Wichita - Urban Fishing Report Fishing Report - Updated: 6/20/24

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
       
Channel Catfish Good Up to 20" The majority of public fishing waters around the Wichita Metro Area are stocked regularly in the Spring and Fall with harvest-sized Channel Catfish. They can be easily caught on worms and hotdogs. 
Crappie Poor Up to 12" Try using minnows or a small jigs. Crappie fishing is best at the KDOT West, SG County Park, OJ Watson Park, and Chisholm North lake.
Largemouth Bass Fair Up to 18"  Largemouth Bass can be found in most Wichita area lakes but catching can be tough due to low populations and high angling pressure. Your best opportunities to catch bass are at the KDOT lakes, Emery Park, Vic's Lake, and Chisholm North lake. During the summer months, the best fishing tends to be dawn and dusk.
Bluegill Good Up to 8" Bluegill are present in every lake in the area and can be targeted with worms and panfish lures.
Rainbow Trout  Poor up to 20" Last trout stocking has occurred at Vic's Lake, Slough in multiple pools, and OJ Watson Park (Section with Dock and Fountain). A Trout Permit is no longer required but creel limit of 5/day is still in effect. Use floating dough baits, flies, panfish jigs, worms, small spoons, or spinners.  
General Comments

Last stocking of Channel Catfish was June 11. Stockings will resume around September 1. For locations and schedule, please visit https://ksoutdoors.com/Fishing/Special-Fishing-Programs-for-You/Urban-Fishing-Program 

White Perch are present at KDOT West, SG County Park Lakes, South Lake, and North Chisholm Lake. These are designated AIS waters, so no live fish can be transported from these locations INCLUDING SUNFISH FOR BAIT. In addition, no live white perch may be possessed, and anglers are encouraged to not release any caught back into the water. They taste similar to white bass!