Fishing Reports

Kansas Regional Map

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

You also can get helpful information from the Fishing Forecast.

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

All statewide fish attractors' GPS (KMZ)

All artificial statewide fish attractors' GPS (PDF)

Listing of Downloadable Bathymetric Maps

Purchase Fishing License Here

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

OTTAWA STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 3/15/2023 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, Location
Largemouth Bass Fair to Good 12-18 inches As the water warms up, bass should start feeding heavily in preparation for the spawn. For now fish will still be sluggish and hanging out in deeper waters. 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. In the winter months focus on deeper structure. Anglers are encouraged to harvest high numbers of crappie to help maintain a desirable level. Our recent sample indicated there are very high numbers of crappie in the lake now and anglers could have great success throughout the year. 
General Comments

Water Temperature--42ºF  

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



CEDAR BLUFF RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 3/16/2023 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, Location
Black Bass Fair Up to 6 lbs. Casting suspending jerkbaits around lay down logs in shallow water towards the upper ends of coves, especially along south-facing shorelines.
Bluegill Fair Up to 8 inches No Report
Channel Catfish Slow Up to 12 lbs. No Report
Crappie Good Up to 15 inches Vertically fishing jigs and minnows over the fish attractors.
Walleye Fair Up to 28 inches The spawn is just getting started.  Fish can usually be caught by anglers casting brightly colored jigs, crankbaits, and swimbaits off the dam face at night and other low-light periods.
White Bass/Wipers Fair/Good

Whites up to 17 inches

Wipers up to 13 lbs.

No Report

WATER TEMPERATURE-41 degrees F

SURFACE ELEVATION- 2127.27 ft. above MSL-16.73 ft. below conservation pool

ICE REPORT- As of 3-10-2023, the lake is ice free and all boat ramps are open.

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



GLEN ELDER RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 3/20/2023 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, Location
Crappie Good 9-15 inches Try fishing deep brush piles and other hard structure. Use minnows or jigs, but fish slower than you would in warmer months. There are good numbers of crappie in the reservoir so success can be had year-round. 
Trout Good 10-15 inches

The final stocking of trout for this season occurred on March. 16th with 625 pounds of quality fish stocked in the GLEN ELDER OUTLET. Only a few weeks before that another 825 pounds of trout were stocked which should equate to a substantial number of fish in the outlet going into the end of the season. The only stocking of the GLEN ELDER STATE PARK POND was in late October of 300 pounds of fish. Many of these fish in the pond expired under the ice this winter due to the low water.  

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 in deep basins in the winter months or in shallower flats and bays that hold schools of baitfish. You might find fish patrolling lake flats.  Fish can be found along the river channel between Cedar Point and Walleye Point in 20-25 feet of water. The deeper fish are often caught using jigging spoons, minnows. Walleye start to spawn when water temps reach the mid 40s. Fish could start keying in on the dam as early as this week but expect the peak of spawn to occur late March or early April. 

*KDWP stocked 5 million walleye fry in Glen Elder during the month of April. In addition, there were 245,000 walleye fingerlings stocked in mid-June.

Black Bass Good 12-20 inches When targeting black bass in the winter make sure you are fishing smaller, slower, and deeper than you would at other times of the year.  Smallmouth tend to prefer harder, rockier bottoms, while Largemouth might be found on softer bottoms and weed beds. Don't overlook standing timber and brush piles. Look for areas that hold baitfish. Use a quarter ounce or an eighth ounce jig tipped with a minnow or baitfish imitation. You could also have success with hair jigs and jigging spoons. With a 21 inch length limit these fish are almost all sublegal so please handle them with extreme care and release them immediately after catching them.  
Catfish Fair to Good 15-35 inches

Catfish seek deep holes in winter. Finding these congregations will be the key to having success with either Blue Cats or Channel Cats. Try river channel bends, old road beds, and submerged bridges. Fall sampling indicated very high numbers of channel catfish are in the reservoir now. Best baits to use include cut bait, stinkbait, shad sides, shrimp, and nightcrawlers. As the ice thaws dead baitfish are blown to the shoreline. Fishing cut or dead bait on windblown shorelines can be very effective in early spring. 

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

White Bass Good to Excellent 11-18 inches Fish have moved to deeper water humps, ridges, and channels. Look for deep schools of baitfish. Using a variety of jigs or minnows can catch fish this time of year.  
Anglers can now find GPS locations for each of the brush piles located in the reservoir. Simply click on this link Good Fishing Spots and select the individual brush pile. As we enhance these brush piles throughout the year, we'll make a note under each individual location.

Current Water Temperature: 42ºF        Current Water Level: 4.6 feet low

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



JEWELL STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 3/15/2023 Print

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

As the water warms up, bass should start feeding heavily in preparation for the spawn. For now fish will still be sluggish and hanging out in deeper waters. 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.

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

Channel Catfish Good 11-25 inches

Fish can be caught just about anywhere on the lake. Anglers should try using shad sides, shad gizzards, shrimp, nightcrawlers, and chicken liver.  Targeting inflow is a popular method as the catfish will congregate there to feed. The upper end is a great area to find big catfish on warm spring days.

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

Bluegill

Redear Sunfish

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

Water temperature: 42ºF

Water level: 2.5 Feet Low



KANOPOLIS RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 3/14/2023 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. Winter schools are starting to break up as the water warms.
Trout Good   Last stocking for the seep stream is scheduled for 3/16/2023
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. Few reports of fish being caught on points towards the dam.
White Bass Fair All sizes - up to 17 inches Casting swimbaits, bucktail jigs, and Kastmaster spoons along wind blown points and areas near the river channel. Using slab spoons or live minnows is also producing some fish right now along brush piles and in the river channel.
Wiper Fair All sizes Similar locations and baits as those used for white bass.
General Comment

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: 3/17/2023 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. 
Saugeye/Walleye Fair 13 to 27 inches Have not had any reports of fish being caught.  An 18" minimum length limit is in effect.
Wiper Good 10 to 28 inches Have not had any reports of fish being caught.
Catfish Fair 10 to 30 inches Have not had any reports of fish being caught. Would try fishing in the shallow areas using shad, shrimp, stink bait or worms on the bottom.
Largemouth/Spotted Bass Good 10 to 20 inches Have not had any reports of fish being caught.
General Comments

WATER TEMPERATURE- 40°

SURFACE ELEVATION- 2291.15 ---- 13.15 feet below conservation pool

Currently, the water level is 4.05 feet lower than it was one year ago, at this time. 

All boat ramps are open and ice free 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 that includes fisheries related information about Webster, Kirwin and Keith Sebelius Reservoirs is available. If you would like to subscribe to this spring and fall newsletter you can go to the following link to get on the mailing list.  

http://kdwp.state.ks.us/news/KDWP-Info/News/Newsletter-Request-Forms/Request-a-Newsletter-for-the-Webster-Reservoir-Fishing-District



KIRWIN RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 3/17/2023 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 using jigs and jigs tipped with minnows.
Walleye Fair 10 to 29 inches Did not hear of any walleye being caught.  However, would try fishing the outsides of the fish attractors using jigs tipped with minnows.  Would also try fishing off the Dam as these fish will be coming into spawn.  KDWP will be having some trap nets out to secure walleye eggs for the statewide project.
White Bass/ Wiper Good 10 to 28 inches Have had reports of fish being caught around the fish attractors using jigs and slab spoons. 
Catfish Fair 10 to 30 inches Have not had any reports of fish being caught.
Largemouth Bass Fair 12 to 22 inches Have not had any reports of fish being caught.  
General Comments

WATER TEMPERATURE- 40°

SURFACE ELEVATION- 1723.99 ---- 5.26' below conservation pool

Currently, the water level is 3.37' lower than it was one year ago, at this time.  

The fish cleaning station is closed for the winter.  All boat ramps are open at this time and the dock has been put back in on at the South Boat Ramp.

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

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

Now Available: A Webster District newsletter that includes fisheries related information about Webster, Kirwin and Keith Sebelius Reservoirs is available. If you would like to subscribe to this spring and fall newsletter you can go to the following link to get on the mailing list.  

http://kdwp.state.ks.us/news/KDWP-Info/News/Newsletter-Request-Forms/Request-a-Newsletter-for-the-Webster-Reservoir-Fishing-District

 



LOVEWELL RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 3/15/2023 Print

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

Fish can be found in deep basins in the winter months or in shallower flats and bays that hold schools of baitfish. You might find fish patrolling lake flats.  Fish can be found along the river channel between Cedar Point and Walleye Point in 20-25 feet of water. The deeper fish are often caught using jigging spoons, minnows, or brightly colored lures. The Walleye spawn starts when water temps are in the mid 40s. Fish will key in on rocky shorelines like the dam. Expect peak spawning activity late March or early April. 

*KDWP stocked 2 million walleye fry into Lovewell during the month of April and over 3,000 7+" fish in November. 

White Bass/Wipers Good

7-14 inches

15-25 inches

Fish have moved to deeper water humps, ridges, and channels. Look for deep schools of baitfish. Using a variety of jigs or minnows can all catch fish this time of year.

*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 Try fishing deep brush piles and other hard structure. Use minnows or jigs, but fish slower than you would in warmer months. 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

Catfish seek deep holes in winter. 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. When the ice thaws dead baitfish will be blown to shore. Dead or cut bait can be very effective on windblown shorelines. 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:  39ºF            Current water level: 1.1 feet low

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



ROOKS STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 3/17/2023 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, and Location
      CURRENT FISHING
Largemouth Bass Fair 6-21 inches Have had reports of fish being caught lake wide using crankbaits and artificial baits. 
Bluegill Fair 3-9 inches Have had reports of fish being caught lake wide using worms under a bobber. 
Catfish Fair 10-25 inches Have had reports of fish being caught lake wide using shrimp, liver and shad on the bottom. 
Black Crappie Fair 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. 43 Degrees

Lake is approx. four to five feet low.   

Boat ramp is open at this time.

