Fishing Reports

Kansas Regional Map

For up-to-date information, look up the fishing report for the lake of your choice. Field staff update the fishing reports each week through the fishing season, reporting on fishing success, lake levels, water temperatures, and other important information.

You also can get helpful information from the Fishing Forecast.

Below are links to Google .kmz files for all fish attractors statewide.

All statewide fish attractors' GPS (KMZ)

All artificial statewide fish attractors' GPS (PDF)

Listing of Downloadable Bathymetric Maps

Purchase Fishing License Here

Fishing reports provide general angling information from KDWP staff. The department cannot update the reports on a regular, frequent basis. Many factors determine angling success, and fishing conditions and individual fishing success may vary from the report. Anglers are responsible for deciding what species to fish for, what methods to use, and where and when to fish. You can help fellow anglers by sharing successful fishing notes at https://www.facebook.com/KDWPFisheries.

CEDAR BLUFF RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 11/15/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, Location
Black Bass Fair/Good Up to 6 lbs. Fish can be caught casting soft plastics, chatterbaits, ned rigs, and topwater plugs or poppers around shoreline structure, especially early and late.  Casting shad imitating swimbaits over shallow structure such as rock piles and road beds can be good too.
Channel Catfish Good Up to 12 lbs. Still fishing cut bait on rod and reel or on set lines on large shallow flats and points in 12 to 15 feet of water.
Crappie Fair/Good Up to 15 inches Vertically fishing jigs, minnows, or cast net-caught shad over the fish attractors has been best.
Walleye Fair/Good Up to 28 inches Vertically fishing slab spoons and trolling or casting crankbaits like flicker shads over main lake points and other structure.
White Bass/Wipers Good

Whites up to 17 inches

Wipers up to 13.5 lbs.

Locating schools of white bass and/or wipers with electronics and vertically fishing slab spoons has been increasingly productive.  Cove 4 west point north of the Bluffs, North Shore Cabin main lake points, and the lower end of Page Creek Cove are all good areas to start looking for fish.  Also, casting shallow-running or topwater shad imitations over windswept, shallow points and other shallow, hard bottomed structures in the morning or evening.   

WATER TEMPERATURE-50 degrees F

SURFACE ELEVATION- 2122.54 ft. above MSL-21.46 ft. below conservation pool

ATTENTION: An established zebra mussel population has been documented at this water making Cedar Bluff an ANS designated water.  With this designation, regulations are in effect primarily aimed at discouraging water containing microscopic zebra mussel larvae from leaving the property and establishing in new waters.  Any time one leaves the reservoir it is best to clean mud, vegetation, or attached zebra mussel adults off of boats and other equipment, drain any thing on a boat or other equipment that holds water, and allow boats 01d other equipment to dry completely before using them at another body of water.  It is now illegal to use wild-caught bait from Cedar Bluff at any other water.  Live fish are not to be taken off the property.  And all livewells and bilges must be drained prior to leaving the property.

It is illegal to release fish into public water unless it was taken from that water. So please discard any leftover bait in a trash can.



GLEN ELDER RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 11/12/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, Location
Crappie Fair to Good 9-15 inches Cooling temperatures should get fish feeding up for fall and winter. Focus on deeper structure. I would look for brushpiles more than 10 ft deep, or trolling river channels can work as well.  If you're fishing from shore look for submerged vegetation or structure. Points and jetties can be transitional areas fish use as the season changes. Use minnows, jigs, spoons, or small crankbaits.   
Trout None None

No trout will be stocked at the Glen Elder State Park Pond or the reservoir outlet for the 2024-2025 trout season. 

Kanopolis Seep Stream and Webster Stilling Basin will be stocked.  

Walleye Fair to Good 11-25 inches

In fall Walleye should be feeding in preparation for winter. Transitional weather can make finding a feeding pattern difficult. Some fish may roam lake flats and river channels looking for baitfish, while others suspend in deeper, cooler water. Trolling river channels and road beds can be a good strategy to find Walleye. Walleye are often caught using nightcrawlers, jigging spoons, minnows, crankbaits, and spinners. 

*3.6 million fry were stocked in April. 200k fingerlings were stocked in June. 

Black Bass Good 12-20 inches Smallmouth tend to prefer harder, rockier bottoms, while Largemouth might be found on softer bottoms and weed beds. Don't overlook standing timber and brush piles. Look for areas that hold baitfish. Use a quarter ounce or an eighth ounce jig tipped with a minnow or baitfish imitation. You could also have success with hair jigs and jigging spoons. With a 21 inch length limit these Smallmouth are almost all sublegal so please handle them with extreme care and release them immediately after catching them. Smallmouth have been reported being caught on riprap shorelines and shallow vegetation in the state park. A good number of smallies were caught on the dam last week. 
Catfish Good 15-35 inches

Channel Cats can be found almost anywhere in the lake. Targeting inflows can be successful after rains. Blue Cats tend to prefer deeper structure or windblown flats. Try river channel bends, old road beds, building foundations, humps and submerged bridges. The shore-based Blue Cat angler should look for an upwind shoreline where fish are looking to scavenge. Fall sampling indicated good numbers of blues and channel catfish in the reservoir now. Best baits to use include cut bait, stinkbait, shad sides, shrimp, and nightcrawlers. Most Flathead fisherman use live bait near hard structure like wood and riprap. The causeway and granite creek bridge will hold good numbers of Flatheads. 

Remember, there is a NEW creel limit on blue catfish at Glen Elder. 10 fish per day, only 1 allowed over 30 in. 

*28,000 surplus Channel Cat fingerlings were stocked in April.

White Bass Good to Excellent 11-18 inches White Bass and Wipers can be found chasing shad near brushpiles, river channels, drop offs, and other structure. Higher numbers of big whites tend to be caught west of the causeway. Look for drop-offs and points for suspended fish. Downwind shorelines can produce good numbers of actively feeding fish. Use a variety of jigs, spinners, or minnows to catch fish all year. An angler reported catch a nice Striped Bass over the drain structure last week.  
Anglers can now find GPS locations for each of the brush piles located in the reservoir. Simply click on this link Good Fishing Spots and select the individual brush pile. As we enhance these brush piles throughout the year, we'll make a note under each individual location.

Current Water Temperature: 55ºF        Current Water Level: 6.8 feet low

Some boat ramps are unusable due to low water conditions. This currently includes Granite Creek, North Fork River, Carr Creek, and Walnut Creek. Boller Point ramp is very shallow but usable by shallow drafted vessels. Repairs to the face of the dam were completed in February 2023. Water levels should start to rise with rain. 



JEWELL STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 11/12/2024 Print

Species
Rating Size Baits, Method, Location
Crappie Fair to Good 9-11 inches Anglers should target the brush piles and other submerged structure with minnows and jigs or nearby points and drop offs. Anglers are encouraged to harvest high numbers of crappie to help maintain a desirable level. Our recent sample indicated there are very high numbers of crappie in the lake now and anglers could have great success throughout the year.
Largemouth Bass Good 12-22 inches

Fish can be caught around any aquatic vegetation, off the rocky jetties, and around the overhanging trees in the water. I would focus on submerged wood. The larger trunks that provide horizontal cover seem to hold bigger bass. Fish can be caught use wacky worms, Senkos, Ned Rigs, spinnerbaits, roadrunners, and crankbaits. As the water cools slowing down and downsizing your presentation can be effective with less aggressive fish. 

There is an 18 inch minimum length limit on all bass in Jewell

Channel Catfish Good 11-25 inches

Fish can be caught just about anywhere on the lake. Anglers should try using shad sides, shad gizzards, shrimp, nightcrawlers, and chicken liver.  Targeting inflow is a popular method as the catfish will congregate there to feed.  

Remember there is a 15 inch minimum length limit on channel catfish

Bluegill

Redear Sunfish

Good 6-9 inches Aquatic vegetation is always a good bet for sunfish. Look for bluegill around the rocks on the piers and around any brush in the water. Worms and small jigs are a good bet.  These guys can be caught throughout the year using a variety of techniques.  Some anglers prefer to fly fish with small nymphs or dry flies fished on the surface.
General Comments
ATTENTION ANGLERS! There is a regulation for all sunfish species which began in January 2019. Fish between 6 and 9 inches must be immediately released. There is no limit on the number of fish less than 6 inches, but anglers are limited to only 5 fish greater than 9 inches per day. This applies to bluegill, redear sunfish, green sunfish, and their hybrids.

Water temperature: 56ºF 

Water level: 8.25 Feet Low



KANOPOLIS RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 9/13/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, and Location
Channel/Blue Catfish Good 16 - 21"

Fishing cut and prepared baits along the river channel from the south boat ramp all the way to buzzard bay. Try deeper catfish humps and structure near bluffs.

Remember there is a 35" minimum length limit on Blue Catfish at Kanopolis Reservoir.

Crappie Good 10 to 14+ inches Try the deeper structure, brush piles, or the river channel with 1/16 oz. jigs and live minnows.
Trout Good   The first trout stocking for the season will occur around December 1st. 
Saugeye Fair 14 - 22" Wind blown points and flats in the middle and lower ends of the reservoir are best. Also try shallow shoreline areas first thing in the morning.  Shad imitating swimbaits and jigs tipped with minnows or worms can be productive baits.
White Bass Good All sizes - up to 17 inches Casting swimbaits, bucktail jigs, and Kastmaster spoons along wind blown points and areas near the river channel. Using slab spoons or live minnows is also producing some fish right now along brush piles and in the river channel. Also look to target fish in the mornings/evenings feeding on shad at the surface.
Wiper Fair All sizes Similar locations and baits as those used for white bass. Stocked 600,000 Wiper fry in May.
General Comment
Current lake elevation and water temperature is available on the location page linked to this fishing report. It is updated daily by the Corps of Engineers.
 



KEITH SEBELIUS RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 11/19/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, and Location
Crappie Fair 7 to 16 inches Crappies are being caught around the public fishing dock and maintained fish attractors using jigs and jigs tipped with minnows. Would also recommend fishing up in the coves.
Saugeye/Walleye Fair 13 to 27 inches Fish are being caught around concrete cove up by the marsh dike and along the dam using jigs tipped with night crawlers and/or minnows and trolling diving lures.  An 18" minimum length limit is in effect.
Wiper Good 10 to 28 inches Would recommend fishing for them around the east side of Leota Cove, Monkey Island and Concrete cove using jigs and swim baits.
Catfish Fair 10 to 30 inches Did hear of some catfish being caught up in the shallows using shad, gizzards, shrimp, or stink bait on the bottom.
Largemouth/Spotted Bass Good 10 to 20 inches Would recommend fishing up in the coves or along the Dam and Breakwater using crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and plastics. 
General Comments

WATER TEMPERATURE- 48°

SURFACE ELEVATION- 2292.59 ---- 11.71 feet below conservation pool

Currently, the water level is 1.79 feet higher than it was one year ago, at this time. Started releasing water for irrigation on 07-16-2024 and shut it off on 8-9-2024.

Remember it is illegal to release any fish into public water unless it was taken from that water.  Please discard leftover bait in a trash can.



KIRWIN RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 11/19/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, and Location
Crappie Fair 7 to 17 inches Crappie are being caught around Bluegill and Crappie points using jigs and jigs tipped with minnows.  Could also possibly catch some off the Dam using jigs and minnows. 
Walleye Fair 10 to 29 inches Walleyes are being caught off the bottom using night crawlers and/or minnows. 
White Bass/ Wiper Good 10 to 28 inches Fish are being caught lake wide casting jigs and roadrunners from the bank.
Catfish Fair 10 to 30 inches Fish are being caught up in the shallows of coves and up to the west end.  Would recommend fishing the shallow area with shrimp, cut bait, stink bait or shad off the bottom.
Largemouth Bass Fair 12 to 22 inches Fish are being caught in the coves and along the rocky shorelines using plastics and crank baits.
General Comments

WATER TEMPERATURE- 49°

SURFACE ELEVATION- 1716.19 ---- 13.06' below conservation pool

Currently, the water level is 3.67' lower than it was one year ago, at this time. Irrigation releases were shut off on 08-30-2024.

Due to the low water levels (being below 1722 elevation) the main Reservoir has been closed to ALL BOATS from October 1 to April 1, 2025.  The fish cleaning station has been closed for the winter.  A boat cleaning facility (CD3) has been added by the fish cleaning station and is currently usable.   

If you have any questions regarding Kirwin Reservoir and the surrounding public lands, contact the USFWS at 785-543-6673.  

Remember it is illegal to release any fish into public water unless it was taken from that water.  Please discard leftover bait in a trash can.

 



LOVEWELL RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 11/12/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, Location
Walleye Fair  16-25 inches

In winter, fish can be found in deep basins. Look for flats, river channels, and points holding baitfish. Focus on the deeper channels and structure. Nightfall can bring fish up to the shallows in search of food. Try using jigging spoons, minnows, brightly colored lures, or nightcrawlers.

*KDWP stocked 3 million Walleye fry into Lovewell last April and 15,000 intermediates last fall. 

White Bass/Wipers Good

7-14 inches

15-25 inches

White Bass and Wipers will suspend on river channels, drop-offs, and deep brushpiles. Downwind shorelines will attract actively feeding fish. White Bass populations have been low for a few years, but early evidence indicates strong numbers this year. Look for schools of baitfish and these predators are probably nearby. The outlet at dawn and dusk can be a hot spot for White Bass and Wiper. Using a variety of jigs, spinners, or minnows can catch fish most of the year.

*300,000 wiper fry were stocked into Lovewell in May 

Crappie Fair to Good 8-14 inches Try fishing deep brush piles and other hard structure. Drop offs and river channels can produce fish. Look for places that hold baitfish and structure. The marina will usually hold crappie and Cedar Point is one of the most popular crappie fishing spots all year. 
Catfish Good 16 to 38 inches

Fall sampling indicated good numbers of Channel Catfish, Blue Catfish, and Flathead Catfish. Best baits to use for Channel Catfish include stinkbait, shad sides, shrimp, and nightcrawlers. Blue Catfish usually go for cut bait and Flatheads tend to prefer live bait. Anglers often report good spring catches of Blue Catfish near Walleye Point, Cedar Point, and Pawnee Point. Blues and flatheads tend to focus on hard structure like rocks, brush piles, and river channels.

Remember there is a 35 inch minimum length limit on blue catfish in Lovewell.  All blue catfish less than 35 inches must be released immediately. 

Comments
Anglers can now find GPS coordinates, descriptions, and histories of some of the major brush piles in Lovewell. Simply follow this link Good Fishing Spots and select the individual brush pile to find out more information. More Georgia Cubes were added in April 2020! 

Current water temperature:  56ºF            Current water level:6.6 feet low

Lovewell is not currently under a harmful algae watch. Please use the following link for the latest advisories from KDHE, Harmful Algal Blooms | KDHE, KS.

Please discard of leftover bait in a trash can, even baitfish. Remember it is illegal to release any fish into public water unless it was taken from that water!



OTTAWA STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 11/12/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, Location
Largemouth Bass Fair to Good 12-18 inches Cooling temps will slow bass down and move them to deeper water. Fish can be caught around rocky jetties and brushpiles. Fish can be caught use wacky worms, Senkos, Ned Rigs, spinnerbaits, roadrunners, and crankbaits. Slow down your presentation and downsize for less aggressive fish. 
Bluegill/Sunfish Good 5 to 7 Inches Look for bluegill around the rocks on the piers, shoreline vegetation, and around any brush in the water. Worms and small jigs are a good bet. These guys can be caught throughout the year using a variety of techniques. Some anglers prefer to fly fish with small nymphs or dry flies fished on the surface.
Channel Catfish Fair to Good 12-25 inches Fish can be caught just about anywhere on the lake. Anglers should try using shad sides, shad gizzards, shrimp, nightcrawlers, and chicken liver.  Targeting inflow is a popular method as the catfish will congregate there to feed. The shallow upper end is a great area to find big catfish on warm days.
Saugeye Fair 18-25 inches The best number of saugeye can be found on the upper end around the jetties and other rocky areas. Jig and crawler, large shiners, crankbaits, and swim baits are all good options to use for catching saugeye now. Anglers will also find some around the brush piles and off the ends of the jetties closest to the dam.
Crappie Good 8-15 inches Anglers should target the brush piles and other submerged structure with minnows and jigs. Focus on deeper structure like brushpiles and rocks during summer. Anglers are encouraged to harvest high numbers of crappie to help maintain a desirable level. Our recent sample indicated there are very high numbers of crappie in the lake now and anglers could have great success throughout the year. 
General Comments

Water Temperature--56ºF   

CAUTION: LONGER BOAT TRAILERS MAY FALL OFF EDGE OF BOAT RAMP WHEN WATER IS LOW



ROOKS STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 11/19/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, and Location
      CURRENT FISHING
Largemouth Bass Poor 6-21 inches No Reports.
Bluegill Poor 3-9 inches No Reports.
Catfish Poor 10-25 inches No Reports.
Black Crappie Poor 5-12 inches No Reports.
General Comments

Water Temp. 46 Degrees

Lake is approx. eleven to twelve feet low.   



SHERIDAN STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 7/26/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, and Location
Comments

The lake is currently being dewatered to enable lake renovation.

As part of lake renovation, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks has issued Sheridan State Fishing Lake be opened to public fish salvage effective 11/6/2023. 

The order is posted on signs around the lake.  It allows the public to collect fish by any legal methods as well as by hand, dip net, throw net, minnow trap or seine, snagging, gig, speargun, bow and arrow or crossbow with a barbed head and line attached from bow/crossbow to arrow per regulation 115-7-1.  This fish salvage order also removes all daily creel limits and size limits per regulation 115-25-14.  This public fish salvage will remain in effect until posted notice signage on site is removed.           

For more information contact Dave Spalsbury, District Fisheries Biologist at 785-726-3212.



WEBSTER RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 11/19/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, and Location
Crappie Fair 7 to 17 inches Would recommend fishing around the north and south shore breakwaters and fish attractors using jigs, slab spoons and jigs with minnows. 
Walleye Fair 14 to 28 inches Would recommend fishing for them just outside the maintained fish attractors using jigs and slab spoons.  Trolling diving lures along the dam and river channel could also be productive.   
White Bass/Wiper Good 8 to 28 inches Both species are being caught around the north and south shore fish attractors and breakwaters using jigs and jigs tipped with minnow. Trolling diving lures lake wide could also be productive.
Catfish Fair 12 to 30 inches Catfish are being caught around the broken up concrete ramp on the north side and Goose Flats using shad, shrimp, gizzards, or stink baits on the bottom.
Largemouth Bass Fair 12 to 22 inches Fish are being caught around the maintained fish attractors and breakwaters using plastics and spinner baits.
General Comments

WATER TEMPERATURE- 48°

SURFACE ELEVATION- 1867.09 ---- 25.36' below conservation pool

The water level is 9.65' lower than it was one year ago at this time. Irrigation releases were shut off on 08-29-2024.

Old Marina and Morel boat ramps are not usable; however, Rock Point (north ramp has been barricaded off, but the south ramp goes all the way to the bottom and is still usable), Goose Flats and Lakeview boat ramps are open at this time.  Fish cleaning station has been closed for the winter.  A boat cleaning station (CD3) has been added by the fish cleaning station and is usable at this time.

The Stilling Basin will be stocked with trout this year for the Trout Season that Starts on December 1 and goes thru March 31, 2025.

Remember it is illegal to release any fish into public water unless it was taken from that water. Please discard leftover bait in a trash can.



