Neosho State Fishing Lake Fishing Report -
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method & Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bluegill | Good | Up to 9" | Bluegill are beginning to spawn. Find them in less than 4 ft of water with a bobber and small jig, or small hook and worm. They can be found near the access jetties. Fly fishing is another preferred tactic by many anglers that can be fun during the spawn. |
| Warmouth | Fair | Up to 9" | Warmouth are a species that many anglers aren't aware of, but they're another species for fishing opportunity. Anglers can find warmouth primarily near rocky habitats, such as jetties and on dam, similar to green sunfish. The same tactics for bluegill and redear sunfish can be used to catch warmouth, such as a small hook tipped with a worm under a bobber, fly rod with small flies, and 1/16-1/32 ounce jigs. |
| Channel catfish | Good | Up to 28" | Channel catfish can be found in the shallows on the upper and lower ends of the lake, due to recent rains. Boat anglers can focus their efforts on the flats of 4-8', coves, and the brushpiles located on the southwest corner of the lake. Shoreline anglers can focus their efforts on the rock jetties throughout the entire lake, however the jetties on the southwest side of the lake are in close proximity of brushpiles that may congregate channel catfish. Prepared baits, shrimp, chicken liver, and cut bait will be your best options to try. |
| Flathead catfish | Fair | Up to 28" | Flathead catfish can be caught on live bait, or fresh cut bait, near brushpiles and flats. Brushpiles are located on the southwest corner of the lake. Flathead catfish will move up to the shallows in the morning, evening, and at night, so fishing off the jetties will be your best bet. |
| Crappie | Good | Up to 12" | Crappie have been observed this week in shallows preparing to spawn. Target areas less than 4 feet of water adjacent to rocks and brushpiles. Anglers can focus their efforts on brushpiles, which are located on the lower end on the southwest corner of the lake, drop offs and changes in depth located in close proximity to jetties, and coves. Crappie will congregate near structure. 1/8-1/16 ounce jigs with twister tails or tipped with a minnow, live minnows, worms, and small spinners are all good baits to try. |
| Largemouth Bass | Good | Up to 22" | Anglers have reported catching 1-3 lb Largemouth Bass on white bladed jigs and top water lures. Recent sampling has indicated a much improved high quality and high density population. This is in result of recent water level management and habitat addition efforts. Anglers can focus on jetties, if fishing from the shore, where brushpiles are in close proximity. Anglers fishing from boat can target brushpile habitat. Fishing access jetties are located on all sides of the lake. Baits to use include spinnerbaits, bladed jigs, jigs, top-water lures, and plastics are all tactics for anglers to pursue. |
| General Comment | |||
| Water Temperature: 85° F, June 24, 2024 Be sure to Clean, Drain, and Dry your boat, bait buckets, and recreational watercraft before and after launching your boat. It is important to remove your drain plug on your watercraft upon departure to drain live wells and water inside of your boat; it will protect our natural resources in Kansas for current anglers and future generations to enjoy. Zebra mussels, white perch, and asian carp are all invasive species that can be found in Kansas. Be sure to stay up to date on information regarding Aquatic Nuisance Species. If you would like to provide a fishing report for Neosho State Fishing Lake, don't hesitate to contact Connor Ossowski, District Fisheries Biologist, at (620) 231-3173. | |||