Marais des Cygnes Wildlife Area Fishing Information
Pleasanton, KS
7 miles N of Pleasanton
Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks 913-352-8941
The Marais des Cygnes River, from the north end of Unit G to stateline is open to paddlefish snagging. The season starts March 15 to May 15.
The Marais des Cygnes Wildlife Area supports many lakes. These waterfowl mangement lakes are open to fishing on April 15. Many pools support good angling when they are draining. During draining some pools are open to public fish salvage. Call the Wildlife Area Office at 913-352-8941 for more information.
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method, & Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| blue, flathead, channel catfish | Slow | 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 | |||
| Access to the river can be challenging. The marais des cygnes river flow varies 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 | |||
| Fishing Population | Creel Limit | Min Length Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Bluegill | unlimited | unlimited |
| Black Bullhead | unlimited | unlimited |
| Channel Catfish | 10 | unlimited |
| Crappie | 50 | unlimited |
| Flathead Catfish | 5 | unlimited |
| Green Sunfish | unlimited | unlimited |
| Largemouth Bass | 5 | 15 |
| Blue Catfish | 5 | unlimited |
* Largemouth, Smallmouth, Spotted Bass in Combination
** Striped Bass or Wiper in Combination
*** Walleye, Sauger or Saugeye in Combination