Southeast Region Fishing Reports
Fishing reports provide general angling information from KDWPT staff. The department cannot update the reports on a regular, frequent basis. Many factors determine angling success, and fishing conditions and individual fishing success may vary from the report. Anglers are responsible for deciding what species to fish for, what methods to use, and where and when to fish. You can help fellow anglers by sharing successful fishing notes at http://www.facebook.com/kdwpt.
TORONTO RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 5/18/2023
| 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 along rocks and windy shoreline. |
| white bass | good | 16% 6"-9" 18% 9"-12" 34% 12"-15" 32% 15"-18" 0% 18"+ | Use plastic jig, imitation shad, or spinner on rocky shoreline and windy shoreline. North side of Duck Island and Mann's Cove had lots of fish. |
| white crappie | good | 32% 5"-8" 7% 8"-10" 42% 10"-12" 17% 12"-15" 2% 15"+ | Use a jig or minnow around rocky shoreline and timber in Toronto Cove, Mann's Cove, and north side of Duck Island. |
| 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. Sign up to receive a copy of the Fall River/Toronto District Fisheries Newsletter. For more information about the Fall River/Toronto Fisheries District, click here to access newsletters. | |||
BIG HILL RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 5/25/2023
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method & Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crappie | Good | 6-12" | Crappie fishing remains good. Look for them moving into the shallow areas as they are spawning. Rea Bridge has also been producing fish. Minnows and small plastic jigs have been working best. |
| Channel Catfish | Good | 16-24" | Catfishing has improved. Look for catfish to start moving into the shallower water in the evenings as water temps rise. Shad sides are the preferred bait. |
| Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass | Good | 12-20" | Largemouth bass fishing remains good. Largemouth are up in the shallows spawning and jigs tipped with soft plastics have been working well. 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 | Good | 5-7" | Bluegill and redear fishing remains good. Bluegill and redear can be found near any submerged vegetation and in the shallows as they prepare to spawn. Worms under a bobber are working best. |
| General Comments | |||
| Release all Largemouth Bass 15-21" in Length, daily creel remains 5/day. We have created a fishing newsletter that can be sent out to all that subscribe to it. This newsletter is for fishing information for the Independence District (Chautauqua, Labette, Montgomery, and Wilson counties) only. | |||
BONE CREEK RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 5/25/2023
| 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: 74° F, May 25, 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: 5/25/2023
| species | ratings | size | baits, methods, locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crappie | Good | varies | Use dark jigs or minnows in the trees along the drop offs. |
| Channel catfish | Good | varies, | The water is clear with a little color. Go fishing, the fish have to eat. Try along dam and shoreline, use cut shad, worms, prepared baits. Fish the creek mouth where the fresh water comes in and the fish are stacked up. |
| Largemouth bass | Good | varies in range | The bass are shallow and in prespawn mode. 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. The catfish in this impoundment are active and ready for action- Try liver, shad, or live bait fish. Channel catfish are great after a rain in the north end where the creek comes in. For largemouth bass try fishing some of the standing timber and weedbeds with spinners and buzzbaits. Zebra Mussels have recently been found in Hillsdale Lake, and we'd like to remind you to stay aware and take all precautions necessary to prevent the spread into uncontaminated waters! This includes cleaning and rinsing your boat, motor, trailer and equipment, draining any excess water from previous outings, and allowing your boat to dry before using it in a different body of water. Sign up for the Mound City Fishing District Newsletter today! Remember to "CLEAN, DRAIN AND DRY" your boats and equipment. For tips on spring bass fishing check out the KDWPT video at the following link! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpIJaiyW32k For crappie anglers, watch this 25-minute video that covers Kansas crappie fishing during spring, summer, fall, and winter https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sazyEuIT_bk NO special permits required, this is a Community Fisheries Assistance Program Lake. Use caution, this lake has quantities of standing and submerged trees and limited shoreline access. This is a 220 acre lake with approximately 180 acres of standing trees. Fishing only lake. The lake has a boat ramp, parking lot, security light, floating dock, and vault toilet on the east side of the lake and a boat ramp and parking lot on the west side.. | |||
BOURBON COUNTY ELM CREEK LAKE - Last Updated: 4/27/2023
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method, & Location | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Channel catfish | Good | varies | Go fishing, the fish have to eat. try bluegill chunks, chicken liver. Anglers are catching big Fish. Fish feeders are OFF. Gearup. | ||
| Largemouth bass | Good | varies | lake wide, use silver crank and spinner baits, or dark jigs, | ||
| Bullheads | Good | varies | use worms,or liver lake wide | ||
| Bluegill | Good | 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 | Good | some small fish but some real good ones also, with 50 limit | use minnows and dark jigs, recently bigger fish over 11 inches reportedly caught, but lots of 9 inch fish. | ||
| Comments | |||||
| The best way to measure social distancing is with a fishing pole. This lake is great for shoreline angling, lots of room to spread out. The lake is low because of a leaky dam. Plans are underway to repair the leak. Go fishing, the fish have to eat. Remember the length and creel limits. Due to a leak in the dam water levels can be low and will remain low until repairs are made. The County and Wildlife and Parks are committed to repairing the dam and restoring the fishery. This may begin this fall. Zebra Mussels have recently been found in Hillsdale Lake, and Linn Valley, Linn County, (Private Lake Development), we'd like to remind you to "Clean, Drain and Dry" your boat and equipment.