WILSON RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 9/13/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, Location
Striped Bass Fair 7-25 pounds Larger fish are relating to deeper water near Lucas campground, mouth of Marshall Cove, Hell Creek and towards the dam. Try trolling crankbaits, casting/jigging large bucktail jigs, or drifting live shad or sunfish along channel breaks. 1.325 million Striped Bass fry were stocked in May.
 Walleye Good 18-27 inches Trolling or casting crankbaits and swimbaits over main lake points early morning or late evening are your best bets. Over 200,000 Walleye fingerlings were stocked in May and June.
Blue/Channel Catfish Good 2-20 pounds

Channel Catfish: Fish can be found from shallow to moderate depths. Try cut bait, dough bait, or punch bait thorough the reservoir.

Blue Catfish: scattered throughout the reservoir, try fresh cutbait in 6-30 feet of water on river channel swings or flats near these swings. 

Release all Blue Catfish between 32 - 40 inches. Two can be kept outside this range but only one can be kept over 40 inches.

White Bass Fair 12-18 inches, up to 3 pounds Casting shad imitating swimbaits and bucktail jigs over windblown points and using slab spoons along the river channel.
Black Bass Good 12-20 inches Soft plastics, spinnerbaits, and crankbaits around structure.
White Perch Poor 4 to 12 inches - IT IS ILLEGAL TO HAVE A WHITE PERCH ALIVE IN YOUR POSSESSION - IF YOU CATCH IT AND WANT TO KEEP IT - IT HAS TO BE DEAD IN A COOLER OR LIVEWELL. THEY ARE NO LONGER LEGAL AS LIVE BAIT FOR STRIPERS OR OTHER FISH!!!!!
General Comments

Lake Elevation = 3.95 feet below conservation pool.

We have two Aquatic Invasive Species - white perch and zebra mussels and have joined Cheney and El Dorado as lakes with both species. The law now says that if anyone leaves the lake with water in your livewell or boat, you are subject to a ticket for transporting Zebra Mussels since they will spawn and the microscopic little mussels will probably be in every drop of water in the lake. Make sure you drain all water from the boat before you leave the boat ramp area!!! We have been taking veliger samples and the samples were high so be sure to drain and dry everything!!!!!!



Fishing reports provide general angling information from KDWP staff. The department cannot update the reports on a regular, frequent basis. Many factors determine angling success, and fishing conditions and individual fishing success may vary from the report. Anglers are responsible for deciding what species to fish for, what methods to use, and where and when to fish. You can help fellow anglers by sharing successful fishing notes at https://www.facebook.com/KDWPFisheries.

ATCHISON STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 8/19/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Black Crappie  Fair up to 0.9 lbs For best luck, try a jig and minnow next to rocky areas along the shoreline or near brush piles. Fish may be caught shallower on warm, sunny days. 
Bluegill  Fair to Good up to 0.5 lbs Bluegill can be caught with a nightcrawler under a bobber near brushpiles.
Channel Catfish Fair up to 7.7 lbs Channel catfish can be caught from shore using cut shad, dough balls, or chunks of worm. 
Largemouth Bass Fair to Good up to 2.0 lbs Spinnerbaits or plastics worked around brush piles and rocks.
Redear Sunfish Fair up to 0.75 lbs. Redear can be caught jigging a chunk of worm near shoreline structure.  
General Comments
If you have information that you would like to contribute to the fishing report contact Nick Kramer at nick.kramer@ks.gov



BROWN STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 8/19/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Black Crappie  Fair up to 1.0 lbs. A few crappie can be found by jigging over shallower brush piles between jetties on the west side.
Bluegill  Fair - Good up to 0.3 lbs. Bluegill may be caught using a chunk of worm and jigging it over brush piles.
Channel Catfish Fair to Good up to 5.5 lbs Catfish can be caught from shore using cut bait, dough baits, or chicken livers. 
Largemouth Bass Fair to Good up to 4.0 lbs. Spinnerbaits or plastics working the shallows, along the face of the dam and the brush piles.  
Redear Sunfish Fair up to 0.4 lbs. Redear may be caught using a chunk of worm near shoreline structure.
General Comments

We are working to establish some native aquatic vegetation at Brown SFL. The fences in the water are to protect the plants until they spread naturally. Please do not disturb the plantings.

If you have information that you would like to contribute to this fishing report, contact Nick Kramer at nick.kramer@ks.gov



CENTRALIA CITY LAKE - Last Updated: 11/13/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, Location
Channel Catfish Good  Up to 20 pounds The lake has maintained a great channel cat fishery for over ten years.  The 2023 fall sample recorded that the number of channel catfish continue to remain at a high level with fairly good numbers of fish over 20 inches. However, growth of channel catfish has slowed down due to the high numbers of smaller fish so I encourage you to harvest fish less than 24 inches. The creel limit at the lake is 10 channel catfish per day and there is no length based restrictions. Good luck.
White Bass Good 1/2 to 1 lb. The most recent fish sampling shows that the white bass population is doing well with the most fish over 12 inches ever recorded at the lake. The size structure is good with a bunch of fish from 11 to 12 inches long and 7% of the ones sampled were over 15 inches. The is no daily creel limit and some harvest would be good for the overall fishery.
Wiper Slow Up to 26" A low population of wipers are maintained with stockings of small fish to help manage the white bass and gizzard shad populations. Recent stockings have not had good survival and wiper numbers have since fallen (which explains the high numbers of white bass right now).  Wiper creel limit is 2 per day.  
Crappie Fair  1/2 to 1 pound "Crappie aren't what they used to be" is what I frequently here from anglers about this lake. Such statements are supported by the fish sampling data collected over the last few years as crappie numbers are not at the highs seen from 2013 to 2020 when crappie fishing was hot. Part of this regression is due to competition with much higher numbers of white bass (please feel free to harvest some of them) and partly due to a shift in the population from white crappie to the slower growing black crappie - in the 2023 sample 12% of black crappie were over 8 inches compared to 77% of the white crappie. I assume this will settle back in the next couple of years but either way I would still call this a good crappie lake. No recent reports.
Saugeye Fair 2 to 8 lbs. Saugeye are doing well. The fall 2023 fish sampling effort produced the most saugeye in 6 years. Of those fish collected, 20% were over the 18 inch minimum length limit, which is the lowest percentage recorded in 15 years. However, 49% of the fish were 15 to 18 inches long so there are a bunch of upcomers in the system. 
Largemouth Bass Slow  1/2 to 5 pounds The lake has low numbers of largemouth bass. The 2024 spring sample recorded that 64% of the bass were over 15". Best places are the rock piers, standing timber and around the West boat ramp. Bass are covered by an 18 inch minimum length limit.
General Comments
Centralia Lake is a 400 acre lake that is noted for good channel cat, saugeye and crappie fishing. The lake facilities include multiple ramps, picnic tables, plenty of camping pads and many sites with electricity. Centralia is enrolled in the CFAP program, which means a City permit is not required for fishing visits. Perry Reservoir has zebra mussels and with Centralia Lake being close it is at high risk. Please, always clean your boat when moving to different water bodies.



CLINTON RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 10/21/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, and Location

Zebra Mussels are present at Clinton Reservoir

Be sure to CLEAN, DRAIN and DRY all equipment that comes in contact with the water to keep from spreading them to another lake.

Current Fishing Conditions
Catfish Good Up to 40 lbs
Catfish can be found near river channels and wind-blown shorelines. Cut shad is producing the most bites. 
Walleye/Saugeye/Sauger Good 15-18 inches Walleye can be found on mudflats or rocky shorelines in 10-20ft. Jigs with plastics or crankbaits are producing bites. Walleye may move into shallower areas at dawn and dusk to feed. 
Crappie Good up to 15 inches Crappie can be found on brush piles and timber in 6 - 20 ft.  Crappie may move into shallower areas at dusk to feed.  Jig and small plastics or minnows will produce bites.  
White bass/Wiper Good 0.5-10 lbs White Bass and Wiper are can be found in the river channels or along the dam 20+ ft.  Jigging spoons, plastics, and deep running crankbait will produce bites.  
Largemouth/Smallmouth Bass Good 1-5 lbs Bass can be found on rocky shorelines and main lake points in 6 - 10 ft.  Crayfish imitations or crankbaits will produce bites.      
General Comments

Summary:

Fishing conditions have improved now that fall has set in and water temperatures are cooling.  The afternoon bite is often better compared to the morning.  Target shallow rocky areas that warm quickly.  Deep channels and dropoffs can be productive in the morning. 

NEW BLUE CATFISH REGULATIONS

10 fish daily creel limit, only 1 fish 30" or longer

Fisheries biologists continue to study Kansas blue catfish and the research is showing reservoirs with lower population densities exhibit the best growth rates which equates to greater numbers of larger fish available to anglers. Growth rates of blue catfish are variable across Kansas. Time required for a blue catfish to reach 30 inches is as short as 8 years at Tuttle Creek Reservoir to as long as 14 years at El Dorado Reservoir. Due to the time required to grow to larger sizes, these older and larger fish are quite valuable. Angler harvest is necessary to provide desired densities and harvest should be focused upon smaller blue catfish, especially those in the 18 to 25 inch range while releasing the larger fish to fight again.

Water Level and Discharge:  The most recent water level conditions can be found at the following website: 

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

Invasive Species:

Be sure to Clean, Drain, and Dry your boat when you leave to prevent the spread of Zebra mussels. Do not transport live bait captured from Clinton Reservoir.

Fish Habitat:

20 Crappie jacks were placed near Bloomington West Park and should provide good habitat for shore fishing.



DOUGLAS COUNTY-LONE STAR LAKE - Last Updated: 7/12/2024 Print

Species Rating Size  Bait, methods, location
Channel Catfish  Good up to 10lbs Catfish can be caught using stink bait, worms, or cut bait.
Largemouth Bass Good up to 6 lbs Bass can be found near aquatic vegetation edges.  Larger bass will be on the outside weed lines.  Soft plastic baits will produce bites.  Topwater baits fished during dawn and dusk can be effective. 
Bluegill/Redear Sunfish Good Up to 10 inches Sunfish can be found near aquatic vegetation.  Bigger sunfish will be on the outside weed line.  Worms and small lures will produce bites.
Crappie Fair up to 12 inches Crappie can be caught on deep weed edges and brush piles.  Minnows and small jigs will produce bites
White Bass/Wiper Good up to 8lbs In late evening or early morning, look for white bass chasing shad schools and breaking the surface.  Cast top water baits to the schools.
General Comments

Invasive Species: 

Eurasian Water-Milfoil.  Lake users should clean, drain, and dry fishing equipment and boats to prevent the spread. 

Stocking:

30,000 Wiper fry were stocked in May 2024.  Wiper provide predatory control on Gizzard Shad.  Too many shad can reduce survival of young of year sportfish species that compete for similar resources. 

4,875 Channel Catfish were stocked in October 2023.

Most recent fisheries surveys:

Bass and sunfish populations were surveyed in May 2024.  Both populations are healthy and reproduce naturally.  Largemouth Bass up to 18-20 inches, weighing 5-6 lbs are present. 



DOUGLAS STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 7/12/2024 Print

 Species Rating Size Baits, Method, and Location
Channel Catfish Good up to 10 lbs Catfish can be caught using stink bait, worms, or cut bait.
Largemouth Bass Good 0.5-5 lbs Bass can be found near aquatic vegetation edges.  Larger bass will be on the outside weed lines.  Soft plastic baits will produce bites.  Topwater baits fished during dawn and dusk can be effective. 
Bluegill/Redear Sunfish Fair Up to 10 inches
Sunfish can be found near aquatic vegetation.  Bigger sunfish will be on the outside weed line.  Worms and small lures will produce bites
Crappie Good up to 12 inches Crappie can be caught on deep weed edges and brush piles.  Minnows and small jigs will produce bites.
General Comments

 

Invasive species: 

None.  Lake users should clean, drain, and dry fishing equipment before going to Douglas State Lake.

2,800 Channel Catfish were stocked in October 2023.

Bass and sunfish populations were surveyed in May 2024.  Both populations are healthy and reproduce naturally. 

Channel Catfish were surveyed in July 2024.  The largest fish was 32 inches.  Approximately 50% of Channel Catfish were greater than the minimum length limit of 15 inches. 



GARDNER CITY LAKE - Last Updated: 8/15/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Bluegill Excellent Up to 8 inches Livebait under a bobber or soft plastics fished slowly in shallow water
Channel Catfish Good Up to 14 lb. Channel catfish can be taken now on a variety of live or prepared baits.  
Crappie Fair Up to 12 inches Small soft plastics and live minnows are working best right now fished near deeper structure. 
Largemouth Bass Good Up to 5 lbs, mostly 13-17 inches Bass should be moved back out to deeper water.  Glide baits, ned rigs, finesse plastics are working best right now.
White Bass slow 14 to 17 inches White bass can be taken in open water on baitfish imitation lures.  Small shad should be available lake wide in the coming weeks.
General Comments
Water temperature should be near 82 degrees



GEARY STATE FISHING REPORT - Last Updated: 11/18/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Crappie Fair   near brush/rock drop offs and channel ledges 10 ft deep on jigs, minnows, and spinners
Catfish Fair/Good   near wind blown flats on cut bait and worms
Saugeye Fair   near dam and rock points on jigs, worms, and crankbaits
Black bass Fair/Good   near rock and brush on jigs and crankbaits
Bluegill Fair   on small jigs and worms in coves and near brush
General Comments

This deep clear lake offers a diverse fishery. Best for 2024 should be for saugeye, crappie, and largemouth bass.

WARNING..ZEBRA MUSSELS PRESENT!!!



HERINGTON CITY LAKE (NEW) - Last Updated: 11/18/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Catfish Fair/Good   near wind blown flats and creeks on cut bait and worms
Crappie Fair   near points, brush, and rock 10ft deep on jigs and minnows
Walleye Fair   along the dam and edges of flats and points on jigs, worms, and spoons
White Bass/Wipers Fair/Good   along creeks, dam and points on spinners, jigs, and crankbaits
General Comments
This lake provides a diverse fishery, but best in 2024 should be crappie, wiper, and white bass.



HERINGTON CITY LAKE (OLD) - Last Updated: 11/18/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Catfish Fair/Good   near wind blown flats and creeks on cut bait and worms
Crappie Fair   near brush and rock 5ft deep on jigs and minnows
Largemouth Bass Fair/Good    
Bluegill Fair   near brush/rock 5ft deep on jigs and worms
White Bass Fair   along creeks and dam on spinners and crankbaits
General Comments
This shallow lake has the best fishing for crappie and channel catfish.



HILLSDALE RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 8/15/2024 Print

Species  Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Walleye Fair  Up to 9 lbs. Fish should be chasing small shad and other baitfish. Warming water will allow for jig and crank bait opportunities.  This year's shad are around 3 inches long right now. 
Crappie Good Up to 13 inches Fish near structure with a variety of small jigs or live minnows.  The crappie are done spawning so target medium depth structure. 
White Bass Fair Up to 2 lbs. Target white bass off wind blown points and rocky banks. Jigs and shad imitation lures are the best baits right now.  

Largemouth

Bass 

Slow Up to 4 lbs. Target medium depth structure and rocky structure.  Finesse plastics, crank baits, and crawdad presentations should produce fish. 
Newsletter   4 pages Click the following link to sign up for the newsletter http://kdwp.state.ks.us/news/KDWP-Info/News/Newsletter-Request-Forms/Request-a-Newsletter-for-the-Kansas-City-Fishing-District
Channel Catfish Fair Up to 10 lbs. Channel catfish can be taken on a variety of baits lakewide using prepared or live baits. Target creek mouths the day after a rain. Fish shallows as water continues to warm. Spillway opportunities will exist as the lake is continuing to drop.   
General Comments

WATER LEVEL: As of August 15 the water level is 0.1 feet below conservation pool and stable. Storms and hot dry days will make it fluctuate. Water temperature is near 82 degrees. You can check current water conditions at http://www.nwk.usace.army.mil/Locations/DistrictLakes/HillsdaleLake/DailyLakeInformation.aspx

Zebra mussel infestation has been confirmed at Hillsdale Reservoir.  As of 6/17/16 the lake has been designated an Aquatic Nuisance Species water. Fish may not be transported alive from ANS designated waters.  Please remember to CLEAN, DRAIN, and DRY your boats and equipment before using another waterbody.  Dispose of all bait on dry land.  Please search ksoutdoors.com for more information about zebra mussels.  

Email zach.ramsay@ks.gov with further questions    

  



HOLTON - BANNER CREEK - Last Updated: 8/19/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Lake Contour Map Pretty Good 8.5"x11" Color Banner Creek has been mapped by the Kansas Biological Survey and there is a map available at Contour Map
Black Crappie Fair up to 1.25 lbs. Crappie can be caught on the edges of creek channels or other areas of the lake with access to steeper water
Bluegill Fair up to 0.5 lbs. Bluegill can be caught over brush piles or near rock using chunks of worm or small jigs. 
Channel Catfish Fair to Good up to 12.5 lbs. Catfish can be caught from shore using cut bait, stink bait, or livers. Many fish are up shallow right now.
Largemouth Bass Fair up to 3.5 lbs. Crankbaits, spinners or plastics along the shoreline, rip rap and structure. 
Walleye/ Sauger Slow to Fair

Walleye up to 6.25 lbs.

Sauger up to 2 lbs.

Some anglers are having luck catching Walleye along the dam or off of submerged humps. Others have targeted these fish trolling along the creek channel in the mid-part of the lake. 
White Bass Fair up to 2.5 lbs. Cast a jig along the rocks or along the dam to target them. Some anglers have been catching a good number of nice sized fish. 
General Comments

We will be conducting a creel survey at Banner Creek between March 1 and October 31, 2024. You may be approached by creel clerk and asked about your catch.

If you would like to contribute to this fishing report, contact Nick Kramer at nick.kramer@ks.gov

The locations of fish habitat placed in this lake can be found here



JEFFREY ENERGY CENTER - MAKE-UP LAKE - Last Updated: 8/29/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, and Location
Black Bass Slow  1 to 5 pounds The smallmouth bass population has been well below the historical norm however the 2024 spring sample showed a promising rebound in numbers of fish. The corners of the dam and along the East bank are the best places for smallmouth. The lake has few largemouth bass.  
Crappie Fair 1/2 to 1 pound Modest numbers of crappie with 24% 10 inches or bigger.  There is a brushpile just south of the fishing dock.
Catfish Fair to Good 1/2 to 6 pounds The lake has supported a good channel catfish harvest rate through the years.  The southwest corner of the lake and the northern 2 coves tend to be good spots.  The lake has a low level blue catfish population with most below 20 inches.  The lake is home to some big flathead. If the inlet is flowing, then good fishing can be found there for all three species.  
Walleye and Sauger Fair 1 to 5 pounds The 2023 fall gill netting and electrofishing samples show the number of walleye is below normal yet most of them are over the 15-inch minimum length limit. Sauger were introduced into the lake in 2021 and have done well so far.  The 2023 data shows sauger are already out performing walleye in this lake and growing quickly with 65% exceeding the 15-inch minimum length limit. The two species (walleye & sauger) are combined in KS regulations and an angler can harvest a combined total of 2 per day at the Jeffrey Lakes.    
White Bass Fair to Good 1/2 to 2 pounds White bass numbers are suppressed for the second year in a row and fishing success in 2024 will likely not meet the highs this lake is known for but anglers have been doing well this summer catching them.  
Wipers Fair to Good Up to 12 pounds Wiper numbers are below normal with 69% of the fish collected last fall were less than 20 inches. Fishing for them has been decent recently.
General Comments

Anglers need to check into the Jeffrey Energy Center Guard House located north of St. Mary's, then west off K-63 Hwy.  You can call the Guard House to check on availability at (785) 456-6149.  The Jeffrey Energy Center allows 30 anglers to fish at any one time.  If the inlet is flowing, then good fishing can usually be found there.   