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: 3/16/2023 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, and Location
Crappie Fair Up to 13 inches Vertically fishing jigs and minnows around the deeper fish attractors and along the face of the dam.
Largemouth Bass Fair Up to 5 lbs. Casting baits that allow a slow presentation such as unweighted swimbaits and suspending jerkbaits along shallow, sun-warmed shorelines.    
Saugeye Fair Up to 3 lbs. Fish should be spawning.  Casting brightly colored jigs and suspending jerkbaits along the dam at night is best this time of year.
Bluegill Fair Up to 8 inches Worms under a bobber around brush and rock structure.
Channel Catfish Slow Up to 19 lbs. Still-fishing shrimp or cut bait off the bottom.  
Wiper Fair Up to 2 lbs. Still fishing shrimp or liver off the bottom.
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: 3/17/2023 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 using jigs, slab spoons and jigs with minnows.
Walleye Fair 14 to 28 inches Have heard of walleye being caught around the outsides of the marked fish attractors on the north side using jigs tipped with minnows.  Would also be looking for them to move into the Dam as they will be coming into spawn. 
White Bass/Wiper Fair 8 to 28 inches Have had reports of fish being caught around the north and south shore fish attractors and breakwaters using jigs and jigs tipped with minnow. 
Catfish Fair 12 to 30 inches Have not had any reports of catfish being caught.  Would try fishing in the shallow areas using shad, shrimp, stink bait and worms off the bottom.
Largemouth Bass Fair 12 to 22 inches Have not had any reports of bass being caught.  
Rainbow Trout Poor   Stilling Basin is still DRY; therefore, NO trout will be stocked this season.
General Comments

WATER TEMPERATURE- 41°

SURFACE ELEVATION- 1883.14 ---- 9.31' below conservation pool

The water level is 6.54' lower than it was one year ago at this time.    

All boat ramps are open 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.  

http://kdwp.state.ks.us/news/KDWP-Info/News/Newsletter-Request-Forms/Request-a-Newsletter-for-the-Webster-Reservoir-Fishing-District



WILSON RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 3/13/2023 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, Hell Creek and towards the dam. Try trolling crankbaits, casting/jigging large bucktail jigs, or drifting live shad or sunfish along channel breaks.
 Walleye Good 18-25 inches Trolling or casting crankbaits and swimbaits over mainlake points early morning or late evening are your best bets. As the water warms fish will start to relate more towards the dam.
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.

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 = 1.4 feet below 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: 9/2/2022 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 lake has filled back in and anglers are able to launch from the boat ramp again.

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: 9/2/2022 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. A few crappie can be found by jigging over deeper brush piles along the dam.
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: 3/16/2023 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, Location
Channel Catfish Good  Up to 20 pounds The lake has maintained a great channel cat fishery for over ten years.  The 2022 fall sample recorded that the number of channel catfish continue to remain at a high level with fairly good numbers of fish over 20 inches.  The creel limit at the lake has been raised to 10 channel catfish per day starting in 2023.
White Bass Good 1/2 to 1 lb. The most recent sample shows white bass numbers are the highest in over a decade.  The size structure is good with most of the fish 11 to 12 inches long and 33% over 12 inches. Should still be schooled up in deeper water.
Wiper Fair Up to 26" A low population of wipers are maintained with stockings of small fish. Most of the wiper are bigger fish over 22 inches.  Wiper creel limit is 2 per day.  
Crappie Fair to Good 1/2 to 1 pound There has been a recent shift in the crappie population with black crappie being more numerous than white crappie for the first time in a decade. Overall numbers of crappie are looking good with the majority exceeding 10 inches.  No recent reports.  
Saugeye Fair 2 to 8 lbs. The number of saugeye in the most recent sample was near the long-term average for the lake.  Of those, 46% were over the 18 inch minimum length limit.  Should be a decent year fishing for them.
Largemouth Bass Slow  1/2 to 5 pounds Bass numbers are improving but would still be considered an overall low population.  However, the fish in the lake are big and we saw surprisingly high numbers of 5 pound fish last year.  Best places are the rock piers, standing timber and around the West boat ramp. Bass are covered by an 18 inch minimum length limit.
General Comments
Centralia Lake is a 400 acre lake that is noted for good channel cat, saugeye and crappie fishing. The lake facilities include multiple ramps, picnic tables, plenty of camping pads and many sites with electricity. Centralia is enrolled in the CFAP program, which means a City permit is not required for fishing visits. Perry Reservoir has zebra mussels and with Centralia Lake being close it is at high risk. Please, always clean your boat when moving to different water bodies.



CLINTON RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 3/17/2023 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, and Location

Zebra Mussels are present at Clinton Reservoir

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

Current Fishing Conditions
Blue Catfish Good Up to 35 lbs Fish can be found in shallow flats near the river channel.  Fish are often concentrated on wind blown areas feeding on winter kill shad. Cut shad is the preferred bait in spring.  A 35-inch minimum length limit applies. Practice safe catch and release. 
Walleye/Saugeye/Sauger Good 1-2 lbs Fish are staging in preparation for spawning.  As water temperature and day length increase, fish will move up shallow to spawn.  Target rocky shorelines and along the dam during the early morning and late evening.  Slow moving crankbaits or jigs will produce bites.
Crappie Fair - Good 0.5-1.5 lbs Fish are breaking off from their winter patterns.  They are more scattered as they begin to stage near spawning areas.  Weather patterns can greatly influence fishing success and fish location.  
Channel Catfish Fair 0.5-5 lbs Channel Catfish can be caught using a variety of baits including nightcrawlers, chicken liver, and cut bait.  Fish will migrate up rivers and creeks in relation to high precipitation events. 
White bass Good 0.5-2 lbs White Bass are staging near rivers and creeks in preparation for their spring spawning run.  Fish will migrate into rivers and creeks in relation to high precipitation events.  Typically, late March and early April is a good time to find White Bass in the these areas.   
Wiper Good 4-8 lbs Wiper and White Bass have similar patterns this time of year. 
Largemouth/Smallmouth Bass Poor - Fair 1-5 lbs Bass fishing is slow until water temperatures warm in mid to late spring.  
District Newsletter     If you want to keep up with what is going on with Clinton Reservoir (including GPS coordinates to any newly placed brush piles) and other lakes in DG, SN, and OS Counties sign up for the Lawrence District Newsletter by clicking this link: http://kdwp.state.ks.us/news/KDWP-Info/News/Newsletter-Request-Forms/Request-a-Newsletter-for-the-Larkwrence-Fishing-District
General Comments

Spillway (below Clinton Dam):

Recent high discharge has spurred several good reports of multi-species action in the spillway.  Please properly dispose of Invasive Carp and do not release them alive.

Water Level and Discharge: As of March 17th, Clinton Reservoir was near normal pool level.  In early March, 200 cfs was released for several days.  Water releases have been dropped back to normal (7 cfs).  Most recent water level conditions can be found at the following website: 

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

Invasive Species:

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

Fish Habitat:

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



DOUGLAS COUNTY-LONE STAR LAKE - Last Updated: 3/17/2023 Print

Fisheries Newsletter     If you want to keep up with fisheries developments at Lonestar (including GPS coordinates for any newly placed brush piles), sign up for the Lawrence District Newletter at the following link: http://kdwp.state.ks.us/news/KDWP-Info/News/Newsletter-Request-Forms/Request-a-Newsletter-for-the-Lawrence-Fishing-District
Channel Catfish Fair 0.5-6 lbs Catfish can be caught using nightcrawlers, cut bait, and stink bait.  
Largemouth Bass Fair 0.5-5 lbs Bass fishing is slow until water temperatures warm in mid to late spring.  Bass can be found near deep weeds. 
Bluegill Fair Up to 0.25 lbs Bluegill can be found near deep weeds.
Crappie Good up to 1lbs Crappie are transitioning from winter their winter patterns.  Weather patterns greatly influence fishing success and fish location. 
General Comments

Recent fisheries surveys in May 2022 documented a healthy Largemouth Bass population, with many fish in the 14-18 inch range, and a few fish exceeding 5 lbs.  

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

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

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



DOUGLAS STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 3/17/2023 Print

 Species Rating Size Baits, Method, and Location
Channel catfish Fair 0.5-4 lbs Catfish are being caught using nightcrawlers, minnows, stink bait, and cut bait.  
Largemouth Bass Fair 0.5-3 lbs Fish can be found in near aquatic vegetation edges and brush piles.  Bass fishing is slow until water temperatures increase in mid to late spring
Bluegill Fair Up to 0.33 lbs Fish can be found in near aquatic vegetation edges in 5-10ft.  Target bluegill using worms under a bobber, jigs, and small spinners.
Crappie Good .5 to 1 lbs Crappie are beginning to stage offshore of spawning areas.  Fish location and fishing success is highly dependent on weather patterns this time of year. 
Fisheries Newsletter     If you want to keep up with what's going on at Douglas State Fishing Lake sign up for the Lawrence District Newsletter at the following link: http://kdwp.state.ks.us/news/KDWP-Info/News/Newsletter-Request-Forms/Request-a-Newsletter-for-the-Lawrence-Fishing-District
General Comments
 



GARDNER CITY LAKE - Last Updated: 3/16/2023 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 Fair 14 to 17 inches White bass can be taken in open water on shad imitation lures.  
General Comments
 



GEARY STATE FISHING REPORT - Last Updated: 3/20/2023 Print

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

This deep clear lake offers a diverse fishery. Best for 2023 should be for saugeye, crappie, and largemouth bass.

WARNING..ZEBRA MUSSELS NOW PRESENT!!!



HERINGTON CITY LAKE (NEW) - Last Updated: 3/20/2023 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Catfish Fair   near wind blown flats and creeks on cut bait and worms
Crappie Fair   near points, brush, and rock 10ft deep on jigs and minnows
Walleye Fair   along the dam and edges of flats and points on jigs, worms, and spoons
White Bass/Wipers Slow/Fair   along creeks, dam and points on spinners, jigs, and crankbaits
General Comments
This lake provides a diverse fishery, but best in 2023 should be crappie, wiper, and white bass.



HERINGTON CITY LAKE (OLD) - Last Updated: 3/20/2023 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Catfish Fair   near wind blown flats and creeks on cut bait and worms
Crappie Fair   near brush and rock 5ft deep on jigs and minnows
Largemouth Bass Slow/Fair    
Bluegill Slow/Fair   near brush/rock 5ft deep on jigs and worms
White Bass Slow/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: 3/16/2023 Print

Species  Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Walleye Fair  Up to 9 lbs. Walleye will be starting spawning behaviors soon. Target them along the dam and other areas with riprap habitat and staging areas near these locations. Shallow running crankbaits often produce the most success.          
Crappie Fair Up to 13 inches Target brushpiles, vegetation edges, and channel ledges. 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 Fair 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 March 16th the water level is at 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: 9/2/2022 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. Some crappie can be caught by targeting brush in the 10-20 foot range.
Bluegill Fair up to 0.5 lbs. Bluegill can be caught over brush piles or near rock using chunks of worm or small jigs. 
Channel Catfish Fair to Good up to 12.5 lbs. Catfish can be caught from shore using cut bait, stink bait, or livers. Many fish are up shallow right now.
Largemouth Bass Fair up to 3.5 lbs. Crankbaits, spinners or plastics along the shoreline, rip rap and structure. 
Walleye/ Sauger Slow to Fair

Walleye up to 6.25 lbs.