Get the kids, get your friends and Go Fishing. Remember to "CLEAN, DRAIN AND DRY" your boats, trailers and equipment. Sign up for the Mound City Fishing District Newsletter today For tips on spring bass fishing check out the KDWPT video at the following link! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpIJaiyW32k For crappie anglers, watch this 25-minute video that covers Kansas crappie fishing during spring, summer, fall, and winter https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sazyEuIT_bk With questions about this lake call Donald George, Fisheries Biologist, at 913-795-2218, or Bourbon County at 620-223-3800. | |||||
BOURBON STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 5/25/2023
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method, & Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Bass ( Largemouth and Spotted Bass) | Excellent | 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 | Good | all sizes | Nice redear sunfish are available by slow fishing along the piers with jig, worm under a float. Bluegill are also available but are smaller in size. |
| Walleye/Saugeye | Slow | varies | Fish drop offs and at the head of the inflow areas using crank baits, jigs and or minnow |
| Channel Catfish | Excellent | 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 | Good | 8 - 12 inches and up | Sampling indicates a good crappie population with a good percentage of fish over 10 inches. Try using minnows, jigs under a 5ft float, along the piers. |
| General Comments | |||
| Zebra Mussels have recently been found in Hillsdale Lake, and Linn Valley, Linn County, (Private Lake Development), we'd like to remind 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: 5/25/2023
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Methods, Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| largemouth bass | Fair | 8 in to 21 inches | Vibrating jigs, spinnerbaits, crankbaits, swimbaits or jerkbaits fished around structure and spawning areas. Texas-rigged plastics or weightless stick baits are great lures for spawning bass. Quality fish are present but numbers remain low. |
| walleye | Fair | 14-25 inches | Fish should be on rocky points, humps, or drop offs. Trolling jig and crawler rigs or crankbaits around this type of structure or casting and working jighead and soft plastic slowly on same structure. |
| channel catfish/blue catfish | Good | 1/2-5 lbs, Blues up to 50lbs. | Various prepared baits, liver, and worms usually good for channel catfish lakewide. Using fresh cut bait such as shad or carp usually is best for blue catfish. Fishing wind blown banks or up in the riprap should be productive or try creek channel swings and humps. Don't be afraid to fish shallow water for both species. 921 blue catfish were tagged for a population study, so be on the lookout for tags in the blue cats that you catch and please report any you do catch. If you report a tag, you will receive a prize and your name will be entered in a drawing for a Yeti cooler towards the end of the project. |
| smallmouth bass | Fair | 10-20 inches | Throwing small shad imitators like compact spinnerbaits or crankbaits. Crayfish imitating baits should also work. Ned rigs or drop shots are great techniques to use for smallmouth. Recent sampling continues to show a lower density population, however, more smaller fish were sampled this year which is a good sign. We also sampled a beautiful 5 lber. |
| white bass/Wipers | Good | up to 5lbs. | Using small shad imitating baits such as small crankbaits, bucktail jigs, slab spoons, or twister tail grubs fished on wind blown points. There are some nice wipers being caught, a 9 lber was sampled during the sping sample. |
| crappie | Fair-Good | 11-15 inches | Look for crappie to be back in deeper water near the standing timber or creek channel breaks. |
| General Comments | |||
| Entrance gate phone number is 620-364-2475 call for lake conditions. Fishing near the warm water outlet during the fall and winter can be very productive for multiple species. Registration for Coffey County Lake is now available online at https://www.coffeycountyks.org/home/showdocument?id=3502. A large brush pile was created north of the boat ramp in the old creek channel and is marked with a fish attractor buoy. There were also several trees sunk at the end of the hot water dike and should be easily marked on your locator. These spots should be really good in the fall and winter months. ZEBRA MUSSELS have been confirmed in Coffey County Lake! Please help stop the spread. Clean, Drain, and Dry your boat and livewell after leaving this lake. It is illegal to transport live fish, bait, and water from this lake. For more information on waters in Anderson, Allen, Coffey, and Woodson counties click the following link to sign up for the New Strawn District Fisheries Newsletter. http://kdwpt.state.ks.us/news/KDWPT-Info/News/Newsletter-Request-Forms/Request-a-Newsletter-for-the-New-Strawn-Fishing-District | |||
CRAWFORD STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 5/25/2023
