| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method, and Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crappie | Fair | 1/2 to 2 pounds | The lake has been providing good crappie fishing the last five years due to good spawning success and robust growth rates. The 2024 fall sample shows that numbers of crappie over 10-inches has fallen below the long-term average for the lake. However, the future is bright again as the number of small crappie is at one of the highest points in the history of the lake. No recent reports of angler success but fish should be schooled up in 15-20 feet of water. |
| White Bass | Slow to Fair | 1/2 to 2 pounds | White bass numbers have been struggling due to limited spawning success for most of the last decade. This has improved some the last couple of years but is still well below the good fishery the lake has produced in the past. |
| Channel Catfish | Fair | Fair numbers of bigger fish over 28 inches. | The lake and the connected river system has maintained a good channel catfish population through the history of the lake and has been one of the best places around to catch channel cats over 8 pounds. Population evaluations are hindered by abundant fish movement upstream into the river at times. The fishery was underperforming from 2013 to 2020 but rebounded nicely for a few years. The 2024 sample recorded that channel catfish sample numbers regressed again to below normal. Fishing in the upper end of the lake and the river tends to be the most consistent spots for channel cats. K-State is conducting a study to track fish movements and there are a few channel catfish with a purple tag in their back - please release all fish with a purple tag. |
| Blue Catfish | Fair to Good | Lots of fish from 20" to 25" with a few fish over 40 pounds | Blue catfish have become well established in the lake and providing a decent fishery. Summer sampling in 2024 showed that 57% of the blue catfish were between 20 to 25 inches. Fresh cut bait or fresh shad is the best baits, near drop-offs this time of year. Blue catfish harvest regulations are a 10 fish daily creel limit which may include only one fish 30 inches or longer. Please check any blue catfish for a yellow or orange tag in its back as we have been tagging fish to collect more information on the species in Tuttle Creek Lake. It is up to you if you wish to release the fish or harvest it (if legally applicable), but please report the tag number and the general location of the catch to (620) 342-0658 or ely.sprenkle@ks.gov We also have a few fish with a purple tag that have a transmitter for tracking their movements, PLEASE RELEASE FISH WITH A PURPLE TAG. A big THANK YOU to all who report their catch! |
| Largemouth Bass | Slow to Fair | 1 to 5 pounds | Coves in southern third of the Reservoir have some locally good largemouth bass populations. The McIntyre Cove area tends to produce the best fishing with Carnahan Cove second best. |
| Saugeye | Fair | Up to 6 pounds | The saugeye population has been doing very well the last few years but numbers of saugeye took a step backward in the 2024 fall fish sampling data. However, the size structure was good with the most fish over 18 inches in a decade. No recent reports. Since saugeye like to leave Tuttle Creek through the dam downstream, some of the best opportunities to harvest saugeye is in the River Pond or Rocky Ford or at the "tubes". Great shoreline access at all of these spots and fish are regularly being caught year-round. K-State is conducting a study to track fish movements and there are a few saugeye with a purple tag in their back - please release all fish with a purple tag. |
| Rainbow Trout | Fair | Up to 4 pounds | Trout season is here. On November 19th Willow Lake was stocked with 1,300 rainbow trout, most of which weighed about a pound each. These fish will hit about anything but anglers usually do well on commercial trout baits, worms, or spinners. Willow Lake is located in Tuttle Creek State Park below the dam and is stocked three times with trout during the winter. A trout permit is required. No recent angler reports. |
| General Comments | |||
| You can check current water conditions HERE Tuttle Creek has zebra mussels which classifies the lake and River Pond and Rocky Ford as Aquatic Invasive Species waters. Fish may not be transported alive from AIS designated waters. To help prevent the spread of invasive species, please CLEAN, DRAIN & DRY all equipment when changing water bodies and please do not move fish you have caught or your bait. | |||
