair to Good	up to 16 inch	Bass activity has been FAIR to GOOD recently at Cowley. Fish the shallow rocky shorelines during the warmer days is producing some fish.
Redear Sunfish	Fair	up to 11 inch	Same as bluegill
General Comments
Roughly 38 new brushpiles were added to Cowley last winter. You can find the locations HERE, just zoom in on the map to see Cowley SFL.

EL DORADO RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 5/6/2021 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	Fair	Most have been 17 to 20 inch	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. Wipers are being found near breaks and ledges in water 14 to 20 feet deep and are hitting medium sized plastic baits. On warmer days they will be moving up on the shallow windblown points.
White bass	Fair to Good	up to 16 inch	Wipers can be caught along with white bass so it is important to properly identify your catch before putting it on a stringer. Click HERE for tips on identifying wipers. White bass report similar to the wiper report. White bass also being found in the upper ends of the reservoir and along the railroad causeway along the rip rap. Small jigs, Roadrunners, and spinners are all good selections.
White Perch			Click HERE for info on properly identifying white perch. Not many reports available on white perch this week.
Crappie	Fair to Good	up to 15 inch	20/day creel limit effective January 1, 2018. Crappie have backed off with the cooler temperatures and catching from shore has slowed somewhat. Boat anglers have been doing well in water 10 to 14 deep. A couple of warmer days should result in increased action on the banks. Look for protected areas with gravelly or hard bottoms and cover such as brush or timber. Jigs or minnows fished under a bloat is a great choice for spawning crappie. Also dipping jigs on long rods can be very productive.
Catfish	Fair	up to 37 inches	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. A blue catfish tagging project in underway at El Dorado. Please see the information below in the General Comments section for all the details! Blue catfish are being caught on shallow wind blown shorelines on fresh cut baits. A variety of sizes are being caught including harvestable fish under 25 inches and over 35 inches. Fish within the 25 to 35 inch protective slot are also being caught.
Walleye	Fair	up to 26 inch	THE WALLEYE LENGTH LIMIT IS 21-INCHES WITH A 2/DAY CREEL LIMIT. Walleye activity has been Fair this week as fish transition in to their post spawn patterns. Walleye are moving on to the flats where jig and crawler combos or jig and spinner combos can be very productive.
General Comments
0.11 feet above Normal Pool, releasing 133 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. Blue Catfish Tagging Project Underway at El Dorado Blue catfish – native to major river basins in eastern Kansas – can reach massive sizes. Kansas’ current state record was caught from the Missouri River, weighing in at more than 100 pounds. As blue catfish populations become established in Kansas’ largest reservoirs, popularity of this species among anglers also continues to grow. One such growing fishery can be found in El Dorado Reservoir. While many anglers might associate El Dorado Reservoir with monster walleye, hard-fighting wipers, or slab crappie, blue catfish are developing a following in the 8,000-acre impoundment. Blue catfish were introduced into El Dorado Reservoir in 2004 to establish an additional predatory fish population and to provide anglers with a new sport fishing opportunity. Annual stockings occurred for six years, creating a population that first exhibited natural recruitment in 2009. As the population grew, it became apparent that the fishery would benefit from harvest of smaller fish. In 2016, KDWPT implemented a 25- to 35-inch protected slot length limit, five fish daily creel limit, and a maximum of two fish over 35 inches. As with any new regulation, data is needed to gauge effectiveness. To collect this data, KDWPT Fisheries biologists are tagging up to 2,000 blue catfish in El Dorado Reservoir. Tags will appear as a small yellow vinyl tube beneath the fish’s dorsal fin. Each tag will display an ID number unique to that fish and a phone number to call to report the catch, (620) 342-0658. Biologists hope to gain information about the area’s blue catfish population size, entrainment through the dam, and the fish’s susceptibility to harvest. Success of this project is dependent on anglers reporting the tagged fish they capture. Information needed during the call will be the length of the fish, date, tag number, and whether the fish was kept or released. Anglers who report their tagged catch will receive an award as compensation for their participation. Anglers should note that tagged blue catfish that are not legal for harvest must be returned to the water immediately after recording the tag information. If the tagged catfish is legal for harvest, anglers may keep or release the fish. Because part of this study is to evaluate harvest patterns, biologists encourage anglers not to let the presence of a tag influence their decision to keep or release the fish. If you find a tagged blue catfish on the end of your line this summer, please take the time to call it in. Data collected from these fish are invaluable to fisheries biologists and will only improve angling success in the future.

HARVEY COUNTY EAST LAKE - Last Updated: 5/6/2021 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method & Location
Channel Catfish	Fair to Good	up to 22"	Try fishing cut bait, worms, or stink bait near wind blown areas.
Crappie	Fair	up to 14"	Try a jig or minnow fished near structure.
Largemouth Bass	Poor	up to 20"	Try fishing soft plastics, crank baits, or spinner baits near structure.
Saugeye	Poor to Fair	up to 25"	Fish with jigs, large crank baits, or minnows near the bottom.
General Comments
Please practice social distancing and observe all safety precautions put in place by staff. Thank you. For the latest information on the COVID-19 virus, visit http://www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus/index.htm .

KINGMAN STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 5/7/2021 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method & Location
Channel catfish	Fair to Good	Up to 28"	Try using cut bait or stink bait on the windy side of the lake.
Largemouth Bass	Fair	Up to 4lbs	Fish near structure and rocks with soft plastics, crank baits, spinner baits.
Northern Pike	Poor	Up to 35"	Try using large spinning baits or live sunfish.
Crappie	Fair	Up to 14"	Use minnows under a bobber, or small jigs near structure. Minnows seem to be producing a little more than jigs.
General Comments
KDWPT facilities are open to the public. Please practice social distancing and observe all safety precautions put in place by staff. Thank you. For the latest information on the COVID-19 virus, visit http://www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus/index.htm .

