Douglas State Fishing Lake Fishing Report - Updated: 5/20/25

 Species Rating Size Baits, Method, and Location
Channel Catfish Good up to 10 lbs Channel Catfish are spawning and can be found on rocky shorelines, brush piles, and other shallow structure.  Nightcrawlers produce bites. 
Largemouth Bass Good 0.5-5 lbs Bass are preparing to spawn by making spawning beds in the shallows near structure.  Tube jigs or plastics that imitate crayfish will produce bites.
Bluegill/Redear Sunfish Good Up to 10 inches Sunfish are preparing to spawn in the shallows.  Worms under a bobber will produce bites. 
Crappie Good up to 12 inches Crappies are done spawning but some fish can still be found in the shallows.  Most crappie will concentrate around brush piles. Jigs and/or minnows with a slip bobber are very effective. 
General Comments
Spring-Summer Fishing Summary:

Many sport fish species have completed their annual spawn.  Species such as catfish, sunfish, and bass will continue to display spawning activity in the coming weeks.  Shore fishing should remain good until water temperatures reach summer peak, when fish typically move to deeper offshore structure and weed edges.  

Invasive species: 

There are no known invasive species at Douglas SFL.  This makes it critically important to clean, drain, and dry boats and fishing equipment before and after fishing.

Fish Stocking:

2,800 channel catfish intermediates were stocked in October 2024.

The lake has naturally reproducing populations of bass, sunfish, and crappie which do not require stocking. 

Recent Fisheries Surveys:

Bass and sunfish populations were surveyed in May 2025.  Both populations are healthy and reproduce naturally.  Largemouth up to 20" and 6lbs were captured.  Most bass are between 12-16 inches and are highly abundant, creating a high action fishing opportunity.  

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. 

Contact Information:

If you would like to contribute to future fishing reports or have questions about the fish populations, please email the Fisheries Biologist at: jim.miazga@ks.gov