Make-Up Lake has zebra mussels which makes the lake designated as a Aquatic Nuisance Species water.  It is illegal to transport alive fish from ANS designated waters. To help prevent the spread of invasive species, please CLEAN, DRAIN & DRY all equipment when changing water bodies and dump your bait.



JEFFREY ENERGY CENTER AUX. LAKE - Last Updated: 11/13/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, and Location
Closed     Auxiliary Lake is closed to fishing during the waterfowl hunting season and will reopen in April.  Fishing is still allowed at Make-Up Lake through the winter.
General Comments

Anglers need to check into the Jeffrey Energy Center Guard House located north of St. Mary's, then west off K-63 Hwy.  You can call the Guard House to check on availability at (785) 456-6149.  The Jeffrey Energy Center allows 30 anglers to fish at any one time. 

Auxiliary Lake has zebra mussels which makes the lake designated as a Aquatic Nuisance Species water. Fish may not be transported alive from ANS designated waters. To help prevent the spread of invasive species, please CLEAN, DRAIN & DRY all equipment when changing water bodies and dump your bait.



LAKE SHAWNEE - Last Updated: 7/12/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Bait, Methods, Location
Bluegill Good Up to 10 inches Sunfish can be found near aquatic vegetation.  Bigger sunfish will be on the outside weed line.  Worms and small lures will produce bites
Walleye/Saugeye Fair up to 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. 
Channel Catfish Good 0.5-10 lbs Catfish can be caught using stink bait, worms, or cut bait.
Largemouth/Smallmouth Bass Good Up to 5 lbs. Largemouth Bass can be found near aquatic vegetation edges.  Larger bass will be on the outside weed lines.  Soft plastic baits will produce bites.  Topwater baits fished during dawn and dusk can be effective.  Smallmouth can be found on rocky shorelines and steep drop offs.  Crayfish imitations will produce bites. 
White Bass/Wiper Good up to 10 lbs. In late evening or early morning, look for white bass chasing shad schools and breaking the surface.  Cast top water baits to the schools.
Crappie Fair up to 12 inches Crappie can be caught on deep weed edges and brush piles.  Minnows and small jigs will produce bites
Trout Poor up to 5lbs Trout can be caught on powerbait, spoons, or rooster tails.  Trout Season will run from December 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024.  A trout license is required to possess trout during the trout season. After March 31, anyone with a valid fishing license may harvest up to 5 trout/day. 
General Comments

General Comments:

Urban Catfish stocking.  Catchable sized Channel Catfish will be stocked in March, April, May, and September.  

On May 31, the following ponds will be stocked with catchable-sized Channel Catfish: Governor's Ponds, West Lake (Gage Park), Central Park, Shawnee Jr., Horseshoe Bend, Clarion Park, Shawnee State Fishing Lake.

20 cedar tree brush piles were submerged in Feb. 2024.  New habitat should provide good structure for anglers to target.  

Invasive species: 

Zebra Mussels, Eurasian watermilfoil, and Curley-leaf pondweed.  Lake users should clean, drain, and dry fishing equipment and boats to prevent the spread.

2,500 Smallmouth Bass fingerlings were stocking in June 2024. 

400,000 Saugeye fry were stocked in May 2024. The walleye population has been relatively low in recent years.  Saugeye have experienced great success in other Kansas lakes.  Saugeye were first introduced this year.  

50,000 Wiper fry were stocking June 2024.  Wiper provide predatory control on Gizzard Shad.  Too many shad can reduce survival of young of year sportfish species that compete for similar resources. 

8,320 Channel Catfish were stocked in October 2023.

Bass and sunfish populations were surveyed in May 2024.  Both populations are healthy and reproduce naturally.  Largemouth Bass up to 18-20 inches, weighing 5-6lbs are present. 



LEAVENWORTH STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 8/19/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Invasive Species Alert Not Good   Brittle Naiad has been found near the boat ramp. Please inspect your boat and trailer before leaving to ensure you are not transporting this invasive plant.
Largemouth Bass Fair to Good up to 2.5 lbs Bass are being caught by anglers using jigs or plastics along the shoreline and in & around brush piles, rip-rap, and fallen trees.  
Channel Catfish Fair to Good up to 2.5 lbs Channel Catfish may be taken occasionally from shore using cut bait or livers. From a boat, some catfish can be found near brush piles.
Flathead Catfish Fair to Good up to 30 lbs This lake has a decent number of Flathead Catfish. They can be caught using a small sunfish along the dam or other rocky areas.
Bluegill Fair up to 0.4 lbs Bluegill can be caught using a chunk of worm jigged over brush piles and weed beds.
Crappie Slow to Fair up to 1.25 lbs Some crappie have been caught by anglers jigging minnows off points in 15-20 feet of water. 
Redear Sunfish Slow to Fair up to 0.75 lbs This lake has a good population of shellcrackers. Redear can be caught using a small chunk of worm near brushpiles and shoreline habitat. Best luck would come from a boat or kayak in the coves further up each of the arms. 
General Comments

The locations of brushpiles and artificial habitat can be found here.

If you have information that you would like to contribute to this fishing report, contact Nick Kramer at nick.kramer@ks.gov. 

Special note: The lake has non-native aquatic plants! Please inspect your trailer and fishing gear before leaving the lake to ensure you are not transporting these plants to any other lakes.    

Please pick up and take home any trash that you may have brought with you.                                                                                                                                                           



LOUISBURG-MIDDLE CREEK SFL - Last Updated: 8/15/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Channel Catfish Fair 1/2 to 11 lbs. Channel catfish can be taken right now on a variety of baits lake-wide. Target deep water shelves and mud flats. Night anglers can target shallow mud flats   
Flathead Catfish Slow Most 4-10lbs. But some up to 30lbs. Target structure and vegetation edges with live bait. Boulders south of the dam also hold some flathead catfish.  Drifting cut bait or live bait along the dam may produce fish.  
Crappie Good  Up to 12 inches Minnows and jigs as well as small shad presentations. Majority of the population is 8-10 inches, but some nicer ones can be found. Target medium depth structure
Saugeye Good Up to 24 inches Saugeye are on deep structure and shelves feeding on small baitfish lake-wide.  They have also been seen chasing young shad on shallow flats. There are 2 strong year classes of saugeye currently
Largemouth Bass Slow Up to 3 lbs. Ned rigs, craw presentations, crank baits and glide baits may produce fish.
Wiper/White Bass Fair Up to 4 lbs. Crankbaits and shad imitation baits fished near submerged road also target near schools of gizzard shad.  
General Comments
Water temps should be near 82 this weekend



MIAMI STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 8/15/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Largemouth Bass Good 0.5-6 lbs Jigs, crawdad presentations and ned rigs near rocky habitat and submerged brush. Fish have moved off beds to submerged habitat
Bluegill Good Up to 0.33 lbs Jigs or worms fished near shoreline structure.
Channel Cat Fair 1-10 lbs Channel cats can be taken now on a variety of live or prepared baits lake-wide. 
Crappie Fair Up to 13 inches Crappie can be taken using a variety of jigs, minnows, and small swim baits.  Crappie should be accessible along almost all shore line
White Bass Slow 14-17 inches White bass can be taken on shad imitation lures and white marabou jigs.   
General Comments
The curly-leaf pondweed bloom is over and cleared out.  Water levels should be back to normal.  Water temperature should be near 82 degrees this weekend.



MILFORD RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 11/18/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, Location
Catfish Good  

Channel catfish can be caught on cut bait, worms, and stink bait. Blue catfish are typically caught on fresh cut bait. Target wind blown flats and river channel ledges for catfish. 

NEW Blue Catfish Regulation...all between 28"-40" must be released...creel limit is 10, but only 1 can be 40" or longer

Crappie Fair   10-20ft deep suspended near points, flooded brush, and ledges on jigs and minnows
Walleye Fair  

Target rocky or wind-swept mud banks or along dam with jigs, crankbaits, or bottom bouncers w/ worms

21" minimum length limit, 2/day creel limit.

White Bass/Wipers Good  

Target windy banks and points using jigs on reservoir 

Wiper creel limit is 5/day

Smallmouth Bass Fair    
Largemouth Bass Fair    
Outlet Slow/Fair   Catfish on cut bait; walleye, white bass, and wipers on jigs. 
General Comments
Blue Catfish...all between 28"-40" must be released...creel limit is 10, but only 1 can be 40" or longer

CAUTION: DO NOT TRANSFER LIVE BAIT FROM ONE BODY OF WATER TO ANOTHER!!! ALONG WITH ZEBRA MUSSEL INFESTATION, INVASIVE CARP ARE IN DRAINAGES ASSOCIATED WITH THE KANSAS RIVER AND CAN EASILY BE MISTAKEN FOR SHAD!!!



NEBO STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 8/19/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Bluegill Slow to Fair up to 0.3 lbs. Bluegill can be caught using a small chunk of worm or small ice jigs over brush piles
Channel Catfish Fair to Good up to 5.0 lbs Channel catfish can still be caught using worms, cut shad, or doughballs.
Largemouth Bass Fair up to 7.0 lbs Largemouth Bass can be caught using spinnerbaits, plastics, or crankbaits around the brush piles. 
White/ Black Crappie Fair up to 1.0 lbs. Tube jig or minnow along shoreline and around the brush piles. Water is dirty so choose baits that will make a lot of noise both in color and in sound. Best luck would come near the islands on the north shore.
 Comments
If you have information that you would like to contribute to this fishing report, contact Nick Kramer at nick.kramer@ks.gov.



OLATHE - LAKE OLATHE - Last Updated: 8/15/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Bluegill Good Up to 8 inches Nightcrawler under a bobber fished near structure.
Channel Catfish Fair Up to 5 lbs. Channel catfish are being taken on live and cut baits. New channel cats have been stocked in June 2024   
Largemouth Bass Good Up to 6 lb. Largemouth bass can be caught using jigs, finesse worms, crank baits, glide baits, and ned rigs near shallow structure.  Fish should have moved off beds and back to medium depth water. Shad imitations may work well.  
Saugeye Fair Up to 4 lbs. Slow moving jigs and worm presentations on deep water humps. Start using deep running crank baits near structure and shelves.  Look to match shad hatch with small swim baits 3-4 inches long.
Wiper Slow Up to 11 lbs. Use shad imitation baits and find bait fish near drop-offs.  
White Crappie Good Most fish around 7 inches, but some are greater than 10 inches. Jigs or minnows fished near brush piles. Crappies are done spawning and should be in medium depths.   
General Comments

Caution!!! Asian Carp have made their way up stream to below Lake Olathe dam.

Remember it is illegal to move fish from below dam to above the dam or use fish captured below dam for bait above the dam.  



PAOLA CITY LAKE - LAKE MIOLA - Last Updated: 8/15/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Largemouth Bass Good 0.5-5 lbs Jigs, finesse worms, and ned rigs with intermittent pauses on the dam and near submerged structure. Start using spinner baits and swim baits.  Early morning and late evening topwater opportunities should exist. 
Channel Catfish Good  0.5-6 lbs Channel catfish can be caught lakewide on live or prepared bait. Larger fish should be in deeper water near the dam.
Crappie Good 0.5-1 lbs Minnows and jigs are catching fish right now. Crappie are in medium depths post spawn
Saugeye Fair Up to 22 inches Saugeye can be found drifting or trolling on deep structure with nightcrawler or crawler harnesses.  Begin using deep running crank baits and white jigs on humps and submerged vegetation. Shad are 3-4 inches long right now.
Wiper  Slow Up to 24 inches Use shad imitation baits fished near main lake points.
Bluegill and Redear Sunfish Fair Up to 10 inches Use piece of nightcrawler or small jig and bobber at vegetation edges and rocky structures to target the panfish. 
 
General Comments

Zebra mussels have been found at Paola City Lake (Lake Miola). The lake has been designated as an Aquatic Nuisance Species water. Fish may not be transported alive from ANS designated waters. To help prevent the spread of invasive species, please CLEAN, DRAIN & DRY all equipment when changing water bodies and dump your bait.

Water temperatures should be near 85-86 this weekend 

More brushpiles were added again on 2/28/24. Some new brushpiles were created and some brush was added to some of the existing 2018/19 structures. Many of the new brushpiles can also be accessed by casting from the shore. 

GPS Coordinate locations for all brushpiles. 

N 38.58540, W 094.84338

N 38.58954, W 094.84549 

N 38.58493, W 094.84037

N 38.59411, W 094.84538

N 38.58334, W 094.84544

N 38.58928, W 094.85039

N 38.58596, W 094.84532



PERRY RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 8/19/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Zebra Mussels Invasive! up to 3/4" Since the infestation was discovered in Oct. of 2007 these mussels have spread throughout the lake. It's up to all of us to make sure these are not spread to other area lakes, Clean-Drain-Dry everything that is taken out of Perry. Please do not move water from Perry Reservoir.
Channel Catfish Good up to 10.0 lbs Try targeting larger rocky shorelines or adjacent mudflats with nightcrawlers and cutbait.
Sauger Slow up to 2.6 lbs. There are good numbers in the reservoir but few are above the protective 18" minimum length limit.  Try trolling crankbaits or lindy rigs along the dam. Casting a jig or crankbait in areas under a light may produce some fish during the night. 

Largemouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass

Fair

Fair

up to 5.0 lbs.

up to 5.0 lbs.

Try casting crankbaits and spinner jigs near fallen trees along the shoreline. 
White Bass Fair up to 1.5 lbs. White Bass can be caught using any bait resembling a shad or even from crappie jigs. These fish can be caught breaking up schools of shad near the surface
White Crappie  Slow to Fair up to 1.5 lbs. With cool nights and warm days, fish are moving around again. Some luck has been had catching fish jigging brush piles in less than 10 feet of water.
Blue Catfish  Fair  up to 25.0 lbs.

A few nice fish in the 35 inch length limit range can be caught, but many fish are below the length limit. Remember blue cats look similar to channel catfish, so be careful with identification.  

There are several hundred Blue Catfish tagged with a small metal tag on the top of their gill plate as part of a population study. The majority of these fish are less than 35" and should be released. If you do harvest a tagged fish greater than 35" please report your tag number to nick.kramer@ks.gov. 

Comments

For current lake elevation, inflow, and outflow click here and for the lake forecast click here

If you would like to place habitat in Perry Reservoir or contribute to the fishing report, please contact the Fish Biologist, Nick, at nick.kramer@ks.gov to obtain a permit. 

The locations of all known fish habitat can be found here.

This is a generic report and will be updated as information becomes available.



POTTAWATOMIE STATE FISHING LAKE NO. 1 - Last Updated: 8/29/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, and Location
Bluegill Fair  Up to 9 inches The bluegill population offers good numbers of 6 to 8 inch fish.  Great place to take a kid with worms and a bobber.  
Channel Catfish Slow 3/4 to 5 pounds The lake has a low level catfish population.
Crappie Fair 1/2 to 1 pound Crappie abundance has been stable the last few years with most 8 to 10 inches long.  
Largemouth Bass Fair 1/2 to 5 pounds The lake is known for being a good spot for catch and release bass fishing.  The 2024 annual sampling effort showed that population has expanded with abundance at a seven year high. This has resulted in the size structure being on the small side with only 16% of the fish over 12 inches.  You can catch them pretty much anywhere at this lake.
General Comments
This small 24 acre lake is similar to pond fishing. The lake is known for catch and release of largemouth bass and harvest of nice bluegill. The lake's channel catfish are protected by a 15 inch minimum length limit.



POTTAWATOMIE STATE FISHING LAKE NO. 2 - Last Updated: 9/3/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, and Location
Black Bass Fair  1/2 to 4 pounds The 2024 sample records that the black bass population has been holding steady for some time now, with good numbers of largemouth bass and a moderate smallmouth bass population.  
Channel Catfish Good 3/4 to 5 pounds The lake is in the Urban Stocking Program which provides regular stockings of 12 to 18 inch channel catfish. The fourth stocking of the year was on August 28th when the lake received 700 pounds of channel catfish. So far the lake has received 3,800 channel catfish in 2024. Best baits tend to be worms or commercial catfish baits. Channel catfish creel at the lake is 5 per day.  
Crappie Fair 1/4 to 1 pound The lake has supported a decent crappie population through time. The current population is doing ok with slightly below average numbers of fish over 10 inches and a few really big crappie as well. There is some habitat structures just out from the boat ramp dock and under the buoy.  
Bluegill and Redear Sunfish Fair less than pound The lake has struggled to grow sunfish to a size large enough that anglers want to keep for frying.  The population receives high angling pressure from both panfish anglers and from anglers targeting sunfish to use for catfish bait.  To hopefully continue to please both angler bases and help increase the overall size structure of sunfish, the lake is being implemented with a special sunfish regulation starting in 2019.  This new slot limit requires the release of sunfish species from 6 to 9 inches.  The creel limit of fish over 9 inches is five per day and there is still unlimited daily harvest of fish less than 6 inches.  This regulation change will be evaluated over time to verify if it will continue into the future.
General Comments
Pott. # 2 is noted for family outings, scenic views, catch and release bass fishing, harvest of small crappie and channel catfish. 



ROCKY FORD FISHING AREA - Last Updated: 11/13/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, and Location
Catfish Fair 1 to 20+ pounds

Fishing for all three species of cats can be good below Rocky Ford dam. Channel can be caught on worms, cut bait or prepared bait.  Flathead can be taken on live bait or lures. Blue catfish are usually caught on fresh cut bait. The catfish bite has been fairly good this fall.

Please check any blue catfish for a yellow or orange tag in its back as we have been tagging some to collect more information on the species in Tuttle Creek Lake and the Big Blue River.  Feel free to harvest or release the fish, but please report the tag number and the general location of the catch to (620) 342-0658 or ely.sprenkle@ks.gov   A big THANK YOU to all who report their catch!

White Bass and Wipers Fair  1/2 to 8 pounds This a good spot for white bass and wipers and the fall bite has been hot for big wiper. Usually best bets are jigs or crankbaits.
Drum Fair 1/2 to 5 lbs. Drum are an abundant species at Rocky Ford and can be caught on worms, minnows, and jigs. 
Saugeye Fair  3/4 to 5 pounds A few saugeye always being caught below the dam and is one of the best places around to catch them.  Brightly colored jigs, swimbaits, crankbaits or jerkbaits.  Fair numbers of 14 to 16 inch saugeye.  There is no length based regulations at Rocky Ford for saugeye or walleye.
General Comments

Rocky Ford , a river fishery, is located just south of the Tuttle Creek Dam on the Big Blue River. Anglers have the opportunity to harvest fishes generally associated with moving water. Saugeye, white bass, the catfishes, drum, crappie and carp can be harvested. Angler access and success is affected by release rates from the nearby Tuttle Creek Reservoir. Water levels and flow will be very low in August, which will make good fishing for awhile as fish are concentrated. You can check current conditions HERE 

Tuttle Creek Lake has zebra mussels and makes the lake, the River Pond, and Rocky Ford designated as Aquatic Nuisance Species waters. Fish may not be transported alive from ANS designated waters. To help prevent the spread of invasive species, please CLEAN, DRAIN & DRY all equipment when changing water bodies, do not move fish and dump your bait.



SABETHA PONY CREEK - Last Updated: 8/19/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Black Crappie Good up to 1.5 lbs Fish can be found along the rocky bluff at the center of the lake. 
Bluegill Fair to Good up to 0.5 lbs Bluegill may be caught using a chunk of worm or a small jig over brush piles.
Channel Catfish Fair to Good up to 17.0 lbs There are some nice sized Channel Catfish in this impoundment. They can be caught from shore using cut bait or livers 
Largemouth Bass Fair to Good up to 5.0 lbs. Best success for bass is coming by using soft plastic worms near structure in 3-10 ft or water or just off of the many ledges. 
Walleye Slow to Fair up to 5.5 lbs. Walleye may be found along the dam and off of points.
Wiper  Great up to 7.5 lbs. Wipers may be caught by fishing along points in the lake using any lure that resembles a shad. Luck could also be had by trolling along the dam and open areas.
General Comments

Attention anglers, If you fish this water body and would like to contribute your knowledge to the fishing report shoot an email to nick.kramer@ks.gov. Thanks!

