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
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: 5/20/2022 Print
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method, Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Fair to Good | 12-18 inches | Spring is a great time to catch bass at our state fishing lakes as they feed heavy as the water warms up and also in preparation for the spawn. Fish can be caught around any aquatic vegetation, off the rocky jetties, and around the overhanging trees in the water. Fish can be caught use wacky worms, Senkos, Ned Rigs, spinnerbaits, roadrunners, and crankbaits. |
| Bluegill/Sunfish | Good | 5 to 7 Inches | Look for bluegill around the rocks on the piers and around any brush in the water. Worms and small jigs are a good bet. These guys can be caught throughout the year using a variety of techniques. Some anglers prefer to fly fish with small nymphs or dry flies fished on the surface. |
| Channel Catfish | Fair to Good | 12-25 inches | Fish can be caught just about anywhere on the lake. Anglers should try using shad sides, shad gizzards, shrimp, nightcrawlers, and chicken liver. Targeting inflow is a popular method as the catfish will congregate there to feed. The shallow upper end is a great area to find big catfish on warm spring days. |
| Saugeye | Fair | 18-25 inches | The best number of saugeye can be found on the upper end around the jetties and other rocky areas. Jig and crawler, large shiners, crankbaits, and swim baits are all good options to use for catching saugeye now. Anglers will also find some around the brush piles and off the ends of the jetties closest to the dam. |
| Crappie | Good | 8-15 inches | Anglers should target the brush piles and other submerged structure with minnows and jigs throughout the spring. Anglers are encouraged to harvest high numbers of crappie to help maintain a desirable level. Our recent sample indicated there are very high numbers of crappie in the lake now and anglers could have great success throughout the year. The spring spawning season is an excellent time to catch fish that move shallow around structure to spawn. |
| General Comments | |||
| Water Temperature--75ºF CAUTION: LONGER BOAT TRAILERS MAY FALL OFF EDGE OF BOAT RAMP WHEN WATER IS LOW | |||
CEDAR BLUFF RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 5/19/2022 Print
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method, Location |
| Black Bass | Good/Excellent | Up to 5 lbs. | Black bass are shallow spawning. Casting soft plastics and swimbaits around laydown stumps in water 3 to 6 feet deep has been best. Look for smallies and spots in rockier areas. |
| Crappie | Good | Up to 15 inches | Fish continue to spawn in the shallows. Fishing jigs under a bobber or casting jigs around flooded brush and timber in 3 to 6 feet of water mainly in coves is best. |
| Walleye | Fair | Up to 28 inches | Casting crankbaits and swimbaits over hard-bottomed points, shelves, roadbeds, and parking lots in 12 to 18 feet of water. Anglers have reported catching a few fish, but the bite remains relatively slow compared to past years. |
| White Bass/Wipers | Good | Whites up to 17 inches Wipers up to 13 lbs. | The white bass spawn is tailing off so the activity on the dam has slowed. Anglers report picking up a few fish trolling shad imitating crankbaits in 20 feet of water. Larger wipers are chasing spawning shad and can be caught casting shad imitating swimbaits and crankbaits over shallow points early and late. |
| WATER TEMPERATURE-68 degrees F SURFACE ELEVATION- 2130.67 ft. above MSL-13.33 ft. below conservation pool NEW FOR 2022: Effective January 1, 2022 Walleye harvest at Cedar Bluff Reservoir will continue to be regulated by a 21-INCH MINIMUM LENGTH LIMIT AND 5 FISH DAILY CREEL LIMIT, EXCEPT UP TO 2 WALLEYE GREATER THAN 15-INCHES BUT LESS THAN 18-INCHES MAY BE INCLUDED IN THE 5 FISH DAILY CREEL. For additional information call the Cedar Bluff Area Office at (785)-726-3212. 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. Great Kansas Fishing Derby Tagged Species - Channel Catfish, Black Bass, Crappie, White Bass/Wiper, Walleye 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: 5/2/2022 Print
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method, Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crappie | Good | 9-15 inches | The crappie is just now beginning with fish having moved in shallow especially in the main lake coves like Osage and Marina. There are also fish still hanging out in prespawn areas which include brush and structure in 10-15 feet of water near spawning areas. There are very good numbers of crappie in the reservoir now so success can be had throughout the year. |
| Trout | Good | 10-15 inches | The latest round of trout was stocked on March 18th with 500 pounds of quality fish stocked in the GLEN ELDER OUTLET. This was the last stocking of the year. There are now very good numbers of fish in both the park pond and the outlet and anglers should have no problem catching trout over the next several weeks so be sure to purchase your fishing license and trout permit and head out to Glen Elder for some excellent trout fishing. Don't forget, ALL anglers fishing in the Glen Elder outlet ARE REQUIRED to have a trout permit through April 15th! |
| Walleye | Fair to Good | 11-25 inches | Fish can be found along the river channel between the dam and the area south of the Marina in 25-30 feet of water. Some anglers often have success fishing off Gibbs Point and Schoens Cove along the river channel bends. The deeper fish are often caught using a jig and crawler combo or possibly jigs with minnows. *KDWP stocked 5 million walleye fry in Glen Elder during the month of April. In addition, there will be walleye fingerlings stocked in late May or early June. |
| Black Bass | Good | 12-20 inches | Smallmouth bass fishing is rapidly improving with the water temperatures warming. They should be spawning now which means moving in to shallow rocky cove areas. 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. 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. |
| Catfish | Fair to Good | 15-35 inches | Catfish can be caught just about anywhere lakewide. The best numbers 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. Blue catfish can be found primarily around the Cawker City causeway and west as well as south of Granite Creek along the river channel in 25 to 30 feet of water. Many of the blue catfish will be found just west of the causeway between the hazard buoys, along the submerged roadbed and near the river channels up both arms of the Solomon. Remember, there is a 35 inch length limit on blue catfish at Glen Elder. |
| White Bass | Good to Excellent | 11-18 inches | Fish have already started moving up the river channels in both the North Fork and South Fork and anglers are catching them using Mister Twisters, roadrunners, and slab spoons. Other fish will move to the rocky banks along the Cawker City causeway, Granite Creek, and the dam for the spawn. This activity should be good for the next month or so as the spawn is usually prolonged through late April and early May. |
|
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: 60°F Current Water Level: 0.3 feet low We are conducting a creel survey at Glen Elder through the end of October. One of the creel clerks may approach you asking a few questions about your fishing trip. Please take a couple of minutes to answer their questions as the data we collect is invaluable for future management of the Glen Elder fishery. | |||
JEWELL STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 5/20/2022 Print
KANOPOLIS RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 5/16/2022 Print
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method, and Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Channel Catfish | Good | 16 - 21" | Fishing cut and prepared baits along the river channel from the south boat ramp all the way to buzzard bay. Try deeper catfish humps and structure near bluffs. |
| Crappie | Good | 10 to 14+ inches | Try deeper structure, brush piles, or the river channel with 1/16 oz. jigs and live minnows. Several reports of larger fish and limits being caught when they can be located. Some fish are starting to be caught near the banks as they prepare to spawn. |
| Trout | Good | No reports from the seep stream | |
| Saugeye | Fair | 14 - 22" | Wind blown points in the middle and lower ends of the reservoir are best. Also try shallow shoreline areas first thing in the morning. Shad imitating swimbaits and jigs tipped with minnows can be productive baits. |
| White Bass | Fair | All sizes - up to 17 inches | Casting swimbaits, bucktail jigs, and Kastmaster spoons along wind blown points and areas near the river channel. Using slab spoons or live minnows is also producing some fish right now along brush piles and in the river channel. |
| Wiper | Fair | All sizes | Similar locations and baits as those used for white bass. 619,000 wiper fry were stocked in May. |
| General Comment | |||
| Buzzard Bay boat ramp is currently being repaired and is out of service for the time being. 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: 5/19/2022 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 using jigs and jigs tipped with minnows. Also hearing of some crappie being caught up in the shallows of coves using jigs and jigs tipped with minnows. |
| Saugeye/Walleye | Fair | 13 to 27 inches | Have had reports of fish being caught along the Dam and around the point south of the swim beach using jigs tipped with minnow or worm. An 18" minimum length limit is in effect. |
| Wiper | Good | 10 to 28 inches | Have had reports of fish being caught around Monkey Island and concrete cove using jigs. |
| Catfish | Fair | 10 to 30 inches | Have had reports of fish being caught up in the shallows using shrimp, stink bait, liver and shad on the bottom. |
| Largemouth/Spotted Bass | Good | 10 to 20 inches | Have had reports of fish being caught along the Dam and up in the coves using crankbaits and artificial baits. |
| General Comments | |||
| WATER TEMPERATURE- 65° SURFACE ELEVATION- 2295.15 ---- 9.15 below conservation pool Currently, the water level is 3.23 feet lower than it was one year ago, at this time. Remember it is illegal to release any fish into public water unless it was taken from that water. Please discard leftover bait in a trash can. Great Kansas Fishing Derby Tagged Species - Channel Catfish, Black Bass, Crappie, Bluegill, White Bass/Wiper. Saugeye 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. | |||
KIRWIN RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 5/12/2022 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 and river channel using jigs and jigs tipped with minnows. Also, hearing of crappie being caught up in the shallows of coves using jigs and jigs tipped with minnows. |
| Walleye | Fair | 10 to 29 inches | Did hear of some walleye being caught off the Dam using jigs and crankbaits and off the river channel using jigs off the bottom. Also, been hearing of some being caught off the Bow creek channel using night crawlers on the bottom. |
| White Bass/ Wiper | Good | 10 to 28 inches | Have had reports of fish being caught trolling diving lures along the Dam and windward side of the reservoir. |
| Catfish | Fair | 10 to 30 inches | Have had reports of fish being caught up in the shallows using shrimp, stink bait, shad and night crawlers. |
| Largemouth Bass | Fair | 12 to 22 inches | Have had reports of fish being caught up in the coves and around Crappie Point using crankbaits and artificial baits. |
| General Comments | |||
| WATER TEMPERATURE- 63° SURFACE ELEVATION- 1727.92 ---- 1.33' below conservation pool Currently, the water level is 1.87' lower than it was one year ago, at this time. Docks are back in the water at the North ramp and South shore ramp. The fish cleaning station is back open. 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. | |||
LOVEWELL RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 5/2/2022 Print
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method, Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walleye | Fair to Good | 16-25 inches | There are still some walleye spawning along the dam and other rocky areas along the bank but this is beginning to wind down a bit as many of the fish are moving out to deeper water. Fish can be found along the river channel between Cedar Point and Walleye Point in 20-25 feet of water. Some anglers often have lake fishing off the swim beach in the evening casting a variety of crankbaits and swim baits. The deeper fish are often caught using a jig and crawler combo or possibly jigs with minnows. *KDWP stocked 2 million walleye fry into Lovewell during the month of April. In addition, walleye fingerlings and intermediates have also been requested for stocking this year. |
| White Bass/Wipers | Good | 7-14 inches 15-25 inches | With the white bass spawn quickly approaching, 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. Fish will also be found on the windblown points feeding on gizzard shad, especially around Cedar Point and Walleye Point. *600,000 wiper fry will be stocked into Lovewell in May with fingerlings also requested later this summer |
| Crappie | Fair to Good | 8-14 inches | The crappie spawn has begun and fish can be found moving in to the banks in shallow water over the nexst month or so. They can also be found in prespawn areas during early May. These areas include brush and structure in 10-15 feet of water near spawning areas. There are very good numbers of crappie in the reservoir now so success can be had throughout the year. |
| Catfish | Good | 16 to 35 inches | Anglers can find catfish lakewide throughout the spring. Fall sampling indicated very high numbers of channel catfish are in the reservoir now. Best baits to use include stinkbait, shad gizzards, shad sides, shrimp, and nightcrawlers. Anglers often report good spring catches of blue catfish near Walleye Point, the marina, and Cedar Point. Remember there is a 35 inch minimum length limit on blue catfish in Lovewell. All blue catfish less than 35 inches must be released immediately. |
| Comments | |||
|
Anglers can now find GPS coordinates, descriptions, and histories of some of the major brush piles in Lovewell. Simply follow this link Good Fishing Spots and select the individual brush pile to find out more information. More Georgia Cubes were added in April 2020! Current water temperature: 60ºF Current water level: 0.5 feet below 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: 5/12/2022 Print
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method, and Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| CURRENT FISHING | |||
| Largemouth Bass | Good | 6-21 inches | Have had reports of fish being caught lake wide using crankbaits and artificial baits. |
| Bluegill | Good | 3-9 inches | Have had reports of fish being caught lake wide using worms under a bobber. |
| Catfish | Good | 10-25 inches | Have had reports of fish being caught lake wide using shrimp, liver and shad on the bottom. |
| Black Crappie | Good | 5-12 inches | Have had reports of fish being caught lake wide using spinners and jigs under a bobber with minnow or worm. |
| General Comments | |||
| Water Temp. 67 Degrees Lake is approx. one to two feet low. 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: 5/12/2022 Print
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method, and Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crappie | Fair/Good | Up to 13 inches | Fish have moved shallow to spawn and can be caught fishing small jigs under a bobber around brush and vegetation.. |
| Largemouth Bass | 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 minnows or worms or casting crankbaits over points, shelves and along creek channel breaks is best this time of year. |
| Bluegill | Fair/Good | Up to 8 inches | Worms under a bobber around brush, vegetation, and rock structure. |
| Channel Catfish | Fair/Good | Up to 19 lbs. | Stillfishing shrimp or cut bait off the bottom. |
| Wiper | Fair | Up to 2 lbs. | Fishing shrimp or liver off the bottom is a good bet 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: 5/12/2022 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. Also, hearing of crappie being caught up in the coves of Old Marina and Rock Point using jigs and jigs with minnows. |
| Walleye | Fair | 14 to 28 inches | Have heard of some walleye being caught off the banks using night crawlers on the bottom and drifting/jigging on the flats around the little Sahara swim beach. |
| White Bass/Wiper | Fair | 8 to 28 inches | Have had reports of fish being caught trolling diving lures and using jigs and jigs tipped with minnow or worm. |
| Catfish | Fair | 12 to 30 inches | Have had reports of catfish being caught in Rock Point using shrimp, liver and shad. Fish the shallow areas for the cats. |
| Largemouth Bass | Fair | 12 to 22 inches | Have had reports of bass being caught in Rock Point, Old Marina and below the bait shop using crankbaits and artificial baits. |
| Rainbow Trout | THERE WILL NOT BE ANY TROUT STOCKED INTO THE WEBSTER STILLING BASIN THIS YEAR DUE TO THE BUREAU DOING MAINTENANCE ON THE SPILLWAY. SORRY FOR THE INCONVIENCE. | ||
| General Comments | |||
| WATER TEMPERATURE- 66° SURFACE ELEVATION- 1890.62 ---- 1.83' below conservation pool The water level is 2.09' lower than it was one year ago at this time. Remember it is illegal to release any fish into public water unless it was taken from that water. Please discard leftover bait in a trash can. 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. | |||
WILSON RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 5/16/2022 Print
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method, Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Striped Bass | Fair | 7-25 pounds | Larger fish are relating to deeper water near Lucas campground, mouth of Marshall Cove, and towards the dam. Try trolling crankbaits, casting/jigging large bucktail jigs, or drifting live shad or sunfish along channel breaks. 131 adult striped bass were stocked in May, 125,000 fry were stocked in April, and fingerlings are requested for the coming months. |
| Walleye | Good | 18-25 inches | Trolling or casting crankbaits and swimbaits over mainlake points early morning or late evening are your best bets. Several limits have been caught recently and fishing has been good as the walleye are now in their post spawn patterns. 3.7 million walleye fry was stocked in April, fingerlings and intermediates are requested for the coming months. |
| Blue/Channel Catfish | Good | 2-20 pounds | Channel Catfish) Fish can be found from shallow to moderate depths. Try cut bait or dough bait thorough the reservoir. Blue Catfish) scattered throughout the reservoir, try fresh cutbait in 6-30 feet of water on river channel swings or flats near these swings. Some reports of fish caught in the upper end of the reservoir. 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 | Casting shad imitating swimbaits and bucktail jigs over windblown points and using slab spoons along the river channel. |
| Black Bass | Good | 12-20 inches | Reports of soft plastics, spinnerbaits, and crankbaits producing fish around structure. |
| White Perch | Poor | 4 to 12 inches | - IT IS ILLEGAL TO HAVE A WHITE PERCH ALIVE IN YOUR POSSESSION - IF YOU CATCH IT AND WANT TO KEEP IT - IT HAS TO BE DEAD IN A COOLER OR LIVEWELL. THEY ARE NO LONGER LEGAL AS LIVE BAIT FOR STRIPERS OR OTHER FISH!!!!! |
| General Comments | |||
| Lake Elevation = 0.35 feet above conservation pool. BOAT RAMP UPDATE: All boat ramps 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!!!!!! | |||
Fishing reports provide general angling information from KDWPT staff. The department cannot update the reports on a regular, frequent basis. Many factors determine angling success, and fishing conditions and individual fishing success may vary from the report. Anglers are responsible for deciding what species to fish for, what methods to use, and where and when to fish. You can help fellow anglers by sharing successful fishing notes at http://www.facebook.com/kdwpt.