| 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: 75° F, May 25, 2023 Lake levels: 5.5 feet low from normal pool KDWPT Fisheries and State Park staff enhanced current fish habitat by adding approximately 150 cedar trees near shoreline spawning areas to enhance largemouth bass and spotted bass structure, as well as added cedar trees to current brushpiles near shoreline access areas in October of 2021. Additionally, nearly 100 cedar trees and 40 "Georgia Cubes" were added to the lake in spring of 2019. Fisheries staff plan to add additional cedar trees to enhance fish habitat in the winter of 2021. Cedar trees were placed on existing brushpiles. The GPS coordinates for those existing brushpiles are as follows: N 37.642683, W 094.806843 (Northeast corner dock) 37.641414, W 094.807232 (East cove dock on west side of cove) N 37.640050, W 094.809163 (Middle arm, east side) N 37.637126, W 094.811680 (East fishing pier) Cedar trees were placed on new brushpiles. The GPS coordinates for the new brushpile locations are as follows (Updated 10/13/2021): N 37.642581, W 094.808307 (North point) N 37.644641, W 094.810386 (North boat ramp) N 37.643394, W 094.811154 (Marina northeast dock) N 37.641860, W 094.812640 (Marina Cove southwest dock) N 37.643614, W 094.811419 (Marina Cafe dock) N 37.641616, W 094.813571 (Marina Cove, west end) N 37.641749, W 094.812921 (Marina Cove, southwest dock) N 37.641966, W 094.806699 (East Cove, east bank) N 37.641278, W 094.807183 (East Cove, southwest bank) N 37.641637, W 094.807649 (East Cove, northwest bank) N 37.642103, W 094.807946 (East Cove, north point) Georgia Cubes were added to six new locations. The GPS coordinates for the Georiga Cubes are as follows: 16 Georgia Cubes @ N 37.642602, W 094.808321 (North point) 6 Georgia Cubes @ N 37.642695, W 094.806880 (Northeast corner dock) 7 Georgia Cubes @ N 37.641402, W 094.807221 (East cove dock on west side of cove) 5 Georgia Cubes @ N 37.637147, W 094.811688 (East fishing pier) 3 Georgia Cubes @ N 37.643472, W 094.811373 (Marina northeast dock) 3 Georgia Cubes @ N 37.644663, W 094.810369 (North boat ramp) Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism fisheries staff recently undertook a project to produce lake maps, or bathymetric maps, for public waters statewide. The lake map for Crawford State Fishing Lake can be found at the following link: https://ksoutdoors.com/Fishing/Where-to-Fish-in-Kansas/Bathymetric-Lake-Maps.This link will provide you with a link for all bathymetric lake maps for the state of Kansas. Scroll down to find Crawford State Fishing Lake. This will allow for anglers to view the depths of the lake to choose different habitats and lake depths to fish for different species, year-round. You will also find current GPS locations of habitat structures placed by KDWPT fisheries staff to easily input into your sonar unit, or find if you are fishing from shore. Be sure to Clean, Drain, and Dry your boat, bait buckets, and recreational watercraft before and after launching your boat. It is important to remove your drain plug on your watercraft upon departure to drain live wells and water inside of your boat; it will protect our natural resources in Kansas for current anglers and future generations to enjoy. Zebra mussels, white perch, and asian carp are all invasive species that can be found in Kansas. Be sure to stay up to date on information regarding Aquatic Nuisance Species. If you would like to provide a fishing report for Crawford State Fishing Lake, don't hesitate to contact Connor Ossowski, District Fisheries Biologist, at (620) 231-3173. | |||
CRITZER LAKE - Last Updated: 5/25/2023
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method, Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Excellent | 13 to 18 inches with a few at 22 inches | Work the edges and out in the middle in the trees. Fish above the stratification line. Some larger fish available, best luck with dark colored jip n pigs, plastic worms, crank baits in close to cover. The majority of fish are in the 12 inch to 6 pound range. In 2021 a 9.88 was caught and released. |
| Smallmouth Bass | Poor | 13 to 15" | A limited fishery exists some are taken on jigs, spinners, along the dam and rocky areas. |
| Channel Catfish | Good | 15" to 8 pounds | This is a good catfish population with a lot of fish in the 3 pounds and up to 15 pounds range. Use cut shad, cut sunfish, worms, liver, prepared baits, lakewide or along the piers along the parking lot. We recently stocked several thousand channel catfish into the lake to boost the population. |
| Crappie | Good | 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 200,000 saugeye fry stocked to spice up the fishing. This is a great Kayak or small craft lake. Critzer Lake is one of Kansas' newest lakes and was opened to fishing in August of 2011. Many anglers use kayaks or tubes to float into the cover and are very successful. There is a double lane boat ramp. The floating dock is finished and compliments this great fishing lake. The lake is primarily a boat lake but there is shoreline access east of the boatramp where anglers can set up on the two piers and be very close to the parking lot. This 220 acre lake offers 180 acres of standing timber so there is a no-wake speed limit. There is a second, smaller access area located at the south west part of the lake, from 800 rd. and Gorman, north 1/4 mile. This area makes it easier for anglers in small craft to launch and paddle/fish the more timbered areas. There is a parking lot and gravel ramp and provides shoreline angling also. Zebra Mussels have recently been found in Hillsdale Lake, and Linn Valley Lake, this is a private lake community, we'd like to remind you to stay aware and take all precautions necessary to prevent the spread into uncontaminated waters! This includes cleaning and rinsing your boat and motor, trailer, and equipment, draining any excess water from previous outings, and allowing your boat to dry before using it in a different body of water. Remember CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY! We have improved the area with a floating dock, located just west of the boat ramp. For tips on spring bass fishing watch this KDWPT video at the following link! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpIJaiyW32k Check out this video from Brent Chapman fishing for bass in Critzer Lake! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngvw2uz3oH0 Great Kansas Fishing Derby May 15 to Sept 15 Visit www.ksfishderby.com for more info; Tagged Fish - Channel Catfish, Bullhead | |||