This is a generic report and will be updated as information becomes available.  



SHAWNEE MISSION PARK LAKE - Last Updated: 8/15/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, Location
Bluegill Fair Up to 8 inches Livebait under a bobber fished near deeper structure
Crappie Fair Up to 15 inches Worms and minnows near structure are producing the best.  A variety of small jigs will also work. Target medium depths for post spawn crappie.
Channel Catfish Fair Up to 6 lbs. Some being caught lake wide. Best bite with fresh cut bait. 
Wiper Slow Up to 9 lbs. Live bait and shad imitation baits along the dam are producing the best. Target wind blown points when possible 
Largemouth Bass Fair Up to 4 lbs. Jigs, finesse worms, crawfish presentations and ned rigs near rocky and brushy structure. Fish spinner baits and swim baits. Topwater baits should produce fish in the early morning and late evening near shoreline vegetation and docks.  
Trout     Trout fishing will be ineffective due to rising water temps throughout the coming months.   
General Comments

In addition to a state fishing license, a Johnson County fishing permit is required. If you plan to fish for trout, a Johnson County trout permit is also required. Johnson County fishing/trout permits are available through Johnson County Parks and Recreation District and other select vendors.

Water temperatures should be near 82 degrees this weekend



SHAWNEE STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 8/29/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, and Location
Largemouth Bass Good 1/2 to 6 pounds The lake has provided very good fishing for largemouth bass. The population experienced some rapid expansion a few years age which slowed overall bass growth and reduced the average size of fish. Things are starting to return to normal as the 2024 spring electrofishing sample showed that 54% of the bass were over 12".   
Crappie Fair 1/2 to 1 pound The crappie fishery is doing well.  The October 2023 fish sampling showed the number of crappie is down but the size is up with 88% over 10 inches. 
Channel Catfish Good 1/2 - 4 pounds The lake is in the Urban Stocking Program and is regularly stocked with 12 to 18 inch channel catfish which leads to good catch rates of fish in that size range. The third stocking of 2024 went in on May 31st when 700 pounds of channel catfish were released into the lake. The recently stocked fish usually like all the traditional catfish baits but dough baits or worms tends to do the best.  Channel catfish daily limit is 5. 
General Comments

Located north of Silver Lake, Shawnee State Fishing Lake is the site of good catch and release largemouth bass fishing. The lake is also noted for channel catfish harvest since the lake receives frequent stockings of harvestable sized catfish from March through September. The Jeffrey Energy Center Lakes and Perry Reservoir both have zebra mussels and with Shawnee State Lake being close it is at high risk. Please, always clean your boat when moving to different water bodies.

Fish habitat GPS coordinates Decimal Degrees Degrees Minutes
East end of dam cedar trees 39.200351 -95.801881 N 39 12.021 W 95 48.113
West end of dam cedar trees 39.200640 -95.805438 N 39 12.038 W 95 48.326
Out from ramp brush pile 39.201053 -95.801924 N 39 12.063 W 95 48.115



TUTTLE CREEK - Last Updated: 11/13/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, and Location
Crappie Fair  1/2 to 2 pounds The lake has provided excellent crappie fishing the last few years due to good spawning success and robust summer growth. The 2023 fall sample shows that numbers of crappie over 10-inches is still above the long-term average for the lake. In addition, the 2023 spawn was very successful in producing another strong year-class of crappie. No recent reports but this is the time of year they start schooling up in 12-18 feet of water. 
White Bass Fair 1/2 to 2 pounds White bass numbers have been low due to limited spawning success for most of the last decade. The species did produce a robust spawn in 2021 which has helped bolster the fishery as the 2023 sample had the most white bass over 12-inches in nine years. I wouldn't call the fishery good yet but it is much improved and hopefully this trend will continue. 
Channel Catfish Fair  Good numbers of 24-28" fish with fair numbers of bigger ones.

The lake and the connected river system has maintained a good channel catfish population through the history of the lake and has been one of the best places around to catch channel cats over 8 pounds. The fishery was underperforming from 2013 to 2020 but has rebounded and been doing well the last three years. The 2023 sample recorded that 19% of the channel catfish were above 24-inches, which is the highest percentage seen in a decade. Fishing in the upper end of the lake and the river tends to be the most consistent spots for channel cats.

K-State is conducting a study to track fish movements and there are a few channel catfish with a purple tag in their back - please release all fish with a purple tag

Blue Catfish Fair to Good Lots of fish from 20" to 30" and seeing a few fish getting over 40 pounds

Blue catfish are finally well established in the lake and population expansion has slowed down. The lake will likely never have as high numbers of blue cats as other KS lakes but this allows for good growth and a plus size range of fish. Summer sampling in 2023 showed that 61% of the blue catfish were from 20-inches to 30-inches and 19% were over 30-inches. Fresh cut bait or fresh shad is the best baits, near drop-offs this time of year.

New harvest regulations for blue catfish starting in 2022: 10 fish daily creel limit which may include only one fish 30 inches or longer.  

Please check any blue catfish for a yellow or orange tag in its back as we have been tagging fish to collect more information on the species in Tuttle Creek Lake.  It is up to you if you wish to release the fish or harvest it (if legally applicable), but please report the tag number and the general location of the catch to (620) 342-0658 or ely.sprenkle@ks.gov  We also have a few fish with a purple tag that have a transmitter for tracking their movements, PLEASE RELEASE FISH WITH A PURPLE TAG. A big THANK YOU to all who report their catch!

Largemouth Bass Slow to Fair 1 to 5 pounds Coves in southern third of the Reservoir have some locally good largemouth bass populations. The McIntyre Cove area tends to produce the best fishing with Carnahan Cove second best.
Saugeye Fair  Up to 6 pounds

The last two years has been good saugeye fishing at Tuttle Creek. The 2023 fall gill net sample produced the most saugeye in a decade with 38% of those fish over the 15" minimum length limit. No recent reports.

Since saugeye like to leave Tuttle Creek through the dam downstream, some of the best opportunities to harvest saugeye is in the River Pond or Rocky Ford or at the "tubes". Great shoreline access at all of these spots and fish are regularly being caught year-round.

K-State is conducting a study to track fish movements and there are a few saugeye with a purple tag in their back - please release all fish with a purple tag.   

General Comments

You can check current water conditions HERE

Tuttle Creek has zebra mussels which makes the lake, the River Pond and Rocky Ford designated as Aquatic Nuisance Species waters. Fish may not be transported alive from ANS designated waters. To help prevent the spread of invasive species, please CLEAN, DRAIN & DRY all equipment when changing water bodies and please do not move fish you have caught or your bait.



WASHINGTON STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 11/13/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, and Location
Bluegill Fair to Good Up to 1/3 lb The lake has a decent bluegill population. 
Channel Catfish Good  Up to 15 lbs The lake has supported a good to great channel catfish population through the years.  The 2023 fall fish sample showed above average numbers of catfish with an excellent size structure of 20% over 28 inches.  
Crappie Fair Most 8"-10" The crappie population is doing well with most of the fish from fall sampling were from 8 to 10 inches long.
Largemouth Bass Good Up to 6 lbs The lake maintains a good largemouth bass population. The 2024 sample showed the number of bass was a little below average but they had a good size structure with 48% over 15".
General Comments
 



Fishing reports provide general angling information from KDWP staff. The department cannot update the reports on a regular, frequent basis. Many factors determine angling success, and fishing conditions and individual fishing success may vary from the report. Anglers are responsible for deciding what species to fish for, what methods to use, and where and when to fish. You can help fellow anglers by sharing successful fishing notes at https://www.facebook.com/KDWPFisheries.

BARBER STATE FISHING LAKE - LOWER - Last Updated: 10/25/2024 Print

Species Rating Sizes Possible Baits, Method, & Location
Crappie Fair Up to 12 inches Try jigs & minnows around brush and weeds near deeper structure. 
Channel Catfish Fair to Good Most in the 1 lb. size range Fishing cut bait or stink bait lake wide.
Largemouth bass Good Up to 5 lbs. Try using soft plastics, crank baits, or spinner baits near structure. 
Sunfish Fair Up to 8 inches Worms under a bobber and small jigs fished vertically around brush.
Walleye Poor  Up to 4 lbs Try using large crankbaits or jigs near rocks and points.



CLARK STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 7/24/2024 Print

 

 

Species Rating Sizes Possible Baits, Method, & Location
Crappie No report Up to 12 inches

Look for crappie around brush and vegetation. Anglers should target the brush piles and other submerged structure with minnows and jigs or nearby points and drop offs. 

Harvest regulations include 50/day creel limit.

Channel Catfish No report Most in the 1 lb size range

Fish can be caught all over the lake. Try shad sides, shad gizzards, shrimp, nightcrawlers, and chicken liver.  

Harvest regulations is 5/day creel limit.

Largemouth bass No report Up to 4 lbs

Fish are in typical summer pattern.  Fish can be caught around any aquatic vegetation, off the rocky jetties, and around any cover in the water. Focus on submerged wood in the vegetation. Try topwater early and late and wacky worms, Ned Rigs, spinnerbaits, roadrunners, and crankbaits during mid day.

Harvest regulations include a 15-inch minimum length limit and 5/day creel limit.

Bluegill/Redear No report Up to 8 inches

Worms under a bobber and small jigs fished vertically around brush.

There are no harvest restrictions at this time.

There are no harvest restrictions at this time.

Walleye No report Up to 4 lbs

Jig and night crawler should really work on the points and flats right now.  Also try casting crankbaits and swimbaits over points, shelves, and along rip-rapped shorelines adjacent to deeper water.

Harvest regulations include a 15-inch minimum length limit and 5/day creel limit.

White Bass

 

 

No report Whites up to 17 inches Trolling crankbaits or vertically fishing slab spoons over the tops of fish attractors or prominent windblown main lake points and shelves.  Most of the larger white bass range from 12 to 17 inches..

 

Water temperature should be in the upper 70-low 80 range.  We have received no reports from anglers & these are seasonal guidelines.   You may call the Dodge City Regional office as 620-227-8609 to make a report.    You may call the Dodge City Regional office as 620-227-8609 to make a report.   

Please discard of leftover bait in a trash can, even baitfish. Remember it is illegal to release any fish into public water unless it was taken from that water!



HORSETHIEF RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 7/24/2024 Print

 

 

Species Rating Sizes Possible Baits, Method, & Location
Crappie Slow Up to 12 inches

Look for crappie around brush and vegetation. Anglers should target the brush piles and other submerged structure with minnows and jigs or nearby points and drop offs where pre-spawn crappie might stage. Anglers are encouraged to harvest high numbers of crappie to help maintain a desirable level

Harvest regulations include 50/day creel limit.

Channel Catfish Slow Most in the 1 lb size range

Fish can be caught all over the lake. Try shad sides, shad gizzards, shrimp, nightcrawlers, and chicken liver.  If it ever rains, target areas of inflow.

Harvest regulations are 5/day creel limit.

Largemouth bass No report Up to 4 lbs

Fish are in typical summer pattern.  Fish can be caught around any aquatic vegetation, off the rocky jetties, and around the overhanging trees in the water. Focus on submerged wood in the vegetation. Try topwater early and late and wacky worms, Ned Rigs, spinnerbaits, roadrunners, and crankbaits during mid day.

Harvest regulations include a 15-inch minimum length limit and 5/day creel limit.

Bluegill/Redear No report Up to 8 inches

Worms under a bobber and small jigs fished vertically around brush in deeper water.

There are no harvest restrictions at this time.

Walleye/saugeye Slow Up to 4 lbs

Still catching walleye/saugeye along the dam by casting small jigs, jerkbaits and swimbaits.  Jig and night crawler should really work on the points and flats right now.  

Harvest regulations include a 15-inch minimum length limit and 5/day creel limit.

 

Water temps should be in the upper 70 to low 80 range.  We have received very few reports from anglers.  You may call the Dodge City Regional office as 620-227-8609 to make a report.   

Please discard of leftover bait in a trash can, even baitfish. Remember it is illegal to release any fish into public water unless it was taken from that water!



MEADE STATE LAKE - Last Updated: 7/24/2024 Print

 

Species Rating Sizes Possible Baits, Method, & Location
Crappie No report Up to 12 inches

Look for crappie around brush and vegetation. Anglers should target the brush piles and other submerged structure with minnows and jigs or nearby points and drop offs where pre-spawn crappie might stage. Anglers are encouraged to harvest high numbers of crappie to help maintain a desirable level.  

Harvest regulations include 50/day creel limit.

Channel Catfish No report Most in the 1 - 2 lb size range

Fish can be caught all over the lake. Try shad sides, shad gizzards, shrimp, nightcrawlers, and chicken liver. 

Harvest regulations are 5/day creel limit.

Largemouth bass No report Up to 4 lbs

Fish are in typical summer pattern.  Fish can be caught around any aquatic vegetation, off the rocky jetties, and around the overhanging trees in the water. Focus on submerged wood in the vegetation. Try topwaters early and late and wacky worms, Senkos, Ned Rigs, spinnerbaits, roadrunners, and crankbaits during mid day.

Harvest regulations include a 13 - 18 inch slot length limit and 5/day creel limit.

Bluegill/Redear No report Up to 8 inches

Worms under a bobber and small jigs fished vertically around brush in deeper water.

There are no harvest restrictions at this time.

Saugeye No report Up to 5 lbs

Casting crankbaits and swimbaits over points, shelves, and along rip-rapped shorelines adjacent to deeper water.

Harvest regulations include a 15-inch minimum length limit and 5/day creel limit.

 

Water temperature should be in the upper 70-low 80 range.  We have received no reports from anglers & these are seasonal guidlines.   You may call the Dodge City Regional office as 620-227-8609 to make a report.   

Please discard of leftover bait in a trash can, even baitfish. Remember it is illegal to release any fish into public water unless it was taken from that water!



PRATT COUNTY LAKE - Last Updated: 10/25/2024 Print

 

Species Rating Sizes Possible Baits, Method, & Location
Crappie Poor to Fair Up to 11" Try jigs or minnows near structure.  
Channel Catfish Fair to Good Most in the 1-2 lb size range but up to 7 lbs Fishing cut bait or stink bait lake wide.
Largemouth bass Fair to Good Up to 19 inches Try using crank baits, spinner baits, or soft plastics near rocks and structure.
Bluegill Good Up to 8 inches Worms under a bobber and small jigs fished vertically around brush and rocks.
Walleye Fair Up to 23" Try large jigs, jerk baits, and crank baits near rocks.
Wipers   Fair Up to 23" Jigs, spoons, and crank baits around windblown points.
General Comments
 



SCOTT STATE LAKE - Last Updated: 11/1/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Channel Catfish Good Most in the 13 to 18 inch range Still fishing cut bait, prepared baits, or various other baits on shallow flats, along rip rapped shorelines, or up in the creek.  Anglers report catching fish up to 8 lbs.
Crappie Fair Up to 15 inches Fishing minnows, or better yet, castnet-caught gizzard shad under a bobber around deeper brush and along deeper rip rapped shorelines has been best.
Largemouth Bass Fair/Good Up to 5.5 lbs. Casting soft plastics, shad-imitating swimbaits, or topwater plugs around laydown trees and overhanging brush early and late.  Anglers report catching a few small fish casting jigs at lines of cattails.
Sunfish Fair/Good Up to 8 inches Nightcrawler pieces fished under a bobber around deeper brush, around laydown trees and overhanging brush, and along rip rapped shorelines.
Saugeye Fair Up to 7 lbs. Casting shad-imitating swimbaits along lines of cattails, around the fish attractors, or along rip rapped shorelines early and late.
General Comments

Release all saugeye less than 18 inches and largemouth bass less than 15 inches.

Please discard of leftover bait in a trash can, even baitfish. Remember it is illegal to release any fish into public water unless it was taken from that water!

 



Fishing reports provide general angling information from KDWP staff. The department cannot update the reports on a regular, frequent basis. Many factors determine angling success, and fishing conditions and individual fishing success may vary from the report. Anglers are responsible for deciding what species to fish for, what methods to use, and where and when to fish. You can help fellow anglers by sharing successful fishing notes at https://www.facebook.com/KDWPFisheries.

MCPHERSON STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 9/13/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Channel catfish Fair 1 - 5 lbs. Try worms and cutbait on the bottom.
Crappie Good 8-14" Reports of fish caught lake wide on jigs and minnows.
Largemouth bass Fair Up to 6 lb. Try using soft plastics, spinner baits, and crank baits near structure.
Saugeye Poor 15-26" No reports but try 1/8 and 1/4 oz. jigs tipped with worms along the dam, piers and upper end.
General Comments

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ANTHONY CITY LAKE - Last Updated: 10/25/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Channel catfish Fair to Good up to 12lbs Try fishing cut bait, worms, or stink bait near shallow flats.
Crappie Fair to Good Up to 14" Try jigs or minnows near structure. 
Largemouth Bass Poor Up to 5lbs Try using soft plastics or crank baits near structure.
General Comments
 



BLACK KETTLE STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 9/13/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, & Location
Crappie Poor 6" to 10" Fish with small minnows and jigs around brush. There are a few nice crappie in the lake although most are fairly small.
Bluegill Poor   Worms under a bobber or very small jigs.
Channel Catfish Fair 2-6 lbs. Fish with cut bait, stink bait, or chicken livers lake wide.
Largemouth Bass Fair 12" to 20" Fish shallow brush with Texas rigged softbait, jigs, and spinnerbaits. The water here is typically murky so try darker colored lures (black & blue, dark purple, green pumpkin).
General Comments
 



BUTLER STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 11/8/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Channel Catfish Good up to 26 inch

Creel limit 2/day Length Limit 15-inches

Cut bait, nightcrawlers, and prepared baits are producing fish. Fish feeders are done feeding for the year.

Largemouth Bass Fair 12 to 18 inch Bass can be caught spinnerbaits and plastics close to shore and in the vegetation.  Crankbaits and spinnerbaits are good lure options for covering some water and locating active fish.  Most bass activity has been taking place in the main lake area.
Crappie Fair up to 8 inch Most of the crappie at Butler are small with very few quality sized fish.  Crappie can be caught on small minnows or jigs in 4 to 8 ft of water near cover or breaks.
Bluegill Fair up to 7 inch Small live bait presentations near shoreline cover
General Comments
 



CHASE STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 11/8/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Zebra Mussels Are Present in Chase State Fishing Lake.    

Chase SFL is an ANS designated water.

Zebra mussel veligers (larval zebra mussels) are too small to be seen with the unaided eye and they can be found in boat livewells, minnow buckets, boat bilges, and anything else that is capable of holding even a small amount of water.

Be sure to drain all equipment before leaving the lake to avoid moving veligers to other waters. THIS INCLUDES MINNOW BUCKETS AND BOAT LIVEWELLS AND BILGES!!!

 CLEAN DRAIN & DRY Every Lake, Every Time!

Channel Catfish Fair to Good 13 to 24 inches

Harvest regulations include a 15-inch minimum length limit and 5/day creel limit.

Worms and stinkbaits off the piers.  Feeders are done feeding for the year.

Largemouth Bass Fair 10 - 17 inches

There is a 13 to 18 inch slot limit on Largemouth Bass in effect at the lake.

Dark and natural colored grubs, spinnerbaits, or small crankbaits in the coves in 5 to 8 feet of water. 

