Melvern Reservoir Fishing Report - Updated: 5/23/24

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Crappie Good up to 15 inches Crappie have mostly completed their spawn, but some fish can still be found shallow.  Most crappie will be concentrated on deeper structure and brush piles. 
White Bass Fair up to 16 inches White Bass are can be caught using crankbaits or jigs near river channel bends. 
Walleye/Saugeye/Sauger Good-Very Good 15-20 inches Fish can be found on mudflats or near river channels in 10-20ft. Nightcrawlers rigged with bottom bouncers or jigs with plastics are producing bites. 
Catfish Good up to 40lbs.
Blue Catfish can be caught near river channels and wind-blown shorelines. Cut shad is producing the most bites. Channel catfish are spawning in shallow areas with large rocks and structures that provide spawning cavities.

  

Black Bass Good 1-5 lb Bass are nearing done spawning.  Some fish can be found on spawning beds or guarding fry schools.    
Fisheries Newsletter     If you would like to receive additional information about this lake a couple of times a year, sign up for the newsletter at the following link http://kdwp.state.ks.us/news/KDWP-Info/News/Newsletter-Request-Forms/Request-a-Newsletter-for-the-Lawrence-Fishing-District
Saugeye     18 inch minimum length limit went into effect Jan. 1, 2023.  This change makes Saugeye, Sauger, and Walleye have the same regulations at Melvern Reservoir.
General Comments

Water Level: Current water level conditions can be found at:

https://www.nwk.usace.army.mil/Locations/District-Lakes/Melvern-Lake/Daily-Lake-Info-2/

Invasive Species: Melvern Reservoir has Zebra Mussels.  Remember to clean, drain, and dry your boat to prevent spread of Zebra Mussels to other waterbodies.