Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism

Fishing Reports

For up-to-date information, look up the fishing report for the lake of your choice. Field staff update the fishing reports each week through the fishing season, reporting on fishing success, lake levels, water temperatures, and other important information.

You also can get helpful information from the Fishing Forecast.

Below are links to Google .kmz files for all fish attractors statewide.

All statewide fish attractors' GPS (KMZ)

All artificial statewide fish attractors' GPS (PDF)

Listing of Downloadable Bathymetric Maps

Purchase Fishing License Here

Fishing reports provide general angling information from KDWP staff. The department cannot update the reports on a regular, frequent basis. Many factors determine angling success, and fishing conditions and individual fishing success may vary from the report. Anglers are responsible for deciding what species to fish for, what methods to use, and where and when to fish. You can help fellow anglers by sharing successful fishing notes at https://www.facebook.com/KDWPFisheries.

CEDAR BLUFF RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 4/18/2025 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method, Location
Black Bass	Fair/Good	Up to 6 lbs.	Casting baits that enable a slow presentation, such as weightless swimbaits, Texas-rigged soft plastics, etc., in shallow water around primary and secondary points possessing rock piles and other hard substrates.
Crappie	Fair	Up to 15 inches	Look for fish staging around the mouths of coves where spawning occurs. Vertically fishing jigs is best. Fish should begin moving shallow to spawn in a couple of weeks where they can be caught casting a jig under a bobber over congregations of spawning fish. Fish typically spawn in wind-protected areas possessing hard bottom types and some sort of horizontal structure such as laydown logs. Spawning activity usually starts at the west end of the reservoir and progresses east.
Walleye	Fair	Up to 28 inches	The spawn has begun to wind down, but there are still fish frequenting the dam to spawn. Casting brightly colored jigs, lightly weighted swimbaits, and shallow running crankbaits along the dam and adjacent shorelines at night is best for spawning fish. As the spawn winds down, fish will recuperate from the rigors of spawning and begin feeding again. Look for fish to begin frequenting mainlake and secondary points in coves where they can be caught casting shad imitating swimbaits and crankbaits or jigs tipped with nightcrawlers or minnows. Cedar Bluff walleye harvest is regulated by a 21" minimum length limit and 5 fish/day creel limit, except that anglers have the option to harvest up to 2 walleye 15" but less than 18" as part of the five fish daily creel limit.
White Bass/Wipers	Good	Whites up to 17 inches Wipers up to 14.5 lbs.	Casting white curly-tail or bucktail jigs along the dam and adjacent shorelines is best right now for a mix of white bass and wipers.
WATER TEMPERATURE-53 degrees F SURFACE ELEVATION- 2122.25 ft. above MSL-21.75 ft. below conservation pool ATTENTION: An established zebra mussel population has been documented at this water making Cedar Bluff an ANS designated water. With this designation, regulations are in effect primarily aimed at discouraging water containing microscopic zebra mussel larvae from leaving the property and establishing in new waters. Any time one leaves the reservoir it is best to clean mud, vegetation, or attached zebra mussel adults off of boats and other equipment, drain any thing on a boat or other equipment that holds water, and allow boats 01d other equipment to dry completely before using them at another body of water. It is now illegal to use wild-caught bait from Cedar Bluff at any other water. Live fish are not to be taken off the property. And all livewells and bilges must be drained prior to leaving the property. It is illegal to release fish into public water unless it was taken from that water. So please discard any leftover bait in a trash can.

GLEN ELDER RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 4/14/2025 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method, Location
Crappie	Fair	9-15 inches	No angler reports. With water temps in the 50s crappie should be headed towards shallow spawning areas. Crappie spawn in shallow vegetation or brushpiles in less than 12 ft of water. Channels, points, or jetties can be transitional areas for fishing moving in to spawn from deep winter spots. If you're fishing from shore look for submerged vegetation or structure. Use minnows, jigs, spoons, or small crankbaits.
Trout	None	None	No trout will be stocked at the Glen Elder State Park Pond or the reservoir outlet for the 2024-2025 trout season. Kanopolis Seep Stream and Webster Stilling Basin will be stocked.
Walleye	Fair to Good	11-25 inches	No angler reports, but Walleye should be headed to post-spawning areas and patterns with spawning activity petering out. Fish will have left the dam and rocky shorelines they used to spawn. Post-spawn fish will be hungry and looking to pack on weight. Some may roam lake flats and river channels looking for baitfish, while others suspend in deeper water. Trolling river channels and road beds can be a good strategy to find Walleye. Walleye are often caught using nightcrawlers, jigging spoons, minnows, crankbaits, and spinners. *3.6 million fry were stocked last April. 200k fingerlings were stocked in June.
Black Bass	Good	12-20 inches	No angler reports. Look for bass to be on spawning beds as early as late April and May. Smallmouth tend to prefer harder, rockier bottoms, while Largemouth might be found on softer bottoms and weed beds. Don't overlook standing timber and brush piles. Look for areas that hold baitfish. Use a quarter ounce or an eighth ounce jig tipped with a minnow or baitfish imitation. You could also have success with hair jigs and jigging spoons. With a 21 inch length limit these Smallmouth are almost all sublegal so please handle them with extreme care and release them immediately after catching them.
Catfish	Good	15-35 inches	No angler reports. Channel Cats can be found almost anywhere in the lake. Targeting inflows can be successful after rains. Blue Cats tend to prefer deeper structure or windblown flats. Try river channel bends, old road beds, building foundations, humps and submerged bridges. The shore-based Blue Cat angler should look for an upwind shoreline where fish are looking to scavenge. Fall sampling indicated good numbers of blues and channel catfish in the reservoir now. Best baits to use include cut bait, stinkbait, shad sides, shrimp, and nightcrawlers. Most Flathead fisherman use live bait near hard structure like wood and riprap. The causeway and granite creek bridge will hold good numbers of Flatheads. Remember, there is a NEW creel limit on blue catfish at Glen Elder. 10 fish per day, only 1 allowed over 30 in. *28,000 surplus Channel Cat fingerlings were stocked in April.
White Bass	Good	11-18 inches	No angler reports. White Bass should soon be headed to upstream riffles and windblown shorelines for the spawn. White Bass and Wipers can be found chasing shad near brushpiles, river channels, drop offs, and other structure. Higher numbers of big whites tend to be caught west of the causeway. Some have been reported to be caught through the ice. Look for drop-offs and points for suspended fish. Downwind shorelines can produce good numbers of actively feeding fish. Use a variety of jigs, spinners, or minnows to catch fish all year. Few few angler reports coming in. Game Wardens reported White Bass and a few Wipers coming through the ice.
Anglers can now find GPS locations for each of the brush piles located in the reservoir. Simply click on this link Good Fishing Spots and select the individual brush pile. As we enhance these brush piles throughout the year, we'll make a note under each individual location. Current Water Temperature: 55ºF Current Water Level: 6.3 feet low Some boat ramps are unusable due to low water conditions. This currently includes Granite Creek, North Fork River, Carr Creek, and Walnut Creek. Boller Point ramp is very shallow but usable by shallow drafted vessels. Repairs to the face of the dam were completed in February 2023. Water levels should start to rise with rain.

JEWELL STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 4/14/2025 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method, Location
Crappie	Fair to Good	9-11 inches	With the spawn approaching crappie should be headed towards nests around shallow vegetation and brush. Anglers should target the brush piles and other submerged structure with minnows and jigs or nearby points and drop offs. Anglers are encouraged to harvest high numbers of crappie to help maintain a desirable level. Our recent sample indicated there are very high numbers of crappie in the lake now and anglers could have great success throughout the year.
Largemouth Bass	Good	12-22 inches	Fish can be caught around any aquatic vegetation, off the rocky jetties, and around the overhanging trees in the water. I would focus on submerged wood. The larger trunks that provide horizontal cover seem to hold bigger bass. Fish can be caught use wacky worms, Senkos, Ned Rigs, spinnerbaits, roadrunners, and crankbaits. As the water cools slowing down and downsizing your presentation can be effective with less aggressive fish. There is an 18 inch minimum length limit on all bass in Jewell
Channel Catfish	Good	11-25 inches	Fish can be caught just about anywhere on the lake. Anglers should try using shad sides, shad gizzards, shrimp, nightcrawlers, and chicken liver. Targeting inflow is a popular method as the catfish will congregate there to feed. Remember there is a 15 inch minimum length limit on channel catfish
Bluegill Redear Sunfish	Good	6-9 inches	Aquatic vegetation is always a good bet for sunfish. Look for bluegill around the rocks on the piers and around any brush in the water. Worms and small jigs are a good bet. These guys can be caught throughout the year using a variety of techniques. Some anglers prefer to fly fish with small nymphs or dry flies fished on the surface.
General Comments
ATTENTION ANGLERS! There is a regulation for all sunfish species which began in January 2019. Fish between 6 and 9 inches must be immediately released. There is no limit on the number of fish less than 6 inches, but anglers are limited to only 5 fish greater than 9 inches per day. This applies to bluegill, redear sunfish, green sunfish, and their hybrids. Water temperature: 55ºF Water level: 8.25 feet low

KANOPOLIS RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 4/14/2025 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method, and Location
Channel/Blue Catfish	Good	16 - 21"	Fishing cut and prepared baits along the river channel from the south boat ramp all the way to buzzard bay. Try deeper catfish humps and structure near bluffs. Remember there is a 35" minimum length limit on Blue Catfish at Kanopolis Reservoir.
Crappie	Good	10 to 14+ inches	Try the deeper structure, brush piles, or the river channel with 1/16 oz. jigs and live minnows. Look for fish transitioning into prespawn areas
Trout	Good		The final trout stocking of the season for the seep stream occurred on 2-10-25.
Saugeye	Fair	14 - 22"	Wind blown points and flats in the middle and lower ends of the reservoir are best. Shad imitating swimbaits and jigs tipped with minnows or worms can be productive baits. Few fish also being caught in the river while fishing for white bass
White Bass	Good	All sizes - up to 17 inches	Casting swimbaits, bucktail jigs, and Kastmaster spoons along wind blown points and areas near the river channel. Using slab spoons or live minnows is also producing some fish right now along brush piles and in the river channel. White Bass have started to run up the river, look for fishing to get better in the coming days.
Wiper	Fair	All sizes	Similar locations and baits as those used for white bass. We are seeing more Wipers in the reservoir with recent successful stockings. Know your identification as the creel limit is 2 per day.
General Comment
Current lake elevation and water temperature is available on the location page linked to this fishing report. It is updated daily by the Corps of Engineers.

KEITH SEBELIUS RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 4/14/2025 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method, and Location
Crappie	Fair	7 to 16 inches	Crappies are starting to be caught around the public fishing dock and maintained fish attractors using jigs and jigs tipped with minnows. Would also recommend fishing up in the coves.
Saugeye/Walleye	Fair	13 to 27 inches	Fish are being caught around concrete cove up by the marsh dike and along the dam using jigs tipped with night crawlers and/or minnows and trolling diving lures. An 18" minimum length limit is in effect.
Wiper	Good	10 to 28 inches	Would recommend fishing for them around the east side of Leota Cove, Monkey Island and Concrete cove using jigs and swim baits. Trolling diving lures could also be productive.
Catfish	Fair	10 to 30 inches	Did hear of some catfish being caught up in the shallows using shad, gizzards, shrimp, night crawlers or stink bait on the bottom.
Largemouth/Spotted Bass	Good	10 to 20 inches	Would recommend fishing up in the coves or along the Dam and Breakwater using crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and plastics.
General Comments
WATER TEMPERATURE- 56° SURFACE ELEVATION- 2293.19 ---- 11.11 feet below conservation pool Currently, the water level is 2.18 feet higher than it was one year ago, at this time. Remember it is illegal to release any fish into public water unless it was taken from that water. Please discard leftover bait in a trash can.

KIRWIN RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 4/14/2025 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method, and Location
Crappie	Fair	7 to 17 inches	Crappie are being caught around Bluegill and Crappie points using jigs and jigs tipped with minnows. Could also possibly catch some off the Dam and around the outlet using jigs and jigs tipped with minnows.
Walleye	Fair	10 to 29 inches	Spawn is pretty much over therefore, I would recommend thinking about getting those night crawlers out and fish the Flat's as these fish will be moving up to feed. Trolling diving lures along the Dam and river channel could also be productive.
White Bass/ Wiper	Good	10 to 28 inches	Fish are being caught lake wide casting jigs and roadrunners from the bank. Trolling diving lures could be productive as well.
Catfish	Fair	10 to 30 inches	Fish are being caught up in the shallows of coves and up to the west end. Would recommend fishing the shallow area with shrimp, cut bait, stink bait, night crawlers or shad off the bottom.
Largemouth Bass	Fair	12 to 22 inches	Fish are being caught in the coves and along the rocky shorelines using plastics and crank baits.
General Comments
WATER TEMPERATURE- 56° SURFACE ELEVATION- 1716.70 ---- 12.55' below conservation pool Currently, the water level is 4.26' lower than it was one year ago, at this time. The South Boat Ramp and Bow Creek Ramp are the only usable ramps at this time. The fish cleaning station has been closed for the winter and will hopefully be opening when the weather straightens up a little and the potential for freezing temperatures are past. A boat cleaning facility (CD3) has been added by the fish cleaning station and is currently usable. If you have any questions regarding Kirwin Reservoir and the surrounding public lands, contact the USFWS at 785-543-6673. Remember it is illegal to release any fish into public water unless it was taken from that water. Please discard leftover bait in a trash can.

LOVEWELL RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 4/14/2025 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method, Location
Walleye	Fair	16-25 inches	No angler reports. The Walleye spawn should be coming to an end. Fish should be headed from the dam and rocky shorelines they used to spawn at night. Look for post-spawn fish in shallow flats, river channels, and points holding baitfish. Focus on the deeper channels and structure. Nightfall can bring fish up to the shallows in search of food. Try using jigging spoons, minnows, brightly colored lures, or nightcrawlers. *2,500 intermediates last fall.
White Bass/Wipers	Good	7-14 inches 15-25 inches	No angler reports. The upcoming spawn will have White Bass headed towards upstream riffles or rocky, windblown shorelines. White Bass and Wipers will suspend on river channels, drop-offs, and deep brushpiles. Downwind shorelines will attract actively feeding fish. White Bass populations have been low for a few years, but fall sampling indicated better numbers. Look for schools of baitfish and these predators are probably nearby. The outlet at dawn and dusk can be a hot spot for White Bass and Wiper. Using a variety of jigs, spinners, or minnows can catch fish most of the year. *300,000 wiper fry were stocked into Lovewell in May
Crappie	Fair to Good	8-14 inches	No angler reports. The crappie spawn will be coming up soon. Look for shallow vegetation or structure for fish on beds. Try fishing deep brush piles and or points as fish transition into the spawn. Look for places that hold baitfish and structure. The marina will usually hold crappie and Cedar Point is one of the most popular crappie fishing spots all year. Game Wardens reported good numbers of keeper crappie being caught in the fall and winter.
Catfish	Good	16 to 38 inches	No angler reports. Fall sampling indicated good numbers of Channel Catfish, Blue Catfish, and Flathead Catfish. Best baits to use for Channel Catfish include stinkbait, shad sides, shrimp, and nightcrawlers. Blue Catfish usually go for cut bait and Flatheads tend to prefer live bait. Anglers often report good spring catches of Blue Catfish near Walleye Point, Cedar Point, and Pawnee Point. Blues and flatheads tend to focus on hard structure like rocks, brush piles, and river channels. Remember there is a 35-inch minimum length limit on blue catfish in Lovewell. All blue catfish less than 35 inches must be released immediately.
Comments
Anglers can now find GPS coordinates, descriptions, and histories of some of the major brush piles in Lovewell. Simply follow this link Good Fishing Spots and select the individual brush pile to find out more information. More Georgia Cubes were added in April 2020! Current water temperature: 55ºF Current water level: 1.4 feet low Lovewell is not currently under a harmful algae watch. Please use the following link for the latest advisories from KDHE, Harmful Algal Blooms \| KDHE, KS. Please discard of leftover bait in a trash can, even baitfish. Remember it is illegal to release any fish into public water unless it was taken from that water!

OTTAWA STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 4/14/2025 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method, Location
Largemouth Bass	Fair to Good	12-18 inches	No angler reports. Bass should be feeding as the water warms and they prepare to spawn in early May. Fish can be caught around rocky jetties and brushpiles. Fish can be caught use wacky worms, Senkos, Ned Rigs, spinnerbaits, roadrunners, and crankbaits. Slow down your presentation and downsize for less aggressive fish.
Bluegill/Sunfish	Good	5 to 7 Inches	No angler reports. Look for bluegill around the rocks on the piers, shoreline vegetation, and around any brush in the water. Worms and small jigs are a good bet. These guys can be caught throughout the year using a variety of techniques. Some anglers prefer to fly fish with small nymphs or dry flies fished on the surface.
Channel Catfish	Fair to Good	12-25 inches	No angler reports. Fish can be caught just about anywhere on the lake. Anglers should try using shad sides, shad gizzards, shrimp, nightcrawlers, and chicken liver. Targeting inflow is a popular method as the catfish will congregate there to feed. The shallow upper end is a great area to find big catfish on warm days.
Saugeye	Fair	18-25 inches	No angler reports. The best number of saugeye can be found on the upper end around the jetties and other rocky areas. Jig and crawler, large shiners, crankbaits, and swim baits are all good options to use for catching saugeye now. Anglers will also find some around the brush piles and off the ends of the jetties closest to the dam. Sometimes Saugeye will be actively feeding up on the shorelines at night.
Crappie	Good	8-15 inches	No angler reports. The spawn is quickly approaching. Look for crappie on nests in shallow vegetation, brush, or other structure. Anglers should target the brush piles and other submerged structure with minnows and jigs. Focus on deeper structure like brushpiles and rocks during summer. Anglers are encouraged to harvest high numbers of crappie to help maintain a desirable level. Our recent sample indicated there are very high numbers of crappie in the lake now and anglers could have great success throughout the year.
General Comments
Water Temperature-- 55ºF CAUTION: LONGER BOAT TRAILERS MAY FALL OFF EDGE OF BOAT RAMP WHEN WATER IS LOW

ROOKS STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 4/14/2025 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method, and Location
			CURRENT FISHING
Largemouth Bass	Poor	6-21 inches	No Reports.
Bluegill	Poor	3-9 inches	No Reports.
Catfish	Poor	10-25 inches	No Reports.
Black Crappie	Poor	5-12 inches	No Reports.
General Comments
Water Temp. 59 Degrees Lake is approx. twelve to thirteen feet low.