Sauger up to 2 lbs.

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

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: 3/9/2023 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 Modest numbers of crappie with most below 10 inches.  There is a brushpile just south of the dock.
Catfish Fair 1/2 to 6 pounds The lake has supported a good channel catfish harvest rate through the years.  The southwest corner of the lake and the northern 2 coves tend to be good spots.  The lake has a low level blue catfish population with most below 20 inches.  The lake is home to some big flathead. If the inlet is flowing, then good fishing can be found there for all three species.  
Walleye and Sauger Fair 1 to 5 pounds The 2022 fall gill netting and electrofishing samples indicate the lake has a fair walleye population available with most over the 15-inch minimum length limit.  Sauger were introduced into the lake in 2021. So far sauger are doing well and fair numbers of them should reach the 15-inch minimum length limit by mid-spring of 2023.  The two species (walleye & sauger) are combined in KS regulations and an angler can harvest a combined total of 2 per day at the Jeffrey Lakes.    
White Bass Fair 1/2 to 2 pounds White bass numbers have fallen rather far over the last year.  Fishing for white bass should still be decent this year but below the highs seen the previous six years. 
Wipers Fair Up to 12 pounds Wiper numbers are below normal but the size structure is good with 65% of the fish collected last fall were over 20 inches. 
General Comments

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

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



JEFFREY ENERGY CENTER AUX. LAKE - Last Updated: 3/9/2023 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, and Location
Black Bass Fair 1 to 4 lbs

The smallmouth bass population is quickly recovering from a surprising collapse 5 years ago.  The most recent sample shows great numbers of young fish with fair numbers of fish over 11".  The dam is a great spot to start looking for smallmouth.   

The lake has maintained a moderate to low level largemouth bass population through the years.  The 2022 sample showed the population has regressed and would be considered a poor fishery for the immediate future.  The East bank, South cove and around the island are usually the best largemouth spots.

White Bass Good+ Up to 3 lbs White bass numbers are still doing well while maintaining an excellent size structure.  Of the fish collected in October 2022, 86% were at least 12 inches long and 21% were over 15 inches!  Good stuff.  
Wiper Fair Up to 12 lbs Wiper numbers are right at the long-term average for abundance but are currently on the small side with only 25% over 20 inches.  
Walleye and Sauger Fair Up to 5 lbs The walleye population is maintained through regular stockings and currently has modest numbers of 16 to 19 inch fish.  The lake is now home to an emerging sauger population that has already exceeded walleye sample numbers.  It is hoped that sauger can help bolster the numbers of fish available for anglers that regularly target walleye.  Walleye and sauger are grouped together in KS regulations and a total of 2 per day can be harvest at the Jeffrey Lakes if they are over the 15-inch minimum length limit.  
Crappie Fair Up to 1.5 lbs Crappie numbers have never been prolific at this lake but they have been on the upswing the last few years.  The current size structure looks awesome as nearly every fish we handled last fall was over 11 inches.  There is some habitat cubes along the dock and a big brush pile along the point just North of the boat ramp.  
General Comments

Auxiliary Lake is closed to anglers until March 16 to allow for waterfowl hunting at the lake 

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

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



LAKE SHAWNEE - Last Updated: 3/17/2023 Print

Fisheries Newsletter     If you want to keep up with what's going on at Lake Shawnee (including GPS coordinates for any new brush piles placed into the lake) sign up for the Lawrence District Newsletter at the following link:
http://kdwp.state.ks.us/news/KDWP-Info/News/Newsletter-Request-Forms/Request-a-Newsletter-for-the-Lawrence-Fishing-District
Zebra Mussels were found in Lake Shawnee during the summer of 2013. Lake users should Clean, Drain, and Dry boats, trailers, and any equipment that comes in contact with the water to keep from moving zebra mussels elsewhere.
Bluegill Fair Up to 0.25 lbs Bluegill can be caught near near deep weeds and habitat structures
Channel catfish Good 0.5-6 lbs Some fish being caught using cut bait, liver, and stink bait.  
Largemouth Bass Fair 0.5-3 lbs Bass fishing is slow until water temperature warm in mid to late spring.  Bass can be found near deep weeds
Wiper Good 2-5lbs Wiper can be caught along the dam and near steep dropoffs using swim baits and shad imitations. 
Crappie Good .5 - 1lbs Crappie are beginning to stage offshore from spawning areas. Some fish being caught in the heated dock. Weather patterns greatly influence fishing success and fish location
General Comments
Please do not use magnet fishing around fishing docks.  This activity can damage fish habitat and cause fish to displace.



LEAVENWORTH STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 1/23/2023 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 Some crappie have been caught by anglers jigging minnows off points in 15-20 feet of water. 
Redear Sunfish Slow to Fair up to 0.75 lbs This lake has a good population of shellcrackers. Redear can be caught using a small chunk of worm near brushpiles and shoreline habitat. Best luck would come from a boat or kayak in the coves further up each of the arms. 
General Comments

Early this year, a group of a dozen volunteers aided KDWP in installing numerous brush piles on the lake. Rural Leavenworth, Inc. also received a Friends of Reservoirs grant and purchased artificial habitat to place in the lake. The locations of these brushpiles and artificial habitat will be found here soon or are listed below: 

Lat Long Description
39 07.403 -95 08.951 Fishiding Artificial Habitat
39 07.555 -95 08.809 Tree Pile
39 07.738 -95 08.823 Tree Pile
39 07.666 -95 09.182 Tree Pile
39 07.573 -95 08.820 Tree Pile
39 07.511 -95 08.893 Tree Pile
39 07.475 -95 08.920 Tree Pile
39 07.398 -95 08.974 Tree Pile
39 07.546 -95 08.779 Tree Pile
39 07.533 -95 08.747 Tree Pile
39 07.595 -95 08.678 Tree Pile
39 07.433 -95 08.942 Tree Pile
39 07.579 -95 08.647 Tree Pile
39 07.365 -95 09.036 Tree Pile
39 07.626 -95 09.315 Tree Pile
39 07.835 -95 08.729 Tree Pile
39 07.793 -95 08.627 Tree Pile

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: 3/16/2023 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Channel Catfish Slow 1/2 to 11 lbs. Channel catfish can be taken right now on a variety of baits lakewide.   
Flathead Catfish Slow Most 4-10lbs. But some up to 30lbs. Target structure and vegetation edges with live bait. Boulders south of the dam also hold some flathead catfish.    
Crappie 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 Fair Up to 3 lbs. Largemouth can be taken on finesse plastics and spinnerbaits fished near trees in the coves and at vegetation edges. Some are being taken on the flats with crankbaits.   
Wiper/White Bass Fair Up to 4 lbs. Crankbaits and shad imitation baits fished near submerged road also target near schools of gizzard shad.    
General Comments
 



MIAMI STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 3/16/2023 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
Curly-leaf pondweed will start to show up in April. 



MILFORD RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 3/20/2023 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, Location
Catfish Fair/Good  

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

LOOK FOR RECENTLY TAGGED BLUE CATS!!!

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

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

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

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

White Bass/Wipers Slow/Fair  

Target windy banks and points using jigs on reservoir 

Wiper creel limit is now 5/day

Smallmouth Bass Slow/Fair    
Largemouth Bass Slow/Fair    
Outlet Slow/Fair   Catfish on cut bait; walleye, white bass, and wipers on jigs. 
General Comments

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: 9/2/2022 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: 3/16/2023 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Bluegill Fair Up to 8 inches Nightcrawler under a bobber fished near shoreline structure.
Channel Catfish Slow 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.  



PAOLA CITY LAKE - LAKE MIOLA - Last Updated: 3/16/2023 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Largemouth Bass Fair 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 Fair 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.

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: 9/2/2022 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. Crappie are scattered now but can be found pulling crankbaits during the day or fishing under a light at night. 
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

The North boat ramp inside of Perry State Park is closed for resurfacing starting August 3rd, 2022. Project completion is dependent on weather. All other boat ramps are open for use. 

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: 

N39°08.628' W095°28.683'
N39°08.843' W095°28.463'
N39°08.818' W095°28.315'
N39°08.786' W095°28.202'
N39°08.807' W095°27.998'
N39°08.842' W095°27.503'
N39°08.848' W095°27.292'
N39°13.334' W095°26.792'
N39°13.249' W095°26.833'
N39°13.169' W095°26.747'

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



POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY LAKE - Last Updated: 3/9/2023 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: 3/9/2023 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, and Location
Bluegill Fair to Good Up to 9 inches The bluegill population offers good numbers of 6 to 8 inch fish.  Great place to take a kid with worms and a bobber.  
Channel Catfish Slow 3/4 to 5 pounds The lake has a low level catfish population.
Crappie Fair 1/2 to 1 pound Crappie abundance has improved 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 2022 annual sampling effort showed that the lake continues to provide a great largemouth bass fishery.  Abundance was at a five year high and the size structure was solid with 34% of the fish over 12 inches.  You can catch them pretty much anywhere at this lake.
General Comments
This small 24 acre lake is similar to pond fishing. The lake is known for catch and release of largemouth bass and harvest of nice bluegill. The lake's channel catfish are protected by a 15 inch minimum length limit.



POTTAWATOMIE STATE FISHING LAKE NO. 2 - Last Updated: 3/9/2023 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, and Location
Black Bass Fair  1/2 to 4 pounds The 2022 sample records that the black bass population has been holding steady for some time now, with good numbers of largemouth bass and a moderate smallmouth bass population.  
Channel Catfish Good  3/4 to 5 pounds The lake is in the Urban Stocking Program which provides regular stockings of 12 to 18 inch channel catfish.  The lake received 3,400 channel catfish in 2022.  Best baits tend to be worms or commercial catfish baits. Channel catfish creel at the lake is 5 per day.  
Crappie Fair 1/4 to 1 pound The lake has supported a decent crappie population through time.  The current population is doing well with above average numbers of fish over 10 inches with a few really big crappie as well.  There is some habitat structures just out from the boat ramp dock and under the buoy.  
Bluegill and Redear Sunfish Fair less than pound The lake has struggled to grow sunfish to a size large enough that anglers want to keep for frying.  The population receives high angling pressure from both panfish anglers and from anglers targeting sunfish to use for catfish bait.  To hopefully continue to please both angler bases and help increase the overall size structure of sunfish, the lake is being implemented with a special sunfish regulation starting in 2019.  This new slot limit requires the release of sunfish species from 6 to 9 inches.  The creel limit of fish over 9 inches is five per day and there is still unlimited daily harvest of fish less than 6 inches.  This regulation change will be evaluated over time to verify if it will continue into the future.
General Comments
Pott. # 2 is noted for family outings, scenic views, catch and release bass fishing, harvest of small crappie and channel catfish. 



