Pleasanton City Lake West Fishing Information
Pleasanton, KS
½ mile W of Pleasanton
City of Pleasanton 913-352-8257
Don George,KDWP&T Fisheries Biologist, 913-795-2218
This lake was constructed in 1936 for water supply and public recreation. The lake supports an excellent channel catfish and largemouth bass fishery, and has good crappie and bluegill angling. This is a Community Fisheries Assistance Program Lake and "No Special Permits" are required to fish here. Recreational and speed boating is not allowed. Boats are for fishing only.
Access to the lake is provided with 1 single lane boat ramp, 2 parking lots, and 1/2 mile of hiking trails that surround the lake shoreline. There are 2 shelter houses also. This area is a favorite for kids and family fishing trips. The lake is involved in a fish feeding program and several floating fish feeders are visible to the angler. For catfish anglers these feeders are beacons of good fishing.
Fish harvest regulations are also posted at each entrance to the lake.
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method, & Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| channel catfish | Excellent | Size varies, some up to 8 pounds | Excellent fishery, lots of channel catfish, Use cut shad or sunfish, (best on chicken liver), shrimp, worms, prepared baits, along dam, lots of fat fish from 2 - 6 pounds. Fish feeders are Off. This lake is a great channel catfish lake with great shoreline access. This lake has great shoreline angling, lots of room to spread out, for social distancing. Gearup for these big channel catfish. Fishing is productive in the evening or at night. |
| crappie | Good | All sizes | The crappie are close to cover. Most about 9 inches with some in the 12 inch range. Because of the lake design and habitat placements, most fish are accessible from the shoreline. Fish with jigs, blue /white, minnows, |
| largemouth bass | Excellent | 12-22 inches | water levels are good. The bass are moving to the deeper edges work the water willow edges. Use crank baits or spinners, recent sampling shows many bass over 18 inches. |
| bluegill | Slow | varies | Most fish are under 8 inches. use a small worm or jig under a float. |
| General Comments | |||
| The best way to measure social distancing is with a fishing pole. This lake has great shoreline angling, lots of room to spread out, for social distancing. Warm weather will really speed up the fishing. Water levels are good. Best time to fish is anytime you can. Pleasanton West Lake produces a quality bass and channel catfish fishery. Largemouth bass, overall are in very good condition and health. Try your luck with roadrunners, jigs, and spinners for these sizeable fish! Recently there were 2,800 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 stay aware and take all precautions necessary to prevent the spread into uncontaminated waters! This includes cleaning and rinsing your boat and motor, trailer, and equipment, draining any excess water from previous outings, and allowing your boat to dry before using it in a different body of water. Get the kids, get your friends and Go Fishing. Remember to "CLEAN, DRAIN AND DRY" your boats and equipment. Don't move water. 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 lake has a high density of channel catfish that increases angling opportunity. Remember- Wear a Lifejacket and Reach - Throw - Don t Go. This is a Community Fisheries Assistance Program Lake, no fishing permits required. | |||
| Fishing Population | Creel Limit | Min Length Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Bluegill | unlimited | unlimited |
| Black Bullhead | unlimited | unlimited |
| Channel Catfish | 2 | 15 |
| Crappie | 50 | unlimited |
| Largemouth Bass | 2 | 21 |
| Smallmouth Bass | 2 | 15 |
| Green Sunfish | unlimited | unlimited |
| Redear Sunfish | unlimited | unlimited |
| Spotted Bass | 5 | 15 |
* Largemouth, Smallmouth, Spotted Bass in Combination
** Striped Bass or Wiper in Combination
*** Walleye, Sauger or Saugeye in Combination