ELK CITY RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 5/25/2023
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method & Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crappie | Good | 8-14" | Crappie fishing remains good. Crappie are up spawning on the dam and in the state park. Minnows under a bobber are working best. |
| Blue and channel catfish | Good | 18-30" | Catfishing has improved. Look for catfish to be moving into the dam and state park area. Catfish are also moving into the shallows in the evenings to feed. 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: 5/18/2023
| 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 along rocks and windy shoreline. |
| crappie | good | 52% 5"- 8" 27% 8"-10" 15% 10"-12" 4% 12"-15" 2% 15"+ | Use a jig or minnow along rocky shoreline and brush piles. |
| white bass | fair | 4% 6"- 9" 24% 9"-12" 47% 12"-15" 25% 15"-18" | Use plastic jig, imitation shad, or spinner on rocky and windy shoreline. |
| 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. FLRR brush piles 1.52 kB Sign up to receive a copy of the Fall River District Fisheries Newsletter. For more information about the Fall River Fisheries District, click here to access newsletters. | |||
FT. SCOTT LAKE - Last Updated: 5/25/2023
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method, & Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| largemouth and spotted bass | Excellent | varies | spinners, shad imitating crank baits, or soft plastic baits close to fish structure, the deeper side of weed beds and along rocky points. |
| channel and flathead | Excellent | 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 | Good | varies, many over 11 inches | Warm sunny days improve crappie fishing. Most fish are caught in the south end, especially around edges and along deeper water breaks. There are a high percentage of fish over 10 inches. Try black and white jigs under a float. |
| bluegill | Slow | varies | use small baits, such as worms, jigs suspended under a float, in deeper water |
| General Comments | |||
| The best way to measure social distancing is with a fishing pole. Ft Scott Lake has boat ramps and several docks and good shoreline access for fishing. This lake has great shoreline angling, lots of room to spread out, for social distancing. The lake has a good reputation for producing good stringers of channel catfish. Channel catfish from the rearing pond are stocked into this lake each fall. Recent tree/habitat placements, In 2014, 2015 and 2016, 2017 about 900 xmas trees were placed at each end of the dam and along Scoratino Park. The tree placement along the dam are very accessible for shoreline anglers. This project is will improve angler success for bass and crappie. Recently there were 3,500 channel catfish stocked to spice up the fishing. Zebra Mussels have recently been found in Hillsdale Lake, and Linn Valley, Linn County, (Private Lake Development), we'd like to remind you to "CLEAN, DRAIN and DRY" all watercraft before and after entering this lake. Remember- Wear a Lifejacket and Reach - Throw - Don t Go. Buy your state fishing license and have fun. Please remember the special length/creel limits. Get the kids, get your friends and Go Fishing. Remember to "CLEAN, DRAIN AND DRY" your boats, trailers and equipment. Sign up for the Mound City Fishing District Newsletter today! For tips on spring bass fishing check out the KDWPT video at the following link! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpIJaiyW32k For crappie anglers, watch this 25-minute video that covers Kansas crappie fishing during spring, summer, fall, and winter https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sazyEuIT_bk This is a Community Fisheries Assistance Lake Cooperator,no city permits for fishing and boating while fishing. City permit required for recreational boating. Great Kansas Fishing Derby May 15 to Sept 15 Visit www.ksfishderby.com for more info; Tagged Fish - Channel Catfish | |||
GARNETT NORTH - Last Updated: 5/25/2023
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method & Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crappie | Fair-Good | 8-14 inches | Crappie spawn should be over and the fish will be in deeper water near structure. Live bait is a good choice this time of year. |
| Channel catfish | Good | 8-30 inches | Livers, shad sides, or other prepared baits along ledges or windy banks. The upper end of the lake should be good when water is running in. Don't be afraid to fish shallow. |
| Largemouth Bass | Good | up to 5lbs. | Any type of moving bait should work, spinnerbaits, crankbaits, swimbaits, or vibrating jigs. If they are not successful slow it down and throw soft plastics rigged Texas style or wacky rigged stick baits. Early morning or evening topwater bite should be good as well. Recent sampling continues to show excellent numbers of good sized bass. The length limit was changed to a 15"-21" protected slot limit. You are encouraged to harvest all bass under 15" to improve the population. |
| Wipers | Fair | up to 6 lbs | Chicken livers or shad imitating baits such as crankbaits, spinnerbaits, rattletraps, soft jerkbaits, fished around wind blown banks and dropoffs. |
| General Comments | |||