ROCKY FORD FISHING AREA - Last Updated: 3/9/2023 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  1/2 to 8 pounds Is a good spot for white bass and wipers.  The low releases rates usually have them just below the dam.  
Drum Fair 1/2 to 5 lbs. Drum are an abundant species at Rocky Ford and can be caught on worms, minnows, and jigs. 
Saugeye Fair  3/4 to 5 pounds One of the best places around to catch saugeye.  Brightly colored jigs, swimbaits, crankbaits or jerkbaits.  Fair numbers of 14 to 16 inch saugeye.  There is no length based regulations at Rocky Ford for saugeye or walleye.
General Comments

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

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

We will be conducting angler interviews at Rocky Ford this year to get a better understanding of what anglers want to fish for.  Thank you to all that agree to be interviewed.



SABETHA PONY CREEK - Last Updated: 9/2/2022 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: 3/16/2023 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, Location
Bluegill Slow 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 Fair Up to 6 lbs. Some being caught lake wide. Best bite with fresh cut bait. 
Wiper Slow Up to 9 lbs. Live bait and shad imitation baits along the dam are producing the best.  
Largemouth Bass Slow Up to 4 lbs. Bright spinnerbaits are working best right now fished near shallow structure.   
Trout Good   Small spinners and powerbait trout nibbles are producing fish.  
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: 3/22/2023 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 2022 spring electrofishing sample collected the second highest number of bass ever at the lake.  The high numbers of young bass has shifted the size structure to an overall smaller average size of bass.  Historically, the lake has been one of the best places around to catch largemouth over 15 inches and this should continue to be true for the foreseeable future.  
Crappie Fair  1/2 to 1 pound The crappie fishery is doing well.  The October 2022 sampling produced the most crappie over 10 inches in the history of the lake.  Should be a good year for fishing.  
Channel Catfish Good 1/2 - 4 pounds The lake is in the Urban Stocking Program and is regularly stocked with 12 to 18 inch channel catfish which leads to good catch rates of fish in that size range.  The first stocking of 2023 went in on March 21st when the lake received 1,060 of these catchable sized channel catfish.  The recently stocked fish usually like all the traditional catfish baits but dough baits or worms tends to do the best.  Channel catfish daily limit is 5. 
General Comments

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

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



TUTTLE CREEK - Last Updated: 3/9/2023 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, and Location
Crappie Fair 1/2 to 2 pounds

Reports about crappie have been limited but starting to hear of a few anglers doing well on big crappie in 12 to 15 feet of water around brush. 

The lake has provided excellent crappie fishing the last three years by maintaining a great population.  The 2022 fall sample shows that numbers of crappie are still above the long-term average but the percentage of fish over 12-inches has fallen from the record high documented in 2021.

White Bass Slow to Fair 1/2 to 2 pounds White bass numbers have been low due to limited spawning success for most of the last decade.  The species did produce a robust spawn in 2021 which has helped bolster the fishery.  The current population is offering decent numbers of white bass from 10 to 12 inches long.
Channel Catfish Slow to Fair Good numbers of 20" fish with fair numbers of bigger ones. 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 cats over 8 pounds.  The 2021 sampling effort collected the most channel catfish in nine years with 11% of them over 28 inches.  The 2022 sample shows a reduction of those bigger fish but also shows a group of small fish growing fast which will hopefully fill that gap.  Fishing in the upper end of the lake and the river tends to be the most consistent spots for channel.
Blue Catfish Fair Most less than 28" but getting a few over 40 pounds

No recent reports but the best fishing tends to be 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 well established and is now able to support more harvest.  Fair numbers of 22" to 28" blue catfish with a good group of 16" to 18" fish coming on.  

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 Slow to Fair 1 to 5 pounds Coves in southern third of the Reservoir have some locally good largemouth bass populations. The McIntyre Cove area tends to produce the best fishing with Carnahan Cove second best.
Saugeye Fair+  Up to 6 pounds Record high numbers of young saugeye from the 2021 stocking!  As of October 2022, most of these saugeye had already reached 14 inches and the bulk of 2021 year-class should exceed the 15" minimum length limit by mid-spring.  Fishing should be good in the Reservoir in 2023 but typically the best opportunities to harvest saugeye is downstream of the lake in the River Pond or Rocky Ford.  Casting crankbaits, brightly colored jigs or dragging a worm.
Rainbow Trout Good Up to 5 pounds Willow Lake (located below the Tuttle Creek dam) is stocked with rainbow trout during the cooler months.  The sixth stocking went in on March 2nd for a total of 5,930 trout so far this season.  A trout permit is required to fish at Willow Lake during the trout season which is from November 1st to April 15th.  Creel limit is 5 trout per day.  Anglers have been doing well with trout getting active as things warm up. Commercial dough baits, canned corn and worms have been best with a few starting to hit spinners.  Good Luck!
General Comments

You can check current water conditions HERE

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



WASHINGTON STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 3/9/2023 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 15 lbs The lake supports good numbers of channel catfish and the size of fish is well above average with 24% of the fish collected last fall were over 24 inches.  
Crappie Fair Most 8"-10" The crappie population is doing well.  Ran into a pile of 14+ inchers while electrofishing last spring. One was 16" and 2.7 pounds! 
Largemouth Bass Good Up to 6 lbs The largemouth bass population continues to improve and I would now call it a good bass lake.  The 2022 sample showed robust numbers of bass with plenty over 18 inches.
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
New dock is in!



WYANDOTTE COUNTY LAKE - Last Updated: 3/16/2023 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 Slow 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. 



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: 3/9/2023 Print

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

Barber State Fishing 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: 3/13/2023 Print

 

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

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

Harvest regulations include 50/day creel limit.

Channel Catfish No report Most in the 1 lb size range

Fishing cut bait or stink bait lake wide.

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

Largemouth bass No report Up to 4 lbs

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

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

Bluegill/Redear No report Up to 8 inches

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

There are no harvest restrictions at this time.

Walleye No report Up to 4 lbs

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

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

White Bass/Wipers

 

 

No report Whites up to 17 inches

Vertically fishing slab spoons over the tops of fish attractors or prominent windblown main lake points and shelves.  Most of the larger white bass range from 12 to 16 inches and wipers up to 8 lbs. have been reported.

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

 Lake is approximately 13 feet low and trailers have been damaged trying to use the one ramp on the southeast area.   

This is a generic wintertime fishing report, water temperatures should be in the mid to upper 40's.   If new reports are received it will be updated.  We have received very few reports from anglers.  You may call the Dodge City Regional office as 620-227-8609 to make a report.   Regular reporting will resume in April of 2023.

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



HORSETHIEF RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 3/13/2023 Print

 

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

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

Harvest regulations include 50/day creel limit.

Channel Catfish No report Most in the 1 lb size range

Fishing cut bait or stink bait lake wide.

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

Largemouth bass No report Up to 4 lbs

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

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

Bluegill/Redear No report Up to 8 inches

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

There are no harvest restrictions at this time.

Walleye/saugeye No report Up to 7 lbs

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

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

 Lake is about 7 feet low.

This is a generic wintertime fishing report, water temperatures should be in the mid to upper 40's.   If new reports are received it will be updated.  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!



MEADE STATE LAKE - Last Updated: 3/13/2023 Print

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

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

Harvest regulations include 50/day creel limit.

Channel Catfish No report Most in the 1 lb size range

Fishing cut bait or stink bait lake wide.

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

Largemouth bass No report Up to 4 lbs

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

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

Bluegill/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 4 lbs

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

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

 

Still a generic wintertime fishing report, water temperatures should be in the mid to upper 40's.   If new reports are received it will be updated.  We have received very few reports from anglers.  You may call the Dodge City Regional office as 620-227-8609 to make a report.   

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



PRATT COUNTY LAKE - Last Updated: 3/9/2023 Print

 

Species Rating Sizes Possible Baits, Method, & Location
Crappie Poor to Fair 4-8" Try jigs or minnows near structure. 
Channel Catfish Fair  Most in the 1-2 lb size range but up to 7 lbs Fishing cut bait or stink bait lake wide.
Largemouth bass Fair to Good Up to 18 inches Try using soft plastics or jerk baits on warmer days.
Bluegill Fair Up to 8 inches Worms under a bobber and small jigs fished vertically around brush and rocks.
Walleye Fair Up to 19" Try large jigs and jerk baits off of wind blown points in the morning or evening.
Wipers Fair Up to 18" Jigs or spoons 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: 3/16/2023 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Channel Catfish Slow Most in the 13 to 18 inch range Still fishing shrimp and prepared baits off the bottom up in the creek can be effective.
Crappie Good Up to 13 inches Vertically fishing small jigs or spoons around the deeper brushpiles.
Largemouth Bass Fair Up to 5.5 lbs. Casting weightless swimbaits and suspending jerkbaits along sun-warmed, shallow shorelines is best.
Sunfish Fair/Good Up to 8 inches Vertically fishing small jigs tipped with mealworms or small chunks of nightcrawlers around deeper brushpiles.
Saugeye Slow Up to 7 lbs. Fish should be spawning this time of year.  Fishing brightly colored jigs and suspending jerkbaits of the dam at night is best.
Rainbow Trout Good Up to 3.5 lbs.

We stocked approximately 1,00 trout on 3-13-2023.

Anglers still-fishing various baits like power bait, worms, marshmallows, and corn alone or in combination can be effective.  Spin-cast anglers throwing small in-line spinners and spoons often do well.  And fly anglers casting prince and hare's ear nymphs under a strike indicator can be successful too.

General Comments

Ice Report: As of 2-27-2023.  Barrel Springs pond and the State Lake are ice free.

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: 3/13/2023 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 and structure towards the dam. 
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

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ANTHONY CITY LAKE - Last Updated: 3/9/2023 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Channel catfish Fair  up to 12lbs Try fishing cut bait, worms, or stink bait lake wide.
Crappie Fair  Up to 14" Try jigs or minnows near structure. 
Largemouth Bass Fair to Good Up to 5lbs Try using soft plastics or jerk baits.  
General Comments
 Water levels are very low. Use cation if launching a boat!