MARION COUNTY LAKE - Last Updated: 4/22/2021 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method & Location
Channel Catfish	Good	up to 8 lbs	The catfish bite has been good recently. Productive baits have been worms, stink baits, and fresh cut bait. Windblown points and shorelines have been the best.
Crappie			20/day creel limit Crappie are moving shallow as the spawn picks up. Use jigs or a jig and bobber in shallow areas with cover and a gravelly substrate.
Largemouth Bass	Fair	up to 18 inches	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!
Saugeye	Fair	up to 24 inches	Crankbaits and flukes on rocky shoreline
Bluegill	Fair	up to 8 inch	Small live baits near rocks or brush
White Bass	Fair	up to 15 inches	Along windblown shorelines and points on plastics or crankbaits.
Wiper	Fair	up to 23 inches	Same as white bass
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: 5/6/2021 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method & Location
Walleye			A 21-inch minimum length limit on walleye became effective at Marion Reservoir on January 1, 2020.
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	Fair to Good	Up to 10 lbs	Drifting fresh cut bait along windy shorelines. Also nightcrawlers or prepared baits where the wind is blowing in. Also cut bait or prepared baits in the river.
White Crappie	Fair	up to 12 inches	20/day creel limit The cooler recent weather has slowed the crappie activity. Crappie action should increase with the return of warmer weather. Spawning crappie will heading to shallow, near shore areas where they can be caught on jigs or minnows. Crappie have been caught in both the river and the reservoir.
Walleye	Fair	up to 26 inch	21 inch minimum length limit became effective on walleye January 1, 2020. Fish are transitioning to the flats where they can be caught on jig and crawler combos. A few walleye are being caught on trolled crankbaits.
White Bass	Fair to Good	up to 15 inch	Main lake ledges in 10 to 12 ft of water or windblown shorelines and points on the windier days. Lipless crank baits or jig and plastic have been productive. There has been some good activity in the river on jigs and Roadrunners.
Wiper	Fair	18 to 24 inches	On warmer days, 4 inch flukes on jig heads casted towards shallow points has produced some action.
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
0.5 feet below Normal Pool, releasing 3 CFS

SEDGWICK CO. - LAKE AFTON - Last Updated: 5/6/2021 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	5"-8"	Use a small hook with a small piece of worm, or a small spinning lure. Remember that white perch may not be possessed or transported alive.
Channel Catfish	Good	up to 24"	Try cut bait, worms, or stink bait near wind blown areas. Channel Catfish will be stocked on May 7th.
Crappie	Fair	up to 15"	Try using minnows or jigs near structure. Most Crappie are small with a few big ones mixed in
Bluegill	Fair	up to 8"	Try a small piece of worm under a bobber around structure.
Largemouth Bass	Fair	up to 21"	Try soft plastics, crank baits, and spinner baits near structure.
General Comments
Please practice social distancing and observe all safety precautions put in place by staff. Thank you. For the latest information on the COVID-19 virus, visit http://www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus/index.htm .

WELLINGTON CITY LAKE - Last Updated: 5/6/2021 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method & Location
Channel Catfish	Good	up to 6lbs	Fresh cut shad or stink baits on windy shorelines and points.
Wiper	Slow		There hasn't been much wiper activity this week.
Crappie	Fair to Good	up to 12 inch	Crappie are spawning. Fish near shore areas with cover with jigs or minnows.
Saugeye	Fair to Good	up to 25 inch	Rocky shorelines, dams, and windy shorelines are all good locations. Jerk baits, crank baits, and medium sized fluke styled plastics are good lure choices.
General Comments

WELLINGTON HARGIS CREEK - Last Updated: 5/6/2021 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method & Location
Channel Catfish	Good	up to 3 lbs	Worms and stinkbait along windy shorelines
Crappie	Good	up to 11 inches	Crappie are spawning and are near shore. Jigs or minnows under a float near shoreline cover is an excellent choice.
Largemouth Bass	Fair to Good	up to 16 inches	Larger soft plastics like flukes or medium to large sized jerk baits
Saugeye	Fair	up to 19 inches	Rocky wind blown shorelines on crankbaits or plastics
General Comments

WICHITA - URBAN FISHING REPORT - Last Updated: 5/6/2021 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method & Location

Channel Catfish	Good	Up to 5 lbs	Chisholm North, Watson, Emery Park, the KDOT lakes and the other lakes in the Wichita Metro Area are excellent for Catfish. Try fishing with cut bait, worms, hot dogs, or stink bait. Channel Catfish were last stocked in the Wichita metro area on May 6th
Crappie	Fair	Up to 12"	Crappie fishing is best at the KDOT Lakes, Watson Park, and Chisholm North lake. Try using minnows or a small jig near structure on warmer days.
Largemouth Bass	Fair to Good	Up to 20"	Bass fishing in Wichita can be found at any of the lakes, but the best reports come from the KDOT lakes, Emery Park, Blackbird and Sunflower Ponds, Sedgwick Co Park, and Chisholm north lake. Try using soft plastics, crank baits, or spinner baits near structure.
Bluegill	Fair to Good	Up to 10"	Bluegill are present in every lake in the area, but are especially good at Blackbird and Sunflower ponds, Chisholm North lake, and Emery Park Pond. Try a small piece of worm or a small jig around structure.
Rainbow Trout	Poor	up to 23"	Trout season ends April 15th. Rainbow trout are stocked into KDOT East, Vic's Lake, and Slough Creek. Try using floating dough baits, worms, small spoons, or spinners. The last stocking of the season for KDOT East, Vic's Lake and Slough Creek was on March 16th. Remember that KDOT East, Vic's Lake, and Slough Creek are Type 1 trout waters and all anglers fishing those waters November 1st - April 15th must have a trout permit.
General Comments
KDWPT facilities are open to the public. Please practice social distancing and observe all safety precautions put in place by staff. Thank you. For the latest information on the COVID-19 virus, visit http://www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus/index.htm .

WINFIELD CITY LAKE - Last Updated: 5/6/2021 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	Good	Up to 12+ inches	Crappie are spawning and Winfield and they can be found shallow along the shorelines near available cover. Minnows or jigs fished under a float is a hard to beat tactic during the spawn.
Channel catfish	Fair	up to 4 lbs	Stink bait or cut cut bait on shallow wind blown points and shorelines.
Black bass	Fair to Good	up to 17" inch	Not too many reports available this week.
White bass	Fair to Good	up to 14 inch	Open water areas where the wind is blowing. Points and ledges and the old road are good spots to check.
Wiper	Fair to Good	up to 24 inch	Same as white bass
Walleye	Fair	up to 26 inches	Walleye minimum length limit 18 inches. Look for post spawn walleye on north shore flats and points. Jig and crawler is a great spring time walleye tactic.
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.

