Northeast Region Fishing Reports

Fishing reports provide general angling information from KDWP 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 https://www.facebook.com/KDWPFisheries.

ATCHISON STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 7/2/2024

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



BROWN STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 7/2/2024

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

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

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



CENTRALIA CITY LAKE - Last Updated: 7/2/2024

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, Location
Channel Catfish Good  Up to 20 pounds The lake has maintained a great channel cat fishery for over ten years.  The 2023 fall sample recorded that the number of channel catfish continue to remain at a high level with fairly good numbers of fish over 20 inches. However, growth of channel catfish has slowed down due to the high numbers of smaller fish so I encourage you to harvest fish less than 24 inches. The creel limit at the lake is 10 channel catfish per day and there is no length based restrictions. Good luck.
White Bass Good 1/2 to 1 lb. The most recent fish sampling shows that the white bass population is doing well with the most fish over 12 inches ever recorded at the lake. The size structure is good with a bunch of fish from 11 to 12 inches long and 7% of the ones sampled were over 15 inches. The is no daily creel limit and some harvest would be good for the overall fishery.
Wiper Slow Up to 26" A low population of wipers are maintained with stockings of small fish to help manage the white bass and gizzard shad populations. Recent stockings have not had good survival and wiper numbers have since fallen (which explains the high numbers of white bass right now).  Wiper creel limit is 2 per day.  
Crappie Fair  1/2 to 1 pound "Crappie aren't what they used to be" is what I frequently here from anglers about this lake. Such statements are supported by the fish sampling data collected over the last few years as crappie numbers are not at the highs seen from 2013 to 2020 when crappie fishing was hot. Part of this regression is due to competition with much higher numbers of white bass (please feel free to harvest some of them) and partly due to a shift in the population from white crappie to the slower growing black crappie - in the 2023 sample 12% of black crappie were over 8 inches compared to 77% of the white crappie. I assume this will settle back in the next couple of years but either way I would still call this a good crappie lake. No recent reports.
Saugeye Fair 2 to 8 lbs. Saugeye are doing well. The fall 2023 fish sampling effort produced the most saugeye in 6 years. Of those fish collected, 20% were over the 18 inch minimum length limit, which is the lowest percentage recorded in 15 years. However, 49% of the fish were 15 to 18 inches long so there are a bunch of upcomers in the system. 
Largemouth Bass Slow  1/2 to 5 pounds The lake has low numbers of largemouth bass. The 2024 spring sample recorded that 64% of the bass were over 15". 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: 7/2/2024

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
Catfish Good Up to 40 lbs
Blue Catfish can be found near river channels and wind-blown shorelines. Cut shad is producing the most bites. Channel catfish are post spawn and feeding.  Target river and creek tributaries with high inflows that will attract catfish.  
Walleye/Saugeye/Sauger Good 15-18 inches Walleye can be found on mudflats or near river channels in 10-20ft. Nightcrawlers rigged with bottom bouncers or jigs with plastics are producing bites. 
Crappie Good up to 15 inches Crappie can be found on brush piles and timber in deeper water 15 - 25 ft.  Jig and small plastics or minnows will produce bites.  
White bass/Wiper Good 0.5-10 lbs
White Bass and Wiper can be found in the river channels 25+ ft.  Jigging spoons, plastics, and deep running crankbait will produce bites. 
Largemouth/Smallmouth Bass Good 1-5 lbs Smallmouth Bass can be found on deeper, rock structures.  Crayfish imitations will produce bites.  Largemouth Bass can be found in flooded terrestrial vegetation.     
General Comments

NEW BLUE CATFISH REGULATIONS

10 fish daily creel limit, only 1 fish 30" or longer

Fisheries biologists continue to study Kansas blue catfish and the research is showing reservoirs with lower population densities exhibit the best growth rates which equates to greater numbers of larger fish available to anglers. Growth rates of blue catfish are variable across Kansas. Time required for a blue catfish to reach 30 inches is as short as 8 years at Tuttle Creek Reservoir to as long as 14 years at El Dorado Reservoir. Due to the time required to grow to larger sizes, these older and larger fish are quite valuable. Angler harvest is necessary to provide desired densities and harvest should be focused upon smaller blue catfish, especially those in the 18 to 25 inch range while releasing the larger fish to fight again.