BLACK KETTLE STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 3/13/2023 Print

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



BUTLER STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 3/13/2023 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Channel Catfish Slow  

Creel limit 2/day Length Limit 15-inches

No current reports available

Largemouth Bass Slow up to 16 inches Action has been pretty slow so far this year at Butler.
Crappie Fair Up to 7 inches 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 Slow   No recent bluegill action to report.
General Comments
 



CHASE STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 3/13/2023 Print

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

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

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

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

 CLEAN DRAIN & DRY Every Lake, Every Time!

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

Channel Catfish Slow  

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

No current reports

Largemouth Bass Fair Up to 16 inch

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

Bass fishing has been pretty slow far this year.  On the warmer days, fish jerk baits or jig-n-pig around cover or brushpiles.

Saugeye Fair Up to 18 inch Along the dam and rocky shorelines on crankbaits and twister tails.
Spotted Bass     No recent reports
Bluegill Slow   No recent reports
Crappie Fair Up to 11 inch Jig or minnow 9 to 15 feet deep on brush or dropoffs.
General Comments
 



CHENEY RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 3/9/2023 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 Poor to Fair Up to 27" Spoons, jigs, and flukes in deeper water.
Walleye Poor Up to 27" Try using big jigs or spoons in deeper water
Crappie Fair to Good Up to 17" Try using jigs or minnows near structure in 10-20ft of water.
Blue Catfish Fair Up to 45lbs Fish with live bait or cut bait near shallow flats. Many reports of small (10"-18") Blue Catfish being caught. Be sure to identify your catch!
Channel Catfish Fair  Up to 20lbs Try fishing cut bait or stink bait near wind blown areas.
White Perch Fair  Up to 12"

White perch can be caught using similar methods as White Bass and Wiper. 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
 Water levels are very low. Use caution when boating!



COUNCIL GROVE CITY LAKE - Last Updated: 3/20/2023 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   near gravel banks and vegetation on small jigs and worms
Crappie Fair   10 ft deep near ledges on jigs and minnows
Channel catfish Fair   near windy flats and flooded brush on cut bait and worms
Black bass Slow/Fair   on jigs, spinnerbaits, or crankbaits 5-15ft deep near docks, points, and brush
Walleye Fair   along dam and deeper points/banks on jigs and spoons
White bass Fair   along dam and points on spinners and jigs
General Comments
The City of Council Grove requires Aquatic Nuisance Species certification of anglers and boaters at Council Grove City Lake. You must have this certificate in your possession while fishing and/or boating at Council Grove City Lake.



COUNCIL GROVE RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 3/20/2023 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   near dam and gravel/rock points on jigs and worms
White Bass Slow/Fair   along deep rock points and ledges on spinners and jigs
Wiper Slow/Fair   a few in with white bass
Crappie Fair  

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

Creel limit 20/day

General Comments

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

Click HERE for water level information.



COWLEY STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 3/13/2023 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Bluegill Slow   Bluegill action will be picking up as water temps increase
Channel Catfish Slow  

Few recent reports

15-inch minimum length limit 5/day creel limit

Largemouth Bass Slow to Fair Up to 17 inch Fish jerk baits in shallow water during the occasional warm day.  
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: 3/13/2023 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 Slow 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.

Few recent reports available.

White bass Slow 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.

Few recent reports available.

White Perch Slow up to 6 inch

Click HERE for info on properly identifying white perch.

Few recent reports available.

Crappie Fair to Good Up to 15+ inches

20/day creel limit.

10 to 18 deep near brush or timber on jigs.  Winter congregations have begun to break up a bit, but good crappie catches continue to be had.

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

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

Fresh cut baits fished on windblown shorelines throughout the lake.

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 baits on river channel edges in the upper portion of the reservoir will work well for most of the cold water winter season.  Please harvest the blue catfish that are under the 25 inch slot length limit (while following the 5/day creel limit).  El Dorado has an abundance of fish under the slot.  The El Dorado blue catfish population will benefit from the harvest of these "short" fish as growth rate of the remaining fish will improve.

Walleye Fair Up to 28 inches

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

Walleye are staging near spawning areas and will begin frequenting the spawning areas regularly in the next several days.  Look for walleye along rocky shorelines and rocky points during lowlight periods.  Jigs and jerkbaits are popular baits during the spawn.

Rainbow Trout Good  

Trout season opened November 1.  Trout were last stocked on Wednesday March 1.

Trout are hitting good on the traditional trout baits including PowerBait, small spoons, jigs, inline spinners, flies/nymphs, and small minnows.

Trout Program information can be found HERE.

General Comments

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

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

Blue Catfish Tagging Project Underway at El Dorado

Blue catfish – native to major river basins in eastern Kansas – can reach massive sizes. Kansas’ current state record was caught from the Missouri River, weighing in at more than 100 pounds. As blue catfish populations become established in Kansas’ largest reservoirs, popularity of this species among anglers also continues to grow. One such growing fishery can be found in El Dorado Reservoir.

While many anglers might associate El Dorado Reservoir with monster walleye, hard-fighting wipers, or slab crappie, blue catfish are developing a following in the 8,000-acre impoundment. Blue catfish were introduced into El Dorado Reservoir in 2004 to establish an additional predatory fish population and to provide anglers with a new sport fishing opportunity. Annual stockings occurred for six years, creating a population that first exhibited natural recruitment in 2009. As the population grew, it became apparent that the fishery would benefit from harvest of smaller fish. In 2016, KDWPT implemented a 25- to 35-inch protected slot length limit, five fish daily creel limit, and a maximum of two fish over 35 inches.

As with any new regulation, data is needed to gauge effectiveness. To collect this data, KDWPT Fisheries biologists are tagging up to 2,000 blue catfish in El Dorado Reservoir. Tags will appear as a small yellow vinyl tube beneath the fish’s dorsal fin. Each tag will display an ID number unique to that fish and a phone number to call to report the catch, (620) 342-0658. Biologists hope to gain information about the area’s blue catfish population size, entrainment through the dam, and the fish’s susceptibility to harvest.

Success of this project is dependent on anglers reporting the tagged fish they capture. Information needed during the call will be the length of the fish, date, tag number, and whether the fish was kept or released. Anglers who report their tagged catch will receive an award as compensation for their participation.

Anglers should note that tagged blue catfish that are not legal for harvest must be returned to the water immediately after recording the tag information. If the tagged catfish is legal for harvest, anglers may keep or release the fish. Because part of this study is to evaluate harvest patterns, biologists encourage anglers not to let the presence of a tag influence their decision to keep or release the fish.

If you find a tagged blue catfish on the end of your line this summer, please take the time to call it in. Data collected from these fish are invaluable to fisheries biologists and will only improve angling success in the future.



HARVEY COUNTY EAST LAKE - Last Updated: 3/9/2023 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Channel Catfish Fair  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 deeper structure. Most are smaller with some bigger ones mixed in.
Largemouth Bass Poor  up to 20" Try fishing soft plastics near structure. 
Saugeye Fair up to 25" Fish with jigs or minnows near the dam or rocks in the morning or evening. 
General Comments
 Water levels are very low. Use cation if launching a boat!



KINGMAN STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 3/9/2023 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Channel catfish Fair  Up to 24" Try using cut bait or stink bait lake wide. 
Largemouth Bass Fair Up to 4lbs Fish near structure and rocks with soft plastics, or jerk baits.  
Northern Pike Poor Up to 35" Try using large jerk baits or spinner baits. 
Crappie Good  Up to 14" Use minnows or small jigs near structure. Most Crappie are smaller with a few big ones mixed in. 
General Comments

 FISH SALVAGE ORDER: As authorized by K.S.A 32-807, and as further specified under K.A.R. ll5-7-1, a fish salvage conditions exists at Kingman State Fishing Lake due to a renovation project. To improve fishing and address an unbalanced fishery, Kingman State Fishing Lake is being drained and renovated summer of 2023. It shall be legal to take fish from this project as designated by this order. Legal means of take are traditional rod and reel only, all other methods including seining and snagging are still prohibited. All length and creel limits have been removed until further notice. This order will take effect when posted and remain in effect until this posted order is removed

Water levels are very low. Use cation if launching a boat!



MARION COUNTY LAKE - Last Updated: 3/13/2023 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Channel Catfish Slow   Catfish action will be picking up in the coming weeks as water temps rise
Crappie Fair up to 12 inches

20/day creel limit  

Jigs or minnows fished near brush or other cover.  8 to 14 feet deep.

Bass   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!

Few recent angler reports available on largemouth bass

Saugeye     Few recent reports
Bluegill     Few recent reports
White Bass & Wipers     Few recent reports
General Comments
Boat and bait inspections are MANDATORY at Marion County Lake to prevent the spread of Zebra Mussels and other Aquatic Nuisance Species. Protect our waters... don't forget to CLEAN, DRAIN, and DRY!



MARION RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 3/13/2023 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Zebra Mussels     Zebra mussels can be found attached to rocks lakewide. Zebra mussel veligers are too small to be seen with the unaided eye and they can be found in boat livewells, minnow buckets, boat bilges, water toys and anything else that is capable of holding even a small amount of water. Be sure to drain all equipment before leaving the lake to avoid moving veligers to other waters. THIS INCLUDES MINNOW BUCKETS, BOAT LIVEWELLS AND BILGES!
Channel Cat     No current reports
White Crappie Fair up to 13 inches

20/day creel limit

Anglers are having fair to good success on crappie despite the winter crappie schools beginning to scatter a bit.  Brush piles in the 13 to 18 range have been holding fish.  Jigs have been the best bait.

Walleye Fair Up to 24 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 are in prespawn mode and will be hitting spawn mode in the very near future.  Look for walleye during low light periods along rocky shorelines and points and areas with rip rap.  Crank baits, jerk baits, and jigs are all good spawn choices.  