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TORONTO RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 5/7/2021 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method, Location
channel catfish	fair	3% 11"-16" 48% 16"-24" 41% 24"-28" 8% 28"-36"	Use a worm, stink bait, or shad sides on gravel shorelines.
largemouth bass	poor	17% 8"-12" 39% 12"-15" 44% 15"-20" 0% 20"-25"	The main body of the reservoir doesn't have the necessary largemouth bass habitat to support a high density bass population. However, the flooded timber and clearer water in the backwater section of Walnut Creek produces a fair density bass population. There were 12 bass per hour of electrofishing sampled in the reservoir. The ideal catch rate would be 100 bass per hour. Use a jig, spinner, worm, or crank bait around stumps and brush in river and Walnut Creek.
white bass	fair	0% 6"-9" 6% 9"-12" 84% 12"-15" 10% 15"-18" 0% 18"+	Use a jig or minnow around woody debris and stumps.
white crappie	good	54% 5"-8" 28% 8"-10" 12% 10"-12" 6% 12"-15" 0% 15"+	Use a jig or minnow along gravel shorelines in coves. Fish are spawning in shallow water.
General Comments
Link to USACE reservoir water level: http://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/TORO.lakepage.html 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) Sign up to receive a copy of the Fall River/Toronto District Fisheries Newsletter. For more information about the Fall River/Toronto Fisheries District, click here to access newsletters.

BIG HILL RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 4/23/2021 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method & Location
Crappie	Good	6-12"	Crappie fishing remains steady. Look for crappie to be in pre-spawn locations and near Rea Bridge. Crappie should be moving into their spawning locations with the warm weather coming. Vertical jigging and minnows have been working best.
Channel Catfish	Fair	16-24"	Catfishing remains slow. Look for catfish to move into the shallows on warm days. Shad sides have been working best.
Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass	Good	12-20"	Largemouth bass fishing has improved. Look for largemouth to move into the shallows on warm days. Soft plastics and jerk baits have been working best. Smallmouth bass fishing has also improved on the dam and other rocky shorelines. Working soft plastics slowly around rocks has been working best.
Bluegill and Redears	Fair	5-7"	Bluegill and redear fishing remains slow. Look for bluegill and redear near the shallow vegetation. Vertical fishing small jigs and a small worm under a bobber have been working best.

General Comments
Release all Largemouth Bass 15-21" in Length, daily creel remains 5/day. 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.

BONE CREEK RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 4/30/2021 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method & Location
Bluegill / Redear Sunfish	Good	6-10 inches	Bluegill and redear sunfish, or "shellcrackers", can be found lakewide near 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. During the spring and early summer months, redear sunfish and bluegill will build nests during the spawn and can provide a memorable angling experience.
Channel catfish	Good	15-32 inches	The channel catfish population is flourishing across all sizes and anglers may just find the rod tip bending and the drag peeling on their next fishing trip to Bone Creek. Anglers should focus on flats in the fall and winter months where the gizzard shad congregate, if utilizing a boat, in 12-14'. Anglers from the shoreline should focus on the coves, both the north and south side of the dam, and the handicap access on the south side of the lake near the boat ramp. Prepared baits, shrimp, chicken liver, and shad will be good baits to try. Fall sampling indicated a variety of sizes of channel catfish with 14% of the population above 28", so be sure to set the drag loose and experience the chance at reeling in a trophy channel catfish at Bone Creek.
Crappie	Fair	8-14 inches	Lots of submerged trees, high water clarity, and adequte forage (i.e., gizzard shad).... the perfect recipe for a crappie population to flourish! Crappie can be found at Bone Creek in a variety of habitats. 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 crappie, as well as crappie up to 14".
Largemouth bass	Good	15-21 inches	Bone Creek provides a high quality largemouth bass angling experience. They 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.
Saugeye	Good	16-22 inches	Saugeye were stocked in Bone Creek in 2013. Since then, the saugeye population has established and provides another sportfish opportunity for anglers. They are managed under a 18" and daily creel of 2. Fall sampling provided that there is a high percentage of fish in the 18-22" range, as well as a prominent year class of 8-12" saugeye. 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. The minimum length for Saugeye at Bone Creek is 18 inches and a daily creel of 2 fish per day! Please take precaution in measuring Saugeye that you catch. It is critical as these fish are establishing a population.
General Comments
Water Temperature: 65° F, 4/30/2021 Remember to continue to practice social distancing during this COVID-19 pandemic. Continuing to practice social distancing will ensure we can keep our public fishing access points open for everyone. 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: 5/3/2021 Print

species	ratings	size	baits, methods, locations
Crappie	Excellent	8 to 12 inches	crappie are usually close to structure and breaks. Try jigs, minnows. Recent sampling show a nice population of 10 - 14 inch crappie.
Channel catfish	Good	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	Good	most bass in the 13 to 16 inch range	Some bass are moving into the shallower water for prespawn, fish with jigs, spinners, gizzard shad plugs, most about 13-16 inches, around structure. 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 lake has limited shoreline access so please spread out, social distance. Crappie have been starting to pick up on minnows or dark jigs. Largemouth bass can be good but fish the deeper water in the trees for suspended fish. 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. Sign up for the Mound City Fishing District Newsletter today! 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: 4/18/2021 Print