ATCHISON STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 5/3/2022 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 | |||
| The bulk of lake renovations are complete and the lake is filling back in. It should be at normal levels by, or shortly after, Spring. Anglers are still unable to launch a boat. Shore fishing is allowed. 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: 5/3/2022 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 have started to scatter ahead of the spring spawn. Tough fishing but luck may be had in shallow brushpiles on warm days. |
| 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: 5/4/2022 Print
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method, Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Channel Catfish | Good | Up to 20 pounds | Over the history of the lake, the channel catfish population has maintained a great fishery. The 2021 fall sample recorded that the number of channel catfish continue to remain at a high level. |
| White Bass | Fair | 1/2 to 1 lb. | The most recent sample shows low numbers of white bass. Good time of year to catch them shallow along the dam. |
| 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. Crappie were moving shallow with the warm weather at other area lakes but no recent reports from Centralia. |
| Saugeye | Fair | 2 to 8 lbs. | Saugeye fishing this year will be down from the highs seen the last two years. The most recent sample shows the population is below average, mostly due to the lake not receiving a stocking in 2020. The majority of the saugeye in the last sample were over the 18 inch minimum length limit. |
| 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: 5/20/2022 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. | ||
| Walleye/Saugeye | Good | 1-2 lbs | Walleye are feeding heavily this time of year. Target mud flats, deep drop offs, and extended points. |
| Crappie | Good | 0.5-1.5 lbs | The crappie spawn has begun. Fish can be found near the bank, in depths of 1-4 ft. Target rocky shorelines or coves with flooded brush. Cooler temperature in the extended forecast may push fish into deeper depths. |
| Channel Catfish | Good | 0.5-5 lbs | Channel catfish are being caught using cut bait or nightcrawlers. Warming water temperature have increase catches. |
| White bass | Good | 0.5-2 lbs | White Bass have finished spawning and are feeding. Target wind-blown points or along the dam. |
| Wiper | Good | 4-8 lbs | Reports of large Wipers being caught on the dam and in the spillway using white flukes or large swim baits. |
| 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 | |||
| Recent high discharge has spurred several good reports of multi-species action along the dam and in the spillway. Water Level: As of May 19th, Clinton Reservoir was 3.4 ft above normal pool level with 1000 cfs discharge. Most recent water level conditions can be found at the following website: https://www.nwk.usace.army.mil/Locations/District-Lakes/Clinton-Lake/Daily-Lake-Info-2/ Invasive Species: Be sure to Clean, Drain, and Dry your boat when you leave, to keep from spreading Zebra mussels to other lakes. 12 Georgia cubes were placed near N 38.953 W 95.38779, along with 6 other cubes placed near N 38.93852 W 95.39023. These locations should provide good opportunities for bank anglers in the near future. | |||
DOUGLAS COUNTY-LONE STAR LAKE - Last Updated: 5/20/2022 Print
| Fisheries Newsletter | If you want to keep up with fisheries developments at Lonestar (including GPS coordinates for any newly placed brush piles), sign up for the Lawrence District Newletter at the following link: http://kdwp.state.ks.us/news/KDWP-Info/News/Newsletter-Request-Forms/Request-a-Newsletter-for-the-Lawrence-Fishing-District | ||
| Channel catfish | Good | 0.5-6 lbs | Catfish can be caught using nightcrawlers, cut bait, and stink bait. Warming water temperatures have resulted in improved catches |
| Largemouth Bass | Good | 0.5-5 lbs | Largemouth Bass are preparing to spawn. Fish can be found near the bank in 2-8 ft. Casting crankbaits or soft plastics along shoreline cover is producing fish. |
| Bluegill | Good | Up to 0.25 lbs | Bluegill are preparing to spawn and can be found in shallow water near the bank. Worms under a bobber, jigs, and small spinners are producing fish. |
| General Comments | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Recent fisheries surveys documented a healthy Largemouth Bass population, with many fish in the 14-18 inch range, and a few fish exceeding 5 lbs. | |||
DOUGLAS STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 5/20/2022 Print
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method, and Location |
| Channel catfish | Good | 0.5-4 lbs | Catfish are being caught using nightcrawlers, minnows, stink bait, shad, and sunfish. Warming water temperatures have resulted in improved catches |
| Largemouth Bass | Good | 0.5-3 lbs | Largemouth Bass are preparing to spawn. Fish can be found in shallow water in depths of 2-8 ft near aquatic vegetation and brush piles. A 6.5lb bass was captured and released during a recent fisheries survey. Although, most fish are 12 - 15 inches. |
| Bluegill | Good | Up to 0.33 lbs | Bluegill are preparing to spawn. Fish can be found in shallow water, where they are beginning to make spawning beds. Target bluegill 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 | ||
| General Comments | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Great Kansas Fishing Derby May 15 to Sept 15 Visit www.ksfishderby.com for more info; Tagged Fish - Channel Catfish, Bluegill, and Largemouth Bass | |||
GARDNER CITY LAKE - Last Updated: 5/3/2022 Print
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method & Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bluegill | Fair | Up to 8 inches | Livebait under a bobber fished near structure or vegetation edges. |
| Channel Catfish | Fair | Up to 14 lb. | Channel catfish can be taken now on a variety of live or prepared baits. |
| Crappie | Fair | Up to 12 inches | Use minnows and jigs near docks and vegetation edges. |
| 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 | White bass can be taken in open water on shad imitation lures. |
| General Comments | |||
GEARY STATE FISHING REPORT - Last Updated: 5/16/2022 Print
| Species | Rating | Size | 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 | near dam and rock points on jigs, worms, and crankbaits | |
| Black bass | Fair/Good | near rock and brush on jigs and crankbaits | |
| Bluegill | Fair/Good | on small jigs and worms in coves and near brush | |
| General Comments | |||
| This deep clear lake offers a diverse fishery. Best for 2022 should be for saugeye, crappie, and largemouth bass. WARNING..ZEBRA MUSSELS NOW PRESENT!!! Great Kansas Fishing Derby May 15 to Sept 15 Visit www.ksfishderby.com for more info; Tagged Fish - Channel Catfish, Black Bass, Crappie, White Bass/Wiper | |||
HERINGTON CITY LAKE (NEW) - Last Updated: 5/19/2022 Print
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method & Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Catfish | Fair/Good | near wind blown flats and creeks on cut bait and worms | |
| Crappie | Fair | near points, brush, and rock 10ft deep on jigs and minnows | |
| Walleye | Fair/Good | along the dam and edges of flats and points on jigs, worms, and spoons | |
| White Bass/Wipers | Good | along creeks, dam and points on spinners, jigs, and crankbaits | |
| General Comments | |||
| This lake provides a diverse fishery, but best in 2022 should be crappie, wiper, and white bass. Great Kansas Fishing Derby May 15 to Sept 15 Visit www.ksfishderby.com for more info; Tagged Fish - Channel Catfish, Flathead, White Bass/Wiper | |||
HERINGTON CITY LAKE (OLD) - Last Updated: 5/16/2022 Print
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method & Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Catfish | Fair | near wind blown flats and creeks on cut bait and worms | |
| Crappie | Fair/Good | near brush and rock 5ft deep on jigs and minnows | |
| Largemouth Bass | Fair/Good | ||
| Bluegill | Fair/Good | 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: 5/3/2022 Print
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method & Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walleye | Fair | Up to 9 lbs. | Walleye have moved off the dam, but the bite should be picking up on the flats. Trolling crankbaits or bottom bouncers with live or plastic baits should produce the most fish. |
| Crappie | Good | Up to 13 inches | The crappie have moved shallow. Target riprap shores and shoreline brush. Jigs and minnows are both producing fish. |
| 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 0.9 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: 5/19/2022 Print
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method & Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Contour Map | Pretty Good | 8.5"x11" Color | Banner Creek has been mapped by the Kansas Biological Survey and there is a map available at Contour Map |
| 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 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. Great Kansas Fishing Derby May 15 to Sept 15 Visit www.ksfishderby.com for more info; Tagged Fish - Channel Catfish, Black Bass, Crappie, Bluegill, Carp, Flathead, Carp, Sauger | |||
JEFFREY ENERGY CENTER - MAKE-UP LAKE - Last Updated: 5/4/2022 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 to Good | 1/2 to 6 pounds | The lake supports a good channel catfish harvest rate. The southwest corner of the lake and the northern 2 coves tend to be good spots. The lake has a low level blue catfish population with most below 20 inches. The lake is home to some big flathead. If the inlet is flowing, then good fishing can be found there for all three species. |
| Walleye | Fair | 1 to 5 pounds | The 2021 fall gill net samples and electrofishing samples indicate the lake has a fair walleye population available to anglers. 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. Should be great fishing this year with 12 inch white bass being the most common. |
| Wipers | Fair | Up to 12 pounds | Wiper numbers are on the way up and doing well in the 2021 fall sample. The most common size was 19 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: 5/4/2022 Print
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method, and Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Bass | Fair | 1 to 4 lbs | The 2021 sample documented that the popular smallmouth bass population has started to recover from a down spell with a resurgence of young fish that resulted in the highest sample number recorded in the last five years. Hopefully, these young fish will boost the population back up to its previous glory. The dam is a great spot to start looking for smallmouth. The lake has a moderate to low level largemouth bass population dominated by fish less than 14" but there are a few bigger fish around. 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 numbers have fallen to below average, but the fish are big with 62% of the ones sampled last fall being over 15 inches. |
| Wiper | Fair | Up to 12 lbs | Wiper numbers are right at the long-term average for abundance but are currently a little on the small side with most collected last fall from 15 to 18 inches. |
| Walleye | Fair | Up to 5 lbs | The walleye population has fallen to rather low numbers, primarily due to the lake missing out on a few stockings. The lake did receive a stocking in 2021 that created a modest year class and should help bolster things for the future. Overall, harvest should be down this year. 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: 5/20/2022 Print
| Fisheries Newsletter |
If you want to keep up with what's going on at Lake Shawnee (including GPS coordinates for any new brush piles placed into the lake) sign up for the Lawrence District Newsletter at the following link: http://kdwp.state.ks.us/news/KDWP-Info/News/Newsletter-Request-Forms/Request-a-Newsletter-for-the-Lawrence-Fishing-District | ||
| Zebra Mussels were | found | in Lake | Shawnee during the summer of 2013. Lake users should Clean, Drain, and Dry boats, trailers, and any equipment that comes in contact with the water to keep from moving zebra mussels elsewhere. |
| Bluegill | Good | Up to 0.25 lbs | Bluegill are preparing to spawn. Fish can be caught in shallow water in 2-8 ft, using worms under a bobber, small spinners, and jigs. |
| Channel catfish | Good | 0.5-6 lbs | Some fish being caught using shad, minnows, cut bait, liver and stink bait. Warming water temperatures have improved catches |
| LM Bass | Good | 0.5-3 lbs | Largemouth Bass are preparing to spawn. Fish can be found in shallow water in 2-8 ft. Casting jigs along patches of aquatic vegetation, some also being caught along rocky shorelines using jigs or crankbaits. |
| General Comments | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| As part of the Great Kansas Fishing Derby, 9 Channel catfish and one Largemouth Bass were tagged. Tags can be redeemed for a prize at the following website: www.ksfishderby.com 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. Great Kansas Fishing Derby May 15 to Sept 15 Visit www.ksfishderby.com for more info; Tagged Fish - Channel Catfish, Black Bass, Crappie, Bluegill | |||
LEAVENWORTH STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 5/3/2022 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. | |
| 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. |
| 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: 5/3/2022 Print
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method & Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Channel Catfish | Fair | 1/2 to 11 lbs. | Channel catfish can be taken right now on a variety of baits 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 | Fair | 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. Some crappie are being caught slow trolling jigs and small crankbaits. |
| Saugeye | Fair | 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 | Slow | 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: 5/3/2022 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 | Fair | 1-10 lbs | Channel cats can be taken now on a variety of live or prepared baits. |
| Crappie | Fair | 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 | White bass can be taken on shad imitation lures and white marabou jigs. |
| General Comments | |||
| The curly-leaf pondweed is in peak growth right now. Look for this plant to begin to naturally die off when water temperatures reach the 70's. Curly-leaf pondweed stand be gone by mid-June. | |||
MILFORD RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 5/16/2022 Print
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method, Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Catfish | Good | Channel catfish can be caught on cut bait, worms, and stink bait. Blue catfish are typically caught on fresh cut bait. Target wind blown flats and river channel ledges for catfish. LOOK FOR RECENTLY TAGGED BLUE CATS!!! Blue Catfish...all between 25"-40" must be released...creel limit is 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 | Good | Target windy banks and points using jigs on reservoir Wiper creel limit is now 5/day | |