SHERIDAN STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 1/23/2025 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method, and Location
Comments
ATTENTION: As of 1-23-2025, the lake water level is extremely low with only inches of water left at the deepest. Given recent cold weather, remaining lake water and surrounding sediments have frozen. Given the close proximity between any existing ice and bottom sediments, melting and refreezing of ice can be rapid. Rapidly changing ice conditions over the top of extremely soft lake bottom sediments has resulted in a potentially dangerous scenario should one fall through weak ice. Any attempt to get out on existing ice or muddy bottom sediments is strongly discouraged. The lake is currently being dewatered to enable lake renovation. As part of lake renovation, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks has issued Sheridan State Fishing Lake be opened to public fish salvage effective 11/6/2023. The order is posted on signs around the lake. It allows the public to collect fish by any legal methods as well as by hand, dip net, throw net, minnow trap or seine, snagging, gig, speargun, bow and arrow or crossbow with a barbed head and line attached from bow/crossbow to arrow per regulation 115-7-1. This fish salvage order also removes all daily creel limits and size limits per regulation 115-25-14. This public fish salvage will remain in effect until posted notice signage on site is removed. For more information contact Dave Spalsbury, District Fisheries Biologist at 785-726-3212.

Species

Rating

Size

Baits, Method, and Location

Comments

ATTENTION: As of 1-23-2025, the lake water level is extremely low with only inches of water left at the deepest. Given recent cold weather, remaining lake water and surrounding sediments have frozen. Given the close proximity between any existing ice and bottom sediments, melting and refreezing of ice can be rapid. Rapidly changing ice conditions over the top of extremely soft lake bottom sediments has resulted in a potentially dangerous scenario should one fall through weak ice. Any attempt to get out on existing ice or muddy bottom sediments is strongly discouraged.

The lake is currently being dewatered to enable lake renovation.

As part of lake renovation, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks has issued Sheridan State Fishing Lake be opened to public fish salvage effective 11/6/2023.

The order is posted on signs around the lake. It allows the public to collect fish by any legal methods as well as by hand, dip net, throw net, minnow trap or seine, snagging, gig, speargun, bow and arrow or crossbow with a barbed head and line attached from bow/crossbow to arrow per regulation 115-7-1. This fish salvage order also removes all daily creel limits and size limits per regulation 115-25-14. This public fish salvage will remain in effect until posted notice signage on site is removed.

For more information contact Dave Spalsbury, District Fisheries Biologist at 785-726-3212.

WEBSTER RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 4/14/2025 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method, and Location
Crappie	Fair	7 to 17 inches	Are starting to pick up a few around the north and south shore breakwaters and fish attractors using jigs and jigs with minnows.
Walleye	Fair	14 to 28 inches	Spawn is pretty much over therefore, I would recommend thinking about getting those jigs and night crawler's out and start fishing on the flats as they will be moving up to feed. Trolling diving lures along the dam and river channel could also be productive.
White Bass/Wiper	Good	8 to 28 inches	Both species are being caught around the north and south shore fish attractors and breakwaters using jigs and jigs tipped with minnow. Trolling diving lures lake wide could also be productive.
Catfish	Fair	12 to 30 inches	Been catching some up to the west end in the shallower water that warms up quicker than the rest. They are being caught using shad, shrimp, gizzards, night crawler's or stink baits on the bottom.
Largemouth Bass	Fair	12 to 22 inches	Fish are being caught around the maintained fish attractors, outlet and breakwaters using plastics and spinner baits.
Rainbow Trout	Good	10 to 20 inches	Have been catching trout on Powerbait, salmon eggs, corn and cheese. Would also recommend cast small cast-masters and spinners. Trout season ends on March 31st so after that date NO trout permit is needed, however, the creel limit of 5 trout still applies.
General Comments
WATER TEMPERATURE- 57° SURFACE ELEVATION- 1867.21 ---- 25.24' below conservation pool The water level is 11.00' lower than it was one year ago at this time. Old Marina, Morel, Goose Flats and Lake view boat ramps are not usable; however, Rock Point (north ramp has been barricaded off, but the south ramp goes all the way to the bottom and is still usable). Fish cleaning station has been closed for the winter and has NOT been opened as of yet (hopefully soon). A boat cleaning station (CD3) has been added by the fish cleaning station and is usable at this time. The Stilling Basin was stocked with trout for the Trout Season that Started on December 1 and goes thru March 31, 2025. After March 31st, NO trout permit is required, however, the 5 fish creel limit still applies. Remember it is illegal to release any fish into public water unless it was taken from that water. Please discard leftover bait in a trash can.

WILSON RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 4/14/2025 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method, Location
Striped Bass	Fair	7-25 pounds	Few reports of fish starting to be caught shallow in hell creek and the western third of the reservoir. Some Larger fish are relating to deeper water near Lucas campground, mouth of Marshall Cove, Hell Creek and towards the dam. Try wade fishing from the shore, trolling crankbaits, casting/jigging large bucktail jigs, or drifting live shad or sunfish along channel breaks.
Walleye	Good	18-27 inches	Trolling or casting crankbaits and swimbaits over main lake points early morning or late evening are your best bets. With the spawn over look for walleye to begin heading towards the flats to feed.
Blue/Channel Catfish	Good	2-20 pounds	Channel Catfish: Fish can be found from shallow to moderate depths. Try cut bait, dough bait, or punch bait thorough the reservoir. Blue Catfish: scattered throughout the reservoir, try fresh cutbait in 6-30 feet of water on river channel swings or flats near these swings. Release all Blue Catfish between 32 - 40 inches. Two can be kept outside this range but only one can be kept over 40 inches.
White Bass	Fair	12-18 inches, up to 3 pounds	Casting shad imitating swimbaits and bucktail jigs over windblown points and using slab spoons along the river channel.
Black Bass	Good	12-20 inches	Soft plastics, spinnerbaits, and crankbaits around structure.
White Perch	Poor	4 to 12 inches	- IT IS ILLEGAL TO HAVE A WHITE PERCH ALIVE IN YOUR POSSESSION - IF YOU CATCH IT AND WANT TO KEEP IT - IT HAS TO BE DEAD IN A COOLER OR LIVEWELL. THEY ARE NO LONGER LEGAL AS LIVE BAIT FOR STRIPERS OR OTHER FISH!!!!!
General Comments
Lake Elevation = 4.76 feet below conservation pool. We have two Aquatic Invasive Species - white perch and zebra mussels and have joined Cheney and El Dorado as lakes with both species. The law now says that if anyone leaves the lake with water in your livewell or boat, you are subject to a ticket for transporting Zebra Mussels since they will spawn and the microscopic little mussels will probably be in every drop of water in the lake. Make sure you drain all water from the boat before you leave the boat ramp area!!! We have been taking veliger samples and the samples were high so be sure to drain and dry everything!!!!!!

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ATCHISON STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 4/22/2025 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method & Location
Black Crappie	Fair	up to 0.9 lbs	For best luck, try a jig and minnow next to rocky areas along the shoreline or near brush piles. Fish may be caught shallower on warm, sunny days.
Bluegill	Fair to Good	up to 0.5 lbs	Bluegill can be caught with a nightcrawler under a bobber near brushpiles.
Channel Catfish	Fair	up to 7.7 lbs	Channel catfish can be caught from shore using cut shad, dough balls, or chunks of worm.
Largemouth Bass	Fair to Good	up to 2.0 lbs	Spinnerbaits or plastics worked around brush piles and rocks.
Redear Sunfish	Fair	up to 0.75 lbs.	Redear can be caught jigging a chunk of worm near shoreline structure.
General Comments
If you have information that you would like to contribute to the fishing report contact Nick Kramer at nick.kramer@ks.gov

BROWN STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 4/22/2025 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method & Location
Black Crappie	Fair	up to 1.0 lbs.	A few crappie can be found by jigging over shallower brush piles between jetties on the west side.
Bluegill	Fair - Good	up to 0.3 lbs.	Bluegill may be caught using a chunk of worm and jigging it over brush piles.
Channel Catfish	Fair to Good	up to 5.5 lbs	Catfish can be caught from shore using cut bait, dough baits, or chicken livers.
Largemouth Bass	Fair to Good	up to 4.0 lbs.	Spinnerbaits or plastics working the shallows, along the face of the dam and the brush piles.
Redear Sunfish	Fair	up to 0.4 lbs.	Redear may be caught using a chunk of worm near shoreline structure.
General Comments
We are working to establish some native aquatic vegetation at Brown SFL. The fences in the water are to protect the plants until they spread naturally. Please do not disturb the plantings. If you have information that you would like to contribute to this fishing report, contact Nick Kramer at nick.kramer@ks.gov

CENTRALIA CITY LAKE - Last Updated: 4/14/2025 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method, Location
Channel Catfish	Good	Up to 20 pounds	The lake has maintained a great channel cat fishery for over ten years. The 2024 fall sample recorded that numbers of channel catfish continue to remain high. However, only 15% of the channel catfish were over 20 inches. Growth rates have slowed due to high numbers of smaller fish so I encourage harvest of catfish less than 18 inches. The creel limit at the lake is 10 channel catfish per day and there is no length based restrictions. Good luck.
White Bass	Good	1/2 to 1 lb.	The most recent fish sample shows that the white bass population continues to remain elevated with good numbers of fish from 11 to 14 inches long. The is no daily creel limit and harvest would be good for the overall fishery.
Wiper	Poor	Up to 26"	A low population of wipers are maintained with stockings of small fish to help manage the white bass and gizzard shad populations. Recent stockings have not had good survival and wiper numbers have fallen to their lowest point in over a decade. Wiper creel limit is 2 per day.
Crappie	Fair	1/2 to 1 pound	Crappie numbers have been well below normal the last two years. It is believed that this is primarily due to competition with high numbers of white bass during this time (please feel free to harvest white bass!). The 2024 sample showed fair numbers of 10-12 inch crappie and I would still call this a decent crappie lake. No recent angler reports.
Saugeye	Fair	2 to 8 lbs.	Saugeye do well at this lake but numbers of fish fell back to a more normal range in the fall 2024 sample from the near record highs seen in 2023. The fishery should offer good opportunities in 2025 with fair numbers of fish and 56% of the fish collected were over the 18 inch minimum length limit.
Largemouth Bass	Slow	1/2 to 5 pounds	The lake has low numbers of largemouth bass. The 2024 spring sample recorded that 64% of the bass were over 15". Best places are the rock piers, standing timber and around the West boat ramp. Bass are covered by an 18 inch minimum length limit.
General Comments
Centralia Lake is a 400 acre lake that is noted for good channel cat, saugeye and crappie fishing. The lake facilities include multiple ramps, picnic tables, plenty of camping pads and many sites with electricity. Centralia is enrolled in the CFAP program, which means a City permit is not required for fishing visits. Perry Reservoir has zebra mussels and with Centralia Lake being close it is at high risk. Please, always clean your boat when moving to different water bodies.

CLINTON RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 3/13/2025 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method, and Location
Clinton Reservoir Fishing Report
Current Fishing Conditions
Catfish	Good	Up to 40 lbs	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 season.
Walleye/Saugeye/Sauger	Good	15-18 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.
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). Crappie can be caught around brush piles and standing timber using minnows or small plastics.
White bass/Wiper	Good	0.5-10 lbs	White Bass and Wiper 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. Jig and plastics, spoons, or small crankbaits are producing bites
Largemouth/Smallmouth Bass	Good	1-5 lbs	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 progressly improve as water temperature continues to increase. NEW BLUE CATFISH 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, Wiper, Smallmouth Bass Water Level and Discharge: The most recent water level conditions can be found at the following website: https://www.nwk.usace.army.mil/Locations/District-Lakes/Clinton-Lake/Daily-Lake-Info-2/ Invasive Species: Be sure to Clean, Drain, and Dry your boat when you leave to prevent the spread of Zebra mussels. Do not transport live bait captured from Clinton Reservoir. Fish Habitat: Several brush piles were placed at Clinton State Park near Boat ramp 3. 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

DOUGLAS COUNTY-LONE STAR LAKE - Last Updated: 7/12/2024 Print

General Comments
Species	Rating	Size	Bait, methods, location
Channel Catfish	Good	up to 10lbs	Catfish can be caught using stink bait, worms, or cut bait.
Largemouth Bass	Good	up to 6 lbs	Bass can be found near aquatic vegetation edges. Larger bass will be on the outside weed lines. Soft plastic baits will produce bites. Topwater baits fished during dawn and dusk can be effective.
Bluegill/Redear Sunfish	Good	Up to 10 inches	Sunfish can be found near aquatic vegetation. Bigger sunfish will be on the outside weed line. Worms and small lures will produce bites.
Crappie	Fair	up to 12 inches	Crappie can be caught on deep weed edges and brush piles. Minnows and small jigs will produce bites
White Bass/Wiper	Good	up to 8lbs	In late evening or early morning, look for white bass chasing shad schools and breaking the surface. Cast top water baits to the schools.
Invasive Species: Eurasian Water-Milfoil. Lake users should clean, drain, and dry fishing equipment and boats to prevent the spread. Stocking: 30,000 Wiper fry were stocked in May 2024. Wiper provide predatory control on Gizzard Shad. Too many shad can reduce survival of young of year sportfish species that compete for similar resources. 4,875 Channel Catfish were stocked in October 2023. Most recent fisheries surveys: Bass and sunfish populations were surveyed in May 2024. Both populations are healthy and reproduce naturally. Largemouth Bass up to 18-20 inches, weighing 5-6 lbs are present.

DOUGLAS STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 7/12/2024 Print

General Comments
Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method, and Location
Channel Catfish	Good	up to 10 lbs	Catfish can be caught using stink bait, worms, or cut bait.
Largemouth Bass	Good	0.5-5 lbs	Bass can be found near aquatic vegetation edges. Larger bass will be on the outside weed lines. Soft plastic baits will produce bites. Topwater baits fished during dawn and dusk can be effective.
Bluegill/Redear Sunfish	Fair	Up to 10 inches	Sunfish can be found near aquatic vegetation. Bigger sunfish will be on the outside weed line. Worms and small lures will produce bites
Crappie	Good	up to 12 inches	Crappie can be caught on deep weed edges and brush piles. Minnows and small jigs will produce bites.
Invasive species: None. Lake users should clean, drain, and dry fishing equipment before going to Douglas State Lake. 2,800 Channel Catfish were stocked in October 2023. Bass and sunfish populations were surveyed in May 2024. Both populations are healthy and reproduce naturally. Channel Catfish were surveyed in July 2024. The largest fish was 32 inches. Approximately 50% of Channel Catfish were greater than the minimum length limit of 15 inches.

GARDNER CITY LAKE - Last Updated: 4/17/2025 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method & Location
Bluegill	Excellent	Up to 8 inches	Livebait under a bobber or soft plastics fished slowly in deeper water near structure
Channel Catfish	Good	Up to 14 lb.	Channel catfish can be taken on a variety of live or prepared baits lakewide. Channel cats are being stocked on 4/18/2025
Crappie	Fair	Up to 12 inches	Small soft plastics and live minnows. Crappie have moved to the shallows to begin the spawn. Fish a variety of colors near the shoreline in 5 feet of water or less. New reef structure installed. (see fish attractors page for coordinates)
Largemouth Bass	Good	Up to 6 lbs, mostly 13-17 inches	Bass should be in deeper water but staging up to spawn. Glide baits, ned rigs, finesse plastics are working best right now. Larger jigs may entice a bite.
White Bass	slow	14 to 17 inches	White bass can be taken in open water on baitfish imitation lures. Small shad are their primary forage.
General Comments
Water temperature should be near 60 degrees.

GEARY STATE FISHING REPORT - Last Updated: 4/18/2025 Print

Species	Rating	Baits, Method & Location
Crappie	Fair	near brush/rock drop offs and channel ledges 10 ft deep on jigs, minnows, and spinners
Catfish	Fair	near wind blown flats on cut bait and worms
Saugeye	Fair	near dam and rock points on jigs, worms, and crankbaits
Black bass	Slow/Fair	near rock and brush on jigs and crankbaits
Bluegill	Slow/Fair	on small jigs and worms in coves and near brush
General Comments
This deep clear lake offers a diverse fishery. Best for 2025 should be for saugeye, crappie, and largemouth bass. WARNING..ZEBRA MUSSELS PRESENT!!!

HERINGTON CITY LAKE (NEW) - Last Updated: 4/18/2025 Print

Species	Rating	Baits, Method & Location
Catfish	Fair	near wind blown flats and creeks on cut bait and worms
Crappie	Fair	near points, brush, and rock 10ft deep on jigs and minnows
Walleye	Fair	along the dam and edges of flats and points on jigs, worms, and spoons
White Bass/Wipers	Fair	along creeks, dam and points on spinners, jigs, and crankbaits
General Comments
This lake provides a diverse fishery, but best in 2025 should be crappie, wiper, and white bass.

HERINGTON CITY LAKE (OLD) - Last Updated: 4/18/2025 Print

Species	Rating	Baits, Method & Location
Catfish	Fair	near wind blown flats and creeks on cut bait and worms
Crappie	Fair	near brush and rock 5ft deep on jigs and minnows
Largemouth Bass	Slow/Fair
Bluegill	Slow/Fair	near brush/rock 5ft deep on jigs and worms
White Bass	Fair	along creeks and dam on spinners and crankbaits
General Comments
This shallow lake has the best fishing for crappie and channel catfish.