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

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

Invasive Species:

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

Fish Habitat:

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



DOUGLAS COUNTY-LONE STAR LAKE - Last Updated: 7/12/2024

Species Rating Size  Bait, methods, location
Channel Catfish  Good up to 10lbs Catfish can be caught using stink bait, worms, or cut bait.
Largemouth Bass Good up to 6 lbs Bass can be found near aquatic vegetation edges.  Larger bass will be on the outside weed lines.  Soft plastic baits will produce bites.  Topwater baits fished during dawn and dusk can be effective. 
Bluegill/Redear Sunfish Good Up to 10 inches Sunfish can be found near aquatic vegetation.  Bigger sunfish will be on the outside weed line.  Worms and small lures will produce bites.
Crappie Fair up to 12 inches Crappie can be caught on deep weed edges and brush piles.  Minnows and small jigs will produce bites
White Bass/Wiper Good up to 8lbs In late evening or early morning, look for white bass chasing shad schools and breaking the surface.  Cast top water baits to the schools.
General Comments

Invasive Species: 

Eurasian Water-Milfoil.  Lake users should clean, drain, and dry fishing equipment and boats to prevent the spread. 

Stocking:

30,000 Wiper fry were stocked in May 2024.  Wiper provide predatory control on Gizzard Shad.  Too many shad can reduce survival of young of year sportfish species that compete for similar resources. 

4,875 Channel Catfish were stocked in October 2023.

Most recent fisheries surveys:

Bass and sunfish populations were surveyed in May 2024.  Both populations are healthy and reproduce naturally.  Largemouth Bass up to 18-20 inches, weighing 5-6 lbs are present. 



DOUGLAS STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 7/12/2024

 Species Rating Size Baits, Method, and Location
Channel Catfish Good up to 10 lbs Catfish can be caught using stink bait, worms, or cut bait.
Largemouth Bass Good 0.5-5 lbs Bass can be found near aquatic vegetation edges.  Larger bass will be on the outside weed lines.  Soft plastic baits will produce bites.  Topwater baits fished during dawn and dusk can be effective. 
Bluegill/Redear Sunfish Fair Up to 10 inches
Sunfish can be found near aquatic vegetation.  Bigger sunfish will be on the outside weed line.  Worms and small lures will produce bites
Crappie Good up to 12 inches Crappie can be caught on deep weed edges and brush piles.  Minnows and small jigs will produce bites.
General Comments

 

Invasive species: 

None.  Lake users should clean, drain, and dry fishing equipment before going to Douglas State Lake.

2,800 Channel Catfish were stocked in October 2023.

Bass and sunfish populations were surveyed in May 2024.  Both populations are healthy and reproduce naturally. 

Channel Catfish were surveyed in July 2024.  The largest fish was 32 inches.  Approximately 50% of Channel Catfish were greater than the minimum length limit of 15 inches. 



GARDNER CITY LAKE - Last Updated: 7/10/2024

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Bluegill Excellent Up to 8 inches Livebait under a bobber or soft plastics fished slowly in shallow water
Channel Catfish Good Up to 14 lb. Channel catfish can be taken now on a variety of live or prepared baits.  
Crappie Fair Up to 12 inches Crappie are done spawning.  Small soft plastics and live minnows are working best right now fished near deeper structure. 
Largemouth Bass Good Up to 5 lbs, mostly 13-17 inches Bass should be moved back out to deeper water.  Glide baits, ned rigs, finesse plastics are working best right now.
White Bass slow 14 to 17 inches White bass can be taken in open water on baitfish imitation lures.  Small shad should be available lake wide in the coming weeks.
General Comments
Water temperature should be near 85 degrees



GEARY STATE FISHING REPORT - Last Updated: 7/22/2024

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/Good   near wind blown flats on cut bait and worms
Saugeye Fair   near dam and rock points on jigs, worms, and crankbaits
Black bass Fair/Good   near rock and brush on jigs and crankbaits
Bluegill Fair   on small jigs and worms in coves and near brush
General Comments

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

WARNING..ZEBRA MUSSELS PRESENT!!!



HERINGTON CITY LAKE (NEW) - Last Updated: 7/22/2024

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



HERINGTON CITY LAKE (OLD) - Last Updated: 7/22/2024

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Catfish Fair/Good   near wind blown flats and creeks on cut bait and worms
Crappie Fair   near brush and rock 5ft deep on jigs and minnows
Largemouth Bass Fair/Good    
Bluegill Fair   near brush/rock 5ft deep on jigs and worms
White Bass Fair   along creeks and dam on spinners and crankbaits
General Comments
This shallow lake has the best fishing for crappie and channel catfish.



