Wichita - Urban Fishing Report Fishing Report - Updated: 4/22/25

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 Fair 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  Poor Up to 20" Trout were stocked for the 2024-2025 season at SG County Park Vic's Lake and Slough Creek and OJ Watson Park. Try dough baits, salmon eggs, and panfish lures. A trout permit is not required after March 31. Creel limit is 5/day. 
General Comments

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. If you catch a fish that looks like a white perch at any location not listed as an AIS water, please contact David Breth at the Wichita Regional Office 316-683-8069. 

Catfish Stockings have resumed! Every two weeks, we will be stocking area lakes. For more information, visit https://ksoutdoors.com/Fishing/Special-Fishing-Programs-for-You/Urban-Fishing-Program