Saugeye Slow up to 22 inches Jigs or crankbaits on rocky shorelines.  Early and late in the day are best. 
Spotted Bass Fair up to 13 inches Small lipless crankabaits and grubs along the dam, rocky piers, and rocky shorelines.
Bluegill Fair 5-7 inches Small jigs or live bait are good choices.  Bluegill can be found along the piers in the rocky and woody cover.
Crappie Fair up to 12 inches Crappie on brush and breaks in 8 to 15 ft of water.  Minnows and jigs are producing fish.
General Comments
 



CHENEY RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 10/25/2024 Print

SPECIES RATING SIZE BAITS, LOCATION, METHODS
Zebra Mussels    

Zebra mussels can be found attached to rocks lakewide. Zebra mussel veligers are too small to be seen with the unaided eye and they can be found in boat livewells, minnow buckets, boat bilges, water toys, and anything else that is capable of holding even a small amount of water. Be sure to drain all equipment before leaving the lake to avoid moving veligers to other waters. THIS INCLUDES MINNOW BUCKETS, BOAT LIVEWELLS, AND BILGES!!!

Click HERE to learn how to prevent the spread of zebra mussels.

White Bass and Wiper Fair to Good Up to 27" Crank baits, spoons, and jigs near shallow points.
Walleye Poor Up to 27" Large crank baits, jigs, and night crawlers near points and flats.
Crappie Fair to Good Up to 17" Try using jigs or minnows near structure in 5-15 feet of water. 
Blue Catfish Fair  Up to 50lbs Fish with live bait or cut bait near the river channel and windblown flats. Reports of small (10"-24") Blue Catfish being caught. Be sure to identify your catch!
Channel Catfish Fair Up to 20lbs Try fishing cut bait or stink bait near shallow flats.
White Perch Good Up to 12"

White perch can be caught in similar areas as White Bass and Wipers using smaller lures. Most White Perch are 5"-9". 

White perch cannot be used as live bait, but they do make good cut bait. For tips on identifying a white perch from a white bass, wiper or striped bass click HERE.

All white perch in your possession must be dead. It is illegal to posses live white perch.

COMMENTS
The lake is 8.5ft low. Most boat ramps are unusable. Use caution when boating.



COUNCIL GROVE CITY LAKE - Last Updated: 11/18/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
       
Zebra Mussel     Zebra mussels have been discovered in Council Grove City Lake. Click HERE for more information.
Bluegill Fair   near gravel banks and vegetation on small jigs and worms
Crappie Fair/Good   10 ft deep near ledges on jigs and minnows
Channel catfish Fair/Good   near windy flats and flooded brush on cut bait and worms
Black bass Fair   on jigs, spinnerbaits, or crankbaits 5-15ft deep near docks, points, and brush
Walleye Fair   along dam and deeper points/banks on jigs and spoons
White bass Fair/Good   along dam and points on spinners and jigs
General Comments
The City of Council Grove requires Aquatic Nuisance Species certification of anglers and boaters at Council Grove City Lake. You must have this certificate in your possession while fishing and/or boating at Council Grove City Lake.



COUNCIL GROVE RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 11/18/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Zebra Mussels    

Zebra mussels have been discovered in Council Grove Reservoir.

Zebra mussel veligers (larval zebra mussels) are too small to be seen with the unaided eye and they can be found in boat livewells, minnow buckets, boat bilges, water toys and anything else that is capable of holding even a small amount of water.

Be sure to drain all equipment before leaving the lake to avoid moving veligers to other waters. THIS INCLUDES MINNOW BUCKETS AND BOAT LIVEWELLS AND BILGES!!!

CLEAN DRAIN & DRY Every Lake, Every Time!

Channel Catfish Fair/Good   near wind blown flats and creek channel ledges on cut bait and worms
Saugeye Fair   near dam and gravel/rock points on jigs and worms
White Bass Fair/Good   along deep rock points and ledges on spinners and jigs
Wiper Fair   a few in with white bass
Crappie Fair  

10-20 ft deep on minnows and jigs near points, brush, and ledges

Creel limit 20/day

General Comments

Outlet fishing is slow/fair for catfish, white bass, and saugeye

Click HERE for water level information.



COWLEY STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 11/8/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Bluegill Fair up to 8 inch Small artificial baits/jigs or live bait such as worms near brushy and rocky shoreline cover.
Channel Catfish Good up to 24 inch

15-inch minimum length limit 5/day creel limit

Channel catfish have been caught recently on worms and cut bait off points and the piers.

Largemouth Bass Good up to 18 inch Plastic baits in 6 to 7 ft of water on the weed edges and brushpiles.  Crankbaits and spinnerbaits are also producing.
Redear Sunfish Fair   Same as bluegill
General Comments
 



EL DORADO RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 11/8/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Zebra Mussels    

Zebra mussel veligers (larval zebra mussels) are too small to be seen with the unaided eye and they can be found in boat livewells, minnow buckets, boat bilges, water toys and anything else that is capable of holding even a small amount of water.

Be sure to drain all equipment before leaving the lake to avoid moving veligers to other waters. THIS INCLUDES MINNOW BUCKETS AND BOAT LIVEWELLS AND BILGES!!!

CLEAN DRAIN & DRY Every Lake, Every Time!

Click HERE to learn how to prevent the spread of zebra mussels.  REMEMBER!! Zebra Mussels are also present in the Trout Area below the dam!!

Wiper Good 17-24 inch

Be sure to properly ID your catch as there is there is an 21-inch minimum length limit and 2/day creel limit on wiper.

Wiper are moving around a lot following the shad.  Watch for surface feeding activity in the early morning and evenings.  Curly tailed grubs, sassy shads, spoons, blade baits, inline spinners, and lipless cranks are all good choices.

White bass Good 9-14 inch See wiper report
White Perch     White perch can usually be found on mainlake breaks and rocky areas.  Small hooks and worms are always productive.  Most white perch at El Dorado are on the smaller side at 4 to 6 inches.
Crappie Fair - Good Up to 15+ inches

20/day creel limit

Most crappie this week have been caught in depths of 8-16 ft near brush or river channels.  Minnows and jigs are always a good bait selection for crappie.

Blue Catfish Fair up to 40 inches, with a lot of 18 to 24 inch "eater" sized fish.

***ATTENTION ANGLERS!*** A new blue catfish harvest regulation is in effect.  The creel limit is now 10/day with no more than 1 blue catfish 30 inches or over.

Blues can be found in the timbered river channels in the main lake.  Fresh cut bait is always a good blue cat bait.  Smaller sized cut baits have been more productive than larger baits. Blues will also hit worms, plastics, and crankbaits.  Harvest of legal length blue catfish is encouraged, especially blues in the 18 to 24 inch range.  The creel limit has been increased from 5/day to 10/day to allow anglers to harvest more blue catfish.

Walleye Fair up to 26 inch

THE WALLEYE LENGTH LIMIT IS 21-INCHES WITH A 2/DAY CREEL LIMIT.

Walleye have been caught trolling crankbaits this week along old roads and across windy points and fllats.  Vertically fishing blade baits and spoons has also produced.

General Comments

2.8 ft below Normal Pool, releasing 5 CFS. Click Here for the most up to date lake level information. 

ZEBRA MUSSEL & WHITE PERCH WARNING! El Dorado Reservoir and the Walnut River below the reservoir contain zebra mussels and white perch. Take zebra mussel control precautions when leaving the lake, Trout Area, and Stilling Basin. For information on Aquatic Nuisance Species click Here.



HARVEY COUNTY EAST LAKE - Last Updated: 10/25/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Channel Catfish Fair up to 24" Try fishing cut bait, worms, or stink bait lake wide.
Crappie Fair up to 14" Try a jig or minnow fished near structure.
Largemouth Bass Poor  up to 20" Try fishing soft plastics and crank baits near structure. 
Saugeye Poor  up to 25" Fish with jigs or minnows near the dam or rocks.
General Comments

Harvey County East Lake has been issued a Harmful Algal Bloom WARNING

A harmful algal bloom is expected or present

  • Water is unsafe for humans and animals.
  • Avoid all contact with water.
  • Inhalation of spray or aerosols may be harmful.
  • Do not let pets eat dried algae or drink contaminated water.
  • If fish are caught, clean well with potable water and eat fillet portion only.

Water levels are very low! Launching a boat from any ramp is not possible.



KINGMAN STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 9/13/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Channel catfish NA    
Largemouth Bass Poor 8"-14"  
Northern Pike NA    
Crappie NA    
General Comments
Water levels are very low and the vegetation is very thick. Stockings have begun but most fish will need a minimum of 1-2 years to reach catchable size. Some adult (8"-14") Largemouth Bass have been stocked. This will provide some opportunity for anglers this year. However, it will take a couple of years for the Bass population to reach ideal numbers and sizes.  



MARION COUNTY LAKE - Last Updated: 11/8/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Channel Catfish Good up to 22 inches Nightcrawlers or stink bait on windy shorelines.
Crappie Fair up to 12 inch

20/day creel limit  

Jig and minnow presentations in 12 to 15 ft of water.

Largemouth bass Fair 11 to 17 inches

13 inch to 18 inch slot limit 5 fish per day creel limit.

Spinnerbaits, crank baits and plastics on rocky shorelines, points, and ledges in 5 to 9ft of water.

Saugeye     Few reports this week.
Bluegill Good up to 8 inch The bluegill bite has been good this week.  Small hooks and live bait/worms, small artificials, and small jigs or flies are producing.
White Bass & Wipers Fair 10 to 22 inch Trolling medium sized crankbaits on windy shorelines and off the points.
General Comments

Boat and bait inspections are MANDATORY at Marion County Lake to prevent the spread of Zebra Mussels and other Aquatic Nuisance Species. Protect our waters... don't forget to CLEAN, DRAIN, and DRY!

Lake is at normal pool.



MARION RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 11/8/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Zebra Mussels     Zebra mussels can be found attached to rocks lakewide. Zebra mussel veligers are too small to be seen with the unaided eye and they can be found in boat livewells, minnow buckets, boat bilges, water toys and anything else that is capable of holding even a small amount of water. Be sure to drain all equipment before leaving the lake to avoid moving veligers to other waters. THIS INCLUDES MINNOW BUCKETS, BOAT LIVEWELLS AND BILGES!
Channel Cat Fair to Good 14 to 24 inches Cats are being caught on shallow windy points and shorelines and also drifting baits in 5 to 9 ft of water.  Night crawlers, fresh cut bait, and stink baits are good baits for channel catfish. 
White Crappie Fair up to 13 inches

20/day creel limit

Crappie are being found in water 8 to 18 ft deep on brush piles or along breaks.  

Walleye Fair 16 to 25 inches

NEW WALLEYE HARVEST REGULATIONS EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2022.

18 INCH MINIMUM LENGTH LIMIT 3/DAY CREEL LIMIT WITH NO MORE THAN ONE FISH 21 INCHES OR LONGER.

Trolling has been producing walleye this week.  Mid-sized crankbaits (#9 Rapalas) closely mimic the current size of the gizzard shad in the lake.  

White Bass Good up to 14 inch White bass and wipers are roaming the open water and are where you find them.  They aren't staying in one location for very long.  Good areas are points and flats where wind is pushing in waves.  Windy areas of the dam can be great for white bass this time of year.
Wiper Good 18 to 24 inches See white bass report
Coordinates for habitat cubes    

4 cubes N38 22.450’ W 097 04.669’

4 cubes N38 22.455’ W 097 04.664’

4 cubes N38 22.426’ W 097 04.694’

3 cubes N38 22.757’ W 097.05.227’

3 cubes N38 22.763’ W 097 05.211’

3 cubes N38 23.407’ W 097 05.460’

2 cubes N38 23.467’ W 097 05.384’

2 cubes N38 23.478’ W 097 05.399’

4 cubes N38 23.481’ W 097 05.408’

Coordinates for brushpiles and cubes.   The first 3 coordinates are for one large brushpile. Coordinates mark areas with multiple habitat structures in the area.

N 38 21.907' W 097 05.562'

N 38 21.912' W 097.05.560'

N 38 21.920' W 097.05.557'

N 38 22.425' W 097 04.697'

N 38 22.767' W 097 05.208'

N 38 22.757' W 097 05.227'

N 38 23.250' W 097 05.491'

N 38 23.357' W 097 05.470'

Coordinates for brushpiles   Near shore brushpile placements fishable from shore in Cottonwood Cove.

N 38 23.438' W 097 05.398'

N 38 23.436' W 097 05.404'

N 38 23.428' W 097 05.402'

N 38 23.426' W 097 05.405'

N 38 23.499' W 097 05.393'

N 38 23.489' W 097 05.399'

N 38 23.480' W 097 05.401'

N 38 23.472' W 097 05.398'

Coordinates for brushpiles constructed March 2018    

N 38 24.459' W 097 06.907'

N 38 24.450' W 097 06.975'

N 38 22.685' W 097 06.279'

N 38 22.680' W 097 06.279'

N 38 22.216' W 097 06.065'

Coordinates for historical habitat sites that had brush added to them in March 2018.    

N 38 21.911' W 097 05.569'

N 38 22.426' W 097 04.702'

N 38 22.776' W 097 05.220'

Coordinates for brushpiles constructed April 2019    

N 38 23.464' W 097 05.412'

N 38 23.149' W 097 05.476'

N 38 23.169' W 097 05.516'

General Comments
0.7 ft below Normal Pool, releasing 1 CFS.  Click HERE for the most up to date lake level information. 



SEDGWICK CO. - LAKE AFTON - Last Updated: 10/2/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Zebra Mussels    

Adult Zebra Mussels were found 7/31/08 at Lake Afton.

Zebra mussels reproduce during the warmer months and veligers (larval stage) are present in the water column. Veligers are too small to be seen with the unaided eye and can be found in boat livewells, minnow buckets, boat bilges, water toys and anything else that is capable of holding even a small amount of water.

Be sure to drain all equipment before leaving the lake to avoid moving veligers to other waters. THIS INCLUDES MINNOW BUCKETS, BOAT LIVEWELLS AND BILGES!!!

Visit the following link to learn how to prevent the spread of zebra mussels. https://ksoutdoors.com/Fishing/Aquatic-Nuisance-Species/Aquatic-Nuisance-Species-List/White-Perch

REMEMBER!! Zebra Mussels are also present in Clearwater Creek below the spillway!

White Perch Fair to Good 4"-8" Use a small hook with a small piece of worm or panfish lures. White perch may not be possessed alive. 
Channel Catfish Good up to 20" Try hotdogs, liver, and cut bait. Harvest-sized Channel Catfish are stocked regularly in the Spring and Fall. 
Crappie Poor up to 10" Crappie should be relating to deeper structure and will be difficult to target from the shore. Try crappie jigs and minnows in 6-12 feet of water.
Bluegill Fair up to 8" Try a small piece of worm under a bobber around rocks and brush.
Largemouth Bass Poor up to 21" Bass will move from shoreline habitats to deeper water throughout the day. Try crankbaits, soft plastic lures, and jigs. The population is low, so cover a lot of water to find them. 
Saugeye Poor Most under 15" 2023 stockings of Saugeye may mean you'll catch a few more than usual! However, be mindful of the length regulation for harvest, as nearly all Saugeye in the lake will be too small to keep. Nightcrawlers, plastic grubs, and shad lures are your best bets.
General Comments
Last Channel Catfish stocking occurred on September 30. We will resume in April. Visit https://ksoutdoors.com/Fishing/Special-Fishing-Programs-for-You/Urban-Fishing-Program for more information.



WELLINGTON CITY LAKE - Last Updated: 11/8/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Channel Catfish Good up to 25 inch Worms and fresh cut bait on windy shorelines.
Wiper Fair to Good up to 23 inch Jig and plastic on windy shorelines, old dam, and new dam. 
Crappie Fair up to 11 inch Crappie are being caught in and around the brushpiles on minnows and jigs.
Saugeye Fair to Good 15 to 24 inches Jerk baits, jig and crawler, and curly tailed grubs along the old and new dam and windy flats.
General Comments
Fish attractors in the form of brushpiles have been added to the lake.  The brushpiles attract and hold a variety of species including crappie, bluegill, flathead catfish, and channel catfish.  You can find a map showing locations and GPS coordinates at https://ksoutdoors.com/fishhabitatmap on the KDWP website.  Zoom in on Wellington City Lake on the map and brushpiles will be marked with the orange dots.  Brushpiles have been added in 2022 and 2024.



WELLINGTON HARGIS CREEK - Last Updated: 11/8/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Channel Catfish Good Up to 8 lbs Stink bait and worms fished on the bottom.  
Crappie Fair 6 - 9 inch Minnows or jigs under a float near cover
Largemouth Bass Fair 9 - 15 inch Jigs, grubs, or smaller jerk baits fished near cover.  
General Comments
 



WICHITA - URBAN FISHING REPORT - Last Updated: 11/4/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
       
Channel Catfish Good Up to 20" The majority of public fishing waters around the Wichita Metro Area are stocked regularly in the Spring and Fall with harvest-sized Channel Catfish. They can be caught on worms and hotdogs. 
Crappie Poor Up to 12" Try using minnows or a small jigs. Crappie fishing is best at the KDOT West, SG County Park, OJ Watson Park, and Chisholm North lake.
Largemouth Bass Fair Up to 18"  Largemouth Bass can be found in most area lakes but catching them can be tough due to low populations and high angling pressure. Your best opportunities to catch bass are at the KDOT lakes, Andover, Derby, Emery Park, Vic's Lake, and Chisholm North lake.
Bluegill Good Up to 8" Bluegill are present in every lake in the area and can be targeted with worms and panfish lures.
Rainbow Trout  N/A N/A Trout have not been stocked for the 2024-2025 season.  
General Comments

Channel Catfish stockings have been completed for the 2024 season. We will resume in April. For locations and schedule, please visit https://ksoutdoors.com/Fishing/Special-Fishing-Programs-for-You/Urban-Fishing-Program 

White Perch are present at KDOT West, SG County Park Lakes, South Lake, and Chisholm North Lake. These are designated AIS waters, so no live fish can be transported from these locations INCLUDING SUNFISH FOR BAIT. In addition, no live white perch may be possessed, and anglers are encouraged to not release any caught back into the water. They taste similar to white bass!



WINFIELD CITY LAKE - Last Updated: 11/8/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, and Location
Zebra Mussels    

Zebra mussels were verified in Winfield City Lake in December 2006. Lake users should follow recommended control practices found HERE .

Be sure to drain all equipment before leaving the lake to avoid moving veligers to other waters. THIS INCLUDES MINNOW BUCKETS AND BOAT LIVEWELLS AND BILGES!!!

Crappie Fair 9-12 inches Jigs or minnows in 12-15ft of water near timber or brush.
Channel catfish Fair to Good up to 22 inch Worms and prepared baits on windy points and shorelines.

Largemouth bass

Smallmouth bass

Fair up to 18 inch Largemouth are being found along or just outside flooded vegetation in the coves and smallmouth are on rocky points and shorelines.  Jerkbaits, crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and plastics have all produced fish.
White bass Fair to Good 10 - 14 inch Look for wipers and white bass on shallow wind blown points.  White curly tailed grubs, small lipless crankbaits, and roadrunners are good selections.
Wiper Fair up to 24 inch Same as white bass
Walleye Fair up to 24 inch

Walleye minimum length limit 18 inches.

Trolling crankbaits and drifting jig and crawler on the north shore flats and points.  Also along the old road.

   
General Comments

The City of Winfield requires additional permits for anglers using the lake. Stop in to the lake office before fishing at the lake.

Lake level is 2.3 ft below normal.



Fishing reports provide general angling information from KDWP staff. The department cannot update the reports on a regular, frequent basis. Many factors determine angling success, and fishing conditions and individual fishing success may vary from the report. Anglers are responsible for deciding what species to fish for, what methods to use, and where and when to fish. You can help fellow anglers by sharing successful fishing notes at https://www.facebook.com/KDWPFisheries.