| Please remember to help STOP AQUATIC HITCHHIKERS! CLEAN, DRAIN, and DRY your boat and livewell when leaving water bodies. Four Georgia Cube Fish Attractors were placed by the fishing dock (2on the East end and 2 on the West end) on the north end of the lake. DO NOT MOVE FISH OR BAIT TO DIFFERENT WATERS! For more information on waters in Woodson, Coffey, Anderson, and Allen counties, click the following link to sign up for the New Strawn District Fisheries Newsletter.http://kdwpt.state.ks.us/news/KDWPT-Info/News/Newsletter-Request-Forms/Request-a-Newsletter-for-the-New-Strawn-Fishing-District | |||
GARNETT SOUTH - Last Updated: 5/25/2023
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Methods, and Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Current Fishing Opportunity | |||
| Largemouth Bass | Good | up to 5lbs. | big trout colored swimbaits, vibrating jigs, crankbaits, or football jigs worked around shoreline habitat. Weightless stick baits rigged Wacky style or Texas rigged creature baits are great choices as well. This time of year its hard to be the early morning topwater bite. Recent sampling continues to show excellent numbers of good sized bass. |
| Bluegill | Good | up to 8 inches | Small jigs or flies, also bobber with a worm. Good numbers of 6-7" fish are available |
| Channel Catfish | Good | 8-24 inches | chicken livers, cut bait or other prepared bait lakewide. |
| Crappie | Fair | 6-10 inches | Crappie have moved back off the banks and are roaming the open water look for fish around the limited vertical structure in the lake. Live bait is hard to beat this time of year. |
| Comments: Please remember to CLEAN, DRAIN, and DRY your boats and livewells to help stop the spread of ANS species. For more information on this lake and other lakes in Anderson, Allen, Coffey, and Woodson Counties, click on the link below to subscribe to the New Strawn District Fisheries Newsletter. |
JOHN REDMOND RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 5/25/2023
| Species | Size | Rating | Bait, Method, Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Channel Catfish | up to 20lbs. | Good | Drifting various baits lakewide or focusing on wind blown shorelines using various baits such as livers or fresh cut bait. Fishing the shallow timber near the upper end and in coves may be productive but use caution because of the extremely shallow water. |
| Blue Catfish | up to 30 lbs. | Fair-Good | 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. |
| Crappie | up to 15" | Good | Fish have more than likely moved off of the banks and are roaming the open water looking for shad. Some schools may be found around the brushpiles or spider rigging near the dredged area may produce. |
| Comments - Fishing should be good below the dam for multiple species during low to moderate releases. Brush Pile Coordinates:
N 38o 14.743'
N 38o 14.658'
N 38o 14.419'
N 38o 14.256'
N 38o 14.722'
N 38o 14.811'
N 38o 14.922'
N 38o 15.222' Fishing below the dam during low to moderate releases should be good for most species. For current lake level and release information click the following link http://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/JOHN.lakepage.html. ALERT! This lake contains Zebra Mussels please help stop the spread Clean, Drain, and Dry your boat and equipment after leaving this water body. It is Illegal transport live fish, bait, and water from this lake. For more information on lakes in the New Strawn district click the following link. http://kdwpt.state.ks.us/news/KDWPT-Info/News/Newsletter-Request-Forms/Request-a-Newsletter-for-the-New-Strawn-Fishing-District | |||
LA CYGNE RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 5/25/2023
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method, Location | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Channel, blue and flathead catfish, | Excellent | 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 | Good | 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 | Good | varies but 16 to 20 inches is common | Use surface plugs or plastic worms along the rip rap and shoreline along shaded areas. | |||||||
| White bass | Good | varies, some almost 2 pounds | Use shad imitations, silver spoons. Most of the fish caught in the area of the hot water outlet have been the 1 to 2 pound range. Fish the creek mouth where the fresh water comes in and the fish are stacked up. | |||||||
| Wiper | Good | some up to 12 pounds | Most fish are in the 4 - 6 pound range with a few larger. Find surface gizzard shad and fish close to the shad. | |||||||
| Carp | Good | 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
| ||||||||||
LYON STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 5/18/2023
| 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 rock jetties. Fish are spawning over gravel beds. The water is very clear and the fish spook easily. |
| Channel Catfish | good | 29% 11-16" 57% 16-24" 0% 24-28" 14% 28-36" | Use worms, shad sides, or liver around feeders, brush piles, and weed line in coves. |
| Largemouth Bass | good | 25% 8-12" 45% 12-15" 30% 15-20" 1% >20" | Use spinners or jigs around brush piles and shallow water structure. Fish are spawning on beds. Fish spook easily due to clear water. |
| Crappie | fair | 35% 5-8" 6% 8-10" 40% 10-12" 18% 12-15" | Use small jigs or minnows around brush piles. |
| Saugeye | fair | 0% 9-14" 44% 14-18" 33% 18-22" 22% 22-27" | Drift a jig and worm on mud flats and across points in early morning. |
| 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. For more information about the Fall River/Toronto Fisheries District, click here to access newsletters. | |||
MARAIS DES CYGNES WILDLIFE AREA - Last Updated: 5/25/2023
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method, & Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| blue, flathead, channel catfish | Good | 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: 5/26/2023