| Smallmouth Bass | Fair/Good | ||
| Largemouth Bass | Fair/Good | ||
| Outlet | Slow/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: 5/3/2022 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: 5/15/2022 Print
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method & Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bluegill | Fair | Up to 8 inches | Nightcrawler under a bobber fished near shoreline structure. |
| Channel Catfish | Fair | Up to 5 lbs. | Channel catfish are being taken on live and prepared baits. |
| Largemouth Bass | Fair | 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 | Slow | 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 | Slow | 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. Great Kansas Fishing Derby May 15 to Sept 15 Visit www.ksfishderby.com for more info; Tagged Fish - Channel Catfish, Black Bass, Crappie, Bluegill | |||
PAOLA CITY LAKE - LAKE MIOLA - Last Updated: 5/19/2022 Print
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method & Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Good | 0.5-4 lbs | Finesse plastics fished near vegetation edges and structure. |
| Channel catfish | Fair | 0.5-6 lbs | Chicken liver or worms fished near mainlake points. |
| Crappie | Fair | 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 | 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. Great Kansas Fishing Derby May 15 to Sept 15 Visit www.ksfishderby.com for more info; Tagged Fish - Channel Catfish, Black Bass, Crappie, Saugeye, Drum 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: 5/3/2022 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 | Try targeting larger rocky shorelines or adjacent mudflats with nightcrawlers and cutbait. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Sauger | Slow | up to 2.6 lbs. | There are good numbers in the reservoir but 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. These fish should be running up the river soon and a few early runners may be caught now or other staging in upper ends of the reservoir. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| White Crappie | Slow to Fair | up to 1.5 lbs. | Fish have begun to scatter ahead of spring spawning and fishing may be tough. Fish can be found shallow some days and deep others. Try to target areas with a good mix of depths in close proximity. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Blue Catfish | Fair | up to 25.0 lbs. | 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| For current lake elevation, inflow, and outflow 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. There are some artificial structures placed that haven't been added to the above map yet:
This is a generic report and will be updated as information becomes available. | |||||||||||||||||||||||
POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY LAKE - Last Updated: 5/4/2022 Print
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method, and Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Crappie | Fair | 1/3 to 1 lb. | Moderate numbers of crappie. |
| Bluegill | Fair to Good | 6 to 10 inches | The lake has a nice bluegill population. |
| Channel Catfish | Fair | 1/2 to 6 lbs. | The lake contains good numbers of catfish for a small lake. |
| Largemouth Bass | Good | 1/2 to 4 lbs. | The lake has been maintaining a great largemouth bass population, however the percentage of bass over 15 inches dropped in the 2021 sample. Bass 13 to 18 inches long are protected at this lake. |
| General Comments | |||
| This small 49 acre lake is located in northeast Pott. County. The fishing conditions are very similar to that of a large farm pond. The lake is noted for good catch and release largemouth bass fishing due to the abundance of the species. | |||
POTTAWATOMIE STATE FISHING LAKE NO. 1 - Last Updated: 5/4/2022 Print
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method, and Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bluegill | Fair | Up to 9 inches | The bluegill population offers good numbers of 6 to 8 inch fish. Great place to take a kid with worms and a bobber. |
| Channel Catfish | Slow | 3/4 to 5 pounds | The lake has a low level catfish population. |
| Crappie | Fair | 1/2 to 1 pound | Crappie abundance is starting to improve but there are still few fish over 10 inches. |
| Largemouth Bass | Good | 1/2 to 5 pounds | The lake is known for being a good spot for catch and release bass fishing. The 2021 annual sampling effort documented that the lake continues to provide a very high abundance of largemouth bass. The size structure is starting to improve with 36% of the fish were over 12 inches. |
| 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: 5/15/2022 Print
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method, and Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Bass | Fair | 1/2 to 4 pounds | The 2021 sample records that the black bass population has been holding steady for some time now, with good numbers of largemouth bass and a moderate smallmouth bass population. Several smallmouth bass over 6 pounds have been caught at the lake the last few years. |
| Channel Catfish | Fair | 3/4 to 3 pounds | The lake is in the Urban Stocking Program and is regularly stocked with 12 to 18 inch channel catfish. The first stocking of 2022 occurred on April 13th when the lake received 700 pounds of catchable sized catfish.. Best baits tend to be worms or commercial catfish baits. Channel catfish creel at the lake is 5 per day. |
| Crappie | Fair | 1/4 to 1 pound | The lake supports a decent crappie population. There is some habitat structures just out from the boat ramp dock. Anglers been catching them shallow the last week along 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 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. Great Kansas Fishing Derby May 15 to Sept 15 Visit www.ksfishderby.com for more info; Tagged Fish - Channel Catfish, Black Bass 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: 5/4/2022 Print
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method, and Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Catfish | 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 (620) 342-0658 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 | Has been pretty steady for white bass lately with some nice wipers mixed in. |
| Drum | Good | 1/2 to 5 lbs. | Drum are an abundant species at Rocky Ford and can be caught on worms, minnows, and jigs. |
| Saugeye | Fair | 3/4 to 5 pounds | One of the best places to catch saugeye. 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: 5/3/2022 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 may be found along the dam and off of points. |
| Wiper | Great | up to 7.5 lbs. | Wipers may be caught by fishing along points in the lake using any lure that resembles a shad. Luck could also be had by trolling along the dam and open areas. |
| General Comments | |||
| Attention anglers, If you fish this water body and would like to contribute your knowledge to the fishing report shoot an email to nick.kramer@ks.gov. Thanks! This is a generic report and will be updated as information becomes available. | |||
SHAWNEE MISSION PARK LAKE - Last Updated: 5/3/2022 Print
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method, Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bluegill | Fair | Up to 8 inches | Livebait under a bobber fished near shoreline structure. |
| Crappie | Slow | 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 | Slow | Up to 4 lbs. | Finesse plastics are working best right now fished near shallow structure. Jigs are catching fish as well. |
| Trout | Fair | Trout are being caught on flies and powerbait. | |
| 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: 5/15/2022 Print
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method, and Location | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Good | 1/2 to 6 pounds | The lake has been maintaining a very good population of largemouth bass for the last ten years. The 2021 spring electrofishing sample collected the most bass ever at the lake. This recent boom in numbers has decreased the average size of bass, but the lake is still one of the best places around to catch largemouth over 15 inches. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Crappie | Fair to Good | 1/2 to 1 pound | Crappie have struggled at this lake due to slow growth. However, they have been doing better in recent years. In the last sample, crappie had the highest percentage of fish over 8 inches in 20 years. Crappie can be found shallow around rocks this time of year. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 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 first stocking of 2022 was on March 21st. These recently stocked fish will eat all the traditional catfish baits but really like dough baits or worms. Channel catfish daily limit is 5. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| General Comments | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Located north of Silver Lake, Shawnee State Fishing Lake is the site of good catch and release largemouth bass fishing. The lake is also noted for channel catfish harvest since the lake receives frequent stockings of harvestable sized catfish from March through September. The Jeffrey Energy Center Lakes and Perry Reservoir both have zebra mussels and with Shawnee State Lake being close it is at high risk. Please, always clean your boat when moving to different water bodies. Great Kansas Fishing Derby May 15 to Sept 15 Visit www.ksfishderby.com for more info; Tagged Fish - Channel Catfish, Black Bass 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.
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
TUTTLE CREEK - Last Updated: 5/4/2022 Print
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method, and Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crappie | Good | 1/2 to 2 pounds | The spawn is on! Anglers are starting to catch crappie shallow along rocky shorelines. It still early but looking to be a good spring bite. The lake has provided excellent fishing the last three years by maintaining a great crappie population. The 2021 fall sample collected the most fish over 12 inches in over 30 years. Going to be another good year at Tuttle Creek. |
| White Bass | Slow | 1/2 to 2 pounds | White bass numbers are low due to limited spawning success most of the last decade. However, there was a good spawn in 2021. Future looking a little brighter. This is the time of year that white bass can be found running up creeks connected to the lake for spawning and offer some good stream fishing opportunities. |
| Channel Catfish | Good | Good numbers of 20" fish with fair numbers of bigger ones. | Spring catfishing has been hot already. Blue catfish and channel catfish are being caught in the river just upstream of the lake and in the shallow muddy flats of the north end of the lake. The lake and the connected river system maintains a good channel catfish population and has been one of the best places around to catch channel over 8 pounds. The population has been down a little in recent years but is on the way back up. The fall 2021 sample collected the most channel catfish in nine years and 11% of them were over 28 inches. Fishing in the upper end of the lake and the river tends to be the most consistent spots for channel. |
| Blue Catfish | Good | Most 24" to 28" but starting to see a few 40 pounders | Fishing been good in the upper end of the lake on cut bait. New regulations starting in 2022: 10 fish daily creel limit which may include only one fish 30 inches or longer. The blue catfish population is finally becoming established and now able to support more harvest. Fair numbers of 24" to 28" fish. Please check any blue catfish for a yellow or orange tag in its back as we have been tagging fish to collect more information on the species in Tuttle Creek Lake. It is up to you if you wish to release the fish or harvest it (if legally applicable), but please report the tag number and the general location of the catch to (620) 342-0658 or ely.sprenkle@ks.gov A big THANK YOU to all who report their catch! |
| Largemouth Bass | Fair | 1 to 5 pounds | Coves in southern third of the Reservoir have some locally good largemouth bass populations. The McIntyre Cove area tends to produce the best fishing with Carnahan Cove second best. |
| Saugeye | Fair | Up to 6 pounds | Record high numbers of young fish from the 2021 stocking! Current numbers of legal length saugeye in the Reservoir are low, with the best opportunities for harvest to be found downstream of the lake in the River Pond or Rocky Ford. Casting crankbaits, brightly colored jigs or dragging a worm. |
| 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: 5/4/2022 Print
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method, and Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bluegill | Fair | Up to 1/3 lb | The lake has a decent bluegill population. |
| Channel Catfish | Good | Up to 7 lbs | The lake supports a good channel catfish population. Numbers of catfish are up and the size of fish is well above average with 24% of the fish collected last fall were over 24 inches. |
| Crappie | Fair to Good | Up to 1lb | The crappie population is currently dominated by 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 steadily improving. The 2021 sample collected the most bass in over twenty years. The size structure is also looking good with highest percentage of the population over 12 inches in the last ten years. Lots of bass around 15 inches with decent numbers of larger fish. |
| Saugeye | Slow | Up to 3 lbs | Saugeye numbers are low and harvest is expected to be low until the population rebounds through new 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: 5/3/2022 Print
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method & Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Crappie | Slow | 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 | Fair | Up to 5 pounds | Finesse plastics near deeper structure or vegetated flats. |
| Smallmouth Bass | Slow | 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 |
| 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. As 4/28/22, this lake is currently under a Blue-Green Algae Bloom Warning. | |||
Fishing reports provide general angling information from KDWPT staff. The department cannot update the reports on a regular, frequent basis. Many factors determine angling success, and fishing conditions and individual fishing success may vary from the report. Anglers are responsible for deciding what species to fish for, what methods to use, and where and when to fish. You can help fellow anglers by sharing successful fishing notes at http://www.facebook.com/kdwpt.
