Butler State Fishing Lake Fishing Report - Updated: 3/20/25

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

Creel limit 2/day Length Limit 15-inches

Cut bait and prepared catfish baits are good early spring bait selections.  Windy shorelines hold the most channel catfish at Butler as the wind blows food into the waiting fish.  Channel cats will also be shallow and close to shore.

Largemouth Bass Fair 12 to 18 inch Bass will be looking for warmer water and will be found in shallow water during the warmer days.  Big, slow moving baits work best while the water is still cold.  Jigs and jerkbaits are always good choices.
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.  Crappie will move into less than 3ft of water as water temperatures increase into the 50's.
Bluegill Fair up to 7 inch Small live bait presentations near shoreline cover.  Warmer days will be best.
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