TORONTO RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 10/24/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, Location
channel catfish good

3% 11"-16"

39% 16"-24"

45% 24"-28"

13% 28"-36"

Use a worm, stink bait, or shad sides in channel. 
       
white bass good

18% 6"-9"

62% 9"-12"

15% 12"-15"

5% 15"-18"

0% 18"+

Throw a jig and/or spinner on rocky shoreline or channel break.   
white crappie good

66% 5"-8"

33 8"-10"

1% 10"-12"

1% 12"-15"

<1% 15"+

Use a jig or minnow on main lake rocky shoreline and dam.
General Comments

 

Link to USACE reservoir water level: http://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/TORO.lakepage.html

Size structures are from 2023 October test netting.

To view a map of Toronto Reservoir brush piles, copy this file into Google Earth and zoom into the reservoir. 

TORR brush piles 17 (OCTET-STREAM 1.74 kB)

For more information about the Fall River/Toronto Fisheries District, click here to access newsletters.



BIG HILL RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 9/16/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Crappie Good 6-12" Crappie fishing is good.  Fish have moved deeper with the warm water.  Look for fish in deeper structure and at Rea Bridge.  Minnows and small plastic jigs have been working best.
Channel Catfish Good 16-24" Catfishing is good. Look for catfish to be more actively feeding during the evening and after dark. Also target the windward side of the lake for best results.  Shad sides are the preferred bait.
Largemouth and Smallmouth  Bass Fair 12-20" Largemouth bass fishing has slowed. Look for largemouth to be near deeper structure with the warm water.  Smallmouth bass will be near rocky shorelines and the dam.  Jigs have been working best.
Bluegill and Redears Fair 5-7" Bluegill and redear fishing has been fair.  Bluegill and redear can be found near any submerged vegetation and woody structure. Worms under a bobber are working best.
       
General Comments
Release all Largemouth Bass 15-21" in Length, daily creel remains 5/day.



BONE CREEK RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 11/15/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Bluegill & Redear Sunfish  Good  4-8 inches Anglers should focus their efforts along the shoreline in depths less than 6' deep near submerged trees and edges of aquatic vegetation. Areas to pursue will be on the north and south ends of the dam, coves, and rocky habitats. A bobber and worm, fly rod with small flies, and 1/16 ounce jig with a twister tail will be good baits to try. Recent sampling indicated a prominent and record year class of redear sunfish and bluegill that are less than 4-inches. Redear, bluegill, green sunfish and longear sunfish all provide important forage for other sportfish species in the lake, as well as provide a fishing opportunity for anglers. 
Channel catfish  Good  15-36 inches Anglers have reported channel catfish being caught in the coves and creek arms. Anglers from the shoreline should focus on the coves, both the north and south side of the dam, west end, and the handicap access on the south side of the lake near the boat ramp. Prepared baits, worms, cut or live bait will be good baits to try. Anglers from boats should focus on flats and near rock habitat. Cut and live bait are good baits to try. 
Black Crappie  Fair 8-14 inches Anglers reported catching crappie 15-20' of water from 6-14 inches. Anglers should focus on submerged trees that are in 15-20' that are in close proximity to depth changes, or creek channels, during all times of the year. Live minnows under a bobber, spinners, or 1/8-1/16 ounch jigs with twister tails will all be good options. Fall sampling indicated a successful spawn and strong 2023 year class of Age-0 (2-3"), another 2022 year class of Age-1 crappie (9-9.5"), as well as crappie up to 14". Black Crappie are growing to 9.5 inches at the end of their second growing season, whereas in 2012, it took 6 years to reach 10-inches in Bone Creek.  
Largemouth bass  Good

 

33% 8-12"

25% 12-15"

41% 15-20"

1% > 20"

                                                         

Largemouth bass can be found lakewide in a variety of habitats that are available at Bone Creek. Recent electrofishing surveys for Largemouth Bass indicated a more balanced population of fish from 4-inches to 20-inches being observed. Each year class from 2016 to 2023 were observed during this effort. The population has improved in the last four years with recruitment being observed and strong year classes each in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. Anglers should focus on the edges of vegetation that can be found along the shoreline and coves, as well as along the bank in vegetation and flooded terrestrial vegetation with the lake levels reaching full pool. There is an abundance of submerged trees in a range of depths that will also hold fish. The water clarity will affect fishing, depending on time of day, so don't hesitate to fish the trees that can be found in deeper water. Casting swimbaits, jigs, jerkbaits, and spinnerbaits will be your best bet. Don't hesitate to throw the classic "ned rig" in the summertime when fish will be deeper and provide a chance at a strike. 

To bolster the current population and recruitment of Largemouth Bass at Bone Creek, the KDWP fisheries biologist has increased stocking efforts of Largemouth Bass. In 2019, 218, 377 (fry) were stocked when a hatchery surplus was available. In 2021, 13,500 phase II advanced fingerling Largemouth Bass were stocked. In April 2022, 260,000 (fry) were stocked when a hatchery surplus was available. In June 2022, 25,000 advanced fingerling Largemouth Bass were stocked. In June 2023, 25,000 advanced fingerling Largemouth Bass were stocked. During the week of and on June 4, 2024, 27,000 advanced fingerling Largemouth Bass were stocked into flooded habitat and aquatic vegetation. In total, 569,774 largemouth bass have been stocked since 2018. 

The KDWP fisheries biologist plans to request 27,000 phase II advanced fingerling Largemouth Bass in upcoming years to help bolster year classes and recruitment of Largemouth Bass. This is being evaluated with genetic fin clips to assess stock contribution. In addition to, it was proposed and passed to move from a 13-18" slot length limit to an 18" minimum length limit to protect the stocked fingerlings and naturally spawned Largemouth Bass to preferred lengths for bass anglers. This went into effect on January 1, 2022. 

Saugeye   Good  19-26 inches

Saugeye can be found on flats of 10-14 ft that is near deeper water of 20 feet and deeper at this time of the year. Any depth changes, or structure, will hold fish and can be caught by a variety of methods, such as trolling or vertical jigging. Anglers have reported catching saugeye near the dam on the east side of the lake on swimbaits, jigheads with plastics, and trolling crankbaits. Recent sampling indicated a lower density population than in previous years, but quality up to 25-inches were observed. 

The minimum length for Saugeye at Bone Creek is 18 inches and a daily creel of 5 fish per day! 

General Comments

Water Temperature: 61° F, November 15, 2024

Be sure to Clean, Drain, and Dry your boat, bait buckets, and recreational watercraft before and after launching your boat. It is important and required by law 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. Eurasian watermilfoil is an nonnative aquatic vegetation species that is present in Bone Creek. Be sure to inspect your boat, boat trailer, and bait buckets prior to launching and leaving Bone Creek to prevent the spread. Be sure to stay up to date on information regarding Aquatic Nuisance Species. Remember it is illegal to release any fish into public water unless it was taken from that water!

If you would like to provide a fishing report for Bone Creek Reservoir, don't hesitate to contact Connor Ossowski, District Fisheries Biologist, at (620) 231-3173.



BOURBON COUNTY CEDAR CREEK - Last Updated: 10/25/2024 Print

 species ratings size baits, methods, locations
Crappie Fair varies Use dark jigs or minnows in the trees along the drop offs. 
Channel catfish Fair varies, The water is clear with a little color.  Go fishing, the fish have to eat. Try along dam and shoreline, use cut shad, worms, prepared baits.  Fish the creek mouth where the fresh water comes in and the fish are stacked up. 
Largemouth bass Excellent varies in range Pattern fish with jigs, spinners, gizzard shad plugs, lots of smaller fish but larger fish like 5 to 7 pounds are available. 
General Comments
The best way to measure social distancing is with a fishing pole. This is a great kayak or small craft lake.  This is a fishing only lake, no recreational boating.  The east boat ramp is usable. Water levels are great.
 The catfish in this impoundment are active and ready for action- Try liver, shad, or live bait fish.  Channel catfish are great after a rain in the north end where the creek comes in.  For largemouth bass try fishing some of the standing timber and weedbeds with spinners and buzzbaits.

Zebra Mussels have recently been found in Hillsdale Lake, and 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, 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. 

Remember to "CLEAN, DRAIN AND DRY" your boats and equipment.

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 

NO special permits required, this is a Community Fisheries Assistance Program Lake. Use caution, this lake has quantities of standing and submerged trees and limited shoreline access. This is a 220 acre lake with approximately 180 acres of standing trees. Fishing only lake. The lake has a boat ramp, parking lot, security light, floating dock, and vault toilet on the east side of the lake and a boat ramp and parking lot on the west side..



BOURBON COUNTY ELM CREEK LAKE - Last Updated: 9/6/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, & Location
Channel catfish Excellent varies try bluegill chunks, chicken liver.  Anglers are catching big Fish. Fish feeders are OFF.  Gearup.  
Largemouth bass Excellent varies lake wide, use silver crank and spinner baits, or dark jigs,   
Bullheads Good varies use worms,or liver lake wide  
Bluegill Good varies small baits and worms under floats, along weedbeds around fish attractors  
         
Crappie Good some small fish but some real good ones also, with 50 limit use minnows and dark jigs, recently bigger fish over 11 inches reportedly caught, but lots of 9 inch fish.    
Comments

The best way to measure social distancing is with a fishing pole. This lake is great for shoreline angling, lots of room to spread out.  Remember the length and creel limits.

Due to a leak in the dam water levels can be low and will remain low until repairs are made.  Wildlife and Parks have committed funds for repairing the dam and waiting for the county to proceed. 

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" your boat and equipment.

 

Get the kids, get your friends and Go Fishing. Remember to "CLEAN, DRAIN AND DRY" your boats, trailers and equipment.

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 

With questions about this lake call Donald George, Fisheries Biologist, at 913-795-2218, or Bourbon County at 620-223-3800.



BOURBON STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 10/25/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, & Location
Black Bass- Largemouth and Spotted Bass Excellent Fish 10 to 17 inches dominate the population The edges and drop offs, especially off the pier ends are good places to fish, bass habitat has been placed there.  Use spinners, plastic baits, crankbaits. Some fish are in deeper water breaks.  The water is pretty clear.
Bluegill/redear sunfish Good all sizes Nice bluegill and redear sunfish are available by slow fishing along the piers with jig, worm under a float. 
Walleye/Saugeye Slow varies Fish drop offs and at the head of the inflow areas using crank baits, jigs and or minnow
Channel Catfish Excellent 12-22 inches Use just about any catfish bait, cut bait, stink baits, chicken liver, worms, the fish feeders are ON.  After hard rains fish the south end where the water comes in. Fish the creek mouth where the fresh water comes in and the fish are stacked up.  We recently restocked channel catfish so the density is really high.  Remember the length limit is 15 inches and the creel limit is 2 per person
Crappie Fair 8 - 12 inches and up Try using minnows, jigs under a 5ft float, along the piers.  
General Comments

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"

Water level management at Bourbon State Fishing Lake is an important fisheries management tool.  By partially draining some of the lake water, in the fall, small fish are forced out of the shallows into deeper water where predators can harvest them, preventing some stunting, improving growth of crappie, bluegill and improving bass and walleye/saugeye growth and condition.  This tool improves energy flow and growth producing better fishing opportunities for anglers. 

Fish attracting habitat have been placed along the shoreline to attract fish and improve shoreline angling. This lake produces some nice crappie each year.  Recent sampling indicates that there are many good crappie to catch.  The bass population at this impoundment consists of spotted and largemouth bass.  Spotted bass tend to hang near rocks and the dam, whereas on the south end of the lake your more likely to catch only largemouth bass.  

The lake was just recently restocked with channel catfish.



COFFEY COUNTY LAKE - Last Updated: 11/18/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Methods, Locations
       
largemouth bass Slow-Fair 8 in to 21 inches Vibrating jigs, spinnerbaits, crankbaits, swimbaits or jerkbaits fished around structure. Flutter spoons or large plastic worms rigged on shaky heads fished off of points and ledges. Quality fish are present but numbers remain low. Fish will be concentrating closer to the warm water as the colder weather comes.
walleye Fair 14-25 inches Fish should be on rocky points, humps, or drop offs. Fish can be caught with jig and plastic, crankbaits, or drifting a jig and crawler on bottom bouncers
channel catfish/blue catfish Good 1/2-5 lbs, Blues up to 50lbs. Various prepared baits, liver, and worms usually good for channel catfish lakewide. Using fresh cut bait such as shad or carp usually is best for blue catfish. Fishing wind blown banks or up in the riprap should be productive or try creek channel swings and humps. Don't be afraid to fish shallow water for both species. 
smallmouth bass Slow-Fair 10-20 inches Throwing small shad imitators like compact spinnerbaits or crankbaits. Crayfish imitating baits should also work. Ned rigs or drop shots are great techniques to use for smallmouth. Fishing these baits around the deeper rip rap banks or rocky points are probably the best spots. Recent sampling continues to show a lower density population.
white bass/Wipers Good-Excellent up to 5lbs. Using small shad imitating baits such as small crankbaits, bucktail jigs, slab spoons, or twister tail grubs fished on wind blown points or rocky banks near deep water. Small topwater poppers will work around the same areas as fish are feeding on shad. Vertical jigging a spoon or jigging rap is an excellent technique once you find a big school.
crappie Fair 11-15 inches Crappie will be out in deeper water near structure such as standing timber or creek channel bends and dropoffs. Using jig and plastics or minnows should work.
General Comments

Entrance gate phone number is 620-364-2475 call for lake conditions

Fishing near the  warm water outlet during the fall and winter can be very productive for multiple species.

A large brush pile was created north of the boat ramp in the old creek channel and is marked with a fish attractor buoy. There were also several trees sunk at the end of the hot water dike and should be easily marked on your locator. These spots should be really good in the fall and winter months.

ZEBRA MUSSELS have been confirmed in Coffey County Lake! Please help stop the spread. Clean, Drain, and Dry your boat and livewell after leaving this lake. It is illegal to transport live fish, bait, and water from this lake.



CRAWFORD STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 11/15/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method &Location
Bluegill / Redear sunfish  Good   4-8"         Bluegill can be caught using a bobber and worm, 1/16-1/32 ounce jighead, and a fly rod and small fly. Locations to try would be near the swim beach in the northwest corner, main lake coves, and marina cove.  
Saugeye  Fair 18-21"                                               The fall sample indicated a low-density, high-quality population of saugeye up to 21". A variety of ways to target saugeye are trolling with swimbaits and Rapalas, or vertical jigging. Anglers can also find saugeye up shallow in the fall, winter, and spring when water temperatures are cooler and where they can be found feeding on the flats and shallow habitat. 
Wiper (White bass x Striped Bass hybrid) Poor  21-24" Wiper have been stocked in Crawford State Lake and provide a quality sportfish for anglers to target. Wipers are pelagic, or open water, predators lurking in deeper water during the day, but come up shallow to feed in the morning, evening, and during the night. Some baits to try would be jerkbaits, swimbaits, jigs, and live bait. Trolling and vertical jigging over schools of gizzard shad may yield a fish, or two. 
Channel catfish  Good     16-24"                   Channel catfish can be found throughout all portions of the lake. Anglers can target in coves on the upper end of the lake, especially during periods of inflow, main lake where submerged trees and Georgia Cubes have been placed, and jetties and docks that can be fished from shore. Prepared baits, gizzard shad, live bait, and chicken liver are all popular baits that anglers might give a try. 
Flathead catfish Good All sizes Flathead catfish can be found in deep water next to submerged trees and structure. Live bait, such as green sunfish, and artificial lures are two types of fishing to try. There have been reports of flathead catfish being caught up to 30 lbs. 
Crappie  Good 6-10" The crappie population has a slightly improved size structure with fish sampled up to 13". There is a 2021 year class of Black Crappie that are reaching lengths up to 12 inches, a 2022 year class of Black Crappie that are up to 9 inches, and another 2023 year class of Black Crappie that are 4 inches. This is a good sign for the future, as Black Crappie are growing. The majority of the white crappie that anglers may find at the end of their line will be in the 8-10" size range. Please consider harvesting your daily creel limit of 50 crappie per day to help reduce numbers of White Crappie and open up space for the year classes of Black Crappie to grow. Anglers should try live minnows under a bobber, jigs with a twister tail, and streamers with a fly rod. 
Largemouth bass  Good 15-21"

Largemouth bass densities and size structure are improved, since being infected with LMBV (Largemouth Bass Virus) in 2007. Strong year classes in the 8-12" size category indicate good numbers that haven't been as prominent since 2005. Quality fish up to 21" were sampled and anglers will benefit from the improved numbers and quality of largemouth bass in Crawford State Lake. Anglers should focus on coves and jetties using a variety of methods, which include spinnerbaits, top-water lures, plastic lures, and jerkbaits. An often overlooked method, the "Ned Rig" can also be utilized during all times of the year, but specifically in the summer months, when largemouth bass don't seem as willing to bite other types of lures.

Largemouth bass phase II advanced fingerlings have been stocked in 2020 (7,500 fingerlings), 2021 (3,750 fingerlings) 2022 (3,890 fingerlings), 2023 (7,500 fingerlings), and 2024 (7,500 fingerlings - 6/4/2024). The KDWP Fisheries Biologist plans to continue to request phase II advanced fingerling stockings for the next two years to help bolster current year classes of largemouth bass. This will be evaluated through fin clips to assess genetics to realize stock contribution to the fishery. In conjunction with the stocking, cedar trees will be added to the lake to enhance spawning, refuge, and forage structure near shore for largemouth bass to flourish.  

General Comments

Water Temperature: 61° F, November 15, 2024

Be sure to Clean, Drain, and Dry your boat, bait buckets, and recreational watercraft before and after launching your boat. It is required by law 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. Be sure to stay up to date on information regarding Aquatic Nuisance Species. Remember it is illegal to release any fish into public water unless it was taken from that water!

Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism fisheries staff recently undertook a project to produce lake maps, or bathymetric maps, for public waters statewide. The lake map for Crawford State Fishing Lake can be found at the following link: https://ksoutdoors.com/Fishing/Where-to-Fish-in-Kansas/Bathymetric-Lake-Maps.This link will provide you with a link for all bathymetric lake maps for the state of Kansas. Scroll down to find Crawford State Fishing Lake. This will allow for anglers to view the depths of the lake to choose different habitats and lake depths to fish for different species, year-round. You will also find current GPS locations of habitat structures placed by KDWPT fisheries staff to easily input into your sonar unit, or find if you are fishing from shore. 

If you would like to provide a fishing report for Crawford State Fishing Lake, don't hesitate to contact Connor Ossowski, District Fisheries Biologist, at (620) 231-3173.



CRITZER LAKE - Last Updated: 9/6/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, Location
Largemouth Bass Excellent 13 to 18 inches with a few at 23 inches Some larger fish available, best luck with dark colored jip n pigs, plastic worms, crank baits in close to cover.  The majority of fish are in the 12 inch to 6 pound range.  In 2021 a 9.88 was caught and released.
Smallmouth Bass Poor 13 to 15" A limited fishery exists some are taken on jigs, spinners, along the dam and rocky areas.
Channel Catfish Good 15" to 8 pounds This is a good catfish population with a lot of fish in the 3 pounds and up to 15 pounds range. Use cut shad, cut sunfish, worms, liver, prepared baits, lakewide or along the piers along the parking lot. The fish feeder is back ON.  The storm sank the old feeder and had to find a replacement.
Crappie Slow any size Sampling indicates good numbers of nice fish (9 to 12 inches) use minnows and milky white, pink jigs in 12 ft. East half of lake is better. 
Walleye/Saugeye Poor most between 12 to 17 inches  Some are taken on jigs tipped with worms, spinners, dam and upper creek channel
General Comments
This is a great kayak or small craft lake.  This is a fishing only lake, no recreational boating.
Water levels are good and the boat ramp has plenty of water.    
In the spring there were 200,000 saugeye fry stocked to spice up the fishing.