HILLSDALE RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 7/10/2024

Species  Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Walleye Fair  Up to 9 lbs. Fish should be chasing small shad and other baitfish. Warming water will allow for jig and crank bait opportunites
Crappie Good Up to 13 inches Fish near structure with a variety of small jigs or live minnows.  The crappie are done spawning so target medium depth structure. 
White Bass Fair Up to 2 lbs. Target white bass off wind blown points and rocky banks. Jigs and shad imitation lures are the best baits right now.  

Largemouth

Bass 

 Slow Up to 4 lbs. Target medium depth structure and rocky structure.  Finesse plastics, crank baits, and crawdad presentations should produce fish. 
Newsletter   4 pages Click the following link to sign up for the newsletter http://kdwp.state.ks.us/news/KDWP-Info/News/Newsletter-Request-Forms/Request-a-Newsletter-for-the-Kansas-City-Fishing-District
Channel Catfish Fair Up to 10 lbs. Channel catfish can be taken on a variety of baits lakewide using prepared or live baits. Target creek mouths the day after a rain. Fish shallows as water continues to warm. Spillway opportunities will exist as the lake is continuing to drop.   
General Comments

WATER LEVEL: As of July 10 the water level is 2.0 feet above conservation pool and dropping with water release. Water temperature is near 85 degrees. 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: 7/2/2024

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

Walleye up to 6.25 lbs.

Sauger up to 2 lbs.

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

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

The lake is low, please use caution when boating. The north and south boat ramps have been extended with gravel.

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

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



JEFFREY ENERGY CENTER - MAKE-UP LAKE - Last Updated: 6/18/2024

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, and Location
Black Bass Slow  1 to 5 pounds The lake has traditionally had a good smallmouth bass population, but the current population abundance is well below the historical norm.  Hopefully, the population rebounds in the near future.  The corners of the dam and along the East bank are the best places for smallmouth.  The lake has very few largemouth bass.  
Crappie Fair 1/2 to 1 pound Modest numbers of crappie with 24% 10 inches or bigger.  There is a brushpile just south of the fishing dock.
Catfish Fair to Good 1/2 to 6 pounds The lake has supported a good channel catfish harvest rate through the years.  The southwest corner of the lake and the northern 2 coves tend to be good spots.  The lake has a low level blue catfish population with most below 20 inches.  The lake is home to some big flathead. If the inlet is flowing, then good fishing can be found there for all three species.  
Walleye and Sauger Fair 1 to 5 pounds The 2023 fall gill netting and electrofishing samples show the number of walleye is below normal yet most of them are over the 15-inch minimum length limit. Sauger were introduced into the lake in 2021 and have done well so far.  The 2023 data shows sauger are already out performing walleye in this lake and growing quickly with 65% exceeding the 15-inch minimum length limit. The two species (walleye & sauger) are combined in KS regulations and an angler can harvest a combined total of 2 per day at the Jeffrey Lakes.  Anglers doing fairly well recently.  
White Bass Fair to Good 1/2 to 2 pounds White bass numbers are suppressed for the second year in a row and fishing success in 2024 will likely not meet the highs this lake is known for but anglers have been doing well this spring catching them.  
Wipers Fair to Good Up to 12 pounds Wiper numbers are below normal with 69% of the fish collected last fall were less than 20 inches. Fishing for them has been good recently.
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: 6/27/2024

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

The smallmouth bass population is on the rebound. The 2024 sample showed the best smallmouth bass numbers in 8 years with a decent size structure as 45% of the fish were over 14" and 7% was over 17". 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 2024 sample shows the population has improved recently, yet is still at a low level. The East bank, South cove, and around the island are usually the best largemouth spots.