HILLSDALE RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 4/17/2025 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method & Location
Walleye	Fair	Up to 9 lbs.	Walleye have finished spawning and should be moved back to deeper water and looking to feed. Bouncing jigs and worms over deep structure should produce fish.
Crappie	Good	Up to 13 inches	The crappie spawn has begun. Minnows and small soft plastics in a variety of colors will produce fish near shore. Focus on water 5 feet deep or less. This is a strong year-class of white crappie that are 8-9 inches currently but there is also a class of 13-14 inch fish that can be targeted.
White Bass	Fair	Up to 2 lbs.	Target white bass off wind blown points and rocky banks. As they begin to spawn, target shallow creeks at the upper ends of the lake. Jigs and shad imitation lures are the best baits right now.
Largemouth Bass	Slow	Up to 4 lbs.	Target medium depth structure and rocky structure. Finesse plastics, crank baits, and crawdad presentations should produce fish. Square bill crank baits fished slowly may work as water warms.
Newsletter		4 pages	Click the following link to sign up for the newsletter http://kdwp.state.ks.us/news/KDWP-Info/News/Newsletter-Request-Forms/Request-a-Newsletter-for-the-Kansas-City-Fishing-District
Channel Catfish	Fair	Up to 10 lbs.	Channel catfish can be taken on a variety of baits lakewide using prepared or live baits. Target creek mouths the day after a rain.
General Comments
WATER LEVEL: As of April 17th the water level is 1.1 feet below conservation pool and stable. The gates have been closed and spring rains should bring the lake back up. Water temps are near 61 degrees. http://www.nwk.usace.army.mil/Locations/DistrictLakes/HillsdaleLake/DailyLakeInformation.aspx Zebra mussel infestation has been confirmed at Hillsdale Reservoir. As of 6/17/16 the lake has been designated an Aquatic Nuisance Species water. Fish may not be transported alive from ANS designated waters. Please remember to CLEAN, DRAIN, and DRY your boats and equipment before using another waterbody. Dispose of all bait on dry land. Please search ksoutdoors.com for more information about zebra mussels. Email zach.ramsay@ks.gov with further questions

HOLTON - BANNER CREEK - Last Updated: 4/22/2025 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method & Location
Lake Contour Map	Pretty Good	8.5"x11" Color	Banner Creek has been mapped by the Kansas Biological Survey and there is a map available at Contour Map
Black Crappie	Fair	up to 1.25 lbs.	Crappie can be caught in the shallows during morning or evening hours
Bluegill	Fair	up to 0.5 lbs.	Bluegill can be caught over brush piles or near rock using chunks of worm or small jigs.
Channel Catfish	Fair to Good	up to 12.5 lbs.	Catfish can be caught from shore using cut bait, stink bait, or livers. Many fish are up shallow right now.
Largemouth Bass	Fair	up to 3.5 lbs.	Crankbaits, spinners or plastics along the shoreline, rip rap and structure.
Walleye/ Sauger	Slow to Fair	Walleye up to 6.25 lbs. Sauger up to 2 lbs.	Some anglers are having luck catching Walleye along the dam or off of submerged humps. Others have targeted these fish trolling along the creek channel in the mid-part of the lake.
White Bass	Excellent	up to 2.5 lbs.	Cast a jig along the rocks or along the dam to target them. Some anglers have been catching a good number of nice sized fish.
General Comments
If you would like to contribute to this fishing report, contact Nick Kramer at nick.kramer@ks.gov The locations of fish habitat placed in this lake can be found here

JEFFREY ENERGY CENTER - MAKE-UP LAKE - Last Updated: 4/23/2025 Print

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	Slow	1/2 to 1 pound	The lake currently has low numbers of bigger crappie but there was an exceptional spawn in 2024 that should help bolster the population back up. There is a brushpile just south of the fishing dock.
Catfish	Fair to Good	1/2 to 6 pounds	The lake has supported a robust 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 to Good	1 to 5 pounds	The 2024 fall gill netting and electrofishing samples showed good things for both walleye and sauger. Adult walleye numbers were low but there was good numbers of young walleye. Sauger have rapidly expanded since being introduced in 2021 and are offering a good fishery with 93% of the fish collected last fall were over 15 inches. 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 that are over the 15-inch minimum length limit.
White Bass	Fair to Good	1/2 to 2 pounds	White bass numbers are at a robust level. From fish collected in October, 56% were over 12 inches.
Wipers	Fair to Good	Up to 12 pounds	Wiper numbers have rebounded but the population is dominated by small fish with only 24% over 20 inches.
General Comments
Access to the lake will be closed on June 7th and 8th. 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 classifies the lake as an Aquatic Invasive Species water. It is illegal to transport alive fish from AIS designated waters. To help prevent the spread of invasive species, please CLEAN, DRAIN & DRY all equipment when changing water bodies and dump your bait.

JEFFREY ENERGY CENTER AUX. LAKE - Last Updated: 4/23/2025 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method, and Location
Black Bass	Fair	Up to 5 pounds	Smallmouth bass numbers have been on the rise and the population is starting to look like the robust fishery seen in the previous decade. From the most recent sample, 44% of the smallmouth were over 14 inches. They can be found along the dam and any other rocky areas. The largemouth bass population underperforms at this lake and currently is providing only a mediocre fishery. Best spots are around the island and the East bank.
Crappie	Fair/poor	Most 10-12"	Crappie numbers are never high at this lake and they are currently below normal. West side of the island is one of the better spots to find them.
Catfish	Good	Varies	The lake supports a pretty good channel catfish population with fair numbers of bigger fish available. Along the West bank seems to be the most consistent spot. The lake also supports a low-level blue catfish and flathead catfish populations.
Walleye and Sauger	Fair to Good	Up to 6 pounds	The lake maintains a modest walleye population with fairly good harvest rates. The most recent fish samples suggest walleye numbers are below average but will be boosted with new stockings this year. The lake has been home to a rapidly expanding sauger populations for the last four years. These fish have been doing very well at this lake and growing to 15 inches in two years. The 2024 fall sample showed that 34% of the sauger were already at least 15 inches with another 30% that were close. Walleye and sauger can be caught using similar methods, usually best to drag a nightcrawler or troll crankbaits. The two species are combined in KS regulations and an angler can harvest a combined total of 2 per day at the Jeffrey Lakes that are over the 15-inch minimum length limit.
White Bass	Slow to Fair	Most below 12"	The lake has been home to one of the best white bass fisheries in the state.... but the current population is well below normal with few large fish available.
Wiper	Good to Excellent	Up to 8 pounds	Wiper numbers are above average and is dominated by the 2022 year-class with 53% of the fish collected last fall were 15 to 17 inches long. There are also decent numbers of bigger fish with 19% over 20 inches but we did not see any really big fish over 8 pounds. This time of year wiper can be found cruising the face of the dam most days.
General Comments
Access to the lake will be closed on June 7th and 8th. 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. Auxiliary Lake has zebra mussels which classifies the lake as an Aquatic Invasive Species water. 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 dump your bait.

LAKE SHAWNEE - Last Updated: 7/12/2024 Print

General Comments
Species	Rating	Size	Bait, Methods, Location
Bluegill	Good	Up to 10 inches	Sunfish can be found near aquatic vegetation. Bigger sunfish will be on the outside weed line. Worms and small lures will produce bites
Walleye/Saugeye	Fair	up to 20 inches	Fish can be found on mudflats or near river channels in 10-20ft. Nightcrawlers rigged with bottom bouncers or jigs with plastics are producing bites.
Channel Catfish	Good	0.5-10 lbs	Catfish can be caught using stink bait, worms, or cut bait.
Largemouth/Smallmouth Bass	Good	Up to 5 lbs.	Largemouth Bass can be found near aquatic vegetation edges. Larger bass will be on the outside weed lines. Soft plastic baits will produce bites. Topwater baits fished during dawn and dusk can be effective. Smallmouth can be found on rocky shorelines and steep drop offs. Crayfish imitations will produce bites.
White Bass/Wiper	Good	up to 10 lbs.	In late evening or early morning, look for white bass chasing shad schools and breaking the surface. Cast top water baits to the schools.
Crappie	Fair	up to 12 inches	Crappie can be caught on deep weed edges and brush piles. Minnows and small jigs will produce bites
Trout	Poor	up to 5lbs	Trout can be caught on powerbait, spoons, or rooster tails. Trout Season will run from December 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024. A trout license is required to possess trout during the trout season. After March 31, anyone with a valid fishing license may harvest up to 5 trout/day.
General Comments: Urban Catfish stocking. Catchable sized Channel Catfish will be stocked in March, April, May, and September. On May 31, the following ponds will be stocked with catchable-sized Channel Catfish: Governor's Ponds, West Lake (Gage Park), Central Park, Shawnee Jr., Horseshoe Bend, Clarion Park, Shawnee State Fishing Lake. 20 cedar tree brush piles were submerged in Feb. 2024. New habitat should provide good structure for anglers to target. Invasive species: Zebra Mussels, Eurasian watermilfoil, and Curley-leaf pondweed. Lake users should clean, drain, and dry fishing equipment and boats to prevent the spread. 2,500 Smallmouth Bass fingerlings were stocking in June 2024. 400,000 Saugeye fry were stocked in May 2024. The walleye population has been relatively low in recent years. Saugeye have experienced great success in other Kansas lakes. Saugeye were first introduced this year. 50,000 Wiper fry were stocking June 2024. Wiper provide predatory control on Gizzard Shad. Too many shad can reduce survival of young of year sportfish species that compete for similar resources. 8,320 Channel Catfish were stocked in October 2023. Bass and sunfish populations were surveyed in May 2024. Both populations are healthy and reproduce naturally. Largemouth Bass up to 18-20 inches, weighing 5-6lbs are present.

LEAVENWORTH STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 4/22/2025 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method & Location
Invasive Species Alert	Not Good		Brittle Naiad has been found near the boat ramp. Please inspect your boat and trailer before leaving to ensure you are not transporting this invasive plant.
Largemouth Bass	Fair to Good	up to 2.5 lbs	Bass are being caught by anglers using jigs or plastics along the shoreline and in & around brush piles, rip-rap, and fallen trees.
Channel Catfish	Fair to Good	up to 2.5 lbs	Channel Catfish may be taken occasionally from shore using cut bait or livers. From a boat, some catfish can be found near brush piles.
Flathead Catfish	Fair to Good	up to 30 lbs	This lake has a decent number of Flathead Catfish. They can be caught using a small sunfish along the dam or other rocky areas.
Bluegill	Fair	up to 0.4 lbs	Bluegill can be caught using a chunk of worm jigged over brush piles and weed beds.
Crappie	Slow to Fair	up to 1.25 lbs	Some crappie have been caught by anglers jigging minnows off points in 15-20 feet of water.
Redear Sunfish	Slow to Fair	up to 0.75 lbs	This lake has a good population of shellcrackers. Redear can be caught using a small chunk of worm near brushpiles and shoreline habitat. Best luck would come from a boat or kayak in the coves further up each of the arms.
General Comments
We will be conducting a creel survey here between March 1 and October 31, 2025. You may be approached by a KDWP employee and asked about your fishing experience. The locations of brushpiles and artificial habitat can be found here. If you have information that you would like to contribute to this fishing report, contact Nick Kramer at nick.kramer@ks.gov. Special note: The lake has non-native aquatic plants! Please inspect your trailer and fishing gear before leaving the lake to ensure you are not transporting these plants to any other lakes. Please pick up and take home any trash that you may have brought with you.

LOUISBURG-MIDDLE CREEK SFL - Last Updated: 4/17/2025 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method & Location
Channel Catfish	Fair	1/2 to 11 lbs.	Channel catfish can be taken right now on a variety of baits lake-wide. Target deep water shelves and mud flats.
Flathead Catfish	Slow	Most 4-10lbs. But some up to 30lbs.	Target structure and vegetation edges with live bait. Boulders south of the dam also hold some flathead catfish. Drifting cut bait or live bait along the dam may produce fish.
Crappie	Good	Up to 12 inches	Minnows and jigs as well as small shad presentations. Majority of the population is 7-11 inches, but some nicer ones can be found. Target 2-5 feet of water as crappie have begun to spawn
Saugeye	Good	Up to 24 inches	Saugeye are on deep structure and shelves feeding on slow moving forage lakewide. There are 3 strong year classes of saugeye currently
Largemouth Bass	Slow	Up to 3 lbs.	Ned rigs, craw presentations, crank baits and glide baits may produce fish. Large crawdad presentations may produce fish.
Wiper/White Bass	Fair	Up to 4 lbs.	Crankbaits and shad imitation baits fished near submerged road also target near schools of gizzard shad.
General Comments
Water temps should be near 60 this weekend

MIAMI STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 4/17/2025 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method & Location
Largemouth Bass	Good	0.5-6 lbs	Jigs, crawdad presentations, jerk baits, and ned rigs near rocky habitat and submerged brush. Fish deeper staging areas as bass begin to sawn.
Bluegill	Good	Up to 0.33 lbs	Jigs or worms fished near shoreline structure.
Channel Cat	Fair	1-10 lbs	Channel cats can be taken now on a variety of live or prepared baits lake-wide.
Crappie	Fair	Up to 13 inches	Crappie can be taken using a variety of jigs, minnows, and small swim baits. Crappie should be in shallow water as the spawn has begun.
White Bass	Slow	14-17 inches	White bass can be taken on shad imitation lures and white marabou jigs.
General Comments
The curly-leaf pondweed has not bloomed yet this year but will soon. Water temps are near 60 degrees

MILFORD RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 4/18/2025 Print

Species	Rating	Baits, Method, Location
Catfish	Good	Channel catfish can be caught on cut bait, worms, and stink bait. Blue catfish are typically caught on fresh cut bait. Target wind blown flats and river channel ledges for catfish. NEW Blue Catfish Regulation...all between 28"-40" must be released...creel limit is 10, but only 1 can be 40" or longer
Crappie	Fair	10-20ft deep suspended near points, flooded brush, and ledges on jigs and minnows
Walleye	Fair	Target rocky or wind-swept mud banks or along dam with jigs, crankbaits, or bottom bouncers w/ worms 21" minimum length limit, 2/day creel limit.
White Bass/Wipers	Fair	Target windy banks and points using jigs on reservoir Wiper creel limit is 5/day
Smallmouth Bass	Slow/Fair
Largemouth Bass	Slow/Fair
Outlet	Slow/Fair	Catfish on cut bait; walleye, white bass, and wipers on jigs.
General Comments
*Blue Catfish...all between 28"-40" must be released...creel limit is 10, but only 1 can be 40" or longer* CAUTION: DO NOT TRANSFER LIVE BAIT FROM ONE BODY OF WATER TO ANOTHER!!! ALONG WITH ZEBRA MUSSEL INFESTATION, INVASIVE CARP ARE IN DRAINAGES ASSOCIATED WITH THE KANSAS RIVER AND CAN EASILY BE MISTAKEN FOR SHAD!!!

NEBO STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 4/22/2025 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method & Location
Bluegill	Slow to Fair	up to 0.3 lbs.	Bluegill can be caught using a small chunk of worm or small jigs over brush piles
Channel Catfish	Fair to Good	up to 5.0 lbs	Channel catfish can still be caught using worms, cut shad, or doughballs.
Largemouth Bass	Fair	up to 7.0 lbs	Largemouth Bass can be caught using spinnerbaits, plastics, or crankbaits around the brush piles.
White/ Black Crappie	Fair	up to 1.0 lbs.	Tube jig or minnow along shoreline and around the brush piles. Water is dirty so choose baits that will make a lot of noise both in color and in sound. Best luck would come near the islands on the north shore.
Comments
If you have information that you would like to contribute to this fishing report, contact Nick Kramer at nick.kramer@ks.gov.

OLATHE - LAKE OLATHE - Last Updated: 4/17/2025 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method & Location
Bluegill	Good	Up to 8 inches	Nightcrawler under a bobber fished near structure.
Channel Catfish	Fair	Up to 5 lbs.	Channel catfish are being taken on live and cut baits. New channel cats will be stocked 4/18/2025.
Largemouth Bass	Good	Up to 6 lb.	Largemouth bass can be caught using jigs, finesse worms, crank baits, glide baits, and ned rigs near deep structure. Try slow moving jerk baits. Fish should be staging and feeding pre-spawn.
Saugeye	Fair	Up to 4 lbs.	Slow moving jigs and worm presentations on deep water humps. Start using deep running crank baits near structure and shelves.
Wiper	Slow	Up to 11 lbs.	Use shad imitation baits and find bait fish near drop-offs.
White Crappie	Good	Most fish around 7 inches, but some are greater than 10 inches.	Jigs or minnows fished near brush piles. Crappies should be in shallow water as the spawn has begun.
General Comments
Caution!!! Asian Carp have made their way up stream to below Lake Olathe dam. Water temps near 60 degrees. Remember it is illegal to move fish from below dam to above the dam or use fish captured below dam for bait above the dam.

PAOLA CITY LAKE - LAKE MIOLA - Last Updated: 4/17/2025 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method & Location
Largemouth Bass	Good	0.5-5 lbs	Jigs, finesse worms, and ned rigs with intermittent pauses on the dam and near submerged structure. Start using square bill crank baits
Channel Catfish	Good	0.5-6 lbs	Channel catfish can be caught lakewide on live or prepared bait. Larger fish should be in deeper water near the dam.
Crappie	Good	0.5-1 lbs	Minnows and jigs are catching fish right now. Crappie are in shallow water and chasing all colors as the spawn has begun.
Saugeye	Fair	Up to 22 inches	Saugeye can be found drifting or trolling on deep structure with nightcrawler or crawler harnesses.
Wiper	Slow	Up to 24 inches	Use shad imitation baits fished near main lake, wind-blown points.
Bluegill and Redear Sunfish	Fair	Up to 10 inches	Use piece of nightcrawler or small jig and bobber at vegetation edges and rocky structures to target the panfish.

General Comments
Zebra mussels have been found at Paola City Lake (Lake Miola). The lake has been designated as an Aquatic Nuisance Species water. Fish may not be transported alive 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. Water temperatures should be near 60 this weekend More brushpiles were added again in March 2025. Some new brushpiles were created and some brush was added to some of the existing 2018/19 structures. Many of the new brushpiles can also be accessed by casting from the shore. GPS Coordinate locations for all brushpiles. N 38.58540, W 094.84338 N 38.58954, W 094.84549 N 38.58493, W 094.84037 N 38.59411, W 094.84538 N 38.58334, W 094.84544 N 38.58928, W 094.85039 N 38.58596, W 094.84532

PERRY RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 4/22/2025 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method & Location
Zebra Mussels	Invasive!	up to 3/4"	Since the infestation was discovered in Oct. of 2007 these mussels have spread throughout the lake. It's up to all of us to make sure these are not spread to other area lakes, Clean-Drain-Dry everything that is taken out of Perry. Please do not move water from Perry Reservoir.
Channel Catfish	Good	up to 10.0 lbs	Try targeting larger rocky shorelines or adjacent mudflats with nightcrawlers and cutbait.
Sauger	Slow	up to 2.6 lbs.	There are good numbers in the reservoir but few are above the protective 18" minimum length limit. Try trolling crankbaits or lindy rigs along the dam or the shoreline north of Devil's Gap. Casting a jig or crankbait in areas under a light may produce some fish during the night.
Largemouth Bass Smallmouth Bass	Fair Fair	up to 5.0 lbs. up to 5.0 lbs.	Try casting crankbaits and spinner jigs near fallen trees along the shoreline.
White Bass	Fair	up to 1.5 lbs.	White Bass can be caught using any bait resembling a shad or even from crappie jigs. These fish can be caught breaking up schools of shad near the surface
White Crappie	Slow to Fair	up to 1.5 lbs.	With spring starting to appear, fish are beginning to scatter out of their winter schools in the channels. Some luck has been had catching fish jigging brush piles in less than 10 feet of water. Warm calm days some fish may even be caught up shallow with some anglers having luck from shore using minnows.
Blue Catfish	Fair	up to 25.0 lbs.	A few nice fish in the 35 inch length limit range can be caught, but many fish are below the length limit. Remember blue cats look similar to channel catfish, so be careful with identification. There are several hundred Blue Catfish tagged with a small metal tag on the top of their gill plate as part of a population study. The majority of these fish are less than 35" and should be released. If you do harvest a tagged fish greater than 35" please report your tag number to nick.kramer@ks.gov.
Comments
For current lake elevation, inflow, and outflow click here and for the lake forecast click here. If you would like to place habitat in Perry Reservoir or contribute to the fishing report, please contact the Fish Biologist, Nick, at nick.kramer@ks.gov to obtain a permit. The locations of all known fish habitat can be found here. This is a generic report and will be updated as information becomes available.

