| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method & Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walleye | Fair | Up to 9 lbs. | Walleye have finished spawning and should be moved back to deeper water and looking to feed. Bouncing jigs and worms over deep structure should produce fish. |
| Crappie | Good | Up to 13 inches | The crappie spawn has begun. Minnows and small soft plastics in a variety of colors will produce fish near shore. Focus on water 5 feet deep or less. This is a strong year-class of white crappie that are 8-9 inches currently but there is also a class of 13-14 inch fish that can be targeted. |
| White Bass | Fair | Up to 2 lbs. | Target white bass off wind blown points and rocky banks. As they begin to spawn, target shallow creeks at the upper ends of the lake. 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. Square bill crank baits fished slowly may work as water warms. |
| 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. |
| General Comments | |||
| WATER LEVEL: As of April 17th the water level is 1.1 feet below conservation pool and stable. The gates have been closed and spring rains should bring the lake back up. Water temps are near 61 degrees. 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
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