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method & Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crappie | Good | 0.25-1 lbs | Crappie are nearly complete with spawning, but shallow spawners can still be found in 2-4ft. Typical of Crappie, their spawn is often spread out over the course of several weeks to a month. When weather conditions are favorable, fish move in shallow. If fish are not found shallow, target staging fish in 5-10ft. As fish complete spawning activity, look for them to concentrate on deeper brush piles in 10-20ft. Minnows and small plastics are producing bites |
| White Bass | Good | 0.5-2 lbs | White Bass can be found in schools near river channel. |
| Walleye/Saugeye/Sauger | Good - Very Good | 0.5-3 lbs | Fish can be found on main lake flats and extended points in 8-15 ft. Trolling crawler harnesses and crankbaits are producing bites. Jigging is also a productive technique. |
| Blue Catfish | Fair-Good | 2-30 bs | Fish can be found in shallow flats near the river channel and wind-blown shorelines. A 35-inch minimum length limit applies. Practice safe catch and release. |
| Channel Catfish | Good-Very Good | 1- 6 lbs | Channel Catfish are spawning and can be found on rocky shorelines. Nightcrawlers and minnows are producing the most bites. |
| Black Bass | Good | 1-5 lbs | Most bass have completed spawning and males are fry guarding. Target Largemouth in shallow cover with soft plastic baits. Target Smallmouth in areas with rocky substrate using Ned Rigs, small crankbaits, or minnows. |
| 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 | |||
| Water Level: As of May 26th, Melvern Reservoir was 1ft 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 to prevent spread of Zebra Mussels to other waterbodies. | |||
MINED LAND WILDLIFE AREA - Last Updated: 5/25/2023
| 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 | Good | 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 | Good | 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, 11, 33, 41, 44, 45 to name a few. | ||||||||||||||
| Largemouth Bass | Good | 8-21 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
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 | Poor | 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. | ||||||||||||||
| Water Levels |
The pits are currently low, due to lack of rainfall, and most are 3 feet low. The Scammon Units are low up to 6 ft. Habitat efforts will take place to take advantage of low water levels, until rainfall begins. Low water levels can be a benefit to the fish populations by concentrating smaller bluegill and crappie to predatory fish, such as largemouth bass, channel catfish, wipers, and walleye. Please use caution during the spring and summer of 2023 of certain boat ramps, due to low water levels. Units 11, 15, 17, 32, 33, and 34 ramps have low water levels and please use caution to not back in too far past the edge of the boat ramp. | ||||||||||||||||
| General Comments | |||||||||||||||||
| Water Temperature: 76° F, May 25, 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: 5/25/2023
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method, & Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Channel Catfish | Good | 14-24" | Catfishing remains good. Look for catfish to move into the shallows on warm evenings. Chicken liver and shrimp are working best. |
| Largemouth Bass | Good | 8-18" | Largemouth bass fishing remains good. Largemouth bass are in the shallows spawning. Jigs and soft plastics have been working best. |
| Crappie | Good | 8-12" | Crappie fishing remains good. Crappie have finished spawning but some are still shallow. Minnows have been working best. |
| Bluegill/Redear Sunfish | Good | 6-8" | Bluegill and redear fishing has improved. Look for them up shallow as they are spawning. Worms under a bobber are working best. |
| General Comments | |||
| A bathymetric map is available for Montgomery State Fishing Lake at the link above. District Newsletter We have created a fishing newsletter that can be sent out to all that subscribe to it. This newsletter is for fishing information for the Independence District (Chautauqua, Labette, Montgomery, and Wilson counties) only. Great Kansas Fishing Derby May 15 to Sept 15 Visit www.ksfishderby.com for more info; Tagged Fish - Channel Catfish, Black Bass, Crappie, Bluegill | |||
MOUND CITY LAKE - Last Updated: 5/25/2023
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method, & Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Channel Catfish | Excellent | Size varies but most are much larger than the 15 inch length limit, with some large fish | The fish feeders are ON and many catfish are using the feeders. The shoreline around the feeders has recently been improved to be nicer for families to fish. This lake produces many good channel catfish. Try stink baits, chicken liver, cut shad or chunks of sunfish. The lake supports high numbers of 2 to 8 pounders. The creek in the south end maybe excellent right after a hard rain. We recently stocked channel catfish to expand the population. |
| Bluegill/Redear Sunfish | Good | varies | Use small baits, jigs or small worm under a float set for shallow water, fish maybe in shallow. |
| Crappie | Good | 8 to 14 inches some larger | Lots of crappie have been caught this year. Try habitat, such as brushpiles. Recent sampling indicates that majority of crappie are in the 10 inch range with some fish in the 13 to 15 inch ranges. Minnows and dark jigs are best. |
| Largemouth Bass | Good | varies | A great population. There are many fish in the 3+ range. Recent sampling indicates a good population with majority of fish 14 to 19 inches. Try plastics, jig and Pig, slab, try along the rock, trees and timber |