White Bass Fair to Good up to 14 inch White bass are being found in 12 to 20 feet of water, but shallower on the warmer days.  Jigs are hard to beat. 
Wiper Fair to Good 18 to 24 inches Same as white bass
Coordinates for habitat cubes    

4 cubes N38 22.450’ W 097 04.669’

4 cubes N38 22.455’ W 097 04.664’

4 cubes N38 22.426’ W 097 04.694’

3 cubes N38 22.757’ W 097.05.227’

3 cubes N38 22.763’ W 097 05.211’

3 cubes N38 23.407’ W 097 05.460’

2 cubes N38 23.467’ W 097 05.384’

2 cubes N38 23.478’ W 097 05.399’

4 cubes N38 23.481’ W 097 05.408’

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

N 38 21.907' W 097 05.562'

N 38 21.912' W 097.05.560'

N 38 21.920' W 097.05.557'

N 38 22.425' W 097 04.697'

N 38 22.767' W 097 05.208'

N 38 22.757' W 097 05.227'

N 38 23.250' W 097 05.491'

N 38 23.357' W 097 05.470'

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

N 38 23.438' W 097 05.398'

N 38 23.436' W 097 05.404'

N 38 23.428' W 097 05.402'

N 38 23.426' W 097 05.405'

N 38 23.499' W 097 05.393'

N 38 23.489' W 097 05.399'

N 38 23.480' W 097 05.401'

N 38 23.472' W 097 05.398'

Coordinates for brushpiles constructed March 2018    

N 38 24.459' W 097 06.907'

N 38 24.450' W 097 06.975'

N 38 22.685' W 097 06.279'

N 38 22.680' W 097 06.279'

N 38 22.216' W 097 06.065'

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

N 38 21.911' W 097 05.569'

N 38 22.426' W 097 04.702'

N 38 22.776' W 097 05.220'

Coordinates for new brushpiles constructed April 2019    

N 38 23.464' W 097 05.412'

N 38 23.149' W 097 05.476'

N 38 23.169' W 097 05.516'

General Comments
2 feet below Normal Pool, releasing 5 CFS.



SEDGWICK CO. - LAKE AFTON - Last Updated: 3/3/2023 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Zebra Mussels    

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

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

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

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

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

White Perch Fair to Good 4"-8" Use a small hook with a small piece of work or panfish lures. White perch may not be possessed alive.
Channel Catfish Fair up to 24" Try cut bait, worms, or stink bait. 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. Urban Catfish Stocking will resume around April 1
Crappie Poor up to 12" Crappie should be grouped up offshore relating 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 rocks and brush.
Largemouth Bass Poor up to 21" Bass can be found near shorelines relating to deep water and off shore structures.Try soft plastics and jigs near structure/cover.
General Comments
 



WELLINGTON CITY LAKE - Last Updated: 3/13/2023 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Channel Catfish     No current reports available
Wiper      
Crappie      
Saugeye      
General Comments
 



WELLINGTON HARGIS CREEK - Last Updated: 3/13/2023 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Channel Catfish     No reports from anglers available this week
Crappie      
Largemouth Bass      
General Comments
 



WICHITA - URBAN FISHING REPORT - Last Updated: 3/3/2023 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
       
Channel Catfish Poor Up to 5lbs The majority of public fishing waters around the Wichita Metro Area are stocked regularly in the Spring and Fall with harvest-sized Channel Catfish. They can be easily caught on worms and hotdogs. Starting to see catfish biting on worms! The first stocking will be around April 1,
Crappie Poor to fair Up to 12" Try using minnows or a small jigs in deeper areas of the lakes. Crappie fishing is best at the KDOT Lakes, OJ Watson Park, and Chisholm North lake.
Largemouth Bass Poor Up to 20"  Largemouth Bass can be found in most Wichita area lakes but catching can be tough due to low populations and high angling pressure. Your best opportunities to catch bass are at the KDOT lakes, Emery Park, Blackbird/Sunflower Ponds, and Chisholm North lake. Lures that work best in cold water are small bass jigs, small soft plastics, jerkbaits, and lipless crankbaits
Bluegill Poor to fair Up to 10" Bluegill are present in every lake in the area. Try a small piece of worm or a small jig under a bobber.
Rainbow Trout Good to Excellent up to 23"

Trout season began on November 1. Try using floating dough baits, worms, small spoons, or spinners. The best dough bait colors this year seem to be corn/yellow and orange, but green and pink work well, too. Artificial lures only at Slough Creek

Remember 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
Trout stockings have resumed! Visit https://ksoutdoors.com/Fishing/Special-Fishing-Programs-for-You/Trout-Fishing-Program for more information. Rainbow Trout were stocked at OJ Watson and SG County Park on March 2, 2023. This will be the biggest and last stocking of the season. Lots of fish out there so go get them!



WINFIELD CITY LAKE - Last Updated: 3/13/2023 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 up to 10 inch Some success on jigs in 15 to 20 feet of water near timber or breaks.  Reports are of lots of smaller crappie being caught recently.
Channel catfish     No recent reports as there's not much channel cat activity with the low water temps.  Channel catfish action will improve as water temps increase.
Black bass     No recent reports available
White bass Fair up to 13 inch Jigs or spoons on deep structure.
Wiper     Same as white bass
Walleye Fair Up to 26 inch

The walleye spawn is getting nearer.  Look for walleye on rock points and shorelines during low light periods where they can be caught on jigs, jig and minnow combos, crank baits, and jerk baits.

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: 3/22/2023 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, Location
channel catfish good

2% 11"-16"

24% 16"-24"

50% 24"-28"

24% 28"-36"

Use a worm, stink bait, or shad sides on deep channel breaks.
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

16% 6"-9"

18% 9"-12"

34% 12"-15"

32% 15"-18"

0% 18"+

Use plastic jig, imitation shad, or spinner around brush piles and deep holes in river and Walnut Creek. Watch for water rise in river and Walnut Creek to initiate spawning run this month.  Fish will spawn over gravel riffles. 
white crappie good

32% 5"-8"

7% 8"-10"

42% 10"-12"

17% 12"-15"

2% 15"+

Use a jig or minnow around brush piles, and timber in Toronto Cove, Mann's Cove, and north side of Duck Island.  Anglers are catching good numbers of nice size crappie on warm sunny days. Cold front will push crappie offshore.
General Comments

 

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

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

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

TORR brush piles 17 (OCTET-STREAM 1.74 kB)

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: 12/7/2022 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Crappie Good 6-12" Crappie fishing remains good.  Look for them in deeper timber and also around Rea Bridge.  Minnows and small plastic jigs have been working best.
Channel Catfish Poor 16-24" Catfishing has slowed.  Catfishing has slowed with cooler water temps.  Look for catfish in the deeper timber and along sharp breaks.  Shad sides are the preferred bait.
Largemouth and Smallmouth  Bass Fair 12-20" Largemouth bass fishing remains slower.  Largemouth have moved into the deeper water in the standing timber.  Soft plastic swim baits and jigs have been working best.  Smallmouth bass fishing remains slow.  Look for them near the dam or on any rocky shoreline in deeper water.  Soft plastic crayfish worked slowly up the rocks have been working best.
Bluegill and Redears Fair 5-7" Bluegill and redear fishing has slowed.  Bluegill and redear can be found near any submerged vegetation or in deeper brush piles.  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: 3/13/2023 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Bluegill / Redear Sunfish  Good  4-8 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. 
Channel catfish  Good  15-36 inches Anglers from the shoreline should focus on the coves, both the north and south side of the dam, west end, and the handicap access on the south side of the lake near the boat ramp. Prepared baits, worms, cut or live bait will be good baits to try. Anglers from boats should focus on flats and near rock habitat. Cut and live bait are good baits to try. 
Black Crappie  Fair 8-14 inches Anglers should focus on submerged trees that are in 15-20' that are in close proximity to depth changes, or creek channels. There are a variety of coves that will hold crappie during the spawn in the spring time. Live minnows under a bobber, spinners, or 1/8-1/16 ounch jigs with twister tails will all be good options. Fall sampling indicated a successful spawn and strong year class of Age-0 (2-3") and Age-1 crappie (7-8"), as well as crappie up to 14". 
Largemouth bass  Good

 

8-12" - 15%

12-15" - 11%

15-20" - 74%

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

To bolster the current population and recruitment of Largemouth Bass at Bone Creek, the KDWP fisheries biologist has increased stocking efforts of Largemouth Bass. In 2019, 218, 377 (fry) were stocked when a hatchery surplus was available. In 2021, 13,500 phase II advanced fingerling Largemouth Bass were stocked. In April 2022, 260,000 (fry) were stocked when a hatchery surplus was available. In June 2022, 25,000 advanced fingerling Largemouth Bass were stocked. In total, 517,774 largemouth bass have been stocked since 2018. 

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  16-26 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 trolling crankbaits. 

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

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: 45° F, March 13, 2023

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: 3/12/2023 Print

 species ratings size baits, methods, locations
Crappie Slow 8 to 12 inches Use dark jigs or  minnows in the trees along the drop offs. 
Channel catfish Slow varies, The water is clear with a little color.  Go fishing, the fish have to eat. Try along dam and shoreline, use cut shad, worms, prepared baits.  Fish the creek mouth where the fresh water comes in and the fish are stacked up. 
Largemouth bass Slow 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: 3/12/2023 Print

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

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

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

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

 

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

Sign up for the Mound City Fishing District Newsletter today

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

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

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



BOURBON STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 3/12/2023 Print

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

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

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

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.  



COFFEY COUNTY LAKE - Last Updated: 3/21/2023 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Methods, Locations
       
largemouth bass Slow-Fair 8 in to 21 inches Vibrating jigs, spinnerbaits, crankbaits, swimbaits or jerkbaits fished around structure in or near the hot water area. Quality fish are present but numbers remain low.
walleye Fair 14-25 inches Fish should be pushing shallow for spawning activities, anglers may be able to catch a few in staging areas offshore using jigs or various kinds of crankbaits.
channel catfish/blue catfish Fair 1/2-5 lbs, Blues up to 50lbs.