POTTAWATOMIE STATE FISHING LAKE NO. 1 - Last Updated: 4/14/2025 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method, and Location
Bluegill	Fair	Up to 9 inches	The bluegill population offers good numbers of 6 to 8 inch fish. Great place to take a kid with worms and a bobber.
Channel Catfish	Slow	3/4 to 5 pounds	The lake has a low level catfish population.
Crappie	Fair	1/2 to 1 pound	Crappie abundance has been stable the last few years with most 8 to 10 inches long.
Largemouth Bass	Fair	1/2 to 5 pounds	The lake is known for being a good spot for catch and release bass fishing. The 2024 annual sampling effort showed that population has expanded with abundance at a seven year high. This has resulted in the size structure being on the small side with only 16% of the fish over 12 inches. You can catch them pretty much anywhere at this lake.
General Comments
This small 24 acre lake is similar to pond fishing. The lake is known for catch and release of largemouth bass and harvest of nice bluegill. The lake's channel catfish are protected by a 15 inch minimum length limit.

POTTAWATOMIE STATE FISHING LAKE NO. 2 - Last Updated: 4/23/2025 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method, and Location
Black Bass	Fair	1/2 to 4 pounds	The 2024 sample records that the black bass population has been holding steady for some time now, with good numbers of largemouth bass and a moderate smallmouth bass population.
Channel Catfish	Good	3/4 to 5 pounds	The lake is in the Urban Stocking Program which provides regular stockings of 12 to 18 inch channel catfish. The lake received five stockings in 2024 for a total of 3,300 pounds of channel catfish. The first stocking of 2025 was on April 15th of 700 pounds of catchable sized channel catfish. Best baits tend to be worms or commercial catfish baits. Channel catfish creel at the lake is 5 per day.
Crappie	Fair to Good	1/4 to 1 pound	The lake has supported a decent crappie population through time. The fall 2024 fish sample shows the current population is slightly above average for numbers of crappie. Every year I see anglers catch a couple really big crappie over 15 inches and fish up to 19" have been documented. There is some habitat structures just out from the boat ramp dock and under the buoy. Anglers have been doing well along the bank recently.
Bluegill and Redear Sunfish	Fair	less than pound	The lake has struggled to grow sunfish to a size large enough that anglers want to keep for frying. The population receives high angling pressure from both panfish anglers and from anglers targeting sunfish to use for catfish bait. To hopefully continue to please both angler bases and help increase the overall size structure of sunfish, the lake is being implemented with a special sunfish regulation starting in 2019. This new slot limit requires the release of sunfish species from 6 to 9 inches. The creel limit of fish over 9 inches is five per day and there is still unlimited daily harvest of fish less than 6 inches. This regulation change will be evaluated over time to verify if it will continue at the lake.
General Comments
Pott. # 2 is noted for family outings, scenic views, catch and release bass fishing, modest harvest of crappie and abundant channel catfish.

ROCKY FORD FISHING AREA - Last Updated: 4/14/2025 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method, and Location
Catfish	Fair	1 to 20+ pounds	Fishing for all three species of cats can be good below Rocky Ford dam. Channel can be caught on worms, cut bait or prepared bait. Flathead can be taken on live bait or lures. Blue catfish are usually caught on fresh cut bait. The catfish bite has been starting to pick up. Please check any blue catfish for a yellow or orange tag in its back as we have been tagging some to collect more information on the species in Tuttle Creek Lake and the Big Blue River. Feel free to harvest or release the fish, but please report the tag number and the general location of the catch to (620) 342-0658 or ely.sprenkle@ks.gov A big THANK YOU to all who report their catch!
White Bass and Wipers	Fair	1/2 to 8 pounds	This a good spot for white bass and wipers. Usually best bets are jigs or crankbaits.
Drum	Fair	1/2 to 5 lbs.	Drum are an abundant species at Rocky Ford and can be caught on worms, minnows, and jigs.
Saugeye	Fair	3/4 to 5 pounds	A few saugeye always being caught below the dam and is one of the best places around to catch them. Brightly colored jigs, swimbaits, crankbaits or jerkbaits. Fair numbers of 14 to 16 inch saugeye. There is no length based regulations at Rocky Ford for saugeye or walleye.
General Comments
Rocky Ford , a river fishery, is located just south of the Tuttle Creek Dam on the Big Blue River. Anglers have the opportunity to harvest fishes generally associated with moving water. Saugeye, white bass, the catfishes, drum, crappie and carp can be harvested. Angler access and success is affected by release rates from the nearby Tuttle Creek Reservoir. Water levels and flow will be very low in August, which will make good fishing for awhile as fish are concentrated. You can check current conditions HERE Tuttle Creek Lake has zebra mussels and this classifies the lake, the 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, do not move fish and dump your bait.

SABETHA PONY CREEK - Last Updated: 4/22/2025 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method & Location
Black Crappie	Good	up to 1.5 lbs	Fish can be found along the rocky bluff at the center of the lake.
Bluegill	Fair to Good	up to 0.5 lbs	Bluegill may be caught using a chunk of worm or a small jig over brush piles.
Channel Catfish	Fair to Good	up to 17.0 lbs	There are some nice sized Channel Catfish in this impoundment. They can be caught from shore using cut bait or livers
Largemouth Bass	Fair to Good	up to 5.0 lbs.	Best success for bass is coming by using soft plastic worms near structure in 3-10 ft or water or just off of the many ledges.
Walleye	Slow to Fair	up to 5.5 lbs.	Walleye may be found along the dam and off of points.
Wiper	Great	up to 7.5 lbs.	Wipers may be caught by fishing along points in the lake using any lure that resembles a shad. Luck could also be had by trolling along the dam and open areas.
General Comments
Attention anglers, If you fish this water body and would like to contribute your knowledge to the fishing report shoot an email to nick.kramer@ks.gov. Thanks! This is a generic report and will be updated as information becomes available.

SHAWNEE MISSION PARK LAKE - Last Updated: 4/17/2025 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method, Location
Bluegill	Fair	Up to 8 inches	Livebait under a bobber fished near deeper structure
Crappie	Fair	Up to 15 inches	Worms and minnows near structure are producing the best. A variety of small jigs will also work. Target 2-5 feet of water as fish have moved up shallow to spawn.
Channel Catfish	Fair	Up to 6 lbs.	Some being caught lake wide. Best bite with fresh cut bait.
Wiper	Slow	Up to 9 lbs.	Live bait and shad imitation baits along the dam are producing the best. Target wind blown points when possible.
Largemouth Bass	Fair	Up to 4 lbs.	Jigs, finesse worms, crawfish presentations and ned rigs near rocky and brushy structure. Fish squarebill crank baits slowly as water warms.
Trout			Trout were stocked in late February. Use worms, powerbait, inline spinners and spoons. Trout opportunities will be limited moving forward.
General Comments
A Johnson County Fishing License is no longer required. A state of Kansas Fishing License and Kansas Trout stamp are required to fish for trout. Water temperatures should be near 60 degrees this weekend

SHAWNEE STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 4/14/2025 Print

Species

Rating

Size

Baits, Method, and Location

Largemouth Bass

Good

1/2 to 6 pounds

The lake has provided very good fishing for largemouth bass. The population experienced some rapid expansion a few years age which slowed overall bass growth and reduced the average size of fish. Things are starting to return to normal as the 2024 spring electrofishing sample showed that 54% of the bass were over 12".

Crappie

Fair

1/2 to 1 pound

The crappie fishery has been doing well the last few years. The October 2024 fish sampling showed the number of crappie has fallen some but the size is good with 71% over 10 inches.

Redear Sunfish

Good to Excellent

10 inches

The redear sunfish population has recently developed into a very good fishery. The 2024 fall sample had the highest number of redear ever at the lake with good numbers of 10 inch fish. Should be a fun year for panfishing at the lake.

Channel Catfish

Good

1/2 - 4 pounds

The lake is in the Urban Stocking Program and is regularly stocked with 12 to 18 inch channel catfish which leads to good catch rates of fish in that size range. There were four stockings in 2024 for a total of 2,700 pounds of channel catfish released into the lake. The first stocking of 2025 was on March 20th when the lake received 700 pounds of catchable sized catfish. These stocked fish usually like all the traditional catfish baits but dough baits or worms tends to do the best. Channel catfish daily limit is 5.

General Comments

Located north of Silver Lake, Shawnee State Fishing Lake is the site of good catch and release largemouth bass fishing. The lake is also noted for channel catfish harvest since the lake receives frequent stockings of harvestable sized catfish from March through September.

Zebra mussels have recently been discovered at Shawnee State Fishing Lake which classifies the lake as an Aquatic Invasive Species water. 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 dump your bait.

Fish habitat GPS coordinates		Decimal Degrees		Degrees Minutes
East end of dam	cedar trees	39.200351	-95.801881	N 39 12.021	W 95 48.113
West end of dam	cedar trees	39.200640	-95.805438	N 39 12.038	W 95 48.326
Out from ramp	brush pile	39.201053	-95.801924	N 39 12.063	W 95 48.115

TUTTLE CREEK - Last Updated: 4/14/2025 Print

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, it looks like things will be robust again soon as the number of small crappie in the lake is at one of the highest points in history at Tuttle Creek. No recent reports but they should be creeping into the shallows on these nicer days.
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	Good numbers 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. It is usually good in the mud flats at the upper end of the lake in early spring. 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 but they are usually active in spring and happy to chase crankbaits. 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.
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.

WASHINGTON STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 4/14/2025 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method, and Location
Bluegill	Fair	Up to 1/3 lb	The lake has a decent bluegill population.
Channel Catfish	Fair	Up to 15 lbs	The lake has supported a good to great channel catfish population through the years. The 2024 fall fish sample showed the population had fallen to below normal for numbers of catfish but I would still call it a good fishery. The size structure is good with 30% of the fish collected were over 24 inches.
Crappie	Fair	Most 8"-10"	The crappie population is holding steady with fairly consistent numbers of fish the last few years with 29% of the crappie in the most recent sample were over 10 inches long.
Largemouth Bass	Good	Up to 6 lbs	The lake maintains a good largemouth bass population. The 2024 sample showed the number of bass was a little below average but they had a good size structure with 48% over 15".
General Comments

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BARBER STATE FISHING LAKE - LOWER - Last Updated: 4/18/2025 Print

Species	Rating	Sizes Possible	Baits, Method, & Location
Crappie	Fair to Good	Up to 12 inches	Try jigs & minnows around brush and weeds near structure.
Channel Catfish	Fair	Most in the 1 lb. size range	Fishing cut bait or stink bait lake wide.
Largemouth bass	Good	Up to 5 lbs.	Try using soft plastics, crank baits, or spinner baits near structure.
Sunfish	Fair	Up to 8 inches	Worms under a bobber and small jigs fished vertically around brush.
Walleye	Fair	Up to 4 lbs	Try using large crankbaits or jigs near rocks and points.

CLARK STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 4/18/2025 Print

Species	Rating	Sizes Possible	Baits, Method, & Location
Crappie	Fair to Good	Up to 12 inches	Look for crappie around brush and vegetation. Anglers should target the brush piles and other submerged structure with minnows and jigs or nearby points and drop offs. Harvest regulations include 50/day creel limit.
Channel Catfish	Fair to Good	Most in the 1 lb size range	Fish can be caught all over the lake. Try shad sides, shad gizzards, shrimp, nightcrawlers, and chicken liver. Harvest regulations is 5/day creel limit.
Largemouth bass	Good	Up to 4 lbs	Fish are in typical spring pattern. Fish can be caught around any aquatic vegetation, off the rocky jetties, and around any cover in the water. Focus on submerged wood in the vegetation. Harvest regulations include a 15-inch minimum length limit and 5/day creel limit.
Bluegill/Redear	Fair	Up to 8 inches	Worms under a bobber and small jigs fished vertically around brush. There are no harvest restrictions at this time.
Walleye	Fair	Up to 4 lbs	Jig and night crawler should really work on the points and flats right now. Also try casting crankbaits and swimbaits over points, shelves, and along rip-rapped shorelines adjacent to deeper water. Harvest regulations include a 15-inch minimum length limit and 5/day creel limit.
White Bass	Fair to Good	Whites up to 17 inches	Trolling crankbaits or vertically fishing slab spoons over the tops of fish attractors or prominent windblown main lake points and shelves. Most of the larger white bass range from 12 to 17 inches.

Water temperature should be in the upper 50 to low 60 range. We have received no reports from anglers & these are seasonal guidelines. You may call the Dodge City Regional office as 620-227-8609 to make a report.

Please discard of leftover bait in a trash can, even baitfish. Remember it is illegal to release any fish into public water unless it was taken from that water!

HORSETHIEF RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 4/18/2025 Print

Species	Rating	Sizes Possible	Baits, Method, & Location
Crappie	Fair to Good	Up to 12 inches	Look for crappie around brush and vegetation. Anglers should target the brush piles and other submerged structure with minnows and jigs or nearby points and drop offs where pre-spawn crappie might stage. Anglers are encouraged to harvest high numbers of crappie to help maintain a desirable level Harvest regulations include 50/day creel limit.
Channel Catfish	Good	Most in the 1 lb size range	Fish can be caught all over the lake. Try shad sides, shad gizzards, shrimp, nightcrawlers, and chicken liver. If it ever rains, target areas of inflow. Harvest regulations are 5/day creel limit.
Largemouth bass	Fair to Good	Up to 4 lbs	Fish are in typical spring pattern. Fish can be caught around any aquatic vegetation, off the rocky jetties, and around the brush piles. Harvest regulations include a 15-inch minimum length limit and 5/day creel limit.
Bluegill/Redear	Fair	Up to 8 inches	Worms under a bobber and small jigs fished vertically around brush in deeper water. There are no harvest restrictions at this time.
Walleye/saugeye	Fair	Up to 4 lbs	Jig and night crawler should really work on the points and flats right now. Also try casting crankbaits and swimbaits over points, shelves, and along rip-rapped shorelines adjacent to deeper water. Harvest regulations include a 15-inch minimum length limit and 5/day creel limit.

Water temps should be in the upper 50 to low 60 range. We have received very few reports from anglers. You may call the Dodge City Regional office as 620-227-8609 to make a report.

Please discard of leftover bait in a trash can, even baitfish. Remember it is illegal to release any fish into public water unless it was taken from that water!

MEADE STATE LAKE - Last Updated: 4/18/2025 Print

Species	Rating	Sizes Possible	Baits, Method, & Location
Crappie	Fair to Good	Up to 12 inches	Look for crappie around brush and vegetation. Anglers should target the brush piles and other submerged structure with minnows and jigs or nearby points and drop offs where pre-spawn crappie might stage. Anglers are encouraged to harvest high numbers of crappie to help maintain a desirable level. Harvest regulations include 50/day creel limit.
Channel Catfish	Fair	Most in the 1 - 2 lb size range	Fish can be caught all over the lake. Try shad sides, shad gizzards, shrimp, nightcrawlers, and chicken liver. Harvest regulations are 5/day creel limit.
Largemouth bass	Good	Up to 4 lbs	Fish are in typical spring pattern. Fish can be caught around any aquatic vegetation, off the rocky jetties, and around any cover in the water. Focus on submerged wood in the vegetation. Harvest regulations include a 13 - 18 inch slot length limit and 5/day creel limit.
Bluegill/Redear	Fair	Up to 8 inches	Worms under a bobber and small jigs fished vertically around brush in deeper water. There are no harvest restrictions at this time.
Saugeye	Fair	Up to 5 lbs	Casting crankbaits and swimbaits over points, shelves, and along rip-rapped shorelines adjacent to deeper water. Harvest regulations include a 15-inch minimum length limit and 5/day creel limit.

Water temperature should be in the upper 50-low 60 range. Rainbow trout have been stocked several times this winter and can now be harvested without a trout permit although a valid fishing license is always required, if applicable. We have received no reports from anglers & these are seasonal guidelines. You may call the Dodge City Regional office as 620-227-8609 to make a report.

Please discard of leftover bait in a trash can, even baitfish. Remember it is illegal to release any fish into public water unless it was taken from that water!

PRATT COUNTY LAKE - Last Updated: 4/18/2025 Print

Species	Rating	Sizes Possible	Baits, Method, & Location
Crappie	Fair	Up to 11"	Try jigs or minnows near structure.
Channel Catfish	Fair to Good	Most in the 1-2 lb size range but up to 7 lbs	Fishing cut bait or stink bait lake wide.
Largemouth bass	Good	Up to 19 inches	Try using crank baits or soft plastics near rocks and structure.
Bluegill	Fair	Up to 8 inches	Worms under a bobber and small jigs fished vertically around brush and rocks.
Walleye	Fair	Up to 23"	Try large jigs, jerk baits, and crank baits near rocks.
Wipers	Poor to Fair	Up to 23"	Jigs, spoons, and crank baits around windblown points.