| General Comments | |||
| This is a great Kayak or small craft lake. The 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 ON. Largemouth bass numbers have really improved and continues to produce great fishing. Recently there were 2,000 channel catfish stocked to spice up the fishing. Zebra Mussels have recently been found in Hillsdale Lake, and Linn Valley, Linn County, (Private Lake Development) 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: 4/17/2023
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method, & Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paddlefish | Poor | Paddlefish snagging has been slow as water levels remain low. If there is any increase in flow look for paddlefishing to improve. | |
| General Comments | |||
| THE SNAGGING SEASON IS OPEN FROM MARCH 15 THROUGH MAY 15TH. •Catch and release is allowed on the Neosho River •A fish must be kept if placed on a stringer. Culling is not allowed. •A state-issued permit is required. Two paddlefish may be harvested daily and six may be harvested in a season. •Barbless hooks are required at Chetopa. The best fishing occurs at river flows of 10-15,000 cubic feet per second. The following link will take you to the Kansas Water Watch website. Click HERE for river flow data. | |||
NEOSHO STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 5/25/2023
| 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: 75° F, May 25, 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: 5/26/2023
| 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. Sunfish are spawning in the shallows and making spawning beds. Target sunfish using nightcrawlers under a bobber. |
| Channel catfish | Fair | 0.5-5 lbs | Channel Catfish are spawning and can be caught near the shoreline. Nightcrawlers or minnows are producing the best bites. |
| Crappie | Good | 0.25 - 1lbs | Crappie are nearly complete with spawning but some shallow spawner can still be caught. Small plastics or minnows are producing bites. |
| Largemouth bass | Fair | 0.5-2 lbs | Bass have completed spawning and males are fry guarding. Target bass along vegetation edges using soft plastic baits. |
| 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: 5/25/2023
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method, &Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wipers | Good | 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 | Excellent | 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 | Excellent | varies | lots of bass with a balanced population. try dropoffs, and the weed bed habitat. Try using silver or blue crank baits or soft baits. Lots of bass in the 12 to 15 inch range. An angler caught 8 yesterday with the biggest at 4 lbs. |
| Walleye/Saugeye | 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: 5/25/2023
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method, & Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| channel catfish | Excellent | Size varies, some up to 8 pounds | The fish feeders are ON and have 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 | Good | All sizes | Density and quality of fish is good. The crappie are in and out with the water temperatures. Most about 9 inches with some in the 12 inch range. Because of the lake design and habitat placements, most fish are accessible from the shoreline. Fish with jigs, blue /white, minnows, |
| largemouth bass | Excellent | 12-23 inches | water levels are good 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 ON 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: 5/25/2023
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method, & Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Channel, Blue, Flathead Catfish | Good | all sizes | good baits are worms or dip baits and cut sunfish or cutshad. Both of the Parks provide many great shorelines for family from the bank fishing. The Rock Quarry is a good place for shore fishing. The outlet can be very good when releasing larger amounts of water. There is the occasional harvest of a blue catfish. Channel catfish are in great shape, many in the 2 to 4 pound range. Lots of catfish caught in the spillway on worms or cut bait. |
| Walleye/saugeye | Slow | varies | Try crank baits or jigs tipped with night crawlers along the flats |
| White bass/Wipers | Slow | varies | There are good white bass up to 2 pounds and good wipers up to the 5-6 pound pounds. Good baits are minnows/live baits, cut bait, sometimes for wipers use liver and shad imitation lures. Look for where shad are schooled up. |
| Crappie | 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 are good. Pomona has produced many good crappie in the 10 to 14 inch range and excellent white bass. Angling will improve as the water warms up. Also remember this lake has a good wiper and an improving walleye, saugeye population. These are often caught at the drop offs along creek channels, and around concentrations of gizzard shad. The reservoir also supports some larger walleye and blue catfish, though in low numbers. These numbers will be improved by future stockings. Zebra mussels now inhabit this lake. This means take EXTRA PRECAUTION to help prevent the spread into uncontaminated impoundments. "Clean, Drain and Dry" before and after using any equipment on this lake. For additional information, water temperature, release rates, please check: http://www.nwk.usace.army.mil/Locations/District-Lakes/Pomona-Lake/Daily-Lake-Information/ Have FUN, Get the kids, get your friends and Go Fishing. Remember to "CLEAN, DRAIN AND DRY" your boats and equipment. The State and COE Parks are ready for family fishing. Sign up for the Mound City Fishing District Newsletter today! Check out this video on fish management provided by KDWPT http://ksoutdoors.com/Fishing/Special-Fishing-Programs-for-You/Fishing-Videos/Kansas-Fish-Management For crappie anglers, watch this 25-minute video that covers Kansas crappie fishing during spring, summer, fall, and winter https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sazyEuIT_bk | |||