BARBER STATE FISHING LAKE - LOWER - Last Updated: 5/20/2022 Print
| Species | Rating | Sizes Possible | Baits, Method, & Location |
| Crappie | Poor to Fair | Up to 12 inches | Try jigs & minnows around brush and weeds. |
| Channel Catfish | Fair | Most in the 1 lb. size range | Fishing cut bait, frozen shrimp or stink bait lake wide. |
| Largemouth bass | Fair | Up to 4 lbs. | Casting soft plastics, crankbaits and jerk baits around structure. |
| Bluegill | Fair to Good | Up to 8 inches | Worms under a bobber and small jigs fished vertically around brush. |
| Walleye | Poor to Fair | Up to 4 lbs | Try using large crankbaits or jigs near flats and points at dawn or dusk. |
Pratt County Lake and all other public fishing waters in Pratt and Barber counties are now a part of the Cheney district. This district also includes Harper, Kingman, Reno, and Harvey counties. A Cheney District newsletter is available. Information about fishing and fisheries management throughout southcentral 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. https://ksoutdoors.com/KDWP-Info/News/Newsletter-Request-Forms and click on Cheney Fishing District.
Great Kansas Fishing Derby May 15 to Sept 15 Visit www.ksfishderby.com for more info; Tagged Fish - Channel Catfish, Black Bass, Crappie, Bluegill
CLARK STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 5/9/2022 Print
| Species | Rating | Sizes Possible | Baits, Method, & Location |
| Crappie | Slow | Up to 12 inches | Crappie should be moving shallow to spawn. Target any structure or channel swings in 3 - 6 feet of water. Use minnows, small slab spoons, or jigs tipped with plastics. Harvest regulations include 50/day creel limit. |
| Channel Catfish | Good | Most in the 1 lb size range | Try prepared stink bait, punch bait, cut bait or liver under a bobber or on the bottom. Also try night crawlers. As water temperatures warm, these fish should become more active. Harvest regulations include a 5/day creel limit. |
| Largemouth bass | Fair | Up to 4 lbs | Largemouth bass should be looking to spawn. Look for them near structure or cover in 2 - 5 feet of water. Good spring baits are jerkbaits, squarebill crankbaits, jigs and bladed jigs. Harvest regulations include a 15-inch minimum length limit and 5/day creel limit. |
| Bluegill | Fair | 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 | Good | Up to 4 lbs | The fish should be setting up on the flats and points in mid-May. Look for walleye around channel bends and deep points. Try small jigs with plastic swimbaits, wobble jigs tipped with worms, minnows or leaches or trolling small minnow type crank baits. Harvest regulations include a 15-inch minimum length limit and 5/day creel limit. |
| White Bass
| Good | 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 should be in the low to mid 60's and the lake is about 7.5 feet low.
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!
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
HORSETHIEF RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 5/19/2022 Print
| Species | Rating | Sizes Possible | Baits, Method, & Location |
| Crappie | Fair | Up to 12 inches | Crappie should be moving shallow to spawn. Target any structure or channel swings in 3 - 6 feet of water. Use minnows, small slab spoons, or jigs tipped with plastics. Harvest regulations include 50/day creel limit. |
| Channel Catfish | Good | Most in the 1 lb size range | Try prepared stink bait, punch bait, cut bait or liver under a bobber or on the bottom. Also try night crawlers. As water temperatures warm, these fish should become more active. Harvest regulations include a 5/day creel limit. |
| Largemouth bass | Fair | Up to 4 lbs | Largemouth bass should start to become more active and looking to spawn. Look for them around riprap, and any other structure or cover. Good spring baits are jerkbaits, squarebill crankbaits, jigs and bladed jigs. 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 | Good | Up to 8 lbs | The walleye should be transitioning to the flats and points in mid-May. Look for walleye around channel bends and deep points. Try small jigs with plastic swimbaits, wobble jigs tipped with worms, minnows or leaches or trolling small minnow type crank baits. Horsethief is part of a study comparing walleye and saugeye in reservoirs, with a 50/50 mix of each being stocked the last 2 years. Harvest regulations include an aggregate 15-inch minimum length limit and 5/day creel limit. |
Lake is full and water temperatures should be in the low to mid 60's.
We have received very few reports from anglers. You may call the Dodge City Regional office as 620-227-8609 to make a report.
Please discard of leftover bait in a trash can, even baitfish. Remember it is illegal to release any fish into public water unless it was taken from that water!
Great Kansas Fishing Derby May 15 to Sept 15 Visit www.ksfishderby.com for more info; Tagged Fish - Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Crappie, Walleye
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
MEADE STATE LAKE - Last Updated: 5/19/2022 Print
| Species | Rating | Sizes Possible | Baits, Method, & Location |
| Crappie | No report | Most of these fish are 5-7 inches with an occasional 14 incher. | Crappie should be moving shallow. Target any structure or channel swings in 4 – 6 feet of water. Use minnows, small slab spoons, or jigs tipped with plastics. Harvest regulations include 50/day creel limit. |
| Channel Catfish | No report | Most in the 1 lb size range | Try prepared stink bait, punch bait, cut bait or liver under a bobber or on the bottom. Also try night crawlers. As water temperatures warm, these fish should become more active. Harvest regulations include a 5/day creel limit. |
| Largemouth bass | No report | Up to 6 lbs | Water temperatures are warming, and largemouth bass should be about to spawn. Look for them in shallow water near structure or cover. Good spring baits are jerkbaits, squarebill crankbaits, jigs and bladed jigs. Harvest regulations include a 13-18 inch slot length limit and 5/day creel limit. |
| Bluegill/Redear | No report | Up to 8 inches | Worms under a bobber and small jigs fished vertically around brush in deeper water. There are no harvest restrictions at this time. |
| Saugeye | No report | Up to 16 inches | Saugeye will be moving into deeper water for a while until transitioning to the flats and points in mid-May. Try small jigs with plastic swimbaits, wobble jigs tipped with worms, minnows or leaches or trolling small minnow type crank baits. This is a new species in the lake and a few have made it to the minimum length limit of 18-inches. There will is a 2/day creel limit. |
Lake is about 3 feet low, water temperatures should be in the low to mid 60's. Hopefully we will start seeing some warmer weather but for now typical early spring time patterns for channel catfish, crappie and largemouth bass should continue to work.
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
Great Kansas Fishing Derby May 15 to Sept 15 - for more info visit www.ksfishderby.com Tagged fish at this location = Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Crappie
PRATT COUNTY LAKE - Last Updated: 5/20/2022 Print
| Species | Rating | Sizes Possible | Baits, Method, & Location |
| Crappie | Fair to Good | Mostly 3 - 5 inch fish that were spawned last year. | Try jigs or minnows near the shore. |
| Channel Catfish | Fair to Good | Most in the 1-2 lb size range but up to 7 lbs | Fishing cut bait or stink bait lake wide. |
| Largemouth bass | Good | Up to 18 inches | Try casting soft plastics, crankbaits and spinner baits around structure and rocks. |
| Bluegill | Fair to Good | Up to 8 inches | Worms under a bobber and small jigs fished vertically around brush. |
| Walleye | Fair | Nearing 15 inches | Try large crank baits and jigs off of wind blown points |
| Wipers | Fair | Nearing 15 inches | Jigs or crank baits around windblown main lake points. |
Pratt County Lake and all other public fishing waters in Pratt and Barber counties are now a part of the Cheney district. This district also includes Harper, Kingman, Reno, and Harvey counties. A Cheney District newsletter is available. Information about fishing and fisheries management throughout southcentral 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. https://ksoutdoors.com/KDWP-Info/News/Newsletter-Request-Forms and click on Cheney Fishing District.
Great Kansas Fishing Derby May 15 to Sept 15 Visit www.ksfishderby.com for more info; Tagged Fish - Channel Catfish, Black Bass, Crappie, Bluegill, White Bass/Wiper
SCOTT STATE LAKE - Last Updated: 5/19/2022 Print
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method & Location |
| Channel Catfish | Fair/Good | Most in the 13 to 18 inch range | Still fishing shrimp or prepared baits off the bottom over shallow shelves or up in the creek. |
| Crappie | Good | Up to 13 inches | Fish have moved shallow to spawn. Anglers report catching good numbers of fish averaging 12 inches fishing small jigs under a bobber along rip-rapped shorelines and up in the creek. |
| Largemouth Bass | Good | Up to 5.5 lbs. | Casting soft plastics and swimbaits around shoreline brush and laydown trees. |
| Sunfish | Good | Up to 8 inches | Worms under a bobber along riprapped shorelines, around brush, or along the edges of cattail beds. |
| Saugeye | Fair/Good | Up to 7 lbs. | Casting swimbaits and crankbaits or drifting jigs tipped with minnows over points and drop-offs. |
| General Comments | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 Great Kansas Fishing Derby May 15 to Sept 15 Visit www.ksfishderby.com for more info; Tagged Fish - Channel Catfish, Black Bass, Crappie, Saugeye | |||
Fishing reports provide general angling information from KDWPT staff. The department cannot update the reports on a regular, frequent basis. Many factors determine angling success, and fishing conditions and individual fishing success may vary from the report. Anglers are responsible for deciding what species to fish for, what methods to use, and where and when to fish. You can help fellow anglers by sharing successful fishing notes at http://www.facebook.com/kdwpt
MCPHERSON STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 5/16/2022 Print
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method & Location | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Channel catfish | Fair | 1 - 5 lbs. | Try worms and cutbait on the bottom. | |
| Crappie | Good | 8-13" | Good. Most are situated on deeper breaks towards the dam. Others are being caught near the banks as they are spawning | |
| Largemouth bass | Fair | Up to 6 lb. | Try using soft plastics, spinner baits, and crank baits near structure. | |
| Saugeye | Poor | 15-26" | No reports but try 1/8 and 1/4 oz. jigs tipped with worms along the dam and piers. | |
| General Comments | ||||
MPSL_draft41
MPSL_draft4 
Related objects
| ||||
ANTHONY CITY LAKE - Last Updated: 5/20/2022 Print
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method & Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Channel catfish | Fair | up to 12lbs | Try fishing cut bait, worms, or stink bait. |
| Crappie | Poor to Fair | Up to 14" | Try jigs or minnows near structure. The Crappie spawn should be just about over. |
| Largemouth Bass | Fair to Good | Up to 5lbs | Try using soft plastics, spinner baits, or crank baits near structure. |
| General Comments | |||
BLACK KETTLE STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 5/16/2022 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: 5/19/2022 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 | Good | up to 20 inch | Creel limit 2/day Length Limit 15-inches Areas near shore where the wind is blowing in. Good baits are worms and fresh cut bait. |
| Largemouth Bass | Fair | up to 19 inches | Bass are in the weedbeds during the day and can be caught on plastic baits. |
| Crappie | Fair to Good | Up to 13 inch | Crappie are spawning close to shore. Small jigs or small minnows are good bets. While there is an occasional big fish at Butler, most crappie run small in the 5 to 7 inch range. |
| Bluegill | Good | up to 6 inch | Small hooks and pieces of worm fished close to shoreline cover. Small jigs or flies are also good bets. |
| General Comments | |||
| Great Kansas Fishing Derby May 15 to Sept 15 Visit www.ksfishderby.com for more info; Tagged Fish - Channel Catfish, Black Bass, Crappie | |||
CHENEY RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 5/20/2022 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" | Trolling crank baits, swim baits, and spoons around points and drop offs. |
| Walleye | Poor | Up to 26" | Try using large crank baits, jigs, or crawlers near flats and points at dawn or dusk. |
| Crappie | Fair | Up to 17" | Try using jigs or minnows near structure in 5ft of water or less. The Crappie spawn is likely over now. |
| Blue Catfish | Fair | Up to 40lbs | Fish with live bait or cut bait near windblown points and flats. Many reports of small (10"-13") Blue Catfish being caught. Be sure to identify your catch! |
| Channel Catfish | Fair to Good | Up to 20lbs | Try fishing cut bait or stink bait near windblown points and flats. |
| White Perch | Good to Excellent | Up to 12" | Try small lures or worm and bobber near rocks. 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 | |||
| April and May are good months to catch fish from the bank as many species move shallow to spawn/feed. | |||
COUNCIL GROVE CITY LAKE - Last Updated: 5/16/2022 Print
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method & Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zebra Mussel | Zebra mussels have been discovered in Council Grove City Lake. Click HERE for more information. | ||
| Bluegill | Fair/Good | 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. Great Kansas Fishing Derby May 15 to Sept 15 Visit www.ksfishderby.com for more info; Tagged Fish - Channel Catfish, Black Bass, Crappie, Bluegill, Drum | |||
COUNCIL GROVE RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 5/16/2022 Print
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method & Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zebra Mussels | Zebra mussels have been discovered in Council Grove Reservoir. Zebra mussel veligers (larval zebra mussels) are too small to be seen with the unaided eye and they can be found in boat livewells, minnow buckets, boat bilges, water toys and anything else that is capable of holding even a small amount of water. Be sure to drain all equipment before leaving the lake to avoid moving veligers to other waters. THIS INCLUDES MINNOW BUCKETS AND BOAT LIVEWELLS AND BILGES!!! CLEAN DRAIN & DRY Every Lake, Every Time! Click HERE to learn how to prevent the spread of zebra mussels. | ||
| Channel Catfish | Fair | near wind blown flats and creek channel ledges on cut bait and worms | |
| Saugeye | Fair/Good | near dam and gravel/rock points on jigs and worms | |
| White Bass | Fair/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: 5/19/2022 Print