General Comments

SCOTT STATE LAKE - Last Updated: 4/18/2025 Print

General Comments
Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method & Location
Crappie	Fair	Up to 15 inches	Fish will move into wind-protected areas possessing hard bottom types to spawn. Anglers reported catching a few fish shallow earlier this past week. But cool weekend weather will likely push spawning progress back. Look for fish to move shallow in earnest with the next bout of warm weather. Anglers report catching nice crappies averaging approximately 13 inches in length with fish up to 17 inches.
Largemouth Bass	Good	Up to 5.5 lbs.	Casting soft plastics, swimbaits and spinner baits around laydown trees and overhanging brush along the shorelines is best.
Sunfish	Good	Up to 8 inches	Nightcrawler pieces vertically fished on a jig head or fished under a bobber around deeper brush.
Saugeye	Good	Up to 7 lbs.	Casting shad-imitating swimbaits along deeper, rip rapped shorelines or over areas possessing rapid depth changes to the bottom.
Release all saugeye less than 18 inches and largemouth bass less than 15 inches. Please discard of leftover bait in a trash can, even baitfish. Remember it is illegal to release any fish into public water unless it was taken from that water!

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MCPHERSON STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 4/14/2025 Print

Species

Rating

Size

Baits, Method & Location

Channel catfish

Fair

1 - 5 lbs.

Try worms and cutbait on the bottom.

Crappie

Good

8-14"

Reports of fish caught lake wide on jigs and minnows.

Largemouth bass

Fair

Up to 6 lb.

Try using soft plastics, spinner baits, and crank baits near structure.

Saugeye

Poor

15-26"

No reports but try 1/8 and 1/4 oz. jigs tipped with worms along the dam, piers and upper end.

General Comments

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ANTHONY CITY LAKE - Last Updated: 4/18/2025 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method & Location
Channel catfish	Fair to Good	up to 12lbs	Try fishing cut bait, worms, or stink bait near flats.
Crappie	Fair to Good	Up to 14"	Try jigs or minnows near shallow structure.
Largemouth Bass	Poor to Fair	Up to 5lbs	Try using soft plastics or crank baits near structure.
General Comments
Fish will become more active on warmer days.

BLACK KETTLE STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 4/14/2025 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method, & Location
Crappie	Poor	6" to 10"	Fish with small minnows and jigs around brush. There are a few nice crappie in the lake although most are fairly small.
Bluegill	Poor		Worms under a bobber or very small jigs.
Channel Catfish	Fair	2-6 lbs.	Fish with cut bait, stink bait, or chicken livers lake wide.
Largemouth Bass	Fair	12" to 20"	Fish shallow brush with Texas rigged softbait, jigs, and spinnerbaits. The water here is typically murky so try darker colored lures (black & blue, dark purple, green pumpkin).
General Comments

BUTLER STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 4/21/2025 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method & Location
Channel Catfish	Fair	up to 26 inch	Creel limit 2/day Length Limit 15-inches Cut bait and prepared catfish baits are good early spring bait selections. Windy shorelines hold the most channel catfish at Butler as the wind blows food into the waiting fish. Channel cats will also be shallow and close to shore.
Largemouth Bass	Fair to Good	12 to 18 inch	Jigs, plastics, and crankbaits have produced fish over the past week. Fish are being found shallow during warmer parts of the day.
Crappie	Fair	up to 8 inch	Most of the crappie at Butler are small with very few quality sized fish. Crappie can be caught on small minnows or jigs in 4 to 8 ft of water near cover or breaks. Crappie will move into less than 3ft of water as water temperatures increase into the 60's.
Bluegill	Fair	up to 7 inch	Small live bait presentations near shoreline cover. Warmer days will be best.
General Comments

CHASE STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 4/21/2025 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method & Location
Zebra Mussels Are Present in Chase State Fishing Lake.			Chase SFL is an ANS designated water. Zebra mussel veligers (larval zebra mussels) are too small to be seen with the unaided eye and they can be found in boat livewells, minnow buckets, boat bilges, and anything else that is capable of holding even a small amount of water. Be sure to drain all equipment before leaving the lake to avoid moving veligers to other waters. THIS INCLUDES MINNOW BUCKETS AND BOAT LIVEWELLS AND BILGES!!! CLEAN DRAIN & DRY Every Lake, Every Time!
Channel Catfish	Fair	13 to 20 inches	Harvest regulations include a 15-inch minimum length limit and 5/day creel limit. Prepared baits and worms fished on the bottom.
Largemouth Bass	Fair	10 - 17 inches	There is a 13 to 18 inch slot limit on Largemouth Bass in effect at the lake. Spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and plastics fished near cover, piers, and shallow shorelines.
Saugeye	Slow	up to 22 inches	Saugeye can be found on rocky substrates across the lake. Good bait choices include 4 inch flukes fished on 1/8 - 1/4oz jigheads.
Spotted Bass	Slow	up to 13 inches	Same as largemouth bass report.
Bluegill	Fair	5-7 inches	Small jigs or live bait fished a couple feet below a float are good choices. Bluegill can be found along the piers in the rocky and woody cover.
Crappie	Fair	up to 12 inches	Crappie are in 6-12 feet of water off the points and breaks or around brush. Crappie have begun moving shallow in preparation for the spawn.
General Comments

CHENEY RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 4/18/2025 Print

SPECIES	RATING	SIZE	BAITS, LOCATION, METHODS
Zebra Mussels			Zebra mussels can be found attached to rocks lakewide. Zebra mussel veligers are too small to be seen with the unaided eye and they can be found in boat livewells, minnow buckets, boat bilges, water toys, and anything else that is capable of holding even a small amount of water. Be sure to drain all equipment before leaving the lake to avoid moving veligers to other waters. THIS INCLUDES MINNOW BUCKETS, BOAT LIVEWELLS, AND BILGES!!! Click HERE to learn how to prevent the spread of zebra mussels.
White Bass and Wiper	Fair	Up to 27"	Spoons, live bait, and jigs near points and channels.
Walleye	Poor to Fair	Up to 27"	Large crank baits and jigs near dam and rocks at night. Walleye spawn is over
Crappie	Fair	Up to 17"	Try using jigs or minnows near structure in 10 feet of water or shallower. Crappie will move shallower as the water warms.
Blue Catfish	Fair	Up to 50lbs	Fish with live bait or cut bait near windblown flats in 10ft of water or less. Reports of small (10"-24") Blue Catfish being caught. Be sure to identify your catch!
Channel Catfish	Fair to Good	Up to 20lbs	Try fishing cut bait or stink bait near windblown flats.
White Perch	Good	Up to 12"	White perch can be caught in similar areas as White Bass and Wipers using smaller lures. Most White Perch are 5"-9". White perch cannot be used as live bait, but they do make good cut bait. For tips on identifying a white perch from a white bass, wiper or striped bass click HERE. All white perch in your possession must be dead. It is illegal to posses live white perch.
COMMENTS
The lake is 8ft low. Most boat ramps are unusable. Use caution when boating.

COUNCIL GROVE CITY LAKE - Last Updated: 4/18/2025 Print

Species	Rating	Baits, Method & Location

Zebra Mussel		Zebra mussels have been discovered in Council Grove City Lake. Click HERE for more information.
Bluegill	Slow/Fair	near gravel banks and vegetation on small jigs and worms
Crappie	Fair	10 ft deep near ledges on jigs and minnows
Channel catfish	Fair	near windy flats and flooded brush on cut bait and worms
Black bass	Slow/Fair	on jigs, spinnerbaits, or crankbaits 5-15ft deep near docks, points, and brush
Walleye	Fair	along dam and deeper points/banks on jigs and spoons
White bass	Fair	along dam and points on spinners and jigs
General Comments
The City of Council Grove requires Aquatic Nuisance Species certification of anglers and boaters at Council Grove City Lake. You must have this certificate in your possession while fishing and/or boating at Council Grove City Lake.

COUNCIL GROVE RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 4/18/2025 Print

Species	Rating	Baits, Method & Location
Zebra Mussels		Zebra mussels have been discovered in Council Grove Reservoir. Zebra mussel veligers (larval zebra mussels) are too small to be seen with the unaided eye and they can be found in boat livewells, minnow buckets, boat bilges, water toys and anything else that is capable of holding even a small amount of water. Be sure to drain all equipment before leaving the lake to avoid moving veligers to other waters. THIS INCLUDES MINNOW BUCKETS AND BOAT LIVEWELLS AND BILGES!!! CLEAN DRAIN & DRY Every Lake, Every Time!
Channel Catfish	Fair	near wind blown flats and creek channel ledges on cut bait and worms
Saugeye	Fair	near dam and gravel/rock points on jigs and worms
White Bass	Slow/Fair	along deep rock points and ledges on spinners and jigs
Wiper	Slow/Fair	a few in with white bass
Crappie	Fair	10-20 ft deep on minnows and jigs near points, brush, and ledges Creel limit 20/day
General Comments
Outlet fishing is slow/fair for catfish, white bass, and saugeye Click HERE for water level information.

COWLEY STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 4/21/2025 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method & Location
Bluegill	Fair	up to 8 inch	Small jigs or live bait under a float fished near brushpiles and rocky shorelines.
Channel Catfish	Fair	up to 20 inch	15-inch minimum length limit 5/day creel limit Fresh cut bait or nightcrawlers on shorelines with the wind pushing in.
Largemouth Bass	Fair to Good	up to 16 inch	Jigs, plastic worms, and crankbaits on shoreline cover.
Redear Sunfish	Fair		Same as bluegill
General Comments

EL DORADO RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 4/21/2025 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method & Location
Zebra Mussels			Zebra mussel veligers (larval zebra mussels) are too small to be seen with the unaided eye and they can be found in boat livewells, minnow buckets, boat bilges, water toys and anything else that is capable of holding even a small amount of water. Be sure to drain all equipment before leaving the lake to avoid moving veligers to other waters. THIS INCLUDES MINNOW BUCKETS AND BOAT LIVEWELLS AND BILGES!!! CLEAN DRAIN & DRY Every Lake, Every Time! Click HERE to learn how to prevent the spread of zebra mussels. REMEMBER!! Zebra Mussels are also present in the Trout Area below the dam!!
Wiper	Fair	17-24 inch	Be sure to properly ID your catch as there is there is an 21-inch minimum length limit and 2/day creel limit on wiper. Wiper will be moving to shallow points and shorelines during the warmer days and wind will be beneficial concentrating the feeding fish. Casting jig and plastics or small inline spinners is productive. During the colder days, wiper will be in deeper water along breaks, old roads, or other structure and vertically fishing them with jigs or snap jigs is a great approach.
White bass	Fair	9-14 inch	See wiper report
White Perch			White perch can usually be found on mainlake breaks and rocky areas. Small hooks and worms are always productive. Most white perch at El Dorado are on the smaller side at 4 to 6 inches.
Crappie	Fair	Up to 15+ inches	20/day creel limit Crappie have begun to scatter and can be found at a variety of depths throughout the lake. Reports this week include crappie in 1 to 2 ft of water in the creeks where the water is warmest. Fish have been back and forth on the banks as weather fronts move through. Stable weather and increasing water temperatures will be needed for fish to stay on the banks.
Blue Catfish	Good	up to 40 inches, with a lot of 18 to 24 inch "eater" sized fish.	*ATTENTION ANGLERS!* A new blue catfish harvest regulation is in effect. The creel limit is now 10/day with no more than 1 blue catfish 30 inches or over. Blue cat activity continues to be good this week. Consistent winds concentrate blue cats on windy points and shorelines. Fishing from shore has been good the past week. Fish with the wind in your face. Fresh cut bait is the preferred bait. Harvest of legal length blue catfish is encouraged, especially blues in the 18 to 26 inch range. The creel limit has been increased from 5/day to 10/day to allow anglers to harvest more blue catfish.
Walleye	Slow to Fair	up to 26 inch	THE WALLEYE LENGTH LIMIT IS 21-INCHES WITH A 2/DAY CREEL LIMIT. The walleye spawn is winding down. Fish will soon be heading to the mainlake flats and points where they can be caught on jig and crawler or jig and plastic combos.
General Comments
1.1 ft below Normal Pool, releasing 7 CFS. Click Here for the most up to date lake level information. ZEBRA MUSSEL & WHITE PERCH WARNING! El Dorado Reservoir and the Walnut River below the reservoir contain zebra mussels and white perch. Take zebra mussel control precautions when leaving the lake, Trout Area, and Stilling Basin. For information on Aquatic Nuisance Species click Here.

HARVEY COUNTY EAST LAKE - Last Updated: 4/18/2025 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method & Location
Channel Catfish	Fair to Good	up to 24"	Try fishing cut bait, worms, or stink bait lake wide.
Crappie	Fair to Good	up to 14"	Try a jig or minnow fished near shallow structure.
Largemouth Bass	Poor	up to 20"	Try fishing soft plastics and crank baits near structure.
Saugeye	Fair	up to 25"	Fish with jigs or minnows near the dam or rocks.
General Comments

KINGMAN STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 4/18/2025 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method & Location
Channel catfish	NA
Largemouth Bass	Poor	8"-15"	Weedless soft plastics and spinner baits near structure.
Northern Pike	NA
Crappie	NA
General Comments
The lake is now full. Stockings have begun but most fish will need a minimum of 1-2 years to reach catchable size. Some adult (8"-14") Largemouth Bass have been stocked. This will provide some opportunity for anglers this year. However, it will take a couple of years for the Bass population to reach ideal numbers and sizes.

MARION COUNTY LAKE - Last Updated: 4/21/2025 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method & Location
Channel Catfish	Good	up to 22 inches	Nightcrawlers or stink bait on windy shorelines.
Crappie	Fair to Good	up to 12 inch	20/day creel limit Shallow cover on jigs or minnows.
Largemouth bass	Fair	11 to 17 inches	13 inch to 18 inch slot limit 5 fish per day creel limit. Jigs or plastics on rocky shorelines, points, and ledges in 5 to 9ft of water. Shallower during sunny days.
Saugeye			Few reports this week.
Bluegill	Fair	up to 8 inch	Small hooks and live bait/worms fished near rocks, piers, or brush.
White Bass & Wipers			No current reports
General Comments
Boat and bait inspections are MANDATORY at Marion County Lake to prevent the spread of Zebra Mussels and other Aquatic Nuisance Species. Protect our waters... don't forget to CLEAN, DRAIN, and DRY! Lake is at normal pool.

MARION RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 4/21/2025 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method & Location
Zebra Mussels			Zebra mussels can be found attached to rocks lakewide. Zebra mussel veligers are too small to be seen with the unaided eye and they can be found in boat livewells, minnow buckets, boat bilges, water toys and anything else that is capable of holding even a small amount of water. Be sure to drain all equipment before leaving the lake to avoid moving veligers to other waters. THIS INCLUDES MINNOW BUCKETS, BOAT LIVEWELLS AND BILGES!
Channel Cat	Fair	14 to 24 inches	Cats are being caught on shallow windy points and shorelines. Fresh cut bait and stink baits are good baits for channel catfish.
White Crappie	Fair	up to 13 inches	20/day creel limit Crappie will be moving up on shallow cover as weather patterns stabilize. Jigs and minnows work well for spawning crappie.
Walleye	Fair	up to 26 inches	NEW WALLEYE HARVEST REGULATIONS EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2022. 18 INCH MINIMUM LENGTH LIMIT 3/DAY CREEL LIMIT WITH NO MORE THAN ONE FISH 21 INCHES OR LONGER. Few reports this week. Fish will be moving to flats and points in the coming weeks as they recuperate from the spawn. Drifting jig and crawler combos is a productive method for late spring/early summer walleye.
White Bass	Fair to Good	up to 14 inch	Shallow points, humps, and windblown shorelines on grubs, spinners, or spoons.
Wiper	Fair to Good	18 to 24 inches	See white bass report
Coordinates for habitat cubes			4 cubes N38 22.450’ W 097 04.669’ 4 cubes N38 22.455’ W 097 04.664’ 4 cubes N38 22.426’ W 097 04.694’ 3 cubes N38 22.757’ W 097.05.227’ 3 cubes N38 22.763’ W 097 05.211’ 3 cubes N38 23.407’ W 097 05.460’ 2 cubes N38 23.467’ W 097 05.384’ 2 cubes N38 23.478’ W 097 05.399’ 4 cubes N38 23.481’ W 097 05.408’
Coordinates for brushpiles and cubes.	The first 3 coordinates are for one large brushpile.	Coordinates mark areas with multiple habitat structures in the area.	N 38 21.907' W 097 05.562' N 38 21.912' W 097.05.560' N 38 21.920' W 097.05.557' N 38 22.425' W 097 04.697' N 38 22.767' W 097 05.208' N 38 22.757' W 097 05.227' N 38 23.250' W 097 05.491' N 38 23.357' W 097 05.470'
Coordinates for brushpiles		Near shore brushpile placements fishable from shore in Cottonwood Cove.	N 38 23.438' W 097 05.398' N 38 23.436' W 097 05.404' N 38 23.428' W 097 05.402' N 38 23.426' W 097 05.405' N 38 23.499' W 097 05.393' N 38 23.489' W 097 05.399' N 38 23.480' W 097 05.401' N 38 23.472' W 097 05.398'
Coordinates for brushpiles constructed March 2018			N 38 24.459' W 097 06.907' N 38 24.450' W 097 06.975' N 38 22.685' W 097 06.279' N 38 22.680' W 097 06.279' N 38 22.216' W 097 06.065'
Coordinates for historical habitat sites that had brush added to them in March 2018.			N 38 21.911' W 097 05.569' N 38 22.426' W 097 04.702' N 38 22.776' W 097 05.220'
Coordinates for brushpiles constructed April 2019			N 38 23.464' W 097 05.412' N 38 23.149' W 097 05.476' N 38 23.169' W 097 05.516'
General Comments
Normal pool, releasing 1 CFS. Click HERE for the most up to date lake level information.