Comments
Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method, & Location
Channel catfish	Good	varies	Go fishing, the fish have to eat. try bluegill chunks, chicken livers or cut shad, lake wide. Fish population sampling lots of nice channel catfish from 7 to 12 pounds. Fish feeders are OFF and there are a lot of fish around these. Gearup for big channel catfish. We recently stocked channel catfish so the density is even higher.
Largemouth bass	Good	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
Walleye	POOR	varies	also try the dam and rocky structure in the south half of the lake with jigs or minnows
Crappie	Slow	some small fish but some real good ones also, with 50 limit	crappie are usually along dam and brush piles on the windy side, use minnows and dark jigs, recently bigger fish over 11 inches reportedly caught, fish the windy side.
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 full pool and the water is clear. 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 financing and approval for repair are made. The channel catfish population in this lake is doing well. Zebra Mussels have recently been found in Hillsdale Lake, and Linn Valley, Linn County, (Private Lake Development), we'd like to remind y Also there have been some very sizeable largemouth bass (up to 6 lbs) caught- try deeper weedbeds and brush piles with your spinners, jigs. This is a great family fishing lake with good shoreline access and bathrooms. 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 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: 5/3/2021 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method, & Location
Black Bass ( Largemouth and Spotted Bass)	Good	Fish 10 to 17 inches dominate the population	for bass try out in deeper water, the deep side of the weed beds and piers. Use spinners, plastic baits, crankbaits.
Bluegill/redear sunfish	Good	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	Poor	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 cut bait, stink baits, chicken liver, worms, the fish feeders are OFF, lakewide. 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.
Crappie	Good	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 6ft float, along the piers. Fish the creek mouth where the fresh water comes in and the fish are stacked up.
General Comments
The best way to measure social distancing is with a fishing pole. The water is normal and clear. The boat ramp is fine. This lake has great shoreline angling, lots of room to spread out, for social distancing. This great weather is perfect for fishing. Recent channel catfish stockings will 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 y In the spring of 2018, another 95 Georgia cubes have been placed to attract fish to shoreline areas. Shoreline fishing can be good in deeper water around the lake. 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. Because of C 19 virus, and crowding of anglers the fish feeders are OFF for the season.

COFFEY COUNTY LAKE - Last Updated: 5/4/2021 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Methods, Locations

largemouth bass	Fair	8 in to 21 inches	Focusing on typical largemouth habitat, wood, weedbeds, or rock. Slow rolling heavy spinnerbaits or chatterbaits might work or working big swimbaits or jigs around the same cover. If you need to slow it down try Texas-rigged plastics either creature baits or big worms.
walleye	Fair	14-25 inches	Trolling various crankbaits or live bait over broad flats, points, or humps should produce some fish.
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 should be productive or try creek channel swings and humps. Don't be afraid to fish shallow water for both species. We have tagged some blue catfish in the lake, if you catch one please take note of the tag number and report it to the gatehouse.
smallmouth bass	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. There have been some nice sized fish caught recently, but numbers are hard to come by.
white bass/Wipers	Good	up to 5lbs.	Use shad imitation lures like small spinners, crankbaits or bucktail jigs. and look for schools of shad or focus on wind blown flats or rocky points. Vertical jigging slab spoons is also a good technique.
crappie	Fair	11-15 inches	Look for crappie around shallow cover or the riprap as they begin spawning activities jigs or minnows fished under a bobber are generally the most productive.
General Comments
Entrance gate phone number is 620-364-2475 call for lake conditions. The plant is currently in an outage so hot water is not being produced. 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: 4/30/2021 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method &Location
Bluegill / Redear sunfish	Fair	6-8 inches	There is an abundance of bluegill and redear sunfish up to 6" in good numbers. Panfish are a wonderful species to get someone hooked to fishing! They can be caught readily using a simple bobber and worm, 1/16-1/32 ounce jighead, and a fly rod and small fly to name a few tactics. 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	18-21 inches	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 inches	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. Anglers are reporting Wiper up to 22" and 4 pounds being caught on the windblown side of the reservoir. South winds will congregate wipers on the dam and spillway area. 1/16-1/4 ounce jig heads with a twister tails is a good lure to try.
Channel catfish	Good	15-26 inches	Channel catfish can be found throughout all portions of the lake. Anglers can target the whiskered fish 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. The marina and east cove fish feeders (2) were filled on Friday, April 30, 2021. They are scheduled to go off at 7:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 7:00 PM. The south boat ramp feeder and the east main lake jetty feeder are not filled, due to vandalism. The lids had locks on them and the locks were cut off damaging the motors for the feeder in the process. These two feeders will not be replaced.
Flathead catfish	Good	All sizes	Flathead catfish can be found in deep water next to submerged trees and structure. There have been reports of flathead catfish being caught up to 30 lbs. Live bait and fresh cut bait are two tactics to try.
Crappie	Good	6-10 inches	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. 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	12-18 inches	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 2007. Quality fish up to 20" 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.
General Comments
Water Temperature: 68° F, 4/30/2021 Remember to continue to practice social distancing during this COVID-19 pandemic. Continuing to practice social distancing will ensure we can keep our public fishing access points open for everyone. KDWPT Fisheries and State Park staff submerged nearly 100 cedar trees and 40 "Georgia Cubes" were added to the lake in spring of 2019. Cedar trees were placed on existing brushpiles. The GPS coordinates for those existing brushpiles are as follows: 16 trees @ N 37.642683, W 094.806843 (Northeast corner dock) 13 trees @ N 37.641414, W 094.807232 (East cove dock on west side of cove) 17 trees @ N 37.640050, W 094.809163 (Middle arm, east side) 24 trees @ 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: 18 trees @ N 37.642581, W 094.808307 (North point) 8 trees and stumps @ N 37.644641, W 094.810386 (North boat ramp) 11 trees and stumps @ N 37.643394, W 094.811154 (Marina northeast dock) 7 trees @ N 37.641860, W 094.812640 (Marina Cove southwest dock) 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) 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 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: 5/3/2021 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method, Location
Largemouth Bass	Good	13 to 18 inches with a few at 22 inches	Currently the lake is at full pool, water clarity is great at this time. Work the flats close to deeper drop offs and rocky areas, some larger fish available up to 8 pounds, best luck with dark colored jipnpigs, plastic worms, crank baits in close to cover. The majority of fish are in the 12 inch to 4 pound range. Several warm days in a row will trigger more activity.
Smallmouth Bass	Poor	13 to 15"	A limited fishery exists some are taken on jigs, spinners, along the dam and rocky areas.
Channel Catfish	Excellent	15" to 8 pounds	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. The fish feeder is Off for the season. We recently stocked several thousand channel catfish into the lake to boost the population.
Crappie	Excellent	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. Try areas the flats dropoff to deeper water. Lots of good reports coming from this lake
Walleye	Slow	most between 12 to 17 inches	Recent sampling indicates good numbers of fish (17.5 to 22 inches) are available. Some are taken on jigs tipped with worms, spinners, dam and upper creek channel
General Comments
Anglers Critzer has tagged fish and is part of the Kansas Fishing Derby program. Look for Tagged fish when fishing. The best way to measure social distancing is with a fishing pole. Water levels are normal. Go fishing, the fish have to eat. Some good bass and catfish were caught this week. The fish feeder is OFF. Recently there were 1,500 channel catfish, and 400,000 walleye 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. This lake was sampled on 5/23/2018, and many largemouth bass were caught and released, varying in size (nothing over 4 lbs.), as well as a few smallmouth bass. There is a lot of cover in this lake and electrofishing may not catch bigger fish. There is a great channel cat population, with a lot of fish in the 2 to 8 pound range. There are a few walleye between 14 and 21 inches were seen as well. White crappie are abundant and caught close to cover, with light colored jigs. The water is clear unless there have been heavy rains. 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