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method & Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bluegill | Fair to Good | up to 8 inch | Small jigs or live bait fished on the spawning areas. |
| Channel Catfish | Fair | Up to 24 inch | Channel catfish activity is increasing with the warmer temps. Worms and stinkbaits fished in shallow near shore areas has produced some fish. 15-inch minimum length limit 5/day creel limit |
| Largemouth Bass | Good | Up to 18 inch | Fish are in the weeds and along the weed edges. Worms and creature baits are good bets. |
| Redear Sunfish | Same as bluegill | ||
| General Comments | |||
| 38 brushpiles were added to Cowley SFL. You can find the locations HERE, just zoom in on the map to see Cowley SFL. | |||
EL DORADO RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 5/17/2022 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 | Up to 21 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. Mainlake ledges and deeper water near structure are holding fish where spoons, jigs, or jigging raps produce action. On warmer days, wiper will quickly move up on to shallow points and flats. Jig and plastics such as curly tailed grubs are good choices in the spring. |
| White bass | Fair | up to 14 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. Look for white bass along the rip rapped cause ways in the upper ends of the lake. |
| White Perch | Fair | up to 6 inch | Click HERE for info on properly identifying white perch. Small live bait such as worms on smaller hooks. Look for white perch in the main lake areas near structure such as break, humps, or old roads. |
| Crappie | Fair | Up to 16+ inches | 20/day creel limit effective January 1, 2018. Crappie were spawning and were being caught from the bank in good numbers, but the recent high water threw a bit of wrench in the good fishing. Crappie are now being caught off the bank in 10 to 12 feet of water. Shallow fish are still being found but much more hit and miss than before. |
| Catfish | Good | 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! Fresh cut bait fished on shallow windy shorelines has been producing nice catches of blues. |
| Walleye | Fair | Up to 26 inches | THE WALLEYE LENGTH LIMIT IS 21-INCHES WITH A 2/DAY CREEL LIMIT. Walleye are beginning to show up on the flats where they can be caught on jig and crawler or trolled crankbaits. |
| General Comments | |||
| 1.13 feet above Normal Pool and rising, releasing 1250 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. | |||
FCHASE STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 5/19/2022 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 22 inch | Harvest regulations include a 15-inch minimum length limit and 5/day creel limit. Look for cats in the upper end on warmer days with stinkbaits or worms. Also the back ends of the coves or any shoreline where the wind is blowing in. |
| Largemouth Bass | Fair | Up to 16 inch | There is a 13 to 18 inch slot limit on Largemouth Bass in effect at the lake. Plastic worms in the vegetation and crankbaits along the rocky shorelines. |
| Saugeye | Fair | Up to 18 inch | Along the dam and rocky shorelines on 4-5 inch flukes. |
| Spotted Bass | Fair | Up to 14 inch | Protected, south facing rocky shorelines on smaller crankbaits or small spinners. |
| Bluegill | Fair | Up to 6 inch | Warm days near shoreline cover and off the piers in the rocks. |
| Crappie | Good | Up to 11 inch | Crappie are being caught in shallow water on minnow and bobber combos or on jigs. Fish close to shoreline cover. |
| General Comments | |||
| Great Kansas Fishing Derby May 15 to Sept 15 Visit www.ksfishderby.com for more info; Tagged Fish - Channel Catfish, Black Bass, Crappie, Drum, Saugeye | |||
HARVEY COUNTY EAST LAKE - Last Updated: 5/15/2022 Print
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method & Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Channel Catfish | Good | up to 24" | Try fishing cut bait, worms, or stink bait throughout the lake. |
| Crappie | Fair to Good | up to 14" | Try a jig or minnow fished near shallow structure. The Crappie may still be spawning. Most are smaller with some bigger ones mixed in. |
| Largemouth Bass | Poor | up to 20" | Try fishing soft plastics or jerk baits near structure. |
| Saugeye | Fair to Good | up to 25" | Fish with jigs, large crank baits, or minnows near the dam or rocks at night. |
| General Comments | |||
| Great Kansas Fishing Derby May 15 to Sept 15 Visit www.ksfishderby.com for more info; Tagged Fish - Channel Catfish, Black Bass, Crappie, Bluegill, White Bass/Wiper, Saugeye | |||
KINGMAN STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 5/20/2022 Print
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method & Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Channel catfish | Fair to Good | Up to 24" | Try using cut bait or stink bait. |
| Largemouth Bass | Fair | Up to 4lbs | Fish near structure and rocks with soft plastics, spinner baits, or crank baits. |
| Northern Pike | Poor | Up to 35" | Try using large jerk baits or live sunfish. |
| Crappie | Good to Excellent | Up to 14" | Use minnows or small jigs near structure. The Crappie are likely done spawning. Anglers are still catching a lot of fish though. Most Crappie are smaller with a few big ones mixed in. Anglers are encouraged to harvest the smaller Crappie to prevent the population from becoming overpopulated. |
| General Comments | |||
MARION COUNTY LAKE - Last Updated: 5/19/2022 Print
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method & Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Channel Catfish | Fair to Good | up to 24 inch | Stink baits and worms are good spring time channel catfish baits. Fish windy shorelines where the waves are stirring up the bottom. |
| Crappie | Fair to Good | up to 12 inches | 20/day creel limit Crappie are being caught on the spawning banks on jig or minnow and bobber combos. Also casting baits such as RoadRunners or beetlespins. |
| Bass | Good | up to 18 inch | 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! Plastic worms and baits in the weed beds and around woody cover. |
| Saugeye | Slow | up to 22 inch | Flukes and jig and crawler on windy points. |
| Bluegill | Good | up to 8 inch | Near shore spawning areas on jigs, live baits, or flies. |
| White Bass & Wipers | Windy points and shorelines on shad imitating plastics, crankbaits, or inline spinners. | ||
| 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: 5/17/2022 Print
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method & Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walleye | New walleye harvest regulations will become effective on January 1, 2022. For details on the new limits, please see the El Dorado District Fisheries Newsletter. | ||
| 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 | Drifting fresh cut bait along windy shorelines and nightcrawlers or prepared baits where the wind is blowing in. Also cut bait or prepared baits in the river. | ||
| White Crappie | Good | up to 14 inches | 20/day creel limit Still a few crappie being caught in shallow water near shore as they are spawning. A jig worked under a bobber is a good spawn tactic. Live minnows are also an excellent choice for spawning crappie. Cottonwood Cover has been popular this week, but crappie will be active across the lake. |
| Walleye | Good | Up to 26 inches | NEW WALLEYE HARVEST REGULATIONS EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2022. 18 INCH MINIMUM LENGTH LIMIT 3/DAY CREEL LIMIT WITH NO MORE THAN ONE FISH 21 INCHES OR LONGER. Walleye fishing has been good recently as the walleye have begun to move towards the flats. Drifting jig and crawler combo or trolling larger crankbaits is producing fish. |
| White Bass | Fair to Good | up to 14 inch | Most white bass activity has been in the mainlake area. Casting or trolling in water 5 to 8 feet deep off of points has been producing. The ends of the dam are also producing some white bass action. The low water level and lack of flows in the creek has resulted in a weak white bass run in the river so far this year. |
| Wiper | Fair | 18 to 24 inches | Mainlake points or breaks on jigging raps or jig and plastic. |
| 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 | |||
| 1.81 ft below Normal Pool, releasing 10 CFS. Water depth at the Hillsboro boat ramp is becoming shallow as the lake level continues to decrease. | |||
SEDGWICK CO. - LAKE AFTON - Last Updated: 5/15/2022 Print
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method & Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zebra Mussels | Adult Zebra Mussels were found 7/31/08 at Lake Afton. The zebra mussels reproduce during the warmer summer months and veligers (larval zebra mussels) are present in the water column. Zebra mussel veligers are too small to be seen with the unaided eye and they can be found in boat livewells, minnow buckets, boat bilges, water toys and anything else that is capable of holding even a small amount of water. Be sure to drain all equipment before leaving the lake to avoid moving veligers to other waters. THIS INCLUDES MINNOW BUCKETS, BOAT LIVEWELLS AND BILGES!!! Click HERE to learn how to prevent the spread of zebra mussels. REMEMBER!! Zebra Mussels are also present in Clearwater Creek below the spillway! | ||
| White Perch | Fair to Good | 4"-8" | Use a small hook with a small piece of work or panfish lures. Remember that white perch may not be possessed alive. |
| Channel Catfish | Good | up to 24" | Try cut bait, worms, or stink bait near wind blown areas. Harvest-sized Channel Catfish are stocked regularly in the Spring and Fall. Visit https://ksoutdoors.com/Fishing/Special-Fishing-Programs-for-You/Urban-Fishing-Program for more information. |
| Crappie | Poor | up to 12" | Crappie are done spawning and moved offshore to structure and brush. Try using minnows or jigs in 8-15 feet of water. 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 shallow structure. |
| Largemouth Bass | Fair | up to 21" | Try soft plastics, spinner baits, and crankbaits near structure/cover. |
| General Comments | |||
| Great Kansas Fishing Derby May 15 to Sept 15 Visit www.ksfishderby.com for more info; Tagged Fish - Channel Catfish, Black Bass, Crappie, Bluegill, Drum, Carp, Flathead Catfish | |||
WELLINGTON CITY LAKE - Last Updated: 5/19/2022 Print
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method & Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Channel Catfish | Not many reports this week | ||
| Wiper | Slow | ||
| Crappie | Fair | up to 11 inch | Crappie are heading to shallower water during the warmer days where jigs and minnows are productive. |
| Saugeye | Fair | up to 20 inch | Rocky shorelines on flukes early and late in the day |
| General Comments | |||
| Great Kansas Fishing Derby May 15 to Sept 15 Visit www.ksfishderby.com for more info; Tagged Fish - Channel Catfish, Crappie, Saugeye | |||
WELLINGTON HARGIS CREEK - Last Updated: 5/19/2022 Print
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method & Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Channel Catfish | Good | up to 26 inch | Night crawlers fished on windy points or where the wind is blowing in to the shoreline. |
| Crappie | Fair to Good | up to 9 inch | Crappie are being caught near shoreline cover on jigs or minnows, but size is running small. |
| Largemouth Bass | Slow to Fair | up to 16 inch | Shallow protected areas on warmer days on smaller jerk baits or crankbaits. |
| General Comments | |||
WICHITA - URBAN FISHING REPORT - Last Updated: 5/2/2022 Print
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method & Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Channel Catfish | Fair to Good | Up to 5lbs | OJ Watson Park, KDOT East, K-96/Cruiser, South Lake, SG County Park and other lakes in the Wichita Metro Area are stocked regularly in the Spring and Fall with harvest-sized Channel Catfish. They can be easilty caught on worms, hotdogs, stink bait, and other natural/prepared baits. Visit https://ksoutdoors.com/Fishing/Special-Fishing-Programs-for-You/Urban-Fishing-Programfor the stocking information. |
| Crappie | Poor to Fair | Up to 12" | Crappie in Wichita area should be spawning at this time , making this the best time to catch them!Try using minnows or a small jig near structure near shore. Crappie fishing is best at the KDOT Lakes, Watson Park, and Chisholm North lake. |
| Largemouth Bass | Fair | Up to 20" | Largemouth Bass can be found in most Wichita area lakes, but fishing can be tough due to low populations and high angling pressure. Your best opportunities to catch bass are at the KDOT lakes, Emery Park, Blackbird and Sunflower Ponds, and Chisholm North lake. Try using soft plastics, crank baits, or spinnerbaits. |
| 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. |
| Rainbow Trout | Fair to Good | up to 23" | Trout season ended on April 15th. No trout permit is needed to fish for or possess trout, but creel regulations are still applicable. Rainbow trout are stocked into KDOT East, Vic's Lake, and Slough Creek. Try using floating dough baits, worms, small spoons, or spinners. 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 | |||
WINFIELD CITY LAKE - Last Updated: 5/19/2022 Print
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method, and Location | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zebra Mussels | Zebra mussels were verified in Winfield City Lake in December 2006. Lake users should follow recommended control practices found HERE . Be sure to drain all equipment before leaving the lake to avoid moving veligers to other waters. THIS INCLUDES MINNOW BUCKETS AND BOAT LIVEWELLS AND BILGES!!! | ||||
| Crappie | Fair to Good | up to 12 inch | Crappie are on the spawning banks and can be caught on jigs, "jig and bobber" rigs, and minnows. Look for areas with a solid lake bottom near shore with any form of cover such as brush or weeds. | ||
| Channel catfish | Fair | up to 22 inch | Warm days will bring channel catfish into shallow windblown areas where wave action is stirring up food. Stinkbaits, shadsides, and worms are good springtime baits. | ||
| Black bass | Fair | up to 17 inch | Spinnerbaits or crankbaits near cover in shallow water. Upper ends of coves has the warmer water which is attractive to the bass. | ||
| White bass | Fair | up to 14 inch | Jigs and twistertails off of points and along windy shorelines. | ||
| Wiper | Same as white bass | ||||
| Walleye | Fair | Up to 26 inch | Not much walleye activity this week. Walleye will soon be moving to the north shore flats and fishing action will increase. Walleye minimum length limit 18 inches. | ||
| 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. | |||||
Fishing reports provide general angling information from KDWPT staff. The department cannot update the reports on a regular, frequent basis. Many factors determine angling success, and fishing conditions and individual fishing success may vary from the report. Anglers are responsible for deciding what species to fish for, what methods to use, and where and when to fish. You can help fellow anglers by sharing successful fishing notes at http://www.facebook.com/kdwpt.