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

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: 7/12/2024

Species Rating Size Bait, Methods, Location
Bluegill Good Up to 10 inches Sunfish can be found near aquatic vegetation.  Bigger sunfish will be on the outside weed line.  Worms and small lures will produce bites
Walleye/Saugeye Fair up to 20 inches Fish can be found on mudflats or near river channels in 10-20ft. Nightcrawlers rigged with bottom bouncers or jigs with plastics are producing bites. 
Channel Catfish Good 0.5-10 lbs Catfish can be caught using stink bait, worms, or cut bait.
Largemouth/Smallmouth Bass Good Up to 5 lbs. Largemouth Bass can be found near aquatic vegetation edges.  Larger bass will be on the outside weed lines.  Soft plastic baits will produce bites.  Topwater baits fished during dawn and dusk can be effective.  Smallmouth can be found on rocky shorelines and steep drop offs.  Crayfish imitations will produce bites. 
White Bass/Wiper Good up to 10 lbs. In late evening or early morning, look for white bass chasing shad schools and breaking the surface.  Cast top water baits to the schools.
Crappie Fair up to 12 inches Crappie can be caught on deep weed edges and brush piles.  Minnows and small jigs will produce bites
Trout Poor up to 5lbs Trout can be caught on powerbait, spoons, or rooster tails.  Trout Season will run from December 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024.  A trout license is required to possess trout during the trout season. After March 31, anyone with a valid fishing license may harvest up to 5 trout/day. 
General Comments

General Comments:

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

On May 31, the following ponds will be stocked with catchable-sized Channel Catfish: Governor's Ponds, West Lake (Gage Park), Central Park, Shawnee Jr., Horseshoe Bend, Clarion Park, Shawnee State Fishing Lake.

20 cedar tree brush piles were submerged in Feb. 2024.  New habitat should provide good structure for anglers to target.  

Invasive species: 

Zebra Mussels, Eurasian watermilfoil, and Curley-leaf pondweed.  Lake users should clean, drain, and dry fishing equipment and boats to prevent the spread.

2,500 Smallmouth Bass fingerlings were stocking in June 2024. 

400,000 Saugeye fry were stocked in May 2024. The walleye population has been relatively low in recent years.  Saugeye have experienced great success in other Kansas lakes.  Saugeye were first introduced this year.  

50,000 Wiper fry were stocking June 2024.  Wiper provide predatory control on Gizzard Shad.  Too many shad can reduce survival of young of year sportfish species that compete for similar resources. 

8,320 Channel Catfish were stocked in October 2023.

Bass and sunfish populations were surveyed in May 2024.  Both populations are healthy and reproduce naturally.  Largemouth Bass up to 18-20 inches, weighing 5-6lbs are present. 



LEAVENWORTH STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 7/2/2024

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

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

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

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

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



LOUISBURG-MIDDLE CREEK SFL - Last Updated: 7/10/2024

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Channel Catfish Fair 1/2 to 11 lbs. Channel catfish can be taken right now on a variety of baits lake-wide. Target deep water shelves and mud flats. Night anglers can target shallow mud flats   
Flathead Catfish Slow Most 4-10lbs. But some up to 30lbs. Target structure and vegetation edges with live bait. Boulders south of the dam also hold some flathead catfish.  Drifting cut bait or live bait along the dam may produce fish.  
Crappie Good  Up to 12 inches Minnows and jigs as well as small shad presentations. Majority of the population is 8-10 inches, but some nicer ones can be found. Target medium depth structure
Saugeye Fair Up to 20 inches Saugeye are on deep structure and shelves feeding on small baitfish lake-wide.
Largemouth Bass Slow Up to 3 lbs. Ned rigs, craw presentations, crank baits and glide baits may produce fish.
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
Water temps should be near 86 this weekend



MIAMI STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 7/10/2024

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Largemouth Bass Good 0.5-6 lbs Jigs, crawdad presentations and ned rigs near rocky habitat and submerged brush. Fish have moved off beds to submerged habitat
Bluegill Good Up to 0.33 lbs Jigs or worms fished near shoreline structure.
Channel Cat Fair 1-10 lbs Channel cats can be taken now on a variety of live or prepared baits lake-wide. 
Crappie Fair Up to 13 inches Crappie can be taken using a variety of jigs, minnows, and small swim baits.  Crappie should be accessible along almost all shore line
White Bass Slow 14-17 inches White bass can be taken on shad imitation lures and white marabou jigs.   
General Comments
The curly-leaf pondweed bloom is over and cleared out.  Water levels should be back to normal.  Water temperature should be near 85 degrees this weekend.