ELK CITY RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 4/23/2021 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method & Location
Crappie	Fair	8-14"	Crappie fishing remains hit or miss. Crappie did start to move up on the dam and in the state park last week, but were pushed off due to the cold. Look for them to come back up shallow with the warming weather. Minnows under a bobber and vertical jigging has been working best.
Blue and channel catfish	Fair	18-26"	Catfishing remains slow. Look for catfish to be on the downwind side of the lake and in the shallows on warm days. Cut shad have been working best.
White Bass	Poor	10-14"	The white bass fishing remains slow. White bass should be finishing up with their spawn and will be spotty in the river. Look for them in deeper river pools and in the reservoir near the dam.
Outlet	Good	12-20"	Water release has stopped after a couple weeks of high release. Catfishing will be good in the stilling basin for a short duration until they move out due to low water.

Water temps in the reservoir have been near 60 degrees this past week. Blue catfish are currently managed with a 35-in minimum length limit and 5/day creel limit in hopes that they will establish a self-sustaining population. 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: 5/7/2021 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method, Location
channel catfish	fair	0% 11"-16" 33% 16"-24" 50% 24"-28" 17% 28"-36"	Use a worm, stink bait, or shad sides on gravel shorelines.
crappie	good	89% 5"- 8" 9% 8"-10" 1% 10"-12" 2% 12"-15" 0% 15"+	Use a jig or minnow on gravel shorelines in coves. Fish are spawning in shallow water.
largemouth bass	poor	37% 8"-12" 16% 12"-15" 42% 15"-20" 5% 20"+	The main body of the reservoir doesn't have the necessary largemouth bass habitat to support a high density bass population. However, the flooded timber and clearer water in the backwater section of the river produces a fair density bass population. There were 19 bass per hour of electrofishing around the Ladd Bridge section of the river. The ideal catch rate would be 100 bass per hour. Use a jig, worm, spinner or crank bait around stumps and brush in the river.
white bass	fair	8% 6"- 9" 24% 9"-12" 32% 12"-15" 32% 15"-18"	Use a jig or minnow around woody debris and stumps.
General Comments:
Link to USACE reservoir water level: http://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/FALL.lakepage.html 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. FLRR brush piles 1.52 kB Sign up to receive a copy of the Fall River District Fisheries Newsletter. For more information about the Fall River Fisheries District, click here to access newsletters.

FT. SCOTT LAKE - Last Updated: 5/3/2021 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method, & Location
largemouth and spotted bass	Good	varies	The water level is good. Fish are in prespawn mode. Try shad crank baits, soft plastic baits close to fish structure, the deeper side of weed beds and along rocky points. Several warm days in a row will trigger more activity.
channel and flathead	Good	varies, some very nice	There is a good population of channel catfish, many around 3-4 pounds. Fish are lakewide, use 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 2,000 larger channel catfish into this lake.
walleye	Slow	varies	use dark jigs and crankbaits, along flats and drop-offs. most fish are above the 18 inch length limit.
crappie	Good	varies, many over 11 inches	Several warm days in a row will trigger more activity. Crappie usually close to structure and 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
The best way to measure social distancing is with a fishing pole. Ft Scott Lake has 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.

GARNETT NORTH - Last Updated: 5/4/2021 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method & Location
Crappie	Fair-Good	8-14 inches	Use live bait or various colored jigs near shoreline structure.
Channel catfish	Fair-Good	8-30 inches	Livers, shad sides, or other prepared baits along ledges or windy banks.
Largemouth Bass	Good	up to 5lbs.	Spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, or squarebill crankbaits fished around shallow cover. If fast baits aren't working switch to finesse rigged plastics like weightless stick baits, Ned rigs, or drop shots. There are lots of bass in this lake and the population will benefit from you harvesting fish below the slot limit.
Wipers	Fair	up to 6 lbs	Chicken livers or crankbaits fish 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: 5/4/2021 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Methods, and Location


Current Fishing Opportunity

Largemouth Bass	Good	up to 5lbs.	Slow-rolling big spinnerbaits or working big swimbaits slowly near the shallows. Crankbaits or jerkbaits can also be good. Texas-rigged stick worms or creature baits should work if the other baits don't.
Bluegill	Fair	up to 8 inches	Small jigs or flies, also bobber with a worm
Channel Catfish	Fair-Good	8-24 inches	chicken livers, cut bait or other prepared bait lakewide.
Crappie	Good	6-10 inches	Various colored jigs fished under a bobber worked slowly around shallow structure.

Comments:

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: 5/4/2021 Print

Species	Size	Rating	Bait, Method, Location
Channel Catfish	up to 15lbs.	Fair-Good	Fishing near the river or drifting or trolling along wind blown shorelines. Fresh cut bait or shad sides are a good choice. A 35" minimum length limit and 5/day creel is now in effect for Blue Catfish.
White Bass	up to 3lbs.	Good	Using small spinners hair jigs, or crankbaits fished along the dam or below the dam. Fish are probably wrapping up spawning activities and will be feeding on shad as they begin to spawn around rocky areas.
Crappie	up to 15"	Fair-Good	Along the dam or up in the creeks using jigs of various colors or minnows under a bobber. Target areas with rock or woody structure.
Comments - THE BOAT RAMP IS OPEN. Use caution and look for floating debris Water Temp. Brush Pile Coordinates: N 38^o 14.743' W 95 ^o 45.998' N 38^o 14.658' W 95^o 46.138' N 38^o 14.419' W 95^o 46.767' N 38^o 14.256' W 95^o 46.423' N 38^o 14.722' W 95^o 45.641' N 38^o 14.811' W 95^o 45.694' N 38^o 14.922' W 95^o 45.715' N 38^o 15.222' W 95^o 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: 5/3/2021 Print

Species

Rating

Size

Baits, Method, Location

Channel, blue and flathead catfish,

Excellent

all sizes,

Recent sampling indicates that 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. Some blue catfish have been caught that are over 80 pounds. Catfishing can be very good just about any where along the shoreline. Trotlines are doing very well.