TORONTO RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 5/19/2022 Print
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method, Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| channel catfish | good | 0% 11"-16" 15% 16"-24" 77% 24"-28" 8% 28"-36" | Use a worm, stink bait, or shad sides where water if flowing into reservoir and outlet. |
| largemouth bass | poor | 23% 8"-12" 23% 12"-15" 54% 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" 55% 9"-12" 27% 12"-15" 18% 15"-18" 0% 18"+ | Use plastic jig in outlet and channel breaks. |
| white crappie | fair | 79% 5"-8" 12% 8"-10" 6% 10"-12" 3% 12"-15" 0% 15"+ | Use a jig or minnow on channel breaks. |
| General Comments | |||
| Fresh cedar tree fish habitat brush piles were installed this winter and can be located by using the link below. Link to USACE reservoir water level: http://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/TORO.lakepage.html Size structures are from 2021 fall test netting and 2021 spring electrofishing for largemouth bass. To view a map of Toronto Reservoir brush piles, copy this file into Google Earth and zoom into the reservoir. 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: 5/4/2022 Print
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method & Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crappie | Good | 6-12" | Crappie fishing remains good. Crappie are in their spawning locations. Look for crappie up near Rea Bridge, near Timber Hill boat ramp and also up by the dam. Minnows and small plastic jigs have been working best. |
| Channel Catfish | Fair | 16-24" | Catfishing remains slow. Look for catfishing to improve with increasing water temps and inflowing water. Look for channel catfish near any flowing water. Shad sides are the preferred bait. |
| Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass | Fair | 12-20" | Largemouth bass fishing remains hit or miss with frequent cold fronts. Look for fish to move into the shallows on warm sunny days or be in deeper structure near spawning locations. Jerk baits and soft plastic swim baits have been working best. Smallmouth bass fishing remains slow. Look for them near the dam or on any rocky shoreline with warming water temps. Soft plastic crayfish worked slowly up the rocks have been working best. |
| Bluegill and Redears | Fair | 5-7" | Bluegill and redear fishing remains steady. Bluegill and redear can be found near any standing aquatic vegetation and will move into the shallows on sunny days. Worms under a bobber are 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: 5/16/2022 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.... 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. To bolster the current population and recruitment of Largemouth Bass at Bone Creek, the KDWP fisheries biologist has increased stocking efforts of Largemouth Bass. In 2019, 218, 377 (fry) were stocked when a hatchery surplus was available. In 2021, 13,500 phase II advanced fingerling Largemouth Bass were stocked. In April 2022, 260,000 (fry) were stocked when a hatchery surplus was available. The KDWP fisheries biologist plans to request 25,000 phase II advanced fingerling Largemouth Bass for the next five years to help bolster year classes and recruitment of Largemouth Bass. In addition to, it was proposed and passed to move from a 13-18" slot length limit to an 18" minimum length limit to protect the stocked fingerlings and naturally spawned Largemouth Bass to preferred lengths for bass anglers. This went into effect on January 1, 2022. |
| Saugeye | Good | 16-24 inches | Fall sampling indicated that there is a high percentage of fish in the 18-24" range. Saugeye can be found on flats of 10-14 ft that is near deeper water of 20 feet and deeper at this time of the year. Any depth changes, or structure, will hold fish and can be caught by a variety of methods, such as trolling or vertical jigging. Anglers have reported catching saugeye near the dam on the east side of the lake on swimbaits, jigheads with plastics, and crankbaits. The minimum length for Saugeye at Bone Creek is 18 inches and a daily creel of 5 fish per day! It was proposed by fisheries staff to continue the 18" minimum length limit and a daily creel of 5 per day and on January 1, 2022, the limit has raised from a 2 creel limit currently to 5 per day for anglers in 2022. |
| Newsletter | STAY UP TO DATE ON FISH STOCKINGS, FISH SAMPLING, AND FISH HABITAT PROJECTS: 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 | ||
| General Comments | |||
| Water Temperature: 73° F, 5/16/2022 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: 5/15/2022 Print
| species | ratings | size | baits, methods, locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crappie | Good | 8 to 12 inches | crappie are spawning close to shore. 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 | Slow | most bass in the 13 to 16 inch range | The bass are in 1 to 8 foot from the surface, above the thermocline. Pattern fish with jigs, spinners, gizzard shad plugs, lots of smaller fish but larger fish like 5 to 7 pounds are available. |
| General Comments | |||
| The best way to measure social distancing is with a fishing pole. This 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 structue. 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: 5/15/2022 Print
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method, & Location | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Channel catfish | Good | varies | Go fishing, the fish have to eat. try bluegill chunks, chicken liver. Anglers are catching big Fish around the feeders from 7 to 12 pounds. Fish feeders are OFF. Gearup for big channel catfish. . | ||
| Largemouth bass | Slow | varies | lake wide, use silver crank and spinner baits, or dark jigs, | ||
| Bullheads | Slow | varies | use worms,or liver lake wide | ||
| Bluegill | Slow | varies | small baits and worms under floats, along weedbeds around fish attractors | ||
| 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 in prespawn pattern. use minnows and dark jigs, recently bigger fish over 11 inches reportedly caught, but lots of 9 inch fish. | ||
| Comments | |||||
| The best way to measure social distancing is with a fishing pole. This lake is great for shoreline angling, lots of room to spread out. The lake is 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 you to "Clean, Drain and Dry" your boat and equipment. This 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: 5/15/2022 Print
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method, & Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Bass ( Largemouth and Spotted Bass) | Good | Fish 10 to 17 inches dominate the population | bass are along the piers, in cover, use spinners, plastic baits, crankbaits. |
| Bluegill/redear sunfish | Poor | 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 | Good | 12-22 inches | Use cut bait, stink baits, chicken liver, worms, the fish feeders are ON. 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 5ft float, along the piers. |
| General Comments | |||
| Zebra Mussels have recently been found in Hillsdale Lake, and Linn Valley, Linn County, (Private Lake Development), we'd like to remind 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: 5/20/2022 Print
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Methods, Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| largemouth bass | Slow | 8 in to 21 inches | Focusing on shallow water near cattails or woody cover is the best bet on getting bites. Try Texas-rigged soft plastics or creature baits, vibrating jigs, or spinnerbaits. |
| walleye | Fair | 14-25 inches | Vertical jigging or fishing twister tails, swimbaits or crankbaits along rocky banks or points. |
| channel catfish/blue catfish | Fair-Good | 1/2-5 lbs, Blues up to 50lbs. | Various prepared baits, liver, and worms usually good for channel catfish lakewide. Using fresh cut bait such as shad or carp usually is best for blue catfish. Fishing wind blown banks or up in the riprap should be productive or try creek channel swings and humps. Don't be afraid to fish shallow water for both species. |
| smallmouth bass | Slow-Fair | 10-20 inches | Throwing small shad imitators like compact spinnerbaits or crankbaits. Crayfish imitating baits should also work. Ned rigs or drop shots are great techniques to use for smallmouth. |
| white bass/Wipers | Fair-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-Good | 11-15 inches | Most crappie have probably moved back to deeper water, fish the standing timber near the creek channel or old road beds. They may also be found on old pond dams and near the old quarry by the west island. |
| General Comments | |||
| Entrance gate phone number is 620-364-2475 call for lake conditions. Fishing near the warm water outlet during the fall and winter can be very productive for multiple species. Registration for Coffey County Lake is now available online at https://www.coffeycountyks.org/home/showdocument?id=3502. A large brush pile was created north of the boat ramp in the old creek channel and is marked with a fish attractor buoy. There were also several trees sunk at the end of the hot water dike and should be easily marked on your locator. These spots should be really good in the fall and winter months. ZEBRA MUSSELS have been confirmed in Coffey County Lake! Please help stop the spread. Clean, Drain, and Dry your boat and livewell after leaving this lake. It is illegal to transport live fish, bait, and water from this lake. For more information on waters in Anderson, Allen, Coffey, and Woodson counties click the following link to sign up for the New Strawn District Fisheries Newsletter. http://kdwpt.state.ks.us/news/KDWPT-Info/News/Newsletter-Request-Forms/Request-a-Newsletter-for-the-New-Strawn-Fishing-District | |||
CRAWFORD STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 5/16/2022 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. |
| Flathead catfish | Good | All sizes | Flathead catfish can be found in deep water next to submerged trees and structure. Live bait, such as green sunfish, and artificial lures are two types of fishing to try. There have been reports of flathead catfish being caught up to 30 lbs. |
| Crappie | Good | 6-10 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. The 6-8" crappie have been aged by fisheries staff and are 8-12 years old. Please consider harvesting your daily creel limit of 50 crappie per day to help reduce numbers of crappie and open up space for them to grow. Georgia Cubes, an artificial habitat structure placed by KDWPT staff, are present in Crawford State Lake and the link in the "General Comments" section will provide you with GPS coordinates. Eight brushpiles were created and added. GPS coordinates are listed below in the comments section. Crappie will congregate near the Georgia Cubes, submerged trees, structure, and docks. Anglers should try live minnows under a bobber, jigs with a twister tail, and streamers with a fly rod. |
| Largemouth bass | Good | 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. Cedar trees were added to the lake in October of 2021 and spring of 2019 to enhance fish habitat and spawning structure. An additional fish habitat project is planned for winter of 2021 to add additional spawning structure and fish attractor locations to bolster the current structure available for largemouth bass. Largemouth bass phase II advanced fingerlings have been stocked in 2020 (7,500 fingerlings) and in 2021 (3,750 fingerlings). The KDWP Fisheries Biologist plans to continue to request phase II advanced fingerling stockings for the next three years to help bolster current year classes of largemouth bass. This will be evaluated through fin clips to assess genetics to realize stocking contribution to the fishery. In conjunction with the stocking, cedar trees will be added to the lake to enhance spawning, refuge, and forage structure near shore for largemouth bass to flourish. |
| Newsletter | STAY UP TO DATE ON FISH STOCKINGS, FISH SAMPLING, AND FISH HABITAT PROJECTS: 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 | ||
| General Comments | |||
| Water Temperature: 75° F, 5/16/2022 KDWPT Fisheries and State Park staff enhanced current fish habitat by adding approximately 150 cedar trees near shoreline spawning areas to enhance largemouth bass and spotted bass structure, as well as added cedar trees to current brushpiles near shoreline access areas in October of 2021. Additionally, nearly 100 cedar trees and 40 "Georgia Cubes" were added to the lake in spring of 2019. Fisheries staff plan to add additional cedar trees to enhance fish habitat in the winter of 2021. Cedar trees were placed on existing brushpiles. The GPS coordinates for those existing brushpiles are as follows: N 37.642683, W 094.806843 (Northeast corner dock) 37.641414, W 094.807232 (East cove dock on west side of cove) N 37.640050, W 094.809163 (Middle arm, east side) N 37.637126, W 094.811680 (East fishing pier) Cedar trees were placed on new brushpiles. The GPS coordinates for the new brushpile locations are as follows (Updated 10/13/2021): N 37.642581, W 094.808307 (North point) N 37.644641, W 094.810386 (North boat ramp) N 37.643394, W 094.811154 (Marina northeast dock) N 37.641860, W 094.812640 (Marina Cove southwest dock) N 37.643614, W 094.811419 (Marina Cafe dock) N 37.641616, W 094.813571 (Marina Cove, west end) N 37.641749, W 094.812921 (Marina Cove, southwest dock) N 37.641966, W 094.806699 (East Cove, east bank) N 37.641278, W 094.807183 (East Cove, southwest bank) N 37.641637, W 094.807649 (East Cove, northwest bank) N 37.642103, W 094.807946 (East Cove, north point) Georgia Cubes were added to six new locations. The GPS coordinates for the Georiga Cubes are as follows: 16 Georgia Cubes @ N 37.642602, W 094.808321 (North point) 6 Georgia Cubes @ N 37.642695, W 094.806880 (Northeast corner dock) 7 Georgia Cubes @ N 37.641402, W 094.807221 (East cove dock on west side of cove) 5 Georgia Cubes @ N 37.637147, W 094.811688 (East fishing pier) 3 Georgia Cubes @ N 37.643472, W 094.811373 (Marina northeast dock) 3 Georgia Cubes @ N 37.644663, W 094.810369 (North boat ramp) Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism fisheries staff recently undertook a project to produce lake maps, or bathymetric maps, for public waters statewide. The lake map for Crawford State Fishing Lake can be found at the following link: https://ksoutdoors.com/Fishing/Where-to-Fish-in-Kansas/Bathymetric-Lake-Maps.This link will provide you with a link for all bathymetric lake maps for the state of Kansas. Scroll down to find Crawford State Fishing Lake. This will allow for anglers to view the depths of the lake to choose different habitats and lake depths to fish for different species, year-round. You will also find current GPS locations of habitat structures placed by KDWPT fisheries staff to easily input into your sonar unit, or find if you are fishing from shore. Be sure to Clean, Drain, and Dry your boat, bait buckets, and recreational watercraft before and after launching your boat. It is important to remove your drain plug on your watercraft upon departure to drain live wells and water inside of your boat; it will protect our natural resources in Kansas for current anglers and future generations to enjoy. Zebra mussels, white perch, and asian carp are all invasive species that can be found in Kansas. Be sure to stay up to date on information regarding Aquatic Nuisance Species. If you would like to provide a fishing report for Crawford State Fishing Lake, don't hesitate to contact Connor Ossowski, District Fisheries Biologist, at (620) 231-3173. Great Kansas Fishing Derby May 15 to Sept 15 Visit www.ksfishderby.com for more info; Tagged Fish - Channel Catfish, Black Bass, Crappie, Bluegill, White Bass/Wiper, Carp | |||