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

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

smallmouth bass Slow 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. Using small shad imitating baits such as small crankbaits, bucktail jigs, slab spoons, or twister tail grubs fished in the hot water area or on wind blown points.
crappie Fair 11-15 inches Look for crappie in 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: 3/13/2023 Print

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

Largemouth bass densities and size structure are improved, since being infected with LMBV (Largemouth Bass Virus) in 2007. Strong year classes in the 8-12" size category indicate good numbers that haven't been as prominent since 2007. Quality fish up to 21" were sampled and anglers will benefit from the improved numbers and quality of largemouth bass in Crawford State Lake. Anglers should focus on coves and jetties using a variety of methods, which include spinnerbaits, top-water lures, plastic lures, and jerkbaits. An often overlooked method, the "Ned Rig" can also be utilized during all times of the year, but specifically in the summer months, when largemouth bass don't seem as willing to bite other types of lures. Cedar trees were added to the lake in October of 2021 and spring of 2019 to enhance fish habitat and spawning structure. An additional fish habitat project is planned for spring of 2023 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), 2021 (3,750 fingerlings) and 2022 (3,890 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: 45° F, March 13, 2023

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, Flathead Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Spotted Bass, White Crappie, Bluegill, Green Sunfish, Hybrid Sunfish, Wiper (Striped Bass Hybrid), Common Carp, Freshwater Drum



CRITZER LAKE - Last Updated: 3/12/2023 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, Location
Largemouth Bass Slow 13 to 18 inches with a few at 22 inches Work the edges and out in the middle in the trees.   Fish above the strat line. Some larger fish available, best luck with dark colored jipnpigs, plastic worms, crank baits in close to cover.  The majority of fish are in the 12 inch to 6 pound range.  In 2021 a 9.88 was caught and released.
Smallmouth Bass Poor 13 to 15" A limited fishery exists some are taken on jigs, spinners, along the dam and rocky areas.
Channel Catfish Slow 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.  We recently stocked several thousand channel catfish into the lake to boost the population. 
Crappie Slow any size Sampling indicates good numbers of nice fish (9 to 12 inches) use minnows and milky white, pink jigs in 12 ft. East half of lake is better. Fish are in deeper water along the 10ft. line.  
Walleye Poor most between 12 to 17 inches  Some are taken on jigs tipped with worms, spinners, dam and upper creek channel
General Comments

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: 12/7/2022 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Crappie Fair 8-14" Crappie fishing has slowed. Look for crappie near the dam or in brush in the Elk River.  Some fish have also been caught in the flooded timber.  Vertical jigging skirt jigs have been working best.
Blue and channel catfish Fair 18-30" Catfishing has slowed.  Look for catfish to be in the shallow timber on warmer days.  Shad sides have been working best.
White Bass Fair 10-14" The white bass fishing remains slow.  Look for white bass near the fishing jetties at the state park and in deeper holes in the river.  Minnows, soft plastics and hair jigs have been working best.
Outlet Poor 12-20" Water release remains slow and so does the fishing.
 
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: 3/22/2023 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, Location
channel catfish good

0% 11"-16"

29% 16"-24"

50% 24"-28"

21% 28"-36"

Use a worm, stink bait, or shad sides on deep channel breaks.
crappie good

52% 5"- 8"

27% 8"-10"

15% 10"-12"

4% 12"-15"

2% 15"+

Use a jig or minnow around brush piles and channel breaks.  The lake is low enough that you can easily locate the brush piles now. Best catch rates are on warm sunny days.  Cold front will push fish offshore.
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

4% 6"- 9"

24% 9"-12"

47% 12"-15"

25% 15"-18"

Use plastic jig, imitation shad, or spinner around brush piles and deep holes in river.  Watch for water level rise in river and Otter Creek to initiate spawning run this month.  Fish spawn over gravel riffles especially at confluence of river and Otter Creek but anywhere there are riffles.
General Comments:

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

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

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.

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.



GARNETT NORTH - Last Updated: 3/21/2023 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Crappie Fair 8-14 inches Focus on deep water habitat such as brush or sharp dropoffs,  fish can be caught on various colored jigs or small slab spoons or minnows.
Channel catfish Fair-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 Fair up to 5lbs. Warming water temps will improve the bite. Try vibrating jigs, rattletraps, swimbaits or suspending jerkbaits near structure. Football jigs and Texas rigged plastics are also usually productive.
Wipers Slow up to 6 lbs Chicken livers or shad imitating baits such as crankbaits, spinnerbaits, rattletraps, soft jerkbaits, fished around wind blown banks and dropoffs. 
       
General Comments

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

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

DO NOT MOVE FISH OR BAIT TO DIFFERENT WATERS!

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



GARNETT SOUTH - Last Updated: 3/21/2023 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Methods, and Location
       
       
Current Fishing Opportunity      
       
Largemouth Bass Fair up to 5lbs. big trout colored swimbaits, vibrating jigs, crankbaits, or football jigs dragged across the bottom slowly.
Bluegill Slow up to 8 inches Small jigs or flies, also bobber with a worm.
Channel Catfish Fair 8-24 inches chicken livers, cut bait or other prepared bait lakewide.
Crappie Fair 6-10 inches Minnows under a bobber over deep water will be your best bet. vertical fishing jigs near vertical structure may be productive.
       
TROUT Fair-Good   This is a TYPE 1 WATER - ALL ANGLERS NEED A TROUT PERMIT. TROUT SEASON BEGINS NOV. 1 AND RUNS THRU APRIL 15. Small jigs or spinners or prepared trout bait should work.

Comments:

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

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



JOHN REDMOND RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 3/21/2023 Print

Species Size Rating Bait, Method, Location
Channel Catfish up to 20lbs. Fair-Good Drifting various baits lakewide or focusing on wind blown shorelines using various baits such as livers or fresh cut bait
Blue Catfish up to 30 lbs. Fair Fishing wind blown shorelines with fresh cut bait. A few fish are harvestable size but most fish in the population are below 35". There is a 35" minimum length limit.
White Bass up to 3lbs. Good Throwing shad imitating baits along the dam or wind blown shorelines. Fishing below the dam can be good during low to moderate releases. Good numbers of big fish are available. Look for spawning runs to start as soon as the weather stabilizes and water temps start creeping higher.
Crappie up to 15" Fair-Good Wintering schools should start breaking up but anglers should still be able to find them around the brush piles listed below or up in the creeks as the water temps warm.

Comments -   

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

Brush Pile Coordinates:

N 38o 14.743'
W 95 o 45.998'

N 38 14.658'
W 95o 46.138'

N 38o 14.419'
W 95o 46.767'

N 38o 14.256'
W 95o 46.423'

N 38o 14.722'
W 95o 45.641'

N 38o 14.811'
W 95o 45.694'

N 38o 14.922'
W 95o 45.715'

N 38o 15.222'
W 95o 45.728'

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

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

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

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



LA CYGNE RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 3/12/2023 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, Location
Channel, blue and flathead catfish, Good all sizes,  This lake supports good fishing for big blue cats, good channel channel and flatheads.  Good baits are worm, frozen shad or liver, Sunfish or cut shad, prepared baits.  In the winter months try shoreline fishing at the hotwater outlet.  Walk into the lake from the east side.  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 Slow 9 - 12 inches Crappie anglers are doing well.  Fish the hotwater outlet, the dam/outlet, and numerous brushpiles.  Sampling and angler reports indicate that there are still alot of good crappie here, most in the 10-12 inch range.  Best lures to use are jigs/ minnows, near structure.  
Largemouth Bass Slow varies but 16 to 20 inches is common Use surface plugs or plastic worms along the rip rap and shoreline along shaded areas. The hot water area is a favorite. 
White bass Slow 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 Slow some up to 12 pounds Most fish are in the 4 - 6 pound range with a few larger.  Find surface gizzard shad and fish close to the shad.  
Carp Slow all sizes newly flooded shoreline cover using dough baits
General Comments

Water levels have improved. 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

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



LYON STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 3/22/2023 Print

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

51% 4-7"

37% 7-9"

12% 9-11"

Use worm, small jig, or small silver spoon around brush piles and deep ends on rock jetties.  The water is very clear and the fish spook easily. 
Channel Catfish fair

29% 11-16"

57% 16-24"

0% 24-28"

14% 28-36"

Use worms, shad sides, or liver around deep brush piles and channel breaks.  The feeders are empty for the winter. Feeding will resume on April 15.
Largemouth Bass good

25% 8-12"

45% 12-15"

30% 15-20"

1% >20"

Use spinners or jigs around brush piles and channel breaks. Fish spook easily due to clear water.
Crappie good

35% 5-8"

6% 8-10"

40% 10-12"

18% 12-15"

Use small jigs or minnows around deep brush piles and channel breaks. Fishing is best on warm sunny days.  Fish move offshore to deeper water with cold fronts.
Saugeye fair

0% 9-14"

44% 14-18"

33% 18-22"

22% 22-27" 

Some saugeye may be caught by bottom bouncing jigs on the dam.  Best fishing is in evening to just after sunset.  A few fish are caught off the rock jetties.  Crank baits don't seem to work as well probably due to the extremely clear water.
General Comments

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

Size structure listed for largemouth bass is from May 2022 electrofishing. The size structures listed for crappie, bluegill, redear, and channel catfish are from November 2022 fall test netting.

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

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

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



MARAIS DES CYGNES WILDLIFE AREA - Last Updated: 3/11/2023 Print

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

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

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

Get the kids, get your friends and Go Fishing.

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



MELVERN RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 3/17/2023 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Crappie Good 0.25-1 lbs Crappie are breaking off from their winter patterns.  Fish are more scattered as they being to stage near spawning areas.  Weather patterns can greatly influence success and fish location this time of year.  There have been good reports from Melvern Marina and Eisenhower State Park using live minnows.
White Bass Good 0.5-2 lbs White Bass are staging near rivers and creeks in preparation for their spring spawning runs.  Late March and early April is a good time to target White Bass in rivers and creeks.
Walleye/Saugeye/Sauger Good 0.5-3 lbs Fish are preparing to spawn and staging offshore from spawning areas.  Target rocky shorelines and along dam during early morning and late evening.
Blue Catfish Good 2-30 bs Blue catfish are being caught using cut shad. Target wind-blown shorelines and shallow mud flats.  Fish can be found cruising the river channel during the day. 
Channel Catfish Fair 1- 6 lbs Channel catfish can be caught on a variety of baits including nightcrawlers, chicken livers, and cut bait. 
Black Bass Fair 1-4 lbs Bass fishing is slow until water temperature warm in mid to late spring
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.
Saugeye     18 inch minimum length limit went into effect Jan. 1, 2023.  This change makes Saugeye, Sauger, and Walleye have the same regulations at Melvern Reservoir.
General Comments

Recent Black Bass surveys indicated a healthy Smallmouth population with many fish in the 12-18 inch range.

Water Level: As of March 17th, Melvern Reservoir was 2ft below 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: 3/13/2023 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Bluegill / Redear / Warmouth  Good  6-9 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. Casting parallel to shore or the ends of the pits are good locations along vegetation. Fly fishing opportunities are also present; hook sizes of 10-12 with a floating fly or popper may yield fish up to 8 inches. 
Channel Catfish  Fair  15-32 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 2022/2023 trout season occurred on Wednesday, October 26, 2022 with a total of 1,200 rainbow trout (800 pounds). The second rainbow trout stocking occurred on Monday, November 15, 2022, with a total of 975 rainbow trout (650 pounds). The third rainbow trout stocking occurred on Wednesday, December 7, 2022, with a total of 1,190 rainbow trout (850 pounds). The fourth rainbow trout stocking occurred on Wednesday, December 28, 2022 with a total of 1,200 rainbow trout (800 pounds). The fifth rainbow trout stocking occurred on Monday, February 13, 2023 with a total of 1,200 rainbow trout (800 pounds). The sixth rainbow trout stocking occurred on Wednesday, February 22, 2023 with a total of 1,000 rainbow trout. The seventh and final rainbow trout stocking occurred on Wednesday, March 1, 2023 with a total of 1,200 rainbow trout (800 pounds). Good luck!

