The lake and the connected river system maintains a good channel catfish population and is one of the best places around to catch channel over 8 pounds.  

The blue catfish population is finally starting to get established.  The vast majority of the fish are below 28 inches and not sexually mature yet.  To protect these fish until they have a chance to spawn, a new 35-inch minimum length limit is in place starting January 1, 2018.  The plan is to only have a length limit on blue catfish for a few years until the population can sustain itself through natural reproduction.  

Please check any blue catfish for a yellow tag in its back as we have been tagging some to collect more information on the species in Tuttle Creek Lake.  It is up to you if you wish to release the fish or harvest it (if legally applicable), but please report the tag number and the general location of the catch to (785) 539-7941 or ely.sprenkle@ks.gov  A big THANK YOU to all who report their catch!

The high release rates have been moving fish from the Reservoir downstream which has led to some good fishing in the river pond, the river below the dam or at Rocky Ford.

Starting in 2017, the minimum length limit does not apply to saugeye in the River Pond or at the "tubes".  The 15-inch minimum length limit is still in effect in the Reservoir.

Fishing has been slow in the reservoir with the high water levels.

You can check current water conditions HERE

Zebra mussels were found in Tuttle Creek on August 16, 2017.  This makes the Reservoir, River Pond and Rocky Ford as designated Aquatic Nuisance Species waters. Fish may not be transported alive from ANS designated waters. To help prevent the spread of invasive species, please CLEAN, DRAIN & DRY all equipment when changing water bodies and please do not move fish you have caught or your bait.

Do you want some more information on fishing in the Manhattan area? You can subscribe to the free Manhattan Fisheries Newsletter by clicking the link.