CRITZER LAKE - Last Updated: 5/15/2022 Print
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method, Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Good | 13 to 18 inches with a few at 22 inches | Bass are in spawn mode. Work the edges. Currently the lake is at full pool, water clarity is great at this time. 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. Recently a 9.88 was caught and released. |
| Smallmouth Bass | Poor | 13 to 15" | A limited fishery exists some are taken on jigs, spinners, along the dam and rocky areas. |
| Channel Catfish | Good | 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 ON . We recently stocked several thousand channel catfish into the lake to boost the population. |
| Crappie | Good | any size | Critzer has some good crappie but warms up later than other lakes. Sampling indicates good numbers of nice fish (9 to 12 inches) use minnows and milky white, pink jigs in 12 ft. East half of lake is better. Fish are in deeper water along the 10ft. line. |
| Walleye | Slow | most between 12 to 17 inches | Some are taken on jigs tipped with worms, spinners, dam and upper creek channel |
| General Comments | |||
| 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. Zebra Mussels have recently been found in Hillsdale Lake, and Linn Valley Lake, this is a private lake community, we'd like to remind you to stay aware and take all precautions necessary to prevent the spread into uncontaminated waters! This includes cleaning and rinsing your boat and motor, trailer, and equipment, draining any excess water from previous outings, and allowing your boat to dry before using it in a different body of water. Remember CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY! We have improved the area with a floating dock, located just west of the boat ramp. For tips on spring bass fishing watch this KDWPT video at the following link! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpIJaiyW32k Check out this video from Brent Chapman fishing for bass in Critzer Lake! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngvw2uz3oH0 Great Kansas Fishing Derby May 15 to Sept 15 Visit www.ksfishderby.com for more info; Tagged Fish - Channel Catfish, Bullhead | |||
ELK CITY RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 5/9/2022 Print
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method & Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crappie | Poor | 8-14" | Crappie fishing has slowed. Recent rainfall has risen the lake levels and caused very turbid water. Both boat ramps are currently unusable. Look for crappie near the dam or the culverts on HWY 160. Minnows have been working best. |
| Blue and channel catfish | Good | 18-26" | Catfishing has picked up. Look for fish to move near areas of flowing water near creek mouths and culverts. Shad sides are the preferred bait. |
| White Bass | Fair | 10-14" | The white bass fishing has slowed. Also look for white bass to be in the deeper holes of the river feeding after spawning. Minnows, soft plastics and hair jigs have been working best. |
| Outlet | Fair | 12-20" | Water release is high. Fishing has yet to pick up, but should in the coming days with outflows continuing for the foreseeable future. For up to date lake level and water discharge see the link below. |
| 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: 5/19/2022 Print
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method, Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| channel catfish | good | 14% 11"-16" 7% 16"-24" 36% 24"-28" 43% 28"-36" | Use a worm, stink bait, or shad sides where water if flowing into reservoir and outlet. |
| crappie | fair | 77% 5"- 8" 13% 8"-10" 9% 10"-12" 1% 12"-15" <1% 15"+ | Use a jig or minnow on channel breaks. |
| largemouth bass | poor | 75% 8"-12" 25% 12"-15" 0% 15"-20" 0% 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 | 17% 6"- 9" 34% 9"-12" 36% 12"-15" 13% 15"-18" | Use plastic jig in outlet and channel breaks. |
| General Comments: | |||
| Fresh cedar tree fish habitat brush piles were installed this winter which may be located by using the map below. Link to USACE reservoir water level: http://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/FALL.lakepage.html Size structures listed are from 2021 fall test netting and 2021 spring electrofishing for largemouth bass. To view a map of brush piles in Fall River Reservoir and the old sunken Ladd Bridge in the river, copy this file into Google Earth and zoom into the reservoir. 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: 5/15/2022 Print
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method, & Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| largemouth and spotted bass | Good | varies | Fish are in spawn mode. The water level is good. Try shad crank baits, soft plastic baits close to fish structure, the deeper side of weed beds and along rocky points. |
| 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 1,000 larger channel catfish into this lake. The fish feeders are OFF for the season. |
| walleye | Slow | varies | use dark jigs and crankbaits, along flats and drop-offs. most fish are above the 18 inch length limit. |
| crappie | Good | varies, many over 11 inches | Crappie are in spawn mode. Recently most fish are caught in the south end, especially the south east end of lake. 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. Great Kansas Fishing Derby May 15 to Sept 15 Visit www.ksfishderby.com for more info; Tagged Fish - Channel Catfish | |||
GARNETT NORTH - Last Updated: 5/20/2022 Print
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method & Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crappie | Fair-Good | 8-14 inches | There may be a few fish left up shallow spawning, fishing near water willow or brush will be the best places to try. Otherwise fish have probably moved back off shore to deeper water habitat. Minnows, jigs, or small lures are the best baits. |
| Channel catfish | Good | 8-30 inches | Livers, shad sides, or other prepared baits along ledges or windy banks. The upper end of the lake should be good when water is running in. |
| Largemouth Bass | Good | up to 5lbs. | Various techniques work this time of year including Texas-rigged creature baits, wacky-rigged stick baits, spinnerbaits, vibrating jigs, and swimbaits. Casting along the water willow beds, near any type of brush, or off of points should produce some fish. Remember to harvest fish below the slot limit to benefit the population. |
| Wipers | Slow-Fair | up to 6 lbs | Chicken livers or shad imitating baits such as crankbaits, spinnerbaits, rattletraps, soft jerkbaits, fished around wind blown banks and dropoffs. |
| General Comments | |||
| Please remember to help STOP AQUATIC HITCHHIKERS! CLEAN, DRAIN, and DRY your boat and livewell when leaving water bodies. Four Georgia Cube Fish Attractors were placed by the fishing dock (2on the East end and 2 on the West end) on the north end of the lake. DO NOT MOVE FISH OR BAIT TO DIFFERENT WATERS! Great Kansas Fishing Derby May 15 to Sept 15 Visit www.ksfishderby.com for more info; Tagged Fish - Channel Catfish, Black Bass, Crappie 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: 5/20/2022 Print
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Methods, and Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Current Fishing Opportunity | |||
| Largemouth Bass | Good | up to 5lbs. | Any type of moving bait should produce some fish, if not switching to finesse worms like wacky rigged stick baits or even a Texas rigged creature bait should work. Baits such as a spinnerbait, vibrating jig, shallow water crankbait, or swimbaits are all good options. |
| Bluegill | Fair | up to 8 inches | Small jigs or flies, also bobber with a worm, fish should be getting on beds |
| Channel Catfish | Fair-Good | 8-24 inches | chicken livers, cut bait or other prepared bait lakewide. |
| Crappie | Fair-Good | 6-10 inches | Most crappie are probably done spawning and have moved back to deeper water try minnows under a bobber. |
| 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. |
JOHN REDMOND RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 5/20/2022 Print
| Species | Size | Rating | Bait, Method, Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Channel Catfish | up to 15lbs. | Good | Drifting various baits lakewide or fishing up near the river with inflowing water may be good. |
| Blue Catfish | up to 30 lbs. | Fair-Good | Fishing wind blown shorelines with fresh cut bait. Fair number of fish in the 5-10 lb. range. |
| White Bass | up to 3lbs. | Fair | Throwing shad imitating baits along the dam or wind blown shorelines. Fishing below the dam can be good during low to moderate releases. |
| 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. The recent wet and cool weather may have pushed them off a little but they should be spawning. |
| Comments - The lake is high and the boat ramps are not usable. Fishing should be good below the dam for multiple species during low to moderate releases. Brush Pile Coordinates:
N 38o 14.743'
N 38o 14.658'
N 38o 14.419'
N 38o 14.256'
N 38o 14.722'
N 38o 14.811'
N 38o 14.922'
N 38o 15.222' 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: 5/15/2022 Print
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method, Location | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Channel, blue and flathead catfish, | Great | 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 anywhere along the shoreline. Trotlines are doing very well. | |||||||
| Crappie | Good | 9 - 12 inches | Sampling and angler reports indicate that there are still alot of good crappie here, most in the 10 -12 inch range. The crappie are moving in shallow to spawn. 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 | Good angler reports on bass off rip rap and at the hot water area. Bass are moving in to spawn. Fishing during the spawn canbe absolutely fantastic. | |||||||
| White bass | Good | 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 | Slow | all sizes | newly flooded shoreline cover makes for great bowfishing. bowfishing or fly casting | |||||||
| General Comments | ||||||||||
| Call the Linn County Park at 913-757-6633. The water level is great, just a little murky. The fish are waiting for you. The best way to measure social distancing is with a fishing pole. Overall the bass are steady, the channel catfish and wipers are improving. BASSMASTERS has recognized LA CYGNE RESERVOIR in its TOP 10 bass lakes of the Midwest. We know La Cygne Reservoir is a great bass lake but its nice to receive this type of recognition from Bassmasters. For more information check out these two sites. 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
| ||||||||||
LYON STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 5/19/2022 Print
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method, Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bluegill and Redear | good | 45% 4-7" 53% 7-9" 2% 9-11" | Use worm, small jig, or small silver spinner around brush piles. The water is clear so use light line and small hooks. |
| Channel Catfish | good | 40% 11-16" 20% 16-24" 20% 24-28" 20% 28-36" | Use worms, shad sides, or stink bait in coves around feeders and where water is flowing into lake. |
| Largemouth Bass | good | 26% 8-12" 50% 12-15" 24% 15-20" 0% >20" | Use spinners or jigs around brush piles, rock jetties, and weed line. |
| Crappie | fair | 6% 5-8" 31% 8-10" 34% 10-12" 28% 12-15" | Use small jigs or minnows around brush piles, and rock jetties. |
| 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 2021 electrofishing. The size structures listed for crappie, bluegill, redear, and channel catfish are from October 2021 test netting. To view a map of brush pile and habitat cube locations, copy these files into Google Earth and zoom into the lake. This winter I installed fresh cedar tree fish habitat brush piles. For more information about the Fall River/Toronto Fisheries District, click here to access newsletters. Great Kansas Fishing Derby May 15 to Sept 15 Visit www.ksfishderby.com for more info; Tagged Fish - Channel Catfish, Black Bass, Crappie, Bluegill | |||
MARAIS DES CYGNES WILDLIFE AREA - Last Updated: 5/15/2022 Print
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method, & Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| blue, channel catfish | Goo | 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/paddlefish | slow | varies | snagging can be good with better flows |
| General Comments | |||
| This area has shoreline angling, lots of room to spread out, for social distancing. The marais des cygnes river is about normal flow but could produce some good fishing opportunities. The river and streams on the state wildlife area are open to fishing. The Marias des Cygnes River is a great place to float and fish. Get the kids, get your friends and Go Fishing. Remember to "CLEAN, DRAIN AND DRY" your boats and equipment. The Marais des Cygnes River is confirmed to contain zebra mussels. Please take extra precaution by not removing fish and placing them in another body of water (bait fish included), and cleaning, draining, and drying boats motors trailers and all equipment before entering another body of water. This helps prevent the spread to unc | |||
MELVERN RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 5/20/2022 Print
| Crappie | Good | 0.25-1 lbs | The crappie spawn has begun. Fish can be found in shallow depths, near the bank in 1-4 ft. Target rocky shorelines or coves with flooded brush using small jigs or minnows. Cooler temperatures in the extended forecast may push fish into deeper water. | |
| White Bass | Good | 0.5-2 lbs | White Bass have finished spawning and are feeding. Target wind blown points, shorelines, or on the dam. | |
| Walleye | Good | 0.5-2 lbs | Walleye have transitioned to mud flats, drop offs, and extended points. Baits that are producing fish include crank baits, minnows, and jigs. | |
| Blue Catfish | Fair-Good | 2-30 bs | Blue catfish are being caught using cut shad. Target wind-blown shorelines and mud flats for best action. | |
| Channel Catfish | Good | 1- 6 lbs | Channel catfish are being caught using shad, stink baits, or nightcrawlers. Warming water temperatures have resulted in improved catches. | |
| 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 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Several good reports of multi-species action on the dam! Water Level: As of May 19th, Melvern Reservoir was 4ft above normal pool level with 20 cfs discharge. Current water level conditions can be found at: https://www.nwk.usace.army.mil/Locations/District-Lakes/Melvern-Lake/Daily-Lake-Info-2/ Invasive Species: Melvern Reservoir has Zebra Mussels. Remember to clean, drain, and dry your boat and fishing equipment when leaving the lake to keep from spreading them to other lakes. | ||||
