Elk City Reservoir Fishing Report - Updated: 3/12/25

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Crappie Good 8-14" Crappie fishing is good.  There have been fish being caught in both the river and the lake.  Fish have not moved in shallow yet, so look for them in deeper water adjacent to spawning areas.  Plastic jigs and minnows have been working best.
Blue and channel catfish Good 18-30" Catfishing has been fair to good depending on the day.  Look for fish to be near the river mouth where there is inflow.  Most fish have been caught in fairly shallow water on the windward side of the lake. Shad has been working best.
White Bass Fair 10-14" The white bass fishing has been slow.  Look for white bass to be moving into the river to spawn.  Populations have finally rebounded some from the die off in 2020.  Plastic swim baits are the preferred bait this time of year.
Outlet Fair 12-20" Fishing has been slow.  Water release is good right now and some catfish are being caught. 
 
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.

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.