This is a great Kayak or small craft lake.  Critzer Lake is one of Kansas' newest lakes and was opened to fishing in August of 2011. Many anglers use kayaks or tubes to float into the cover and are very successful. There is a double lane boat ramp. The floating dock is finished and compliments this great fishing lake.  The lake is primarily a boat lake but there is shoreline access east of the boatramp where anglers can set up on the two piers and be very close to the parking lot. This 220 acre lake offers 180 acres of standing timber so there is a no-wake speed limit.

There is a second, smaller access area located at the south west part of the lake, from 800 rd. and Gorman, north 1/4 mile.  This area makes it easier for anglers in small craft to launch and paddle/fish the more timbered areas. There is a parking lot and gravel ramp and provides shoreline angling also. 

Zebra Mussels have recently been found in Hillsdale Lake, and  Linn Valley Lake, this is a private lake community, 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. 

Remember CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY!

We have improved the area with a floating dock, located just west of the boat ramp.

For tips on spring bass fishing watch this KDWPT video at the following link! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpIJaiyW32k 

Check out this video from Brent Chapman fishing for bass in Critzer Lake! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngvw2uz3oH0 



ELK CITY RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 9/16/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Crappie Good 8-14" Crappie fishing is good.  Look for fish to be deeper up by the dam or near the river channel in the reservoir.  Vertical jigging has been working best.
Blue and channel catfish Fair 18-30" Catfishing has been slow.  Look for fish to be more actively feeding during the evening and night.   Drifting the flats should produce some fish. Shad has been working best.
White Bass Fair 10-14" The white bass fishing has been slow.  Look for white bass near the dam.   Plastic swim baits have been working best.
Outlet Fair 12-20" Fishing has slowed as release has stopped.   
 
The Blue Catfish regulation has passed and now is in effect.  The new regulation allows 10/day with only 1 fish greater than 30 inches.
Water Level

Current water levels and discharge can be viewed HERE.

District Newsletter

We have created a fishing newsletter that can be sent out to all that subscribe to it. This newsletter is for fishing information for the Independence District (Chautauqua, Labette, Montgomery, and Wilson counties) only.

Youth/Mentor Pond

The Elk City State Park Youth/Mentor pond is now open. The pond is open to anglers 15 and younger as well as their mentor. A mentor may take more than one youth fishing, but only one mentor may fish per youth they accompany. Two channel catfish can be harvested daily, but largemouth bass are catch and release only. See the park office for more information.



FALL RIVER RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 10/24/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, Location
channel catfish good

3% 11"-16"

19% 16"-24"

41% 24"-28"

38% 28"-36"

Use a worm, stink bait, or shad sides in channel.   
crappie good

85% 5"- 8"

13% 8"-10"

1% 10"-12"

1% 12"-15"

<1% 15"+

Use a jig or minnow on main lake rocky shorelines and dam.
       
white bass good

4% 6"- 9"

31% 9"-12"

46% 12"-15"

19% 15"-18"

Throw an imitation shad or spinner on rocky shore or channel break.
General Comments:

Link to USACE reservoir water level: http://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/FALL.lakepage.html

Size structures listed are from 2023 October test netting. 

To view a map of brush piles in Fall River Reservoir and the old sunken Ladd Bridge in the river, copy this file into Google Earth and zoom into the reservoir.

For more information about the Fall River Fisheries District, click here to access newsletters.



FT. SCOTT LAKE - Last Updated: 9/6/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, & Location
largemouth and spotted bass Excellent varies try spinners, shad imitating crank baits, or soft plastic baits close to fish structure, the side of weed beds and along rocky points. 
channel and flathead Excellent varies, some very nice There is a good population of channel catfish, many around 3-4 pounds.  Fish are lakewide, best with 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.  We recently stocked 1,000 larger channel catfish into this lake. 
walleye/saugeye Slow varies use dark jigs and crankbaits, along flats and drop-offs.  most fish are above the 18 inch length limit.
crappie Slow varies, many over 11 inches Most fish are caught in the south end, especially around edges and along deeper water 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

 Ft Scott Lake has boat ramps and 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.  

Recent tree/habitat placements, In 2014, 2015 and 2016, 2017,2020 about 900 xmas trees were placed at each end of the dam and along the east side.  The tree placement along the dam are very accessible for shoreline anglers.  This project 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.

Great Kansas Fishing Derby May 15 to Sept 15  Visit www.ksfishderby.com for more info; Tagged Fish - Channel Catfish



GARNETT NORTH - Last Updated: 11/18/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Crappie Fair-Good 8-14 inches  Look for them along the deeper ledges near woody structure. Jigs and plastics or jigs tipped with minnows. Recent sampling shows good numbers of fish over 10"
Channel catfish Fair-Good 8-30 inches Livers, shad sides, or other prepared baits along ledges or windy banks. Don't be afraid to fish shallow.
Largemouth Bass Good up to 5lbs. Spinnerbaits, vibrating jigs, or crankbaits should produce in shallow water around structure. Utilize the Texas rig or wacky rig if the fish need something slower. "Hover Strolling" with a jighead and minnow shaped plastic paired with Live Sonar units are very effective during fall and winter. The length limit was changed to a 15"-21" protected slot limit. You are encouraged to harvest all bass under 15" to improve the population.
Wipers Fair up to 6 lbs Chicken livers or shad imitating baits such as crankbaits, spinnerbaits, rattletraps, soft jerkbaits, fished around wind blown banks and dropoffs. 
       
General Comments

Please remember to help STOP AQUATIC HITCHHIKERS! CLEAN, DRAIN, and DRY your boat and livewell when leaving water bodies. 

Four Georgia Cube Fish Attractors were placed by the fishing dock (2on the East end and 2 on the West end) on the north end of the lake. 

DO NOT MOVE FISH OR BAIT TO DIFFERENT WATERS!



GARNETT SOUTH - Last Updated: 11/18/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Methods, and Location
       
       
Current Fishing Opportunity      
       
Largemouth Bass Fair-Good up to 5lbs. Moving baits such as spinnerbaits, vibrating jigs, crankbaits, or swimbaits should produce.
Bluegill Fair up to 8 inches Small jigs or flies, also bobber with a worm. Good numbers of 6-7" fish are available. 
Channel Catfish Fair 8-24 inches chicken livers, cut bait or other prepared bait lakewide.
Crappie Fair 6-10 inches Throwing 1/8oz jighead with small plastic minnow or creature bait under a bobber around any structural element should produce some fish. You also can't go wrong with live minnows. 
Rainbow Trout     Season starts December 1, 2024 and goes thru March 31, 2025. A trout permit is required for all anglers regardless of species angler is fishing for.
       

Comments:

Please remember to CLEAN, DRAIN, and DRY your boats and livewells to help stop the spread of ANS species.



JOHN REDMOND RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 11/18/2024 Print

Species Size Rating Bait, Method, Location
Channel Catfish up to 20lbs. Fair-Good Drifting various baits such as night crawlers, chicken livers, cut bait, or other prepared baits along the windy side of the lake.
Blue Catfish up to 30 lbs. Good Fishing along wind blown flats or in the dredged cut. Fresh cut bait usually works best. Lots of fish in 3-10lb. range with some bigger.NEW BLUE CATFISH REGULATIONS HAVE BEEN PASSED. ANGLERS MAY NOW KEEP 10 BLUE CATFISH/DAY WITH 1 FISH OVER 30".
White Bass up to 3lbs. Fair  Fish will be concentrated near rocky habitat and wind blown banks. Using small spinners, crankbaits, swimbaits or hair jigs should work. Topwater baits may work around fish surfacing eating shad.
Crappie up to 15" Fair Look for schools around the brush piles in deeper water or out in front of the dam. 

Comments -   Fishing below the dam during low to moderate releases can be real productive for multiple species.

              

Brush Pile Coordinates:

N 38o 14.743'
W 95 o 45.998'

N 38 14.658'
W 95o 46.138'

N 38o 14.419'
W 95o 46.767'

N 38o 14.256'
W 95o 46.423'

N 38o 14.722'
W 95o 45.641'

N 38o 14.811'
W 95o 45.694'

N 38o 14.922'
W 95o 45.715'

N 38o 15.222'
W 95o 45.728'

Fishing below the dam during low to moderate releases should be good for most species.

 For current lake level and release information click the following link http://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/JOHN.lakepage.html.

ALERT! This lake contains Zebra Mussels please help stop the spread Clean, Drain, and Dry your boat and equipment after leaving this water body. It is Illegal transport live fish, bait, and water from this lake.



LA CYGNE RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 10/25/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, Location
Channel, blue and flathead catfish, Excellent all sizes,  This lake supports good fishing for big blue cats, good channel channel and flatheads.  Good baits are worm, frozen shad or liver, Sunfish or cut shad, prepared baits.  Fishing at the hot water outlet maybe tooo hot, move away until you find favorable water temperatures.  Lots of fish collect there. Some blue catfish have been caught that are over 80 pounds.  Catfishing can be very good just about anywhere along the shoreline.  
Crappie Good 9 - 12 inches Fish the downwind side.  Sampling and angler reports indicate that there are still alot of good crappie here, most in the 10-12 inch range.  Best lures to use are jigs/ minnows, near structure.  
Largemouth Bass Good varies but 16 to 20 inches is common Use surface plugs or plastic worms along the rip rap and shoreline along shaded areas.  Fish are in pre spawn patterns.  Recent bass tournaments have weighed in several bass over 9 pounds.
White bass Good varies, some almost 2  pounds  Use shad imitations, silver spoons.  Most of the fish caught in the area of the hot water outlet have been the 1 to 2 pound range.  Fish the creek mouth where the fresh water comes in and the fish are stacked up.  
Wiper Slow some up to 12 pounds Most fish are in the 4 - 6 pound range with a few larger.  Find surface gizzard shad and fish close to the shad.  
Carp Slow all sizes newly flooded shoreline cover using dough baits
General Comments

Call the Linn County Park at 913-757-6633.  The water level is great, just a little murky.  The fish are waiting for you. Remember La Cygne Lake is a great fishery and it is a part of a working electrical generating plant, pay attention to the warning signs and don't trespass over the cables.   Overall the lake supports a good crappie, bass and catfish populations.  This is a fishing or hunting only lake, whereas recreational boating is not allowed.  

BASSMASTERS has recognized LA CYGNE RESERVOIR in its TOP 10 bass lakes of the Midwest.  We know La Cygne  Reservoir is a great bass lake but its nice to receive this type of recognition from Bassmasters.  For more information check out these two sites.   

http://www.cjonline.com/sports/20180707/kansas-la-cygne-reservoir-named-one-of-nations-top-100-bass-lakes

https://www.hayspost.com/2018/07/15/kansas-lake-is-one-of-the-countrys-top-100-bass-fishing-lakes/

For information on the Linn County Marina boat ramps call 913 757-6633.  Fishing at La Cygne produces a mixed bag of fish from big blue, channel or flathead catfish, to white bass and wipers or crappie and largemouth bass. Good shoreline angler access is provided by the Linn County Park on the west side of the lake.

HOT WATER ACCESS. On the east side of the lake access to the hot water return, where a lot of fish are caught when its cold, is: at 69 HWY and Ks HWY 152, go east and drive across the dam on E.2200 Rd., turn north at Young Rd. and go West at E. 2400 Rd. to the parking lot.  Anglers walk from the parking lot west on the path to the hot water return area. But this is a great place to fish.  

This lake has had a reproducing blue catfish population for many years, fingerling blue cats were stocked this fall to supplement that population. Another goal for this lake is to improve blue cat angling.

 Call the Linn County Park at 913-757-6633 for more information or camping, and cabins reservations.

Zebra Mussels have recently been found in Hillsdale Lake and Linn Valley Private Lake, 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, 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 family, get your friends and Go Fishing. Remember to "CLEAN, DRAIN AND DRY" your boats, trailers and equipment. Don't move water from any lake.

Habitat improvement and shoreline enhancement continue to improve by adding Georgia cubes.  I have added Georgia cubes to several areas to enhance angling especially along shoreline areas.  The gps coordinates are:

Location La Cygne Reservoir

Habitat                                longititude             latititude              description    date

hot water weir                   N 38 22.852           W 094 39.112      13 cubes       2017                 
big bass spot                     N 38 22.420           W 094 39.643      3   cubes       2017 



LYON STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 10/24/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, Location
Bluegill and Redear good

87% 4-7"

7% 7-9"

2% 9-11"

Use worm, small jig, or small silver spinner or spoon around brush piles and rock jetties.   
Channel Catfish good

33% 11-16"

42% 16-24"

8% 24-28"

17% 28-36"

Use worms or shad sides in channel and deep brush piles. 
Largemouth Bass good

26% 8-12"

38% 12-15"

36% 15-20"

0% >20"

Use spinners, jigs, or worms around brush piles and channel breaks. 
Crappie good

8% 5-8"

29% 8-10"

33% 10-12"

29% 12-15"

Use small jig or minnow around deep brush piles and channel breaks.
Saugeye fair

14% 9-14"

29% 14-18"

57% 18-22"

0% 22-27" 

Use a jig and worm on channel breaks. 
General Comments

ATTENTION!  This lake has zebra mussels.  Live fish may not be transported away from this lake.  Clean, drain, and dry all boats.

Size structure listed for largemouth bass is from May 2024 electrofishing. The size structures listed for crappie, bluegill, redear, and channel catfish are from November 2023 fall test netting.

To view a map of brush pile and habitat cube locations, copy these files into Google Earth and zoom into the lake.  

LYSL habitat cubes (OCTET-STREAM 979 B)
LYSL brush piles 21 (OCTET-STREAM 2.22 kB)

For more information about the Fall River/Toronto Fisheries District, click here to access newsletters.



MARAIS DES CYGNES WILDLIFE AREA - Last Updated: 10/25/2024 Print

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



MELVERN RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 10/21/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
White Crappie Good up to 15 inches Crappie can be found on brush piles and timber in 6 - 20 ft.  Crappie may move into shallower areas at dusk to feed.  Jig and small plastics or minnows will produce bites.  
White Bass Good up to 16 inches White Bass are can be found in the river channels or along the dam 20+ ft.  Jigging spoons, plastics, and deep running crankbait will produce bites.  
Walleye/Saugeye/Sauger Good 15-20 inches Walleye can be found on mudflats or rocky shorelines in 10-20ft. Jigs with plastics or crankbaits are producing bites. Walleye may move into shallower areas at dawn and dusk to feed. 
Catfish Good up to 40lbs.
Catfish can be found near river channels and wind-blown shorelines. Cut shad is producing the most bites. 
Black Bass Good 1-5 lb Bass can be found on rocky shorelines and main lake points in 6 - 10 ft.  Crayfish imitations or crankbaits will produce bites.   
General Comments

Summary:

Fishing conditions have improved now that fall has set in and water temperatures are cooling.  The afternoon bite is often better compared to the morning.  Target shallow rocky areas that warm quickly.  Deep channels and dropoffs can be productive in the morning. 

NEW BLUE CATFISH HARVEST REGULATIONS

10 fish daily creel limit, only 1 fish 30" or longer

Fisheries biologists continue to study Kansas blue catfish and the research is showing reservoirs with lower population densities exhibit the best growth rates which equates to greater numbers of larger fish available to anglers. Growth rates of blue catfish are variable across Kansas. Time required for a blue catfish to reach 30 inches is as short as 8 years at Tuttle Creek Reservoir to as long as 14 years at El Dorado Reservoir. Due to the time required to grow to larger sizes, these older and larger fish are quite valuable. Angler harvest is necessary to provide desired densities and harvest should be focused upon smaller blue catfish, especially those in the 18 to 25 inch range while releasing the larger fish to fight again.

Water level and discharge:

Current 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 watercraft to prevent the spread of invasive species. 



MINED LAND WILDLIFE AREA - Last Updated: 11/15/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Panfish  Good   Up to 9"                                                 Bluegill, Warmouth and Redear Sunfish up to 9 inches are common on the strip-mined lakes on the Mined Land Wildlife Area. Focus your efforts around structure, slopes, and shallow water at the ends of the strip-mined lakes. Worms under a slip bobber, or 1/16 jigs will be a good bet to try. Casting parallel to shore or the ends are good locations along vegetation. Fly fishing opportunities are also present; hook sizes of 10-12 with a floating fly or popper may yield fish up to 8 inches. 
Channel Catfish  Good  Up to 32" Try cut bait, chicken liver, shrimp, or prepared baits. Slip bobbers with worms, stink bait, or live/cut bait along the slopes of the strip-mined lakes or where depth contours change may yield channel catfish that may be suspended in the warmer water. Channel catfish are stocked each fall on the Mined Land Wildlife Area and fish up to 30 pounds may be present. The state record continues to be held from a public strip-mined lake on the Mined Land Wildlife Area. Shoreline opportunity is limited - boat ramp areas are good areas to try. 
Crappie  Good   8-12" Crappie can be found throughout the different units on the wildlife area. Try minnows, small jigs, or small spinners fished around brush and structure. Boat and kayak anglers may have luck trolling deeper water and cove habitats as well. Units where crappie have been reported to be caught recently and for anglers to focus on for crappie would be the following units: 1, 7, 8, 11, 24, 33, 34, 40, 41, 44, 45 
Largemouth Bass  Good   8-22" Largemouth bass can be found in many of the strip pits. Focus your efforts around aquatic vegetation, slopes, beaver dams or any terrestrial or aquatic structure, and shallow water. Many of the strip pits have quality populations. However, there are many with an abundance of 8-12" fish. Consider keeping your daily creel limit of 5 largemouth bass under the protected slot limit (i.e., 13 - 18 inches) to reduce densities to allow for better growth in the strip pits. Many strip pits have quality largemouth bass populations up to 22 inches. 1/2 oz weedless jigs, ned rigs, bladed jigs, and drop shots thrown parallel to the shore along the slope will be a good technique to try. 
Rainbow trout  Good  10-15"

2024/2025 Proposed Trout Stocking Schedule for Unit #30 "Trout Pit": 

December 1, 2024
December 11, 2024
December 26, 2024
February 3, 2025
February 19, 2025

Rainbow trout are stocked each winter in Unit #30 in the "Trout Pit". The rainbow trout average 1.1 per pound in 2023, so larger rainbow trout will be available for trout anglers. 

Remember anglers -- A trout permit is required to be able to fish on the "Trout Pit" on Unit #30 during the trout season (December 1-March 31). Rainbow trout & Brown Trout are managed under a combined daily creel limit of five fish. 

Directions to the Trout Pit (Unit #30) are as follows: 8 miles south of the McCune turn off on Highway 400 on  NW 100th St. and a half mile to the west on NW Lawton Rd. OR  5 miles west of West Mineral on NW Scammon Rd., 4 miles south on NW 100th St. and a half mile to the west on NW Lawton Rd.

