| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method & Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| White Crappie | Good | up to 15 inches | Crappie fishing has been good throughout the winter. Crappie will begin to break off their winter pattern as they begin to stage near spawning areas (coves with brush piles, timber, and rock). |
| White Bass | Good | up to 16 inches | White Bass are schooled near river/creek mouths and off the dam. They are pre-spawn and will begin spawning in the coming weeks. Fish can be caught in creeks and rivers after high flow events. Jigs, spoons, or small crankbaits will produced bites. |
| Walleye/Saugeye/Sauger | Good | 15-20 inches | Walleye are preparing to spawn in the coming weeks. Fish can be found on shallow, rocky shorelines at night or stagging offshore during the day. Jigs with plastics or crankbaits produce the most bites. |
| Catfish | Good | up to 40lbs. | Blue Catfish can be caught near river channels and wind-blown shorelines. Cut bait is producing the most bites. Channel Catfish activity is increasing. Nightcrawlers or cut bait are producing the most bites early in the spring. |
| Black Bass | Good | 1-5 lb | Bass activity is slow, but will improve with increasing water temperatures |
| General Comments | |||
| Spring Fishing Summary: Many sport fish are in pre-spawn mode and will begin spawning in the coming weeks. Fish typically move into the shallows in late afternoon/evening to take advantage of warming water and investigate spawning areas. High precipitation events can spur fish migrations into creeks and rivers. Fishing conditions will improve as water temperatures continue warming. NEW BLUE CATFISH HARVEST REGULATIONS 10 fish daily creel limit, only 1 fish 30" or longer Fisheries biologists continue to study Kansas blue catfish and the research is showing reservoirs with lower population densities exhibit the best growth rates which equates to greater numbers of larger fish available to anglers. Growth rates of blue catfish are variable across Kansas. Time required for a blue catfish to reach 30 inches is as short as 8 years at Tuttle Creek Reservoir to as long as 14 years at El Dorado Reservoir. Due to the time required to grow to larger sizes, these older and larger fish are quite valuable. Angler harvest is necessary to provide desired densities and harvest should be focused upon smaller blue catfish, especially those in the 18 to 25 inch range while releasing the larger fish to fight again. NEW RESEARCH RESULTS Saugeye were introduced in 2021 as part of a four year study. Equal numbers of Walleye and Saugeye were stocked to provide an equitable comparison. Saugeye outperformed Walleye nearly 10 to 1. The success of Saugeye provided great return on stocking investment and increased angler success. Fish stockings in 2025: Saugeye, Sauger, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass Water level and discharge: Current conditions can be found at: https://www.nwk.usace.army.mil/Locations/District-Lakes/Melvern-Lake/Daily-Lake-Info-2/ Invasive Species: Melvern Reservoir has Zebra Mussels. Remember to clean, drain, and dry your watercraft to prevent the spread of invasive species. Do not transport live bait captured from Melvern Reservoir. Contact Information: If you would like to contribute to future fishing reports or have questions about the fish populations please email the Fisheries Biologist at: jim.miazga@ks.gov | |||
