Melvern Reservoir Fishing Report - Updated: 10/21/24

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
White Crappie Good up to 15 inches Crappie can be found on brush piles and timber in 6 - 20 ft.  Crappie may move into shallower areas at dusk to feed.  Jig and small plastics or minnows will produce bites.  
White Bass Good up to 16 inches White Bass are can be found in the river channels or along the dam 20+ ft.  Jigging spoons, plastics, and deep running crankbait will produce bites.  
Walleye/Saugeye/Sauger Good 15-20 inches Walleye can be found on mudflats or rocky shorelines in 10-20ft. Jigs with plastics or crankbaits are producing bites. Walleye may move into shallower areas at dawn and dusk to feed. 
Catfish Good up to 40lbs.
Catfish can be found near river channels and wind-blown shorelines. Cut shad is producing the most bites. 
Black Bass Good 1-5 lb Bass can be found on rocky shorelines and main lake points in 6 - 10 ft.  Crayfish imitations or crankbaits will produce bites.   
General Comments

Summary:

Fishing conditions have improved now that fall has set in and water temperatures are cooling.  The afternoon bite is often better compared to the morning.  Target shallow rocky areas that warm quickly.  Deep channels and dropoffs can be productive in the morning. 

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.

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.