2022/2023 Trout Season / Unit #30 "Trout Pit" Rainbow Trout Stockings 
October 26, 2022 1,200 Rainbow Trout
November 15, 2022 975 Rainbow Trout
December 7, 2022 1,200 Rainbow Trout
December 28, 2022 1,200 Rainbow Trout
February 13, 2023 1,200 Rainbow Trout
February 23, 2023 1,000 Rainbow Trout
March 1, 2023 1,200 Rainbow Trout

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. Stockings have occurred since 2007. Techniques to try would be to vertical jig spoons and jigs, trolling with Rapalas and spoons, and casting jigs, spoons, and spinning baits. Other opportunities would be to try a slip bobber with live bait, or chicken liver has been reported to yield a few fish. 
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: 44° F, March 13, 2023

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: 12/7/2022 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, & Location
Channel Catfish Fair 14-24" Catfishing has slowed.  Look for catfish along the steeper breaks.  Chicken liver and shrimp are working best.
Largemouth Bass Fair 8-18" Largemouth bass fishing remains slow.  Largemouth can be found in the deeper brush piles and near shoreline structure in the mornings and evenings. Soft plastic baits have been working best, as well as top water lures on calm evenings.
Crappie Good 8-12" Crappie fishing remains good.  Crappie are still in the deeper brush piles.  Minnows have been working best.
Bluegill/Redear Sunfish Fair 6-8" Bluegill and redear fishing has slowed.  They can be found near the shoreline around vegetation as well as in the deeper submerged brush piles.  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: 3/11/2023 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, & Location
Channel Catfish Slow Size varies but most are much larger than the 15 inch length limit, with some large fish Catfish angling has been slow. The fish feeders are OFF. There are alot of big catfish in this lake.    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 Slow varies Use small baits, jigs or small worm under a float set for shallow water, fish maybe in shallow.
Crappie Slow 8 to 14 inches some larger  Try deeper areas adjacent to fish habitat, brushpiles. Recent sampling indicates that majority of crappie are in the 10 inch range with some fish in the 13 to 15 inch ranges.  Minnows and dark jigs are best.   
Largemouth Bass Good varies The bass are slower with the cold water.  There are many fish in the 3+ range.  Recent sampling indicates a good population with majority of fish 14 to 19 inches.  Try  plastics, jig and Pig, slab, try along the rock, trees and timber
General Comments

This is a great Kayak or small craft lake. The 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 this season.  Best baits are dark colored jigs and minnows, mainly around underwater structure.  Fish feeders are  off.  Largemouth bass numbers have really improved and continues to produce great fishing.  

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

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

The City of Mound City is constructing a fishing trail along the west side of the lake.  This will improve shoreline angling access. 
For tips on spring bass fishing check out the KDWPT video at the following link! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpIJaiyW32k 

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

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



NEOSHO RIVER AT CHETOPA DAM - Last Updated: 5/24/2022 Print

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

•Catch and release is allowed on the Neosho River

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

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

•Barbless hooks are required at Chetopa.

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



NEOSHO STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 3/19/2023 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Bluegill/Redear Sunfish   Good

   3-6" - 17 %

   6-8" - 77 % 

  8-10" - 6 %                                                                    

Anglers should focus their efforts near brushpiles, fishing access jetties, or shallow water. A bobber and worm, a 1/16 ounce jig with a small twister tail, or a fly rod with a small fly are all good options to try in water less than 6'. The population is trending upward with a higher percentage caught over 7" in last year's sampling.
Warmouth Fair 7-10 inches Warmouth are a species that many anglers aren't aware of, but they're a blast to catch if you catch one. Anglers can find warmouth primarily near rocky habitats, such as jetties and on dam, similar to green sunfish. The same tactics for bluegill and redear sunfish can be used to catch warmouth, such as a small hook tipped with a worm under a bobber, fly rod with small flies, and 1/16-1/32 ounce jigs. 
Channel catfish  Good

11-16" - 11 %

16-24" - 89 %

Channel catfish can be found throughout all portions of the lake. Last year's sampling indicates a population of more fish in the 16-24" size range. Boat anglers can focus their efforts on the flats of 4-8', coves, and the brushpiles located on the southwest corner of the lake. Shoreline anglers can focus their efforts on the rock jetties throughout the entire lake, however the jetties on the southwest side of the lake are in close proximity of brushpiles that may congregate channel catfish. Prepared baits, shrimp, chicken liver, and cut bait will be your best options to try. 
Flathead catfish Fair 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

5-8" - 65 %

8-10" - 31 %

10-12" - 4%

Anglers can focus their efforts on brushpiles, which are located on the lower end on the southwest corner of the lake, drop offs and changes in depth located in close proximity to jetties, and coves. Crappie will congregate near structure. Last year's sampling indicates a similar size structure from last year. 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

8-12" - 35%

12-15" - 32%

15-20" - 28%

> 20" - 4%

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. Recent sampling indicates an improved size structure with many above quality length. 
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: 45° F, March 19, 2023

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: 3/17/2023 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
Sunfish Fair Up to 0.25 lbs Osage SFL contains several sunfish populations including Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, and Warmouth.  Fishing will improve as water temperature warms.  Fish can be found near weed edges and brush piles
Channel catfish Fair 0.5-5 lbs Catfish are being caught using liver, nightcrawlers, and cut bait. 
Crappie Good 0.25 - 1lbs Both Black and White Crappie occur in Osage SFL.  A strong year class of 4-6 inch fish were recorded during a recent survey.  Additionally, 12-14 inch fish are present.  Crappie are transitioning to staging areas offshore from spawning shallows.  Weather patterns can greatly influence fish location and fishing success. 
Largemouth bass Fair 0.5-2 lbs Target bass near the edges of aquatic vegetation, rock jetties, and brush piles using a variety of soft plastics. Fishing will improve as water temperature warms. 
General Comments

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

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

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

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

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



PLEASANTON CITY LAKE EAST - Last Updated: 3/12/2023 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, &Location
Wipers Slow size varies, look for shad on the surface and cast close.   Majority of fish are in the 3 to 5 pound range.   spoons, crank baits are good, use shad imitations.
Channel catfish Good All sizes, This lake has a good catfish population and produces nice fish. The fish feeders are off.  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.  An angler caught 8 yesterday with the biggest at 4 lbs.
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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



PLEASANTON CITY LAKE WEST - Last Updated: 3/11/2023 Print

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

Water levels have improved. This is a great Kayak or small craft lake. 

The best way to measure social distancing is with a fishing pole.   The fish feeders are off and support alot of channel catfish. 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: 3/11/2023 Print

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

Water levels have improved.  Pomona has produced many good crappie in the 10 to 14 inch range and excellent white bass. Angling will improve as the water cools down.   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 



WARM DAYSFT. SCOTT LAKE - Last Updated: 3/12/2023 Print

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sign up for the Mound City Fishing District Newsletter today!

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

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

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

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



WILSON STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 12/7/2022 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location  
Channel Catfish Fair 16-24" Catfishing has slowed.  Look for fish near deeper breaks and brush piles.  Shad sides and chicken livers have been working best.  
Largemouth and Spotted Bass Fair 10-22" Largemouth bass fishing remains slow.  Most bass have moved into the deeper brush piles, but some can still be found near shoreline structure.  Look for bass to feed more actively in the early morning and evening hours.  Soft plastic baits and top water lures during calm days have been working best.   
Crappie Good 8-12" Crappie fishing remains good.  Crappie are still being found in the deeper brush piles.  Minnows have been working best.  
Bluegill and Redear Fair 6-8" Bluegills and redears fishing has slowed.  Bluegill and redear can be found in the deeper brush piles. 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: 3/21/2023 Print

Species Rating Size Bait, Method, Location
Largemouth Bass Fair 6-14" Lipless crankbaits, jerkbaits, Texas-rigged plastics, or spinnerbaits fished around structural elements such as isolated brush on flats or rocky points should produce.
Channel Catfish Fair 12-26" Livers, shad sides, stink bait fished on wind blown banks.  Lots of fish in the 1-4 lb. range.
Walleye Slow 8-12" Fall sampling indicates a few fish over 15" are available.
Bluegill Fair 4-6" mealworms, nightcrawlers, or small jigs fished near shore and around vegetation or brush.
Crappie Fair  6-10" Recent sampling has shown there are a lot of 8" fish currently with some fish tickling the 10" mark. Fishing with jigs and minnows around the deeper brush piles or cube clusters will produce fish.
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: 3/21/2023 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Largemouth bass Fair 1-5 lbs. Football jigs, vibrating jigs, Texas-rigged plastics or suspending jerkbaits worked slowly near structural elements such as the creek channel breaks and points.
channel catfish Fair 1/2-15 lbs Using shad sides livers or other prepared baits on wind blown banks should get a few bites.
Walleye No reports 10-24"  
crappie Fair up to 14" Look for crappie around deeper water structure and try using live bait, jigs, or small slab spoons.
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: 3/21/2023 Print

Species Size Rating Baits, Methods, Locations
Redear and Bluegill up to 10" Fair A good population of both species is present in this lake. small jigs or worms fished around deeper brush or timber.
Largemouth Bass 8-18" Fair Football jigs, suspending jerkbaits, or slow rolling big spinnerbaits around various structural elements. The bite will improve with increasing water temps. over the next few weeks
Catfish up to 10lbs. Fair 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. Feeders are off, DO NOT TIE BOATS TO THE FEEDERS!
Wipers/White Bass 8-18" Fair  Vertical jigging slab spoons or shad imitation jigs around the creek channel and deeper water or fish may be caught along the rocky shorelines or windy points using small spinners, crankbaits, or hair jigs.
Crappie up to 12" Fair-Good Focus on deeper water in standing timber near channel bends and dropoffs, vertical jigging minnows or jigs should be productive. Lots of 8-9" fish, and anglers are encouraged to keep these fish up to 20/day to benefit the population.
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.