MILFORD RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 7/22/2024

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, Location
Catfish Good  

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

NEW Blue Catfish Regulation...all between 28"-40" must be released...creel limit is 10, 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 Good  

Target windy banks and points using jigs on reservoir 

Wiper creel limit is 5/day

Smallmouth Bass Fair    
Largemouth Bass Fair    
Outlet Slow/Fair   Catfish on cut bait; walleye, white bass, and wipers on jigs. 
General Comments
Blue Catfish...all between 28"-40" must be released...creel limit is 10, but only 1 can be 40" or longer

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



NEBO STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 7/2/2024

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Bluegill Slow to Fair up to 0.3 lbs. Bluegill can be caught using a small chunk of worm or small ice jigs over brush piles
Channel Catfish Fair to Good up to 5.0 lbs Channel catfish can still be caught using worms, cut shad, or doughballs.
Largemouth Bass Fair up to 7.0 lbs Largemouth Bass 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: 7/10/2024

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Bluegill Good Up to 8 inches Nightcrawler under a bobber fished near structure.
Channel Catfish Fair Up to 5 lbs. Channel catfish are being taken on live and cut baits. Target deep water as the water warms. New channel cats have been stocked in June 2024   
Largemouth Bass Good Up to 6 lb. Largemouth bass can be caught using jigs, finesse worms, crank baits, glide baits, and ned rigs near shallow structure.  Fish should have moved off beds and back to medium depth water.   
Saugeye Fair Up to 4 lbs. Slow moving jigs and worm presentations on deep water humps. Start using deep running crank baits near structure and shelves.  Look to match shad hatch with small with swim baits 3-4 inches long.
Wiper Slow Up to 11 lbs. Use shad imitation baits and find bait fish near drop-offs.  
White Crappie Good Most fish around 7 inches, but some are greater than 10 inches. Jigs or minnows fished near brush piles. Crappies are done spawning and should be in medium depths.   
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: 7/10/2024

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Largemouth Bass Good 0.5-5 lbs Jigs, finesse worms, and ned rigs with intermittent pauses on the dam and near submerged structure. Start using spinner baits and swim baits in the coming weeks as spawning fish move away from shallow beds.  Early morning and late evening topwater opportunities should exist. 
Channel Catfish Good  0.5-6 lbs Channel catfish can be caught lakewide on live or prepared bait. Larger fish should be in deeper water near the dam.
Crappie Good 0.5-1 lbs Minnows and jigs are catching fish right now. Crappie are in medium depths post spawn
Saugeye Fair Up to 22 inches Saugeye can be found drifting or trolling on deep structure with nightcrawler or crawler harnesses.  Begin using deep running crank baits and white jigs on humps and submerged vegetation. Shad are 3-4 inches long right now.
Wiper  Slow Up to 24 inches Use shad imitation baits fished near main lake points.
Bluegill and Redear Sunfish Fair Up to 10 inches Use piece of nightcrawler or small jig and bobber at vegetation edges and rocky structures to target the panfish. 
 
General Comments

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

Water temperatures should be near 85-86 this weekend 

More brushpiles were added again on 2/28/24. 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: 7/2/2024

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

Largemouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass

Fair

Fair

up to 5.0 lbs.

up to 5.0 lbs.

 Try casting crankbaits and spinner jigs near fallen trees along the shoreline. 
White Bass Fair up to 1.5 lbs. White Bass can be caught using any bait resembling a shad or even from crappie jigs. These fish can be caught breaking up schools of shad near the surface
White Crappie  Slow to Fair up to 1.5 lbs. Most crappie and other fish have moved to cooler, deeper water. Try fishing in 10-25 feet of water off the bank to find some scattered fish. Some success may be had 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, but many fish are below the length limit. Remember blue cats look similar to channel catfish, so be careful with identification.  

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

Comments

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

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

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

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



POTTAWATOMIE STATE FISHING LAKE NO. 1 - Last Updated: 7/2/2024

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, and Location
Bluegill Fair  Up to 9 inches The bluegill population offers good numbers of 6 to 8 inch fish.  Great place to take a kid with worms and a bobber.  
Channel Catfish Slow 3/4 to 5 pounds The lake has a low level catfish population.
Crappie Fair 1/2 to 1 pound Crappie abundance has been stable the last few years with most 8 to 10 inches long.  
Largemouth Bass Fair 1/2 to 5 pounds The lake is known for being a good spot for catch and release bass fishing.  The 2024 annual sampling effort showed that population has expanded with abundance at a seven year high. This has resulted in the size structure being on the small side with only 16% 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: 7/2/2024

