Jeffrey Energy Center - Make-Up Lake Fishing Report - Updated: 8/29/24

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, and Location
Black Bass Slow  1 to 5 pounds The smallmouth bass population has been well below the historical norm however the 2024 spring sample showed a promising rebound in numbers of fish. The corners of the dam and along the East bank are the best places for smallmouth. The lake has few largemouth bass.  
Crappie Fair 1/2 to 1 pound Modest numbers of crappie with 24% 10 inches or bigger.  There is a brushpile just south of the fishing dock.
Catfish Fair to Good 1/2 to 6 pounds The lake has supported a good channel catfish harvest rate through the years.  The southwest corner of the lake and the northern 2 coves tend to be good spots.  The lake has a low level blue catfish population with most below 20 inches.  The lake is home to some big flathead. If the inlet is flowing, then good fishing can be found there for all three species.  
Walleye and Sauger Fair 1 to 5 pounds The 2023 fall gill netting and electrofishing samples show the number of walleye is below normal yet most of them are over the 15-inch minimum length limit. Sauger were introduced into the lake in 2021 and have done well so far.  The 2023 data shows sauger are already out performing walleye in this lake and growing quickly with 65% exceeding the 15-inch minimum length limit. The two species (walleye & sauger) are combined in KS regulations and an angler can harvest a combined total of 2 per day at the Jeffrey Lakes.    
White Bass Fair to Good 1/2 to 2 pounds White bass numbers are suppressed for the second year in a row and fishing success in 2024 will likely not meet the highs this lake is known for but anglers have been doing well this summer catching them.  
Wipers Fair to Good Up to 12 pounds Wiper numbers are below normal with 69% of the fish collected last fall were less than 20 inches. Fishing for them has been decent recently.
General Comments

Anglers need to check into the Jeffrey Energy Center Guard House located north of St. Mary's, then west off K-63 Hwy.  You can call the Guard House to check on availability at (785) 456-6149.  The Jeffrey Energy Center allows 30 anglers to fish at any one time.  If the inlet is flowing, then good fishing can usually be found there.   

Make-Up Lake has zebra mussels which makes the lake designated as a Aquatic Nuisance Species water.  It is illegal to transport alive fish from ANS designated waters. To help prevent the spread of invasive species, please CLEAN, DRAIN & DRY all equipment when changing water bodies and dump your bait.