MINED LAND WILDLIFE AREA - Last Updated: 5/16/2022 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 2021/2022 in the Trout Pit (Unit #30) was on Wednesday, October 27, 2021 of 1,520 rainbow trout. The second rainbow trout stocking occurred on November 11, 2021 of 975 rainbow trout. The third rainbow trout stocking occurred on December 1, 2021 of 700 rainbow trout. The fourth rainbow trout stocking occurred on December 16, 2021 of 350 rainbow trout. The fifth rainbow trout stocking occurred on February 16, 2022 of 1,600 rainbow trout. The sixth rainbow trout stocking occurred on March 2, 2022 of 730 rainbow trout. The seventh rainbow trout stocking occurred on March 15, 2022 of 2,850 rainbow trout. The eighth and final rainbow trout stocking occurred on April 5, 2022 of 490 rainbow trout. A total of 9,215 rainbow trout were stocked for the Fall 2021/Spring 2022 Trout Season. 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 during the trout season (November 1-April 15). Rainbow trout & Brown Trout are managed under a combined daily creel limit of five fish. Directions to the Trout Pit (Unit #30) are as follows: 8 miles south of the McCune turn off on Highway 400 on NW 100th St. and a half mile to the west on NW Lawton Rd. OR 5 miles west of West Mineral on NW Scammon Rd., 4 miles south on NW 100th St. and a half mile to the west on NW Lawton Rd. |
| 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. |
| Newsletter | STAY UP TO DATE ON FISH STOCKINGS, FISH SAMPLING, AND HABITAT PROJECTS: 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 | ||
| General Comments | |||
| Water Temperature: 76° F, 5/16/2022 Bathymetric maps are now available for the Mined Land Wildlife Area strip pits. This is an ongoing effort by the District Fisheries Biologist, so new pits will be added on a weekly basis. The bathymetric maps that show how deep the strip pits are and water contours can be viewed at the following link: http://ksdot.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=3e0ba6a852d2479aa6e384b4f87a0c2b. The free Explorer GIS app can also be downloaded to use when you're out fishing from your mobile phone, or tablet. This has the ability to use your location to use similar to a depth finder while you're fishing. You can search in your Android, or iPhone, app store for "Explorer GIS", once it is installed you can search for "2020 KDWPT Fishing Access". This will allow for view while you're out fishing. Good luck! Habitat improvements through the use of hinge-cutting, cedar trees, and "Georgia Cubes" will be placed throughout the unique strip pits on Mined Land Wildlife Area. Angler input is welcomed. If you have individual strip pits that you'd like to see habitat improvements made, please contact Connor Ossowski, District Fisheries Biologist, at (620) 231-3173. These will be advertised on the KDWPT website at the following link: https://ksoutdoors.com/KDWPT-Info/Locations/Hunting-Fishing-Atlas/Fishing-Atlas/GPS-KML-Information-Files/Google-KMZ-file-of-Fish-Attractor-GPS. Fish attractors and habitat additions have been placed on the Mined Land Wildlife Area and the GPS coordinates can be found at the link provided in the previous sentence as well. Aquatic Nuisance Species Alert: Be on the look out for Eurasian Watermilfoil if you're fishing on the Mined Land Wildlife Area. This aquatic nuisance plant is present and abundant on multiple strip pits on the Mined Land Wildlife Area. The plant can reproduce rapidly and develop dense mats that don't allow for other beneficial aquatic plants to grow. Eurasian watermilfoil can also impact the fish community in a lake, so please be sure to inspect and clean your fishing gear. Please remember to Clean, Drain, and Dry your kayak, boat, boat trailer, and bait buckets. If you would like to provide a fishing report for the Mined Land Wildlife Area, don't hesitate to contact Connor Ossowski, District Fisheries Biologist, at (620) 231-3173. | |||
MONTGOMERY STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 5/15/2022 Print
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method, & Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Channel Catfish | Good | 14-24" | Catfishing has improved. Look for channel catfish to be near any inflowing water and near the bridge in the creek on the west side of the lake. Also look for catfish to move into the shallows in the evening. Shad sides and chicken liver are working best. |
| Largemouth Bass | Fair | 8-18" | Largemouth bass fishing been hit or miss with frequent cold fronts. Look for largemouth near the shoreline on sunny days. Recent sampling has also found fish still hanging out in deeper brush piles. Jerk baits have been working best. |
| Crappie | Good | 8-12" | Crappie fishing remains good. Look for crappie up spawning on sandy or rocky substrate usually near some aquatic vegetation or brush piles. Minnows have been working best. |
| Bluegill/Redear Sunfish | Good | 6-8" | Bluegill and redear fishing has been good. Look for fish to start to move in near shallower vegetation as water temps warm. Worms under a bobber are 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. Great Kansas Fishing Derby May 15 to Sept 15 Visit www.ksfishderby.com for more info; Tagged Fish - Channel Catfish, Black Bass, Crappie, Bluegill | |||
MOUND CITY LAKE - Last Updated: 5/15/2022 Print
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method, &amp; Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Channel Catfish | Good | Size varies but most are of legal size, with some large fish | Evening angling for catfish can be exceptional. The fish feeders are ON and there are a ton of channel catfish some big ones, using the feeder. Try stink baits, chicken liver, cut shad or chunks of sunfish. The lake supports high numbers of 2 to 8 pounders. The creek in the south end maybe excellent right after a hard rain. We recently stocked channel catfish to expand the population. |
| Bluegill/Redear Sunfish | Good | varies | Use small baits, jigs or small worm under a float set for shallow water, fish maybe in shallow. |
| Crappie | Excellent | 8 to 14 inches some larger | fish are in and out with the weather. 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. Minnows and dark jigs are best. |
| Largemouth Bass | Good | varies | 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 shallow preparing to spawn., 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 ON and there are lots of big catfish using the feeders. 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: 5/4/2022 Print
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method, & Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paddlefish | Fair | Paddlefish snagging season has been slow. With the end of the season nearing, paddlefishing will remain slow for the remainder of the season. | |
| 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: 5/16/2022 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 | 15-28 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 | 10-15 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. |
| Newsletter | STAY UP TO DATE ON FISH STOCKINGS, FISH SAMPLING, FISH HABITAT PROJECTS: 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 | ||
| General Comment | |||
| Water Temperature: 74° F, 5/16/2022 A habitat enhancement project was conducted in spring of 2020 with over 250 cedar trees being submerged and 27 new brushpile locations being added. You can find the GPS coordinates at the following link by opening the "Complete Online Map": https://ksoutdoors.com/KDWPT-Info/Locations/Hunting-Fishing-Atlas/Fishing-Atlas Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & 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: 5/20/2022 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 | Good | Up to 0.25 lbs | Bluegill are preparing to spawn. Fish can be found near the bank in 2-8 ft. Worms under a bobber, jigs, and small spinners are producing fish. |
| Channel catfish | Good | 0.5-5 lbs | Catfish are being caught using liver, stink bait, shad, nightcrawlers and cut bait. Warming water temperatures have resulted in improved catches. |
| Largemouth bass | Good | 0.5-2 lbs | Largemouth Bass are preparing to spawn. Fish can be found near aquatic vegetation, rock jetties, and brush piles. |
| General Comments | |||
| Note: Zebra Mussels were found at this lake April 27, 2017. Lake users should clean, drain and dry fishing equipment and boats to keep from moving zebra mussels to other waters. GPS coordinates for cube clusters placed on 7/13/21 are: 1. N 38.772333 W 95.672267 4. N 38.767067 W 95.668917 2. N 38.77125 W 95.671467 5. N 38.76465 W 95.67415 3. N 38.771017 W 95.6731 6. N 38.76345 W 95.674617 Great Kansas Fishing Derby May 15 to Sept 15 Visit www.ksfishderby.com for more info; Tagged Fish - Channel Catfish, Black Bass, Crappie, Bluegill, Carp | |||
PLEASANTON CITY LAKE EAST - Last Updated: 5/3/2022 Print
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method, &Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wipers | Slow | size varies, | fish off the island or 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. |
| 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 15 inches long. Fish are in deeper and around the brushpiles. 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. 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: 5/15/2022 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. 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 | Excellent | All sizes | Density and quality of fish is good. The crappie are in and out with the water temperatures. Most about 9 inches with some in the 12 inch range. Because of the lake design and habitat placements, most fish are accessible from the shoreline. Fish with jigs, blue /white, minnows, |
| largemouth bass | Excellent | 12-23 inches | water levels are good. Lots of bass in the 15 to 20 inch range. Use crank baits or spinners, recent sampling shows many bass over 3 pounds. |
| bluegill | Good | 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. 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: 5/15/2022 Print
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method, & Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Channel Catfish, blue catfish | Good | all sizes | worms or dip baits and cut sunfish or cutshad are good baits. Both of the Parks provide many good shorelines for bank fishing. The Rock Quarry is a good place for shore fishing. The outlet can be very good when releasing larger amounts of water. There is the occasional harvest of a blue catfish. Channel catfish are in great shape, many in the 2 to 4 pound range. |
| Walleye/saugeye | Slow | varies | 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 | Crappie fishing has been great at this lake. Very good crappie are still being caught as these fish are moving in and out with the weather and temperatures. Sampling shows alot of good crappie over 10 inches here. Shallow windy shorelines and points are good places for crappie feeding on gizzard shad. Best baits are dark jigs and/or minnows. When releasing high volume of water the outlet/spillway is fantastic. |
| Largemouth Bass | Poor | Most are 10 to 15 inches | Pomona has a limited black bass fishery. 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 | |||
| Pomona has produced many good crappie in the 10 to 14 inch range. Angling will improve as the water warms up. 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: 5/4/2022 Print
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method & Location | |
| Channel Catfish | Good | 16-24" | Catfishing has improved. Look for fish in the shallows near dark and near any inflowing water on the upper end and the creeks that flow into the lake. Shad sides have been working best. | |
| Largemouth and Spotted Bass | Fair | 10-22" | Largemouth bass fishing has slowed with frequent cold fronts. Look for bass near the shoreline on sunny days or in deeper brush piles during the cold fronts. Jerk baits and swim baits have been working best. | |
| Crappie | Fair | 8-12" | Crappie fishing has been hit or miss with frequent cold fronts. Look for crappie in the shallows as spawning has been observed. Minnows have been working best. | |
| Bluegill and Redear | Good | 6-8" | Bluegills and redears fishing remains good. Bluegill and redear will start to move into shallower water with warming water temps. Jigs tipped with a worm have been working best. | |
| General Comments | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Both maintained boat ramps are currently usable. A bathymetric map is available for Wilson State Fishing Lake at the link above. District Newsletter We have created a fishing newsletter that can be sent out to all that subscribe to it. This newsletter is for fishing information for the Independence District (Chautauqua, Labette, Montgomery, and Wilson counties) only. | ||||
WOODSON STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 5/20/2022 Print
| Species | Rating | Size | Bait, Method, Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Good | 6-14" | Using light tackle and small lures like beetle spins, small inline spinners or small plastic baits will be productive. Some larger fish are available but not high in density. |
| Channel Catfish | Good | 12-21" | Livers, shad sides, stink bait fished on wind blown banks, or the north end with water coming in. Lots of fish in the 1-4 lb. range. |
| Walleye | Poor | 8-12" | You will be hard pressed to find a fish of harvestable length. |
| Bluegill | Fair-Good | 4-6" | mealworms, nightcrawlers, or small jigs fished near shore and around vegetation or brush. |
| Crappie | Poor | The population is low in abundance and not many fish are harvestable length yet. | |
| 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: 5/20/2022 Print
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method & Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth bass | Fair | 1-5 lbs. | Vibrating jigs, spinnerbaits, or shallow water crankbaits fished near the water willow beds. Flipping jigs and Texas rigged creature baits around the same cover should also be productive. The water is really muddy so fishing is tougher. |
| channel catfish | Fair-Good | 1/2-15 lbs | Using shad sides livers or other prepared baits on wind blown banks should get a few bites. |
| Walleye | Slow | 10-24" | Crankbaits, swimbaits, or grubs fished slowly along the dam early in the day. |
| crappie | Fair-Good | up to 14" | Most crappie are probably done spawning but some fish may still be found near the water willow or rocky habitat. Live minnows or jigs are usually the best producers. |
| 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: 5/20/2022 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. small jigs or worms fished around the water willow. |
| Largemouth Bass | 8-18" | Good | Vibrating jigs, spinnerbaits, or shallow cranks worked around woody cover or water willow beds. Slowing your approach down and using Texas rigged soft plastics or finesse rigs such as the Ned rig or wacky rig will produce bites on slow days. |
| Catfish | up to 10lbs. | Fair-Good | Shad sides, worms, or other prepared baits fished on windy flats or upper end of lake when water is coming in. Don't be afraid to fish shallow water. |
| Wipers/White Bass | 8-18" | Fair | Vertical jigging slab spoons or shad imitation jigs around the creek channel and deeper water or fish may be caught along the rocky shorelines or windy points using small spinners, crankbaits, or hair jigs. |
| Crappie | up to 12" | Good | Most crappie are probably done spawning, but a few stragglers can still be caught around the piers and water willow. Using 1/8 oz jigs or live bait. |
| Walleye | 15-24" | slow | No reports |
| This lake contains Eurasian Watermilfoil. Please remember to help stop the spread of Aquatic Nuisance Species Clean, Drain, and Dry your boat and equipment when leaving water bodies. Great Kansas Fishing Derby May 15 to Sept 15 Visit www.ksfishderby.com for more info; Tagged Fish - Blue Catfish, Channel Catfish, Black Bass, Crappie, Bluegill | |||