Crappie

Good

9 - 12 inches

There has been alot of big crappie caught this year, many above 14 inches. Sampling indicates that there are still alot of good crappie here, most in the 10 -12 inch range. The crappie are usually close to structure. Some fish have been caught off the wall gates where water is released at the dam. Some fish caught off of marina coves and its usually good at the hot water outlet area. Best lures to use are jigs/ minnows, near structure.

Largemouth Bass

Good

varies but 16 to 20 inches is common

Largemouth bass fishing is good. Fish moving in response to forage with good results in the hot water outlet area. Use cranks, plastic worms, lizards or spinner baits like shad imitations. Bass over 10 and close to 11 pounds have been caught in this lake.

White bass

Excellent

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

Good

some up to 12 pounds

Most fish are in the 4 - 6 pound range with a few larger. Some fish are caught in the center of lake close to the current or around the hot water.

Carp

Good

all sizes

along the shoreline in weedbeds, bowfishing or fly casting

General Comments

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. The water level is good. This lake has great shoreline angling, lots of room to spread out, for social distancing. 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. There was a 6 pounder and a 7 pounder caught last week.

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: 5/7/2021 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method, Location
Bluegill and Redear	good	49% 4-7" 30% 7-9" 21% 9-11"	Use worm, very small jig, or small silver spinner around brush piles and rock jetties. The water is extremely clear so use light line and small hooks.
Channel Catfish	good	0% 11-16" 76% 16-24" 23% 24-28" <1% 28-36"	Use worms, shad sides, or stink bait in coves with feeders and gravel shorelines.
Largemouth Bass	good	30% 8-12" 59% 12-15" 11% 15-20" 0% >20"	Use spinners or jigs around brush piles, rock jetties, and weed line. The water is extremely clear so use light line and small lures. Bass are spawning in shallow water.
Crappie	good	70% 5-8" 7% 8-10" 10% 10-12" 11% 12-15"	Use small jigs or minnows around brush piles and gravel shorelines. Fish are spawning in shallow water.
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 2020 electrofishing. The size structures listed for crappie, bluegill, redear, and channel catfish are from October 2020 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 brush piles 17 (OCTET-STREAM 2.07 kB) LYSL habitat cubes (OCTET-STREAM 979 B) For more information about the Fall River/Toronto Fisheries District, click here to access newsletters.

MARAIS DES CYGNES WILDLIFE AREA - Last Updated: 5/3/2021 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method, & Location
blue, channel catfish	Slow	varies	fish in the river are concentrated below riffles, stink baits, cut shad, liver,
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.
spoonbill	slow but improving	varies up to huge	River flow is increasing and could bring up more fish
General Comments
This area has shoreline angling, lots of room to spread out, for social distancing. 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. Some of the wildlife area pools are flooded or draining and contain fish trapped by the recent flooding. Rough and some game fish are available. Access to the river is at the Marais des Cygnes Wildlife Area. For additional opportunities call 913-352-8941 for accurate information on wildlife pool drainage. 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: 5/3/2021 Print



Crappie	Fair-Good	0.25-1 lbs	Most fish have been caught in 15 feet of water around brush piles or standing timber using minnows or jigs.
Black bass	Fair	0.5-4 lbs	Casting crankbaits and jigs along rocky banks in back of creek arms
Walleye	Fair	0.5-2 lbs	Some have been caught recently using jigs and crankbaits. The spawn is winding down, start to shift your efforts towards the flats.
Blue catfish	Slow-Fair	2-30 bs	Recent reports of blue catfish being caught using cut shad or crappie parts. A few keepers have been reported, along with quite a few shorts.
Channel catfish	Fair	1- 6 lbs	Some being caught on shad and cut bait.
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
Blue Catfish			35 inch minimum length limit and 5 fish daily limit went into effect January 1, 2016. This regulation change is to protect adult brood fish which hopefully will allow increased production of young blue catfish, translating into increased numbers of blues in Melvern.
Sauger			18 inch minimum length limit went into effect Jan. 1, 2016. This change makes sauger and walleye have the same regulations at Melvern Reservoir.
Spotted Bass			18 inch minimum length limit went into effect Jan. 1, 2016. This change makes all black bass (i.e. largemouth, smallmouth and spotted) have the same regulations at Melvern Reservoir.
General Comments
Anglers, please remember to practice proper social distancing at boat ramps and any other areas that naturally concentrate users. Melvern Reservoir has Zebra Mussels, Remember to clean, drain, and dry your boat and fishing equipment when leaving the lake to keep from spreading them to other lakes.