WILSON STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 5/25/2023
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method & Location | |
| Channel Catfish | Good | 16-24" | Catfishing has improved. Look for fish to move into the shallows on warm evenings and also on the north end by the bridge. Look for any flowing water to increase your chances. Shad sides and chicken livers have been working best. | |
| Largemouth and Spotted Bass | Good | 10-22" | Largemouth bass fishing remains good. Bass have started to spawn and are up in the shallows. Jigs and soft plastics have been working best. | |
| Crappie | Good | 8-12" | Crappie fishing remains good. Crappie have finished spawning but some are still up shallow cruising for food. Minnows have been working best. | |
| Bluegill and Redear | Good | 6-8" | Bluegills and redear fishing has improved. Bluegill and redear can be found moving into the shallows as they are spawning. Jigs tipped with a worm have been working best. | |
| General Comments | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Both maintained boat ramps are currently usable. A bathymetric map is available for Wilson State Fishing Lake at the link above. District Newsletter We have created a fishing newsletter that can be sent out to all that subscribe to it. This newsletter is for fishing information for the Independence District (Chautauqua, Labette, Montgomery, and Wilson counties) only. | ||||
WOODSON STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 5/25/2023
| Species | Rating | Size | Bait, Method, Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Good | 6-14" | Texas-rigged plastics, weightless stick baits, or spinnerbaits fished around structural elements such as isolated brush on flats or rocky points should produce. Topwater baits near the weedbeds should also be good. |
| Channel Catfish | Good | 12-26" | Livers, shad sides, stink bait fished on wind blown banks. Lots of fish in the 1-4 lb. range. Don't be afraid to fish shallower habitat. |
| Walleye | Slow | 8-12" | Fall sampling indicates a few fish over 15" are available. |
| Bluegill | Good | 4-7" | mealworms, nightcrawlers, or small jigs fished near shore and around vegetation or brush. |
| Crappie | Good | 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 near rocky or brushy habitat. |
| We added 120 brush piles and 220 Georgia Cubes to the lake for fish habitat. For a map of these habitat locations and a bathymetric map of Woodson State Fishing Lake CLICK HERE | |||
The lake is about 7ft. low, use caution using the boat ramp especially with larger boats.
YATES CENTER - SOUTH OWL - Last Updated: 5/25/2023
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method & Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth bass | Good | 1-5 lbs. | Football jigs, vibrating jigs, Texas-rigged plastics or squarebill crankbaits worked slowly near rocky banks or water willow. Buzzbaits or frogs fished near the water willow should produce some fish early and late in the day. Recent sampling efforts indicate a good population of bass is present with fish up to 6 lbs. |
| channel catfish | Good | 1/2-15 lbs | Using shad sides livers or other prepared baits on wind blown banks should get a few bites. Don't be afraid to fish shallow around the water willow. |
| Walleye | No reports | 10-24" | |
| crappie | Good | up to 14" | Crappie should be done spawning and have moved back off the banks to deeper water look for them around the deeper structures use minnows or jigs. |
| General Comments | |||
| STOP AQUATIC HITCHHIKERS! CLEAN, DRAIN, and DRY your boat and livewell before leaving an area. DO NOT MOVE FISH OR BAIT between waters. We sank 30 Georgia Cube Fish Attractors in this lake and they are holding fish. Click on the following link to download the Google Earth File and get the coordinates. http://ksoutdoors.com/KDWPT-Info/Locations/Hunting-Fishing-Atlas/Fishing-Atlas/GPS-KML-Information-Files/Google-KMZ-file-of-Artificial-Habitat-Fish-Attractor-GPS District Fisheries Newsletter. http://kdwpt.state.ks.us/news/KDWPT-Info/News/Newsletter-Request-Forms/Request-a-Newsletter-for-the-New-Strawn-Fishing-District | |||
YATES CENTER CITY LAKE - Last Updated: 5/25/2023
| Species | Size | Rating | Baits, Methods, Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redear and Bluegill | up to 10" | Fair-Good | A good population of both species is present in this lake. small jigs or worms fished around deeper brush or timber. |
| Largemouth Bass | 8-18" | Good | Football jigs, Texas-rigged plastics, squarebill crankbaits, or slow rolling big spinnerbaits around various structural elements. Topwater baits early and late near the piers and brush. The slot limit was changed to a 15-21" protected slot, meaning you need to release any bass in the 15"-21" range, but you are encouraged to harvest all bass under 15" to help improve the population. |
| Catfish | up to 10lbs. | Good | Shad sides, worms, or other prepared baits fished on windy flats or upper end of lake when water is coming in. Don't be afraid to fish shallow water. 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" | Good | Fish should be moving back off the banks back to deeper water look for them around the standing timber near the creek channel. Use live bait or jigs. |
| 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. | |||