SEDGWICK CO. - LAKE AFTON - Last Updated: 4/22/2025 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method & Location
Zebra Mussels			Adult Zebra Mussels were found 7/31/08 at Lake Afton. Zebra mussels reproduce during the warmer months and veligers (larval stage) are present in the water column. Veligers are too small to be seen with the unaided eye and can be found in boat livewells, minnow buckets, boat bilges, water toys and anything else that is capable of holding even a small amount of water. Be sure to drain all equipment before leaving the lake to avoid moving veligers to other waters. THIS INCLUDES MINNOW BUCKETS, BOAT LIVEWELLS AND BILGES!!! REMEMBER!! Zebra Mussels are also present in Clearwater Creek below the spillway!
White Perch	Good	4"-8"	Use a small hook with a small piece of worm or panfish lures. White perch may not be possessed alive.
Channel Catfish	Good	up to 20"	Try hotdogs, liver, and cut bait. Harvest-sized Channel Catfish are stocked regularly in the Spring and Fall.
Crappie	Fair	up to 10"	Crappie should be moving shallow to spawn. Overall numbers of fish are low. Try crappie jigs and minnows in 2-5 feet of water.
Bluegill	Fair	up to 8"	Try a small piece of worm under a bobber around rocks and brush.
Largemouth Bass	Poor	up to 21"	Bass will move from shoreline habitats to deeper water throughout the day. Try crankbaits, soft plastic lures, and jigs. The population is low, so cover a lot of water to find them.
Saugeye	Poor	Most under 18"	2023 stockings of Saugeye may mean you'll catch a few more than usual! However, be mindful of the length regulation for harvest, as nearly all Saugeye in the lake will be too small to keep. Nightcrawlers, plastic grubs, and shad lures are your best bets.
General Comments
Channel Catfish stockings have resumed! We will stock Lake Afton three times this spring. Visit https://ksoutdoors.com/Fishing/Special-Fishing-Programs-for-You/Urban-Fishing-Program for more information. Lake Afton is a designated Aquatic Invasive Species water. This means anglers cannot leave with live fish in their possession, including bluegill, green sunfish, or other baitfish.

WELLINGTON CITY LAKE - Last Updated: 4/21/2025 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method & Location
Channel Catfish	Fair	up to 23 inch	Stink bait and shad sides fished on shallow, wind blown shorelines. Fresh cut bait is also a good bait choice.
Wiper	Fair	up to 23 inch	Wipers will be found on shallow points and shorelines on warm and windy days. Casting jig and plastics, inline spinners, and small crankbaits work well.
Crappie	Fair	up to 11 inch	Look for crappie near the shallow brushpiles and shoreline cover.
Saugeye	Fair	15 to 24 inches	Jerk baits or jig and plastics work well for early saugeye. Look for them along rocky shorelines in shallow water 3 to 5 feet deep during the day and shallower during low light periods.
General Comments
Fish attractors in the form of brushpiles have been added to the lake. The brushpiles attract and hold a variety of species including crappie, bluegill, flathead catfish, and channel catfish. You can find a map showing locations and GPS coordinates at https://ksoutdoors.com/fishhabitatmap on the KDWP website. Zoom in on Wellington City Lake on the map and brushpiles will be marked with the orange dots. Brushpiles have been added in 2022 and 2024.

WELLINGTON HARGIS CREEK - Last Updated: 4/21/2025 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method & Location
Channel Catfish	Fair	Up to 5 lbs	Stink bait and nightcrawlers fished on the bottom on windy shorelines.
Crappie	Fair	6 - 9 inch	Minnows or jigs under a float near cover
Largemouth Bass	Fair	9 - 15 inch	Jigs, crankbaits, or plastics near shoreline cover.
General Comments

WICHITA - URBAN FISHING REPORT - Last Updated: 4/22/2025 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method & Location

Channel Catfish	Good	Up to 20"	The majority of public fishing waters around the Wichita Metro Area are stocked regularly in the Spring and Fall with harvest-sized Channel Catfish. They can be caught on worms and hotdogs.
Crappie	Fair	Up to 12"	Try using minnows or a small jigs. Crappie fishing is best at the KDOT West, SG County Park, OJ Watson Park, and Chisholm North lake.
Largemouth Bass	Fair	Up to 18"	Largemouth Bass can be found in most area lakes but catching them can be tough due to low populations and high angling pressure. Your best opportunities to catch bass are at the KDOT lakes, Andover, Derby, Emery Park, Vic's Lake, and Chisholm North lake.
Bluegill	Good	Up to 8"	Bluegill are present in every lake in the area and can be targeted with worms and panfish lures.
Rainbow Trout	Poor	Up to 20"	Trout were stocked for the 2024-2025 season at SG County Park Vic's Lake and Slough Creek and OJ Watson Park. Try dough baits, salmon eggs, and panfish lures. A trout permit is not required after March 31. Creel limit is 5/day.
General Comments
White Perch are present at KDOT West, SG County Park Lakes, South Lake, and Chisholm North Lake. These are designated AIS waters, so no live fish can be transported from these locations INCLUDING SUNFISH FOR BAIT. In addition, no live white perch may be possessed, and anglers are encouraged to not release any caught back into the water. If you catch a fish that looks like a white perch at any location not listed as an AIS water, please contact David Breth at the Wichita Regional Office 316-683-8069. Catfish Stockings have resumed! Every two weeks, we will be stocking area lakes. For more information, visit https://ksoutdoors.com/Fishing/Special-Fishing-Programs-for-You/Urban-Fishing-Program

WINFIELD CITY LAKE - Last Updated: 4/21/2025 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method, and Location
Zebra Mussels			Zebra mussels were verified in Winfield City Lake in December 2006. Lake users should follow recommended control practices found HERE . Be sure to drain all equipment before leaving the lake to avoid moving veligers to other waters. THIS INCLUDES MINNOW BUCKETS AND BOAT LIVEWELLS AND BILGES!!!
Crappie	Fair	9-12 inches	Crappie will be moving in to shallow water to spawn as the water continues to warm and the weather stabilizes. Jigs or jig and float work well. Look for protected areas with cover.
Channel catfish	Fair	up to 22 inch	Fresh cut bait and worms on wind blown points and shorelines.
Largemouth bass Smallmouth bass	Fair	up to 18 inch	Crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and plastics near shoreline cover for largemouth and rocky points and shorelines for smallmouth.
White bass	Fair	10 - 14 inch	On warm days look for wipers and white bass on shallow wind blown points. White curly tailed grubs, small lipless crankbaits, and roadrunners are good selections. On cooler days, look for the fish in deeper water off the points, along breaks, and along the old road.
Wiper	Fair	up to 22 inch	Same as white bass
Walleye	Slow	up to 24 inch	Walleye minimum length limit 18 inches. Not many recent reports available for walleye. The walleye spawn is wrapping up. Walleye will soon be heading to the points and flats. Drifting jig and crawler combos is a great technique this time of year.
General Comments
The City of Winfield requires additional permits for anglers using the lake. Stop in to the lake office before fishing at the lake. Lake level is 3.6 ft below normal.

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TORONTO RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 4/24/2025 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method, Location
channel catfish	good	10% 11"-16" 30% 16"-24" 55% 24"-28" 5% 28"-36"	Use a worm, stink bait, or shad sides in river riffles.

white bass	good	19% 6"-9" 20% 9"-12" 48% 12"-15" 13% 15"-18"	Use a jig or spinner in riffles. Fish are spawning in riffles in river, Walnut Creek, and spillway.
white crappie	good	15% 5"-8" 45 8"-10" 30% 10"-12" 10% 12"-15"	Use a jig or minnow around brush piles, rocky shoreline in Manns Cove and north side of Duck Island. Fish are in shallow water in backs of coves and riffles in river and Walnut Creek.
General Comments
Link to USACE reservoir water level: http://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/TORO.lakepage.html Size structures are from 2024 October test netting. To view a map of Toronto Reservoir brush piles, copy this file into Google Earth and zoom into the reservoir. TORR brush piles 17 (OCTET-STREAM 1.74 kB) For more information about the Fall River/Toronto Fisheries District, click here to access newsletters.

BIG HILL RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 4/7/2025 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method & Location
Crappie	Good	6-12"	Crappie fishing is good. Fish are still deep but will be adjacent to spawning areas. Rea bridge is also a good spot to find fish. Minnows and plastic jigs have been working best.
Channel Catfish	Fair	16-24"	Catfishing is slow. Look for fish to be on the windward side of the lake. Shad sides are the preferred bait.
Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass	Fair	12-20"	Largemouth bass fishing has been slow. Look for largemouth to be near deeper structure, however they may move shallow on warm days. Smallmouth bass fishing is picking up and they will be near rocky shorelines and the dam. Jigs have been working best.
Bluegill and Redears	Fair	5-7"	Bluegill and redear fishing has been fair. Bluegill and redear can be found near any submerged vegetation and woody structure. Look for them to move shallow on warmer days. Worms under a bobber are working best.

General Comments
Release all Largemouth Bass 15-21" in Length, daily creel remains 5/day.

BONE CREEK RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 4/21/2025 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method & Location
Bluegill & Redear Sunfish	Good	2-9 inches	Anglers should focus their efforts along the shoreline in depths less than 6' deep near submerged trees and edges of aquatic vegetation. Areas to pursue will be on the north and south ends of the dam, coves, and rocky habitats. A bobber and worm, fly rod with small flies, and 1/16 ounce jig with a twister tail will be good baits to try. Recent sampling indicated a prominent and record year class of redear sunfish and bluegill that are less than 4-inches. Redear, bluegill, green sunfish and longear sunfish all provide important forage for other sportfish species in the lake, as well as provide a fishing opportunity for anglers.
Channel catfish	Good	15-36 inches	Anglers have reported channel catfish being caught in the coves and creek arms. Anglers from the shoreline should focus on the coves, both the north and south side of the dam, west end, and the handicap access on the south side of the lake near the boat ramp. Prepared baits, worms, cut or live bait will be good baits to try. Anglers from boats should focus on flats and near rock habitat. Cut and live bait are good baits to try.
Black Crappie	Fair	8-14 inches	Recent angler reports of catching crappie near shore at handicap access, west end, and from boat in 6-10' of water in pre-spawn pattern. Anglers should focus on submerged trees that are in 15-20' that are in close proximity to depth changes, or creek channels, during all times of the year. Live minnows under a bobber, spinners, or 1/8-1/16 ounch jigs with twister tails will all be good options. Fall sampling indicated a successful spawn and strong 2023 year class of Age-0 (2-3"), another 2022 year class of Age-1 crappie (9-9.5"), as well as crappie up to 14". Black Crappie are growing to 9.5 inches at the end of their second growing season, whereas in 2012, it took 6 years to reach 10-inches in Bone Creek.
Largemouth bass	Good	33% 8-12" 25% 12-15" 41% 15-20" 1% > 20"	Largemouth bass can be found lakewide in a variety of habitats that are available at Bone Creek. Recent electrofishing surveys for Largemouth Bass indicated a more balanced population of fish from 4-inches to 20-inches being observed. Each year class from 2016 to 2023 were observed during this effort. The population has improved in the last four years with recruitment being observed and strong year classes each in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. Largemouth are preparing to spawn in the coming weeks and Largemouth were observed near nests on April 14. Anglers should focus on the edges of vegetation that can be found along the shoreline and coves, standing timber, as well as flooded terrestrial vegetation with the lake levels reaching full pool. The water clarity will affect fishing, depending on time of day, so don't hesitate to fish the trees that can be found in deeper water. Casting swimbaits, jigs, crankbaits, bladed jigs, jerkbaits, and spinnerbaits will be your best bet. Flipping plastics is another popular technique used. Don't hesitate to throw the classic "Ned rig" in the summertime when fish will be deeper. Drought has been experienced in southeast Kansas since 2022. This has allowed for the lake to experience the "new reservoir effect" by the lake lowering during the hot, dry summer months. Timely fill ups has occurred in March of 2022, 2023, and 2024 allowing the lake to reach full pool prior to the spawn. This inundates new terrestrial flooded habitat and created a plethora of spawning habitat. This also allows for a nutrient influx that allows for phytoplankton and zooplankton communities, that young-of-the-year largemouth bass predate upon in early life stages, and provides for more resources for the largemouth bass population. Bone Creek is a popular bass tournament fishing location in Kansas. Anglers are encouraged to contact the Public Wholesale Water District #11 Water Office to register their dates for tournaments. Catch data during tournaments would be aide in managing the largemouth bass population at Bone Creek, so anglers are encouraged to contact the KDWP District Fisheries Biologist with any questions or providing catch data if they would like to help manage the largemouth bass population. To bolster the current population and recruitment of Largemouth Bass at Bone Creek, the KDWP fisheries biologist has increased stocking efforts of Largemouth Bass. In 2019, 218, 377 (fry) were stocked when a hatchery surplus was available. In 2021, 13,500 phase II advanced fingerling Largemouth Bass were stocked. In April 2022, 260,000 (fry) were stocked when a hatchery surplus was available. In June 2022, 25,000 advanced fingerling Largemouth Bass were stocked. In June 2023, 25,000 advanced fingerling Largemouth Bass were stocked. During the week of and on June 4, 2024, 27,000 advanced fingerling Largemouth Bass were stocked into flooded habitat and aquatic vegetation. In total, 569,774 largemouth bass have been stocked since 2018. The KDWP fisheries biologist plans to request 27,000-54,000 fingerling Largemouth Bass in upcoming years to help bolster year classes and recruitment of Largemouth Bass. This is being evaluated with genetic fin clips to assess stock contribution. In addition to, it was proposed and passed to move from a 13-18" slot length limit to an 18" minimum length limit to protect the stocked fingerlings and naturally spawned Largemouth Bass to preferred lengths for bass anglers. This went into effect on January 1, 2022. This regulation is evaluated annually with spring and fall electrofishing surveys.
Saugeye	Good	19-26 inches	Saugeye can be found on flats of 10-14 ft that is near deeper water of 20 feet and deeper at this time of the year. Any depth changes, or structure, will hold fish and can be caught by a variety of methods, such as trolling or vertical jigging. Anglers have reported catching saugeye near the dam on the east side of the lake on swimbaits, jigheads with plastics, and trolling crankbaits. Recent sampling indicated a lower density population than in previous years, but quality up to 25-inches were observed. The minimum length for Saugeye at Bone Creek is 18 inches and a daily creel of 5 fish per day!
General Comments
Water Temperature: 60° F, April 15, 2025 Be sure to Clean, Drain, and Dry your boat, bait buckets, and recreational watercraft before and after launching your boat. It is important and required by law to remove your drain plug on your watercraft upon departure to drain live wells and water inside of your boat; it will protect our natural resources in Kansas for current anglers and future generations to enjoy. Eurasian watermilfoil is an nonnative aquatic vegetation species that is present in Bone Creek. Be sure to inspect your boat, boat trailer, and bait buckets prior to launching and leaving Bone Creek to prevent the spread. Be sure to stay up to date on information regarding Aquatic Nuisance Species. Remember it is illegal to release any fish into public water unless it was taken from that water! If you would like to provide a fishing report for Bone Creek Reservoir, or have any questions in regards to any of the fish populations, please don't hesitate to contact Connor Ossowski, KDWP District Fisheries Biologist, at (620) 231-3173.

BOURBON COUNTY CEDAR CREEK - Last Updated: 4/24/2025 Print

species	ratings	size	baits, methods, locations
Crappie	Fair	varies	Fish are moving into the shore and are in a prespawn faze. Use dark jigs or minnows in the trees along the drop offs.
Channel catfish	Fair	varies,	The water is clear with a little color. Go fishing, the fish have to eat. Try along dam and shoreline, use cut shad, worms, prepared baits. Fish the creek mouth where the fresh water comes in and the fish are stacked up.
Largemouth bass	Good	varies in range	Fish are moving into the shore and are in a prespawn faze. Improving with each day of sunshine. Pattern fish with jigs, spinners, gizzard shad plugs, lots of smaller fish but larger fish like 5 to 7 pounds are available.
General Comments
The best way to measure social distancing is with a fishing pole. This is a great kayak or small craft lake. This is a fishing only lake, no recreational boating. The east boat ramp is usable. Water levels are great. The catfish in this impoundment are active and ready for action- Try liver, shad, or live bait fish. Channel catfish are great after a rain in the north end where the creek comes in. For largemouth bass try fishing some of the standing timber and weedbeds with spinners and buzzbaits. Zebra Mussels have recently been found in Hillsdale Lake, and we'd like to remind you to stay aware and take all precautions necessary to prevent the spread into uncontaminated waters! This includes cleaning and rinsing your boat, motor, trailer and equipment, draining any excess water from previous outings, and allowing your boat to dry before using it in a different body of water. Remember to "CLEAN, DRAIN AND DRY" your boats and equipment. For tips on spring bass fishing check out the KDWPT video at the following link! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpIJaiyW32k For crappie anglers, watch this 25-minute video that covers Kansas crappie fishing during spring, summer, fall, and winter https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sazyEuIT_bk NO special permits required, this is a Community Fisheries Assistance Program Lake. Use caution, this lake has quantities of standing and submerged trees and limited shoreline access. This is a 220 acre lake with approximately 180 acres of standing trees. Fishing only lake. The lake has a boat ramp, parking lot, security light, floating dock, and vault toilet on the east side of the lake and a boat ramp and parking lot on the west side..

BOURBON COUNTY ELM CREEK LAKE - Last Updated: 4/24/2025 Print

Comments
Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method, & Location
Channel catfish	Slow	varies	try bluegill chunks, chicken liver. Anglers are catching big Fish. Fish feeders are OFF. Gearup.
Largemouth bass	Fair	varies	Fish are moving into the shore and are in a prespawn faze. Improving with each day of sunshine. lake wide, use silver crank and spinner baits, or dark jigs,
Bullheads	Slow	varies	use worms,or liver lake wide
Bluegill	slow	varies	small baits and worms under floats, along weedbeds around fish attractors

Crappie	Fair	some small fish but some real good ones also, with 50 limit	Fish are moving into the shore and are in a prespawn faze. Improving with each day of sunshineuse minnows and dark jigs, recently bigger fish over 11 inches reportedly caught, but lots of 9 inch fish.
The best way to measure social distancing is with a fishing pole. This lake is great for shoreline angling, lots of room to spread out. Remember the length and creel limits. Due to a leak in the dam water levels can be low and will remain low until repairs are made. Wildlife and Parks have committed funds for repairing the dam and waiting for the county to proceed. Zebra Mussels have recently been found in Hillsdale Lake, and Linn Valley, Linn County, (Private Lake Development), we'd like to remind you to "Clean, Drain and Dry" your boat and equipment. Get the kids, get your friends and Go Fishing. Remember to "CLEAN, DRAIN AND DRY" your boats, trailers and equipment. For tips on spring bass fishing check out the KDWPT video at the following link! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpIJaiyW32k For crappie anglers, watch this 25-minute video that covers Kansas crappie fishing during spring, summer, fall, and winter https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sazyEuIT_bk With questions about this lake call Donald George, Fisheries Biologist, at 913-795-2218, or Bourbon County at 620-223-3800.