MINED LAND WILDLIFE AREA - Last Updated: 4/27/2021 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method & Location
Bluegill / Redear / Warmouth	Good	6-10 inches	Bluegill 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. 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	Fair	15-28 inches	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	Fair	8-12 inches	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, 22, 41, and 40, to name a few.
Largemouth Bass	Good	12-21 inches	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 inches	The first rainbow trout stocking of the winter and spring of 2020/2021 in the Trout Pit (Unit #30) was on Thursday, October 29, 2020 of 1,411 rainbow trout. The second trout stocking occurred on November 11, 2020 of 975 rainbow trout. The third trout stocking occurred on December 3, 2020 of 1,275 rainbow trout. The fourth trout stocking occurred on December 16, 2020 of 960 rainbow trout. The fifth trout stocking occurred on February 2, 2021 of 650 rainbow trout. The sixth trout stocking occurred on February 3, 2021 of 300 rainbow trout. The seventh trout stocking occurred on February 23, 2021 of 1,000 rainbow trout. The eighth trout stocking occurred on February 24, 2021 of 720 rainbow trout. The ninth and final trout stocking for spring 2021 occurred on March 15, 2021 of 880 rainbow trout. Good luck! Rainbow trout are stocked each spring, fall, and winter in Unit #30 in the "Trout Pit". Most rainbows are 10 inches in length when stocked and average 1/2 lb. each. Five percent of each stocking is comprised of 14-inch or larger fish. Remember anglers -- A trout permit is required to be able to fish on the "Trout Pit" on Unit #30. This is valid for the calendar year. Rainbow trout & Brown Trout are managed under a combined daily creel limit of five fish. Anglers, 15 years and younger, can fish for and possess trout, but their daily creel is 2 per day. 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.
Brown trout	Fair	15-20 inches	Brown trout have been stocked in Unit #30 in the Trout Pit to provide an additional species and trophy opportunity for anglers. 2,500 small 8 to 10-inch brown trout were stocked on October 22, 2018. Brown trout tend to be more seclusive than rainbow trout, so early morning and evening hours will be your best bet. Try power bait, small spinners, spoons, flies, small crankbaits, worms, or corn. NEW FOR 2020 -- As of January 1, 2020, there is no longer a 20" minimum and daily creel of 1 Brown Trout per day. Therefore, anglers may keep brown trout in combination with rainbow trout for a combined daily creel of 5.
Walleye	Fair	18-21 inches	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 inches	Wiper are stocked on the Mined Land Wildlife Area in Unit #21 on an annual basis. Stockings have occurred since 2007. A fish feeder is also present on the Wiper Pit in Unit #21 that provides supplemental food on this specific pit. 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.
General Comments
Water Temperature: 61° F, 4/27/2021 Remember to continue to practice social distancing during this COVID-19 pandemic. Continuing to practice social distancing will ensure we can keep our public fishing access points open for everyone. 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 during 2019. 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. 40 "Georgia Cubes", a synthetic habitat structure, were placed on Mined Land Wildlife Area in May 2019. Below are the GPS coordinates: Unit #6 "Quail Farm", 2 Cube Clusters: (37.424696, -94.758655), (37.424365, -94.757868) Unit #7 "Whitmore Pits", 2 Cube Clusters: (37.396253, -94.778864), (37.392872, -94.782366) Unit #26 Reclamation Project currently closed, to be reopened in Spring 2020, 2 Cube Clusters: (37.332749, -94.800721), (37.332513, -94.800589) 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 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: 4/23/2021 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method, & Location
Channel Catfish	Fair	14-24"	Catfishing remains hit or miss. Look for catfish to be on the downwind side of the lake and in the shallows during warm days. With rain in the forecast look for them near any inflowing water. Nightcrawlers or shad sides have been working best.
Largemouth Bass	Good	8-18"	Largemouth bass fishing has improved. Largemouth bass have started to move into the shallows. Look for bass in shallow brush and near weedlines. Soft plastics and jerk baits have been working best.
Crappie	Fair	8-12"	Crappie fishing remains slow. Look for crappie starting to move into the shallows looking for spawning areas as the water warms in the coming weeks. Minnows under a bobber are working best.
Bluegill/Redear Sunfish	Fair	6-8"	Bluegill and redear fishing is slow. Look for fishing to improve as water temps warm up. Small pieces of worm and small jigs under a bobber have been working best.
General Comments
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: 5/3/2021 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method, &amp; Location
Channel Catfish	Good	Size varies but most are of legal size, with some large fish	Try stink baits, chicken liver, cut shad or chunks of sunfish. The lake supports high number of 2 to 8 pounders, in the lake. 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	Slow	varies	Use small baits, jigs or small worm under a float set for shallow water, fish are in shallow prespawning
Crappie	Excellent	8 to 14 inches some larger	Crappie are in spawn mode, try deeper areas adjacent to shallow flats. Recent sampling indicates that majority of crappie are in the 10 inch range with some fish in the 13 to 15 inch ranges. Some males are moving in. Minnows and dark jigs are best.
Largemouth Bass	Good	varies	Fish are in prespawn mode. Work the edges. Recent sampling indicates a good population with majority of fish 14 to 19 inches. some up to 7 pounds. Bass are in the deeper edges., try plastics, jig and Pig, slabs
General Comments
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. Warm weather will really speed up the fishing. 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. Best baits are dark colored jigs and minnows, mainly around underwater structure. Fish feeders are Off. 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) Sign up for the Mound City 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 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: 4/10/2021 Print

Species

Rating

Size

Baits, Method, & Location

Paddlefish

Fair

Paddlefish snagging season has been slow. However, with the recent rains look for paddlefishing to improve this week.

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: 4/30/2021 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method & Location
Bluegill/Redear	Good	6-9 inches	Anglers, whether catching for bait, for fun, or for the frying pan, should focus their efforts on the upper end of the lake on the north side on the jetties, east and west coves, and the lower end near the dam along the jetties. 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'. There is a high quality panfish opportunity for anglers to bring the family out and enjoy the scenery at Neosho State Fishing Lake.
Warmouth	Fair	7-10 inches	Anglers can find warmouth primarily near rocky habitats, such as jetties. 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	15-24 inches	Channel catfish can be found throughout all portions of the lake. Boat anglers can focus their efforts on the flats of 10-12', 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 shad will be your best options to try.
Flathead catfish	Fair	All sizes	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 with a bobber and live bait would be a good tactic to try.
Crappie	Good	8-13 inches	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. 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	12-19 inches	Anglers can focus on jetties, if fishing from the shore, where brushpiles are in close proximity. Fishing the edges of aquatic vegetation that is 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, plastic worms, and live bait under a bobber are all tactics for anglers to pursue.
General Comment
Water Temperature: 67° F, 4/30/2021 Remember to continue to practice social distancing during this COVID-19 pandemic. Continuing to practice social distancing will ensure we can keep our public fishing access points open for everyone. 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 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 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 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: 5/3/2021 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	Fair	Up to 0.25 lbs	Using worms under a bobber, jigs, and small spinners.
Channel catfish	Fair	0.5-5 lbs	Using liver, stink bait, shad, nightcrawlers and cut bait.
Largemouth bass	Fair	0.5-2 lbs	Casting crankbaits and jigs along shoreline cover.
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 (Datum =NAD 83 in decimel degrees) for cedar tree fish habitat are: 1. N38.76493 W095.67421⁰2. N38.76591 W095.67092⁰ N38.76540 W095.67353 4. N38.76628 W095.67362 N38.76263 W095.67154 6. N38.76833 W095.67339 N38.77290 W095.67194 8. N38.76469 W095.66955 N38.76276 W095.67139 10. N38.76506 W095.67109 N 38.76291 W095.66969 12. N38.76287 W095.67497