Walleye  Fair  18-21" Walleye have been stocked on the Mined Land Wildlife Area in Units 7, 17, 20, 21, 22, 24, 31, 33, 34, 39, 40, 41, and 44 to provide an additional species and angling opportunity on the wildlife area. The units and strip-mined lakes that have been stocked with walleye provide adequate habitat with deeper water and cooler water temperatures. Trolling and vertical jigging techniques will be a good technique to try. 
Wiper (Striped bass x White bass hybrid)  Fair  15-20" Wiper are stocked on the Mined Land Wildlife Area in Unit #21. Stockings have occurred since 2007. Techniques to try would be to vertical jig spoons and jigs, trolling with Rapalas and spoons, and casting jigs, spoons, and spinning baits. Other opportunities would be to try a slip bobber with live bait, or chicken liver has been reported to yield a few fish. 
Water Levels     The pits are low, due to drought - week of 10/28. The Scammon Units are still low in sections. Ramps to use at your own caution are Unit 34, North "E Pit" on Unit 33, Unit 32, Unit 38 (East ramp), Unit 42 "H Pit" are those impacted by low water. Always check water levels and ramps before launching. Low water levels can be a benefit to the fish populations by concentrating smaller bluegill and crappie to predatory fish, such as largemouth bass, channel catfish, wipers, and walleye.
General Comments

Water Temperature: 62 F, November 15, 2024

Bathymetric maps are now available for the Mined Land Wildlife Area strip pits. This is an ongoing effort by the District Fisheries Biologist, so new pits will be added on a weekly basis. The bathymetric maps that show how deep the strip pits are and water contours can be viewed at the following link: http://ksdot.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=3e0ba6a852d2479aa6e384b4f87a0c2b. The free Explorer GIS app can also be downloaded to use when you're out fishing from your mobile phone, or tablet. This has the ability to use your location to use similar to a depth finder while you're fishing. You can search in your Android, or iPhone, app store for "Explorer GIS", once it is installed you can search for "2020 KDWPT Fishing Access". This will allow for view while you're out fishing. Good luck!  

Habitat improvements through the use of hinge-cutting, cedar trees, and "Georgia Cubes" will be placed throughout the unique strip pits on Mined Land Wildlife Area. Angler input is welcomed. If you have individual strip pits that you'd like to see habitat improvements made, please contact Connor Ossowski, District Fisheries Biologist, at (620) 231-3173. These will be advertised on the KDWPT website at the following link: https://ksoutdoors.com/KDWPT-Info/Locations/Hunting-Fishing-Atlas/Fishing-Atlas/GPS-KML-Information-Files/Google-KMZ-file-of-Fish-Attractor-GPS. Fish attractors and habitat additions have been placed on the Mined Land Wildlife Area and the GPS coordinates can be found at the link provided in the previous sentence as well. 

Aquatic Nuisance Species Alert: Be on the look out for Eurasian Watermilfoil if you're fishing on the Mined Land Wildlife Area. This aquatic nuisance plant is present and abundant on multiple strip pits on the Mined Land Wildlife Area. The plant can reproduce rapidly and develop dense mats that don't allow for other beneficial aquatic plants to grow. Please remember to Clean, Drain, and Dry your kayak, boat, boat trailer, and bait buckets. It is required by law to remove your drain plug before leaving any body of water. Remember it is illegal to release any fish into public water unless it was taken from that water.  Please discard leftover bait in a trash can.

If you would like to provide a fishing report for the Mined Land Wildlife Area, don't hesitate to contact Connor Ossowski, District Fisheries Biologist, at (620) 231-3173.



MONTGOMERY STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 9/16/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, & Location
Channel Catfish Good 14-24" Catfishing remains good. Catfish have been being caught in shallows in the evenings and early mornings.  Shad sides have been working best.
Largemouth Bass Good 8-18" Largemouth bass fishing has improved.  Look for fish to move into the shallows on the edge of the water willow during the cool mornings.  Swim baits imitating shad have been working best.
Crappie Fair 8-12" Crappie fishing has been steady.  Look for fish in the deeper brush piles.  Minnows or small jigs have been working best.
Bluegill/Redear Sunfish Good 6-8" Bluegill and redear fishing remains good.  Look for fish to be on the edge of the water willow during cool mornings. Jigs tipped with a worm have been working best.
General Comments

A bathymetric map is available for Montgomery State Fishing Lake at the link above.

District Newsletter

We have created a fishing newsletter that can be sent out to all that subscribe to it. This newsletter is for fishing information for the Independence District (Chautauqua, Labette, Montgomery, and Wilson counties) only.



MOUND CITY LAKE - Last Updated: 10/25/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, &amp Location
Channel Catfish Excellent Size varies but most are much larger than the 15 inch length limit, with some large fish The fish feeders are OFF for the season, but there are lots of channel catfish attracted to this area. The shoreline around the feeders has recently been improved to be nicer for families to fish. The water level is good.  The boatramp is open.  This lake produces many good channel catfish.  Try stink baits, chicken liver, cut shad or chunks of sunfish. The lake supports high numbers of 2 to 8 pounders.  The creek in the south end maybe excellent right after a hard rain. We recently stocked channel catfish to expand the population.  
Bluegill/Redear Sunfish Good varies Use small baits, jigs or small worm under a float set for shallow water, fish maybe in shallow.  Fish around the fish feeder also as there are alot of fish hanging out there.  
Crappie Slow 8 to 14 inches some larger Lots of crappie have been caught this season.  Try habitat, such as brushpiles. Recent sampling indicates that majority of crappie are in the 10 inch range with some fish in the 13 to 15 inch ranges.  Minnows and dark jigs are best.   
Largemouth Bass Excellent varies A great population.  There are many fish in the 3+ range.  Recent sampling indicates a good population with majority of fish 14 to 19 inches.  Try  plastics, jig and Pig, slab, try along the rock, trees and timber
General Comments

This is a great fishing lake, a good boat ramp and floating dock.  Kayak or small craft lake are welcome for fishing. This lake is for fishing only, recreational boating, jet skis, water skiing is not allowed.   The fish feeders are ON.  This lake has great shoreline angling, lots of room to spread out, for social distancing.  Water level is good and clear.  Go fishing, the fish have to eat.  The catfish and crappie are very nice this year.  Get the kids, get your friends and Go Fishing. Remember to "CLEAN, DRAIN AND DRY" your boats, trailers and equipment.

Mound City Lake has a great reputation for producing good stringers of crappie this season.  Best baits are dark colored jigs and minnows, mainly around underwater structure.  Largemouth bass numbers have really improved and continues to produce great fishing.  

Recently there were 2,000 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)

This is a fishing only lake, no recreational boating.
The City of Mound City in cooperation with Wildlife and Parks are constructing a fishing trail along the west side of the lake.  This will improve shoreline angling access. Call Don George, Management Biologist with questions, 913-795-2218.
 For tips on spring bass fishing check out the KDWP 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 



NEOSHO RIVER AT CHETOPA DAM - Last Updated: 6/21/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, & Location
Paddlefish Poor   Paddlefish season has closed.
General Comments
THE SNAGGING SEASON IS OPEN FROM MARCH 15 THROUGH MAY 15TH.

•Catch and release is allowed on the Neosho River

•A fish must be kept if placed on a stringer. Culling is not allowed.

•A state-issued permit is required. Two paddlefish may be harvested daily and six may be harvested in a season.

•Barbless hooks are required at Chetopa.

The best fishing occurs at river flows of 10-15,000 cubic feet per second. The following link will take you to the Kansas Water Watch website. Click HERE for river flow data.



NEOSHO STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 11/15/2024 Print

Species Rating Size   Baits, Method & Location
Bluegill                                                                  Good Up to 9" Bluegill may be caught with a bobber and small jig, or small hook and worm. The access jetties are good locations of recent reports where bluegill have been caught by anglers using bobber and a worm. In recent fish surveys, bluegill showed an improved size structure of 6-8 inch year classes. 
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. 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 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. 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" Anglers can focus their effort 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. In recent fish surveys, crappie continue to show an improved size structure of 8-10-inch year classes. 
Largemouth Bass  Good Up to 22"                     Anglers have reported catching 1-3 lb Largemouth Bass on white bladed jigs, spinnerbaits, 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 recommended options for anglers.  
General Comment

Water Temperature: 60° F, November 15, 2024

Be sure to Clean, Drain, and Dry your boat, bait buckets, and recreational watercraft before and after launching your boat. It is required 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. Be sure to stay up to date on information regarding Aquatic Nuisance Species. Remember it is illegal to release any fish into public water unless it was taken from that water. Please discard leftover bait in a trash can.

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.



OSAGE STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 7/12/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, & Location
Bluegill/Redear Sunfish Good  Up to 10 inches Sunfish can be found near aquatic vegetation.  Bigger sunfish will be on the outside weed lines.  Worms or small lures will produce bites 
Channel catfish Good 0.5-5 lbs Catfish can be caught using stink bait, worms, or cut bait. 
Crappie Fair up to 12 inches Crappie can be caught on deep weed edges and brush piles.  Minnows and small jigs will produce bites
White Bass/Wiper Good up to 5lbs. In late evening or early morning, look for white bass chasing shad schools and breaking the surface.  Cast top water baits to the schools. 
Largemouth bass Good 0.5-3 lbs Bass can be found near aquatic vegetation edges.  Larger bass will be on the outside weed lines.  Soft plastic baits will produce bites.  Topwater baits fished during dawn and dusk can be effective.  
General Comments

Invasive species: 

Zebra Mussels and Curley-leaf pondweed are present.  Lake users should clean, drain and dry fishing equipment and boats to prevent the spread.

Stocking:

20,000 Wiper fry were stocked in May 2024.  Wiper provide predatory control on Gizzard Shad.  Too many shad can reduce survival of young of year sportfish species that compete for similar resources. 

3,500 Channel Catfish were stocked in October 2023.

Most recent fisheries survey:

Bass and sunfish populations were surveyed in May 2024.  Both populations are healthy and reproduce naturally.  Largemouth Bass up to 18-20 inches, weighing 5-6lbs are present. 



PLEASANTON CITY LAKE EAST - Last Updated: 10/25/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, &Location
Wipers Fair size varies,   Majority of fish are in the 3 to 5 pound range. Use spoons, crank baits are good, use shad imitations.
Channel catfish Excellent All sizes, This lake has a good catfish population and produces nice fish. The fish feeders are OFF for the season.  Anglers commonly catch fish in the 2- 7 pound range, with some over 10 pounds. Best baits are bluegill chunks, worms, liver, traditional chicken liver, shrimp, prepared baits, lake wide.  Gear up for these big channels.  We recently restocked  channel catfish.   
Largemouth bass Excellent varies lots of bass with a balanced population. try dropoffs, and the weed bed habitat.  Try using silver or blue crank baits or soft baits.   Lots of bass in the 12 to 15 inch range. 
Walleye/Saugeye Slow 18-24 inches This population is improving in number and quality. 
White Crappie Slow 8-14 inches The crappie are improving and are in the 8 inch to 15 inches long. Fish moving in shallow.  Use pink, blue/white tube or green jigs, minnows. After a rain, Fish the creek mouth where the fresh water comes in and the fish are stacked up.
General Comment

This is a great Kayak or small boat lake.  This is a GREAT FAMILY FISHING LAKE.  The best way to measure social distancing is with a fishing pole.  The best time to fish is anytime you can. This lake has great shoreline angling, lots of room to spread out, for social distancing.  his is a great kayaking while you are fishing lake, no recreational boating.  Have the lake to yourself. 

There are good crappie here.  This lake has a high density of largemouth bass, great fishing for kids! Also, keep in mind that there is a decent wiper population.  The channel cat population in this lake is doing well, and during our sampling we saw a few walleye and saugeye, as well as some sizeable flatheads.  Channel catfish, are stocked in mid October to increase fishing opportunities.   This will supplement the population and maintain fishing opportunities.

Zebra Mussels have recently been found in Hillsdale Lake, and (Private) Linn Valley Lake in Linn County, 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. 

Sign up for the Mound City Fishing District Newsletter today! Remember to "CLEAN, DRAIN AND DRY" your boats and equipment. Don't move water from any impoundment. 

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 is enrolled into the Community Fisheries Assistance Program. A city fishing permit is no longer required. Remember- Wear a Lifejacket and Reach - Throw - Don t Go.



PLEASANTON CITY LAKE WEST - Last Updated: 10/25/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, &amp;amp; Location
channel catfish Excellent Size varies, some up to 8 pounds The fish feeders are OFF for the season. Catfish fishing can be fantastic. Use cut shad or sunfish or best on chicken liver, shrimp, worms, prepared baits, along dam, lots of fat fish from 2 - 6 pounds.  This lake is a great channel catfish lake with great shoreline angling, lots of room to spread out, for social distancing. Gearup for these big channel catfish.  We recently restocked this lake so the catfish numbers are even higher.  
crappie Slow All sizes Density and quality of fish is good.  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 12-23 inches water levels are good and lots of fish in the 2 to 4 pound range.  Use crank baits or spinners, recent sampling shows many bass over 3 pounds. 
bluegill Slow varies Most fish are under 8 inches. use a small worm or jig under a float.
General Comments

A grant from Ks. Wildlife and Parks has funded a floating dock that has been placed on the north shore adjacent to the shelter house.  This enhancement will greatly improve fishing opportunities for families and physically challenged anglers.   Its great weather for fishing. This is a great kayak or small craft lake.  This is a fishing only lake, no recreational boating.

The best way to measure social distancing is with a fishing pole.   The fish feeders are OFF for the season. This lake has great shoreline angling, lots of room to spread out, for social distancing.    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!  The lake was just recently restocked with channel catfish.

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.



POMONA RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 10/25/2024 Print

 Species Rating Size Baits, Method, & Location
Channel, Blue, Flathead Catfish Excellent all sizes Good baits are worms or dip baits and cut sunfish or cutshad.  The State Park and the Coe of Engineers provide many great shorelines for family from the bank fishing. The Rock Quarry is a good place for shore fishing. The outlet can be very good when releasing larger amounts of water.  There is the occasional harvest of a blue catfish.  Channel catfish are in great shape, many in the 2 to 4 pound range.  Lots of catfish caught in the spillway on worms or cut bait.
Walleye/saugeye Fair varies Try crank baits or jigs tipped with night crawlers along the dam or rocky areas
White bass/Wipers Good varies There are good white bass up to 2 pounds and good wipers up to the 5-7 pound pounds.  Good baits are minnows/live baits, cut bait, sometimes for wipers use liver and shad imitation lures.   Look for where shad are schooled up.   
Crappie Slow varies but range 8 -12 inches Very good crappie are still being caught.  Sampling shows alot of good crappie over 10 inches here.   Shallow windy shorelines and points are good places for crappie feeding on gizzard shad. Best baits are dark jigs and/or minnows.   When releasing high volume of water the outlet/spillway is fantastic. 
Largemouth Bass Poor Most are 10 to 15 inches Pomona has a limited black bass fishery with some smallmouth bass being caught. Catches are more common in the Marina area and in the coves on a variety of baits to include crankbaits and soft baits
General Information

Water levels are good. The weather is great for fishing.  Pomona has produced many good crappie in the 10 to 14 inch range and excellent white bass.    Also remember this lake has a good wiper and an improving walleye, saugeye population.  These are often caught at the drop offs along creek channels, and around concentrations of gizzard shad.

The reservoir also supports some larger walleye and blue catfish, though in low numbers.  These numbers will be improved by future stockings. 

 Zebra mussels now inhabit this lake. This means take EXTRA PRECAUTION to help prevent the spread into uncontaminated impoundments.

"Clean, Drain and Dry" before and after using any equipment on this lake.

 For additional information, water temperature, release rates, please check:  http://www.nwk.usace.army.mil/Locations/District-Lakes/Pomona-Lake/Daily-Lake-Information/ 

Have FUN, Get the kids, get your friends and Go Fishing. Remember to "CLEAN, DRAIN AND DRY" your boats and equipment. The State and COE Parks are ready for family fishing.

Sign up for the Mound City Fishing District Newsletter today!

Check out this video on fish management provided by KDWP http://ksoutdoors.com/Fishing/Special-Fishing-Programs-for-You/Fishing-Videos/Kansas-Fish-Management 

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 



WILSON STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 9/16/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location  
Channel Catfish Good 16-24" Catfishing remains good.  Look for fish to move into the shallows to feed during the evening and night.   Shad sides and chicken liver has been working best.  
Largemouth and Spotted Bass Good 10-22" Largemouth bass fishing has improved. Fish have started to move back into the shallows on cool mornings.  Look for them just outside of the weedline as water temps cool down.  Swim baits have been producing fish.   
Crappie Fair 8-12" Crappie fishing has remained steady.  Look for fish near deeper brush piles and steep drop offs. Minnows and jigs have been working best.  
Bluegill and Redear Good 6-8" Bluegills and redear fishing remains good.  Look for fish just outside the weedline and on deeper brush. Jigs tipped with a worm are working best.  
General Comments
Both maintained boat ramps are currently usable.

A bathymetric map is available for Wilson State Fishing Lake at the link above.

District Newsletter

We have created a fishing newsletter that can be sent out to all that subscribe to it. This newsletter is for fishing information for the Independence District (Chautauqua, Labette, Montgomery, and Wilson counties) only.



WOODSON STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 11/18/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Bait, Method, Location
Largemouth Bass Fair-Good 6-18"  Texas-rigged plastics, football jigs, spinnerbaits, swimbaits, or squarebill crankbaits fished around brush piles, rocky banks, or vegetation should produce.  
Channel Catfish Good 12-26" Livers, shad sides, stink bait fished on wind blown banks.  Lots of fish in the 1-4 lb. range. Don't be afraid to fish shallower habitat
Walleye Slow-Fair 8-20" Jig and plastic along rocky banks or the dam. Some harvestable fish are available.
Bluegill Fair 4-7" mealworms, nightcrawlers, or small jigs fished near shore and around vegetation or brush.
Crappie Fair-Good  6-12" Look for crappie in deeper water near brush or cube piles. Jigs and minnows fished vertically over these habitats.
We added 120 brush piles and 220 Georgia Cubes to the lake for fish habitat. For a map of these habitat locations and a bathymetric map of Woodson State Fishing Lake CLICK HERE



YATES CENTER - SOUTH OWL - Last Updated: 11/18/2024 Print

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Largemouth bass SLOW 1-5 lbs. Football jigs, vibrating jigs, Texas-rigged plastics or squarebill crankbaits worked near rocky banks or water willow. Nice sized bass are available but fishing conditions are tough with the turbid water conditions.
channel catfish Fair-Good 1/2-15 lbs Using shad sides livers or other prepared baits on wind blown banks should get a few bites. 
Walleye No reports 10-24"  
crappie Fair up to 14"  Look for crappie near structure in deeper water using live bait and jigs with various plastics.
General Comments

STOP AQUATIC HITCHHIKERS! CLEAN, DRAIN, and DRY your boat and livewell before leaving an area. DO NOT MOVE FISH OR BAIT between waters.

THE LAKE IS EXTREMELY MUDDY LESS THAN 6" OF VISIBILITY



YATES CENTER CITY LAKE - Last Updated: 11/18/2024 Print

Species Size Rating Baits, Methods, Locations
Redear and Bluegill up to 10" Fair Small jigs or worms fished around deeper brush
Largemouth Bass 8-20" Fair-Good Football jigs, Texas-rigged plastics, shaky head with big worm, or slow rolling big spinnerbaits around various structural elements. Utilizing live sonar and a jighead with fluke style bait in open water or around the deep timber can be productive. The slot limit was changed to a 15-21" protected slot, meaning you need to release any bass in the 15"-21" range, but you are encouraged to harvest all bass under 15" to help improve the population. Recent sampling has shown a decrease in abundance but an increase in the size structure of the population.
Catfish up to 10lbs. Good Shad sides, worms, or other prepared baits fished on windy flats or upper end of lake when water is coming in.
Wipers/White Bass 8-18" Fair-Good  Vertical jigging slab spoons or shad imitation jigs around the creek channel and deeper water or fish may be caught along the rocky shorelines or windy points using small spinners, crankbaits, or hair jigs.
Crappie up to 12" Good  The creel limit is 20 fish/day you are encouraged to harvest the abundant 8-9" fish to help improve the population. Fish are schooled up offshore around standing timber and the creek channel. 
Walleye 15-24" slow No reports
This lake contains Eurasian Watermilfoil. Please remember to help stop the spread of Aquatic Nuisance Species Clean, Drain, and Dry your boat and equipment when leaving water bodies.