BOURBON STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 4/24/2025 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method, & Location
Black Bass- Largemouth and Spotted Bass	Good	Fish 10 to 17 inches dominate the population	Water levels have increased and the bass are moving in shallow. The edges and drop offs, especially off the pier ends are good places to fish, bass habitat has been placed there. Use spinners, plastic baits, crankbaits. Some fish are in deeper water breaks. The water is pretty clear.
Bluegill/redear sunfish	Good	all sizes	Nice bluegill and redear sunfish are available by slow fishing along the piers with jig, worm under a float.
Walleye/Saugeye	Slow	varies	Fish drop offs and at the head of the inflow areas using crank baits, jigs and or minnow
Channel Catfish	Slow	12-22 inches	Use just about any catfish bait, cut bait, stink baits, chicken liver, worms, the fish feeders are OFF. After hard rains fish the south end where the water comes in. Fish the creek mouth where the fresh water comes in and the fish are stacked up. We recently restocked channel catfish so the density is really high. Remember the length limit is 15 inches and the creel limit is 2 per person
Crappie	Fair	8 - 12 inches and up	Fish are moving into the shore and are in a prespawn faze. Try using minnows, jigs under a 5ft float, along the piers.
General Comments
Zebra Mussels have recently been found in Hillsdale Lake, and Linn Valley, Linn County, (Private Lake Development), we'd like to remind you to " Clean, drain and dry" Water level management at Bourbon State Fishing Lake is an important fisheries management tool. By partially draining some of the lake water, in the fall, small fish are forced out of the shallows into deeper water where predators can harvest them, preventing some stunting, improving growth of crappie, bluegill and improving bass and walleye/saugeye growth and condition. This tool improves energy flow and growth producing better fishing opportunities for anglers. Fish attracting habitat have been placed along the shoreline to attract fish and improve shoreline angling. This lake produces some nice crappie each year. Recent sampling indicates that there are many good crappie to catch. The bass population at this impoundment consists of spotted and largemouth bass. Spotted bass tend to hang near rocks and the dam, whereas on the south end of the lake your more likely to catch only largemouth bass. The lake was just recently restocked with channel catfish.

COFFEY COUNTY LAKE - Last Updated: 4/22/2025 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Methods, Locations

largemouth bass	Fair	8 in to 21 inches	Vibrating jigs, spinnerbaits, crankbaits, swimbaits or jerkbaits fished around structure. Flutter spoons or large plastic worms rigged on shaky heads fished off of points and ledges. Quality fish are present but numbers remain low.
walleye	Fair	14-25 inches	Fish should be moving to post spawn habitats large flat points with deeper water nearby using jig and crawler, crankbaits, or jig and plastics.
channel catfish/blue catfish	Good	1/2-5 lbs, Blues up to 50lbs.	Various prepared baits, liver, and worms usually good for channel catfish lakewide. Using fresh cut bait such as shad or carp usually is best for blue catfish. Fishing wind blown banks or up in the riprap should be productive or try creek channel swings and humps. Don't be afraid to fish shallow water for both species.
smallmouth bass	Fair	10-20 inches	Throwing small shad imitators like compact spinnerbaits or crankbaits. Crayfish imitating baits should also work. Ned rigs or drop shots are great techniques to use for smallmouth. Fishing these baits around the deeper rip rap banks or rocky points are probably the best spots. Recent sampling continues to show a lower density population.
white bass/Wipers	Good	up to 5lbs.	Using small shad imitating baits such as small crankbaits, bucktail jigs, slab spoons, or twister tail grubs fished on wind blown points or rocky banks near deep water. Vertical jigging a spoon or jigging rap is an excellent technique once you find a big school.
crappie	Fair-Good	11-15 inches	Crappie should be moving to shallower spawning habitats so look for fish around shallow brush or rocky habitats using a jig worked slowly.
General Comments
Entrance gate phone number is 620-364-2475 call for lake conditions Fishing near the warm water outlet during the fall and winter can be very productive for multiple species. A large brush pile was created north of the boat ramp in the old creek channel and is marked with a fish attractor buoy. There were also several trees sunk at the end of the hot water dike and should be easily marked on your locator. These spots should be really good in the fall and winter months. ZEBRA MUSSELS have been confirmed in Coffey County Lake! Please help stop the spread. Clean, Drain, and Dry your boat and livewell after leaving this lake. It is illegal to transport live fish, bait, and water from this lake.

CRAWFORD STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 4/21/2025 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method &Location
Bluegill / Redear sunfish	Good	4-8"	Bluegill can be caught using a bobber and worm, 1/16-1/32 ounce jighead, and a fly rod and small fly. Locations to try would be near the swim beach in the northwest corner, main lake coves, and marina cove.
Saugeye	Fair	18-21"	The fall sample indicated a low-density, high-quality population of saugeye up to 24". A variety of ways to target saugeye are trolling with swimbaits and Rapalas, or vertical jigging. Anglers can also find saugeye up shallow in the fall, winter, and spring when water temperatures are cooler and where they can be found feeding on the flats and shallow habitat.
Wiper (White bass x Striped Bass hybrid)	Poor	21-24"	Wiper have been stocked in Crawford State Lake and provide a quality sportfish for anglers to target. Wipers are pelagic, or open water, predators lurking in deeper water during the day, but come up shallow to feed in the morning, evening, and during the night. Some baits to try would be jerkbaits, swimbaits, jigs, and live bait. Trolling and vertical jigging over schools of gizzard shad may yield a fish, or two.
Channel catfish	Good	16-24"	Channel catfish can be found throughout all portions of the lake. Anglers can target in coves on the upper end of the lake, especially during periods of inflow, main lake where submerged trees and Georgia Cubes have been placed, and jetties and docks that can be fished from shore. Prepared baits, gizzard shad, live bait, and chicken liver are all popular baits that anglers might give a try.
Flathead catfish	Good	All sizes	Flathead catfish can be found in deep water next to submerged trees and structure. Live bait, such as green sunfish, and artificial lures are two types of fishing to try.
Crappie	Good	6-10"	Recent crappie reports suggest that deep trolling crankbaits have yielded crappie up to 11-inches. The crappie population has a slightly improved size structure with fish sampled up to 13". There is a 2021 year class of Black Crappie that are reaching lengths up to 12 inches, a 2022 year class of Black Crappie that are up to 9 inches, and another 2023 year class of Black Crappie that are 4 inches. This is a good sign for the future, as Black Crappie are growing. The majority of the white crappie that anglers may find at the end of their line will be in the 8-10" size range. Please consider harvesting your daily creel limit of 50 crappie per day to help reduce numbers of White Crappie and open up space for the year classes of Black Crappie to grow. Anglers should try live minnows under a bobber, jigs with a twister tail, and streamers with a fly rod.
Largemouth bass	Good	12-21"	Largemouth bass densities and size structure are improved, since being infected with LMBV (Largemouth Bass Virus) in 2007. Strong year classes in the 8-12" size category indicate good numbers that haven't been as prominent since 2005. Quality fish up to 21" were sampled and anglers will benefit from the improved numbers and quality of largemouth bass in Crawford State Lake. Anglers should focus on coves and jetties using a variety of methods, which include spinnerbaits, top-water lures, plastic lures, and jerkbaits. Largemouth bass phase II advanced fingerlings have been stocked in 2020 (7,500 fingerlings), 2021 (3,750 fingerlings) 2022 (3,890 fingerlings), 2023 (7,500 fingerlings), and 2024 (7,500 fingerlings - 6/4/2024). The KDWP Fisheries Biologist plans to continue to request largemouth bass fingerling stockings to help bolster current year classes of largemouth bass. This will be evaluated through fin clips to assess genetics to realize stock contribution to the fishery. In conjunction with the stocking, cedar trees will be added to the lake to enhance spawning, refuge, and forage structure near shore for largemouth bass to flourish.
General Comments
Water Temperature: 63° F, April 21, 2025 Be sure to Clean, Drain, and Dry your boat, bait buckets, and recreational watercraft before and after launching your boat. It is required by law to remove your drain plug on your watercraft upon departure to drain live wells and water inside of your boat; it will protect our natural resources in Kansas for current anglers and future generations to enjoy. Be sure to stay up to date on information regarding Aquatic Nuisance Species. Remember it is illegal to release any fish into public water unless it was taken from that water! Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism fisheries staff recently undertook a project to produce lake maps, or bathymetric maps, for public waters statewide. The lake map for Crawford State Fishing Lake can be found at the following link: https://ksoutdoors.com/Fishing/Where-to-Fish-in-Kansas/Bathymetric-Lake-Maps.This link will provide you with a link for all bathymetric lake maps for the state of Kansas. Scroll down to find Crawford State Fishing Lake. This will allow for anglers to view the depths of the lake to choose different habitats and lake depths to fish for different species, year-round. You will also find current GPS locations of habitat structures placed by KDWPT fisheries staff to easily input into your sonar unit, or find if you are fishing from shore. If you would like to provide a fishing report for Crawford State Fishing Lake, don't hesitate to contact Connor Ossowski, District Fisheries Biologist, at (620) 231-3173.

CRITZER LAKE - Last Updated: 4/24/2025 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method, Location
Largemouth Bass	Fair	13 to 18 inches with a few at 23 inches	Fish are moving into the shore and are in a prespawn faze. Improving with each day of sunshine. Some larger fish available, best luck with dark colored jip n pigs, plastic worms, crank baits in close to cover. The majority of fish are in the 12 inch to 6 pound range. In 2021 a 9.88 was caught and released.
Smallmouth Bass	Poor	13 to 15"	A limited fishery exists some are taken on jigs, spinners, along the dam and rocky areas.
Channel Catfish	Fair	15" to 8 pounds	This is a good catfish population with a lot of fish in the 3 pounds and up to 15 pounds range. Use cut shad, cut sunfish, worms, liver, prepared baits, lakewide or along the piers along the parking lot. The fish feeder is back ON. The storm sank the old feeder and had to find a replacement.
Crappie	Fair	any size	Fish are moving into the shore and are in a prespawn faze. Improving with each day of sunshine. Sampling indicates good numbers of nice fish (9 to 12 inches) use minnows and milky white, pink jigs in 12 ft. East half of lake is better.
Walleye/Saugeye	Poor	most between 12 to 17 inches	Some are taken on jigs tipped with worms, spinners, dam and upper creek channel
General Comments
This is a great kayak or small craft lake. This is a fishing only lake, no recreational boating. Water levels are good and the boat ramp has plenty of water. In the spring of 2023 there were 200,000 saugeye fry stocked to spice up the fishing. This is a great Kayak or small craft lake. Critzer Lake is one of Kansas' newest lakes and was opened to fishing in August of 2011. Many anglers use kayaks or tubes to float into the cover and are very successful. There is a double lane boat ramp. The floating dock is finished and compliments this great fishing lake. The lake is primarily a boat lake but there is shoreline access east of the boatramp where anglers can set up on the two piers and be very close to the parking lot. This 220 acre lake offers 180 acres of standing timber so there is a no-wake speed limit. There is a second, smaller access area located at the south west part of the lake, from 800 rd. and Gorman, north 1/4 mile. This area makes it easier for anglers in small craft to launch and paddle/fish the more timbered areas. There is a parking lot and gravel ramp and provides shoreline angling also. Zebra Mussels have recently been found in Hillsdale Lake, and Linn Valley Lake, this is a private lake community, we'd like to remind you to stay aware and take all precautions necessary to prevent the spread into uncontaminated waters! This includes cleaning and rinsing your boat and motor, trailer, and equipment, draining any excess water from previous outings, and allowing your boat to dry before using it in a different body of water. Remember CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY! We have improved the area with a floating dock, located just west of the boat ramp. For tips on spring bass fishing watch this KDWPT video at the following link! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpIJaiyW32k Check out this video from Brent Chapman fishing for bass in Critzer Lake! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngvw2uz3oH0

ELK CITY RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 4/7/2025 Print

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 improved. 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.

FALL RIVER RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 4/24/2025 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method, Location
channel catfish	good	0% 11"-16" 30% 16"-24" 40% 24"-28" 30% 28"-36"	Use a worm, stink bait, or shad sides in riffles.
crappie	good	53% 5"- 8" 31% 8"-10" 13% 10"-12" 2% 12"-15"	Use a jig or minnow around brush piles and rocky shorelines. Fish are in shallow water in backs of coves and riffles.

white bass	good	11% 6"- 9" 34% 9"-12" 26% 12"-15" 29% 15"-18"	Use a jig or spinner in riffles in river and Otter Creek. Fish are spawning on riffles.
General Comments:
Link to USACE reservoir water level: http://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/FALL.lakepage.html Size structures listed are from 2024 October test netting. To view a map of brush piles in Fall River Reservoir and the old sunken Ladd Bridge in the river, copy this file into Google Earth and zoom into the reservoir. FLRR brush piles 1.52 kB For more information about the Fall River Fisheries District, click here to access newsletters.

FT. SCOTT LAKE - Last Updated: 4/24/2025 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method, & Location
largemouth and spotted bass	Good	varies	Water levels have increased and the bass are moving in shallow. Improving with each day of sunshine. try spinners, shad imitating crank baits, or soft plastic baits close to fish structure, the side of weed beds and along rocky points.
channel and flathead	Fair	varies, some very nice	There is a good population of channel catfish, many around 3-4 pounds. Fish are lakewide, best with cut shad, sponge baits, worms. Recent fish population sampling indicates a great population of channel catfish in the 2 - 5 pound range. Fish the South end where creek comes in during or after a rain. We recently stocked 1,000 larger channel catfish into this lake.
walleye/saugeye	Slow	varies	use dark jigs and crankbaits, along flats and drop-offs. most fish are above the 18 inch length limit.
crappie	Slow	varies, many over 11 inches	Fish are moving into the shore and are in a prespawn faze. Improving with each day of sunshine. There are a high percentage of fish over 10 inches. Try black and white jigs under a float.
bluegill	Slow	varies	use small baits, such as worms, jigs suspended under a float, in deeper water
General Comments
Ft Scott Lake has boat ramps and several docks and good shoreline access for fishing. This lake has great shoreline angling, lots of room to spread out, for social distancing. The lake has a good reputation for producing good stringers of channel catfish. Channel catfish from the rearing pond are stocked into this lake each fall. Recent tree/habitat placements, In 2014, 2015 and 2016, 2017,2020 about 900 xmas trees were placed at each end of the dam and along the east side. The tree placement along the dam are very accessible for shoreline anglers. This project will improve angler success for bass and crappie. Recently there were 3,500 channel catfish stocked to spice up the fishing. Zebra Mussels have recently been found in Hillsdale Lake, and Linn Valley, Linn County, (Private Lake Development), we'd like to remind you to "CLEAN, DRAIN and DRY" all watercraft before and after entering this lake. Remember- Wear a Lifejacket and Reach - Throw - Don t Go. Buy your state fishing license and have fun. Please remember the special length/creel limits. Get the kids, get your friends and Go Fishing. Remember to "CLEAN, DRAIN AND DRY" your boats, trailers and equipment. Sign up for the Mound City Fishing District Newsletter today! For tips on spring bass fishing check out the KDWPT video at the following link! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpIJaiyW32k For crappie anglers, watch this 25-minute video that covers Kansas crappie fishing during spring, summer, fall, and winter https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sazyEuIT_bk This is a Community Fisheries Assistance Lake Cooperator,no city permits for fishing and boating while fishing. City permit required for recreational boating. Great Kansas Fishing Derby May 15 to Sept 15 Visit www.ksfishderby.com for more info; Tagged Fish - Channel Catfish

GARNETT NORTH - Last Updated: 4/22/2025 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method & Location
Crappie	Good	8-14 inches	Crappie should be shallow and thinking about spawning. Jigs and plastics or jigs tipped with minnows. Recent sampling shows good numbers of fish over 10"
Channel catfish	Fair-Good	8-30 inches	Livers, shad sides, or other prepared baits along ledges or windy banks. Don't be afraid to fish shallow.
Largemouth Bass	Good	up to 5lbs.	Spinnerbaits, vibrating jigs, or crankbaits should produce in shallow water around structure. Utilize the Texas rig or wacky rig if the fish need something slower. "Hover Strolling" with a jighead and minnow shaped plastic paired with Live Sonar units are very effective during winter and early spring. The length limit was changed to a 15"-21" protected slot limit. You are encouraged to harvest all bass under 15" to improve the population.
Wipers	Fair	up to 6 lbs	Chicken livers or shad imitating baits such as crankbaits, spinnerbaits, rattletraps, soft jerkbaits, fished around wind blown banks and dropoffs.

General Comments
Please remember to help STOP AQUATIC HITCHHIKERS! CLEAN, DRAIN, and DRY your boat and livewell when leaving water bodies. Four Georgia Cube Fish Attractors were placed by the fishing dock (2on the East end and 2 on the West end) on the north end of the lake. DO NOT MOVE FISH OR BAIT TO DIFFERENT WATERS!

GARNETT SOUTH - Last Updated: 4/22/2025 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Methods, and Location


Current Fishing Opportunity

Largemouth Bass	Good	up to 5lbs.	Moving baits such as spinnerbaits, vibrating jigs, crankbaits, or swimbaits should produce. Jigs and Texas rigged creature baits worked around shoreline cover are also good choices.
Bluegill	Good	up to 8 inches	Small jigs or flies, also bobber with a worm. Good numbers of 6-7" fish are available.
Channel Catfish	Fair-Good	8-24 inches	chicken livers, cut bait or other prepared bait lakewide.
Crappie	Good	6-10 inches	Throwing 1/8oz jighead with small plastic minnow or creature bait under a bobber around any structural element should produce some fish. You also can't go wrong with live minnows.

Comments:

Please remember to CLEAN, DRAIN, and DRY your boats and livewells to help stop the spread of ANS species.