PLEASANTON CITY LAKE EAST - Last Updated: 5/3/2021 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method, &Location
Wipers	Slow	size varies,	on windy days fish shoreline downwind. Use live bait or shad imitations, and hang on. lake wide trolling with sassy shads, with crankbaits, spoons, worms. Majority of fish are in the 3 to 5 pound range.
Channel catfish	Good	All sizes,	this lake has a good catfish population and produces nice fish. 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, lakewide. Gear up for these big channels. We recently stocked 2000 channel catfish. The fish feeders are Off for the season.
Largemouth bass	Good	varies	lots of bass with a balanced population. try dropoffs, and the deep side of weed bed habitat. Try using silver or blue crank baits or soft baits. Lots of bass in the 12 to 15 inch range.
Walleye	Slow	18-24 inches	An incidental fish taken near deeper habitat.
White Crappie	Good	8-14 inches	The crappie are improving and are in the 8 inch to 12 inches long. Fish around the floating dock, and brushpiles areas of deeper water. Use pink, blue/white tube or green jigs, minnows. Fish the creek mouth where the fresh water comes in and the fish are stacked up.
General Comment
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. In April this lake was stocked with 400,000 walleye fry. 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: 5/3/2021 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method, &amp; Location
channel catfish	Good	Size varies, some up to 8 pounds	Excellent fishery, lots of channel catfish, Use cut shad or sunfish, (best on chicken liver), shrimp, worms, prepared baits, along dam, lots of fat fish from 2 - 6 pounds. Fish feeders are Off. This lake is a great channel catfish lake with great shoreline access. This lake has 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	Good	All sizes	Density and quality of fish is good. The crappie are in deeper water around 7 ft. 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	Good	12-22 inches	water levels are good. The bass are moving to the deeper edges work the water willow edges. Use crank baits or spinners, recent sampling shows many bass over 18 inches.
bluegill	Slow	varies	Most fish are under 8 inches. use a small worm or jig under a float.
General Comments
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. Warm weather will really speed up the fishing. 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: 5/3/2021 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method, & Location
Channel Catfish, blue catfish	Slow	all sizes	Good baits are worms or dip baits and cut sunfish or cutshad, stink/prepared baits. Both of the Parks provide many good shorelines for bank 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.
Walleye	Slow	varies	Try off spawning areas, rocky areas and the dam, the bigger fish are in shallow for spawn and post spawn. Try crank baits or jigs tipped with night crawlers
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.
Crappie	Good	varies but range 8 -12 inches	Slow but starting to improve with fish moving in from deeper water. 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	Slow	Most are 10 to 15 inches	Pomona has a limited black bass fishery. 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
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. Warm weather will really speed up the fishing. For daily water levels or release rates check out the Pomona COE web site, listed below. Currently the stilling basin should be good during the water releases. Fishing at the outlet usually improves with higher water releases. Overall the crappie population is good with a few older fish that are in the 12 to 14 inch range and a lot of younger fish up to 11 inches. The catfish population in this impoundment is good, try fishing with live bait, liver or shad or assorted stink baits, especially after rain/inflow events. Also remember this lake has a good wiper 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: 4/23/2021 Print

General Comments
Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method & Location
Channel Catfish	Good	16-24"	Catfishing has improved. Look for catfish to be on the downwind side of the lake and also in the shallows on warm days. With recent rains look for catfish near any inflowing water. Shad sides and nightcrawlers have been working best.
Largemouth and Spotted Bass	Good	10-22"	Largemouth bass fishing has improved. Bass have started to move into the shallows during the day. Look for them to be near shallow brush and weedlines. Soft plastics and jerk baits have been working best.
Crappie	Fair	8-12"	Crappie fishing remains hit or miss. Crappie will begin to move into the shallows to spawn in the weeks to come. Look for them in the deeper water near the spawning areas. Minnows under a bobber have been working best.
Bluegill and Redear	Fair	6-8"	Bluegills and redears fishing has been slow. Bluegill and redear have been biting well just outside of the weedline and on deeper brush piles. A small worm under a bobber has been working best.
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: 5/4/2021 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Bait, Method, Location
Largemouth Bass	Good	6-12"	Small bass are biting well using light tackle and small lures like beetle spins, small inline spinners or small plastic baits.
Channel Catfish	Fair-Good	12-18"	Using shad sides on wind blown flats may produce some fish. Most fish are ranging from 1.5 to 4 lbs.
Walleye	Poor	8-12"	You will be hard pressed to find a fish of harvestable length.
Bluegill	Fair	4-6"	mealworms, nightcrawlers, or small jigs.
Crappie	Poor		The population is low in abundance and not many fish are harvestable length yet.
Woodson State Fishing Lake is back open to fishing, however, do not expect to catch many harvestable size fish. Be sure to read and follow the length and creel limits. 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

YATES CENTER - SOUTH OWL - Last Updated: 5/4/2021 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method & Location
Largemouth bass	Fair-Good	1-5 lbs.	Slow rolling big spinnerbaits and swimbaits or working vibrating jigs or crankbaits up in the shallows may get a few bites. Texas rigged plastic worms or creature baits worked around water willow stalks and other shallow habitat should also produce.
channel catfish	Fair-Good	1/2-15 lbs	Using shad sides on wind blown banks should get a few bites.
Walleye	Slow	10-24"	Vertical jigging spoons or small jigs near dropoffs in deeper water.
crappie	Good	up to 14"	Fish should be pushing shallow to spawn marabou jigs or tube jigs rigged under a bobber and worked slowly around rocky banks or other shoreline habitat.
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: 5/4/2021 Print

Species	Size	Rating	Baits, Methods, Locations
Redear and Bluegill	up to 10"	Fair-Good	A good population of both species is present in this lake. Use the good ol nightcrawler or mealworm under a bobber or small jigs around the water willow or timber.
Largemouth Bass	8-18"	good	Slow-rolling swimbaits or spinnerbaits near points and dropoffs or working crankbaits along the rocky banks. Finesse rigged plastics can be good near brush and standing timber.
Catfish	up to 10lbs.	Fair-Good	Shad sides fished on windy flats will probably be most productive or the upper end where water comes in.
Wipers/White Bass	8-18"	Fair-Good	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.
Crappie	up to 12"	Good	Fish should be pushing shallow to spawn. Fishing around the piers and brushpiles with white or chartreuse jigs rigged under a bobber and fish slowly back to the bank.
Walleye	15-24"	slow	Working crankbaits along the rocky shorelines or dam.
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.

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