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, and Location
Black Bass Fair  1/2 to 4 pounds The 2024 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 third stocking of the year was on June 12th when the lake received 675 pounds of channel catfish. So far the lake has received 3,045 channel catfish in 2024. Best baits tend to be worms or commercial catfish baits. Channel catfish creel at the lake is 5 per day.  
Crappie Fair 1/4 to 1 pound The lake has supported a decent crappie population through time. The current population is doing ok with slightly below average numbers of fish over 10 inches and a few really big crappie as well. There is some habitat structures just out from the boat ramp dock and under the buoy.  
Bluegill and Redear Sunfish Fair less than pound The lake has struggled to grow sunfish to a size large enough that anglers want to keep for frying.  The population receives high angling pressure from both panfish anglers and from anglers targeting sunfish to use for catfish bait.  To hopefully continue to please both angler bases and help increase the overall size structure of sunfish, the lake is being implemented with a special sunfish regulation starting in 2019.  This new slot limit requires the release of sunfish species from 6 to 9 inches.  The creel limit of fish over 9 inches is five per day and there is still unlimited daily harvest of fish less than 6 inches.  This regulation change will be evaluated over time to verify if it will continue into the future.
General Comments
Pott. # 2 is noted for family outings, scenic views, catch and release bass fishing, harvest of small crappie and channel catfish. 



ROCKY FORD FISHING AREA - Last Updated: 7/2/2024

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

Fishing for all three species of cats can be good below Rocky Ford dam. Channel can be caught on worms, cut bait or prepared bait.  Flathead can be taken on live bait or lures. Blue catfish are usually caught on fresh cut bait. The catfish bite has been with all three species being caught in modest numbers.

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

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

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

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



SABETHA PONY CREEK - Last Updated: 7/2/2024

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Black Crappie Good up to 1.5 lbs Fish can be found along the rocky bluff at the center of the lake. 
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: 7/10/2024

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, Location
Bluegill Fair Up to 8 inches Livebait under a bobber fished near deeper structure
Crappie Fair Up to 15 inches Worms and minnows near structure are producing the best.  A variety of small jigs will also work. Target medium depths for post spawn crappie.
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. Target wind blown points when possible 
Largemouth Bass Good Up to 4 lbs. Jigs, finesse worms, crawfish presentations and ned rigs near rocky and brushy structure. Fish spinner baits and swim baits. Topwater baits should produce fish in the early morning and late evening near shoreline vegetation and docks.  
Trout     Trout fishing will be ineffective due to rising water temps throughout the coming months.   
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.

Water temperatures should be near 85-86 degrees this weekend



SHAWNEE STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 7/2/2024

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, and Location
Largemouth Bass Good 1/2 to 6 pounds The lake has provided very good fishing for largemouth bass. The population experienced some rapid expansion a few years age which slowed overall bass growth and reduced the average size of fish. Things are starting to return to normal as the 2024 spring electrofishing sample showed that 54% of the bass were over 12".   
Crappie Fair 1/2 to 1 pound The crappie fishery is doing well.  The October 2023 fish sampling showed the number of crappie is down but the size is up with 88% over 10 inches. 
Channel Catfish Good 1/2 - 4 pounds The lake is in the Urban Stocking Program and is regularly stocked with 12 to 18 inch channel catfish which leads to good catch rates of fish in that size range. The third stocking of 2024 went in on May 31st when 700 pounds of channel catfish were released into the lake. 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: 7/2/2024

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

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

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

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

Blue catfish are finally well established in the lake and population expansion has slowed down. The lake will likely never have as high numbers of blue cats as other KS lakes but this allows for good growth and a plus size range of fish. Summer sampling in 2023 showed that 61% of the blue catfish were from 20-inches to 30-inches and 19% were over 30-inches. Fresh cut bait or fresh shad is the best baits, near drop-offs this time of year.

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

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

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

The last two years has been good saugeye fishing at Tuttle Creek. The 2023 fall gill net sample produced the most saugeye in a decade with 38% of those fish over the 15" minimum length limit. No recent reports.

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

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

General Comments

Water level are on the rise and has made fishing challenging lately with some floating debris.

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: 7/2/2024

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, and Location
Bluegill Fair to Good Up to 1/3 lb The lake has a decent bluegill population. 
Channel Catfish Good  Up to 15 lbs The lake has supported a good to great channel catfish population through the years.  The 2023 fall fish sample showed above average numbers of catfish with an excellent size structure of 20% over 28 inches.  
Crappie Fair Most 8"-10" The crappie population is doing well with most of the fish from fall sampling were from 8 to 10 inches long.
Largemouth Bass Good Up to 6 lbs The lake maintains a good largemouth bass population. The 2024 sample showed the number of bass was a little below average but they had a good size structure with 48% over 15".
General Comments
 



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