Marion Reservoir Fishing Report - Updated: 4/11/25

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 14 to 24 inches Cats are being caught on shallow windy points and shorelines.  Fresh cut bait and stink baits are good baits for channel catfish. 
White Crappie Fair up to 13 inches

20/day creel limit

Crappie will be moving up on shallow cover as weather patterns stabilize.  Jigs and minnows work well for spawning crappie.

Walleye Slow to Fair up to 26 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.

Walleye are spawning and have moved to spawning areas across the lakes.  Look for points and shorelines with rocky or gravelly substrates.  Jig and plastics and crankbaits can be productive for spawning walleye.  Areas along the dam are popular during the spawn however many other shorelines are attractive to walleye at Marion and often less pressured.

White Bass Fair to Good up to 14 inch Water 14-20 feet deep in the mainlake area near breaks or humps.  During warmer days whites and wipers will move onto shallow flats and points where the wind is pushing in.  Jig and plastics, medium sized crankbaits, and spoons are good baits.
Wiper Fair to 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
Normal pool, releasing 1 CFS.  Click HERE for the most up to date lake level information.