Fort Scott Lake Ft. Scott Fishing Information
Fort Scott, KS
2 miles S, 3 miles W of Fort Scott
City of Fort Scott 620-223-0550
Fisheries Biologist -- Don George-- 913-795-2218
This lake is owned by the City of Ft.Scott and is open to all boating/recreation and fishing. This lake is enrolled into the Community Fisheries Assistance Program. A city fishing permit is no longer required. There is a double lane boat ramp, two floating docks, and toilets on the northwest side. There are several areas managed for shoreline fishing as well as floating fish feeders to note if boat fishing. After a rain get to the inflow areas with good line and some worms, prepared bait--channel catfish can be great. Go have fun. Remember- Wear a Lifejacket and Reach - Throw - Don t Go. Much of the lake's shoreline is housing developments. This lake has quite a reputation for large flathead and channel catfish, largemouth and spotted bass are abundant also.
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method, & Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| largemouth and spotted bass | Good | varies | water level is good, bass are in late summer pattern. Good results with shad crank baits, soft plastic baits close to fish structure, the deeper side of weed beds and along rocky points. |
| channel and flathead catfish | Good | varies, some very nice | There is a good population of channel catfish, many around 3-4 pounds. Fish are lakewide and around the fish feeders, use 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. |
| 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 | Crappie usually close to structure and 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 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. Fishing is cooler in the evening or at night. Recent tree/habitat placements, In 2014, 2015 and 2016, 2017 about 900 xmas trees were placed at each end of the dam and along Sciortino 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. | |||
| Fishing Population | Creel Limit | Min Length Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Bluegill | unlimited | unlimited |
| Black Bullhead | unlimited | unlimited |
| Channel Catfish | 2 | 15 |
| Crappie | 50 | unlimited |
| Largemouth Bass | 2 | 18 |
| Smallmouth Bass | 2 | 18 |
| Spotted Bass | 2 | 15 |
| Walleye | 2 | 18 |
| Green Sunfish | unlimited | unlimited |
| Redear Sunfish | unlimited | unlimited |
* Largemouth, Smallmouth, Spotted Bass in Combination
** Striped Bass or Wiper in Combination
*** Walleye, Sauger or Saugeye in Combination