JOHN REDMOND RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 4/22/2025 Print

Species	Size	Rating	Bait, Method, Location
Channel Catfish	up to 20lbs.	Fair	Drifting various baits such as night crawlers, chicken livers, cut bait, or other prepared baits along the windy side of the lake.
Blue Catfish	up to 30 lbs.	Good	Fishing along wind blown flats or in the dredged cut. Fresh cut bait usually works best. Lots of fish in 3-10lb. range with some bigger.NEW BLUE CATFISH REGULATIONS HAVE BEEN PASSED. ANGLERS MAY NOW KEEP 10 BLUE CATFISH/DAY WITH 1 FISH OVER 30".
White Bass	up to 3lbs.	Good	Fish will be concentrated near rocky habitat and wind blown banks. Using small spinners, crankbaits, swimbaits or hair jigs should work. Fish should be working their way upstream to spawn focusing on riffle areas in the creeks and river flowing into the lake.
Crappie	up to 15"	Fair-Good	Look for schools around the brush piles in deeper water or out in front of the dam. Fishing in Otter Creek and the river might be more productive at this time. Some fish will be concentrating near the rocky habitat of the dam for spawning soon.
Comments - Fishing below the dam during low to moderate releases can be real productive for multiple species. Brush Pile Coordinates: N 38^o 14.743' W 95 ^o 45.998' N 38^o 14.658' W 95^o 46.138' N 38^o 14.419' W 95^o 46.767' N 38^o 14.256' W 95^o 46.423' N 38^o 14.722' W 95^o 45.641' N 38^o 14.811' W 95^o 45.694' N 38^o 14.922' W 95^o 45.715' N 38^o 15.222' W 95^o 45.728' Fishing below the dam during low to moderate releases should be good for most species. For current lake level and release information click the following link http://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/JOHN.lakepage.html. ALERT! This lake contains Zebra Mussels please help stop the spread Clean, Drain, and Dry your boat and equipment after leaving this water body. It is Illegal transport live fish, bait, and water from this lake.

LA CYGNE RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 4/24/2025 Print

Species

Rating

Size

Baits, Method, Location

Channel, blue and flathead catfish,

Fair

all sizes,

This lake supports good fishing for big blue cats, good channel channel and flatheads. Good baits are worm, frozen shad or liver, Sunfish or cut shad, prepared baits. Fishing at the hot water outlet maybe tooo hot, move away until you find favorable water temperatures. Lots of fish collect there. Some blue catfish have been caught that are over 80 pounds. Catfishing can be very good just about anywhere along the shoreline.

Crappie

Good

9 - 12 inches

Fish are moving into the shore and are in a prespawn faze. Fish the downwind side. Sampling and angler reports indicate that there are still alot of good crappie here, most in the 10-12 inch range. Best lures to use are jigs/ minnows, near structure.

Largemouth Bass

Good

varies but 16 to 20 inches is common

Bass fishing has been good all spring, with many good catches, some over 9 pounds. Use surface plugs or plastic worms along the rip rap and shoreline along shaded areas. Fish are in pre spawn patterns. Recent bass tournaments have weighed in several bass over 9 pounds. Water levels have improved and bass are moving in shallow.

White bass

Slow

varies, some almost 2 pounds

Use shad imitations, silver spoons. Most of the fish caught in the area of the hot water outlet have been the 1 to 2 pound range. Fish the creek mouth where the fresh water comes in and the fish are stacked up.

Wiper

Slow

some up to 12 pounds

Most fish are in the 4 - 6 pound range with a few larger. Find surface gizzard shad and fish close to the shad.

Carp

Slow

all sizes

newly flooded shoreline cover using dough baits

General Comments

Call the Linn County Park at 913-757-6633. The water level is great, just a little murky. The fish are waiting for you. Remember La Cygne Lake is a great fishery and it is a part of a working electrical generating plant, pay attention to the warning signs and don't trespass over the cables. Overall the lake supports a good crappie, bass and catfish populations. This is a fishing or hunting only lake, whereas recreational boating is not allowed.

BASSMASTERS has recognized LA CYGNE RESERVOIR in its TOP 10 bass lakes of the Midwest. We know La Cygne Reservoir is a great bass lake but its nice to receive this type of recognition from Bassmasters. For more information check out these two sites.

http://www.cjonline.com/sports/20180707/kansas-la-cygne-reservoir-named-one-of-nations-top-100-bass-lakes

https://www.hayspost.com/2018/07/15/kansas-lake-is-one-of-the-countrys-top-100-bass-fishing-lakes/

For information on the Linn County Marina boat ramps call 913 757-6633. Fishing at La Cygne produces a mixed bag of fish from big blue, channel or flathead catfish, to white bass and wipers or crappie and largemouth bass. Good shoreline angler access is provided by the Linn County Park on the west side of the lake.

HOT WATER ACCESS. On the east side of the lake access to the hot water return, where a lot of fish are caught when its cold, is: at 69 HWY and Ks HWY 152, go east and drive across the dam on E.2200 Rd., turn north at Young Rd. and go West at E. 2400 Rd. to the parking lot. Anglers walk from the parking lot west on the path to the hot water return area. But this is a great place to fish.

This lake has had a reproducing blue catfish population for many years, fingerling blue cats were stocked this fall to supplement that population. Another goal for this lake is to improve blue cat angling.

Call the Linn County Park at 913-757-6633 for more information or camping, and cabins reservations.

Zebra Mussels have recently been found in Hillsdale Lake and Linn Valley Private Lake, we'd like to remind you to stay aware and take all precautions necessary to prevent the spread into uncontaminated waters! This includes cleaning and rinsing your boat, motor, trailer and equipment, draining any excess water from previous outings, and allowing your boat to dry before using it in a different body of water.

Get the family, get your friends and Go Fishing. Remember to "CLEAN, DRAIN AND DRY" your boats, trailers and equipment. Don't move water from any lake.

Habitat improvement and shoreline enhancement continue to improve by adding Georgia cubes. I have added Georgia cubes to several areas to enhance angling especially along shoreline areas. The gps coordinates are:

Location La Cygne Reservoir

Habitat longititude latititude description date

hot water weir N 38 22.852 W 094 39.112 13 cubes 2017
big bass spot N 38 22.420 W 094 39.643 3 cubes 2017

LYON STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 4/24/2025 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method, Location
Bluegill and Redear	good	38% 4-7" 36% 7-9" 26% 9-11"	Use worm, small jig, or small silver spinner or spoon around brush piles and rock jetties.
Channel Catfish	good	5% 11-16" 81% 16-24" 5% 24-28" 5% 28-36"	Use worms or shad sides in coves, around feeders, and brush piles. Fish congregate where water runs into lake. The feeders are on.
Largemouth Bass	good	27% 8-12" 38% 12-15" 36% 15-20" 0% >20"	Use spinners, jigs, or worms around brush piles and coves.
Crappie	good	20% 5-8" 20% 8-10" 32% 10-12" 27% 12-15"	Use small jig or minnow around brush piles, rock jetties, and gravel shorelines. Fish are spawning in shallow water.
Saugeye	fair	0% 9-14" 50% 14-18" 25% 18-22" 25% 22-27"	Drift a jig and worm on points in early morning.
General Comments
ATTENTION! This lake has zebra mussels. Live fish may not be transported away from this lake. Clean, drain, and dry all boats. Size structure listed for largemouth bass is from May 2024 electrofishing. The size structures listed for crappie, bluegill, redear, and channel catfish are from November 2024 fall test netting. To view a map of brush pile and habitat cube locations, copy these files into Google Earth and zoom into the lake. LYSL habitat cubes (OCTET-STREAM 979 B) LYSL brush piles 21 (OCTET-STREAM 2.22 kB) For more information about the Fall River/Toronto Fisheries District, click here to access newsletters.

MARAIS DES CYGNES WILDLIFE AREA - Last Updated: 4/18/2025 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method, & Location
blue, flathead, channel catfish	Slow	varies	fish in the river are concentrated below riffles, stink baits, cut shad, liver, live bluegill
white bass/wipers	Slow	varies	minnows, jigs, work the pools below the rifles,
crappie	slow	varies	on the river use jigs just below riffles
carp, buffalo	slow but could improve with more river flow.	varies	fishing or bowfishing can be good to excellent when wildlife pools are draining or the river is flooding.

General Comments
Access to the river can be challenging. If the river comes up look for spoonbills/paddlefish. The marais des cygnes river flow varies but could produce some good fishing opportunities. Several reports about good bluecat caught on cut bait or shad with trotlines or rod n reel. The river and streams on the state wildlife area are open to fishing. The Marias des Cygnes River is a great place to float and fish. Get the kids, get your friends and Go Fishing. Remember to "CLEAN, DRAIN AND DRY" your boats and equipment. The Marais des Cygnes River is confirmed to contain zebra mussels. Please take extra precaution by not removing fish and placing them in another body of water (bait fish included), and cleaning, draining, and drying boats motors trailers and all equipment before entering another body of water. This helps prevent the spread to unc

MELVERN RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 3/13/2025 Print

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

MINED LAND WILDLIFE AREA - Last Updated: 4/21/2025 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method & Location
Panfish	Good	Up to 9"	Bluegill, Warmouth and Redear Sunfish up to 9 inches are common on the strip-mined lakes on the Mined Land Wildlife Area. Focus your efforts around structure, slopes, and shallow water at the ends of the strip-mined lakes. Worms under a slip bobber, or 1/16 jigs will be a good bet to try. Casting parallel to shore or the ends are good locations along vegetation. Fly fishing opportunities are also present; hook sizes of 10-12 with a floating fly or popper may yield fish up to 8 inches.
Channel Catfish	Good	Up to 32"	Try cut bait, chicken liver, shrimp, or prepared baits. Slip bobbers with worms, stink bait, or live/cut bait along the slopes of the strip-mined lakes or where depth contours change may yield channel catfish that may be suspended in the warmer water. Channel catfish are stocked each fall on the Mined Land Wildlife Area and fish up to 30 pounds may be present. The state record continues to be held from a public strip-mined lake on the Mined Land Wildlife Area. Shoreline opportunity is limited - boat ramp areas are good areas to try.
Crappie	Good	8-12"	Crappie can be found throughout the different units on the wildlife area. Try minnows, small jigs, or small spinners fished around brush and structure. Boat and kayak anglers may have luck trolling deeper water and cove habitats as well. Units where crappie have been reported to be caught recently and for anglers to focus on for crappie would be the following units: 45, 44, 33 and 41.
Largemouth Bass	Good	8-22"	Largemouth bass can be found in many of the strip pits. Focus your efforts around aquatic vegetation, slopes, beaver dams or any terrestrial or aquatic structure, and shallow water. Many of the strip pits have quality populations. However, there are many with an abundance of 8-12" fish. Consider keeping your daily creel limit of 5 largemouth bass under the protected slot limit (i.e., 13 - 18 inches) to reduce densities to allow for better growth in the strip pits. Many strip pits have quality largemouth bass populations up to 22 inches. 1/2 oz weedless jigs, ned rigs, bladed jigs, and drop shots thrown parallel to the shore along the slope will be a good technique to try.
Rainbow trout	Good	10-15"	2024/2025 Trout Stocking Schedule for Unit #30 "Trout Pit" for Trout Season (December 1, 2024 - March 31, 2025): 1,545 Rainbow Trout (1030 lbs) Stocked November 19, 2024 1,120 Rainbow Trout (800 lbs) Stocked December 2, 2024 1,859 Rainbow Trout (1430 lbs) Stocked December 26, 2024 1,859 Rainbow trout (1430 lbs) Stocked February 3, 2025 February 19, 2025 (Postponed Due to Weather) 160 Rainbow Trout (200 lbs) Stocked February 27, 2025 Rainbow trout are stocked each winter in Unit #30 in the "Trout Pit". The rainbow trout average 1.1 per pound in 2023, so larger rainbow trout will be available for trout anglers. Recent reports using powerbait under a slip bobber set at 6-8' has yielded rainbow trout, as well as corn, worms, and inline spinner lures. Remember anglers -- A trout permit is required to be able to fish on the "Trout Pit" on Unit #30 during the trout season (December 1-March 31). Rainbow trout & Brown Trout are managed under a combined daily creel limit of five fish. Directions to the Trout Pit (Unit #30) are as follows: 8 miles south of the McCune turn off on Highway 400 on NW 100th St. and a half mile to the west on NW Lawton Rd. OR 5 miles west of West Mineral on NW Scammon Rd., 4 miles south on NW 100th St. and a half mile to the west on NW Lawton Rd.
Walleye	Fair	18-21"	Walleye have been stocked on the Mined Land Wildlife Area in Units 7, 17, 20, 21, 22, 24, 31, 33, 34, 39, 40, 41, and 44 to provide an additional species and angling opportunity on the wildlife area. The units and strip-mined lakes that have been stocked with walleye provide adequate habitat with deeper water and cooler water temperatures. Trolling and vertical jigging techniques will be a good technique to try.
Wiper (Striped bass x White bass hybrid)	Fair	15-20"	Wiper are stocked on the Mined Land Wildlife Area in Unit #21. Stockings have occurred since 2007. Techniques to try would be to vertical jig spoons and jigs, trolling with Rapalas and spoons, and casting jigs, spoons, and spinning baits. Other opportunities would be to try a slip bobber with live bait, or chicken liver has been reported to yield a few fish.
Water Levels			The pits remain low, due to drought - week of 3/13/25. The Scammon Units are still low in sections. Ramps to use at your own caution are Unit 34, North "E Pit" on Unit 33, Unit 32, Unit 38 (East ramp), Unit 42 "H Pit" are those impacted by low water. Always check water levels and ramps before launching. Low water levels can be a benefit to the fish populations by concentrating smaller bluegill and crappie to predatory fish, such as largemouth bass, channel catfish, wipers, and walleye.
General Comments
Water Temperature: 66 F, April 21, 2025 Bathymetric maps are now available for the Mined Land Wildlife Area strip pits. This is an ongoing effort by the District Fisheries Biologist, so new pits will be added on a weekly basis. The bathymetric maps that show how deep the strip pits are and water contours can be viewed at the following link: http://ksdot.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=3e0ba6a852d2479aa6e384b4f87a0c2b. The free Explorer GIS app can also be downloaded to use when you're out fishing from your mobile phone, or tablet. This has the ability to use your location to use similar to a depth finder while you're fishing. You can search in your Android, or iPhone, app store for "Explorer GIS", once it is installed you can search for "2020 KDWPT Fishing Access". This will allow for view while you're out fishing. Good luck! Habitat improvements through the use of hinge-cutting, cedar trees, and "Georgia Cubes" will be placed throughout the unique strip pits on Mined Land Wildlife Area. Angler input is welcomed. If you have individual strip pits that you'd like to see habitat improvements made, please contact Connor Ossowski, District Fisheries Biologist, at (620) 231-3173. These will be advertised on the KDWPT website at the following link: https://ksoutdoors.com/KDWPT-Info/Locations/Hunting-Fishing-Atlas/Fishing-Atlas/GPS-KML-Information-Files/Google-KMZ-file-of-Fish-Attractor-GPS. Fish attractors and habitat additions have been placed on the Mined Land Wildlife Area and the GPS coordinates can be found at the link provided in the previous sentence as well. Aquatic Nuisance Species Alert: Be on the look out for Eurasian Watermilfoil if you're fishing on the Mined Land Wildlife Area. This aquatic nuisance plant is present and abundant on multiple strip pits on the Mined Land Wildlife Area. The plant can reproduce rapidly and develop dense mats that don't allow for other beneficial aquatic plants to grow. Please remember to Clean, Drain, and Dry your kayak, boat, boat trailer, and bait buckets. It is required by law to remove your drain plug before leaving any body of water. Remember it is illegal to release any fish into public water unless it was taken from that water. Please discard leftover bait in a trash can. If you would like to provide a fishing report for the Mined Land Wildlife Area, don't hesitate to contact Connor Ossowski, District Fisheries Biologist, at (620) 231-3173.

MONTGOMERY STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 4/7/2025 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method, & Location
Channel Catfish	Good	14-24"	Catfishing has started to pick up. Look for fish near any inflowing water as well as on the windward side of the lake. Fishing the warmer days in the shallows has also been producing fish. Shad have been working best for bait.
Largemouth Bass	Fair	8-18"	Largemouth bass fishing is slow. Look for bass to be feeding best in the warmth of the day near structure. Slow fishing jerk-baits has been working best.
Crappie	Fair	8-12"	Crappie fishing has been slow. Look for fish to be in structure adjacent to spawning areas. Minnows have been working best.
Bluegill/Redear Sunfish	Fair	6-8"	Bluegill and redear fishing has been fair. Look for fish to feed more actively on warmer days. Look for fish near any structure or vegetation. Worms under a bobber have been working best.
General Comments
A bathymetric map is available for Montgomery State Fishing Lake at the link above. District Newsletter We have created a fishing newsletter that can be sent out to all that subscribe to it. This newsletter is for fishing information for the Independence District (Chautauqua, Labette, Montgomery, and Wilson counties) only.

MOUND CITY LAKE - Last Updated: 4/24/2025 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method, &amp Location
Channel Catfish	Good	Size varies but most are much larger than the 15 inch length limit, with some large fish	The fish feeders are OFF and will ne turned ON in May. The shoreline around the feeders has recently been improved to be nicer for families to fish. The water level is good. The boat ramp is open. This lake produces many good channel catfish. Try stink baits, chicken liver, cut shad or chunks of sunfish. The lake supports high numbers of 2 to 8 pounders. The creek in the south end maybe excellent right after a hard rain. We recently stocked channel catfish to expand the population.
Bluegill/Redear Sunfish	Good	varies	Use small baits, jigs or small worm under a float set for shallow water, fish maybe in shallow. Fish around the fish feeder also as there are alot of fish hanging out there.
Crappie	Fair	8 to 14 inches some larger	Fish are moving into the shore and are in a prespawn faze. Try habitat, such as brushpiles. Recent sampling indicates that majority of crappie are in the 10 inch range with some fish in the 13 to 15 inch ranges. Minnows and dark jigs are best.
Largemouth Bass	Fair	varies	A great population. There are many fish in the 3+ range. Recent sampling indicates a good population with majority of fish 14 to 19 inches. Try plastics, jig and Pig, slab, try along the rock, trees and timber. Water levels have improved and bass are moving in shallow.
General Comments
This is a great fishing lake, a good boat ramp and floating dock. Kayak or small craft lake are welcome for fishing. This lake is for fishing only, recreational boating, jet skis, water skiing is not allowed. The fish feeders are OFF. This lake has great shoreline angling, lots of room to spread out, for social distancing. Water level is good and clear. Go fishing, the fish have to eat. The catfish and crappie are very nice this year. Get the kids, get your friends and Go Fishing. Remember to "CLEAN, DRAIN AND DRY" your boats, trailers and equipment. Mound City Lake has a great reputation for producing good stringers of crappie this season. Best baits are dark colored jigs and minnows, mainly around underwater structure. Largemouth bass numbers have really improved and continues to produce great fishing. Recently there were 2,000 channel catfish stocked to spice up the fishing. Zebra Mussels have recently been found in Hillsdale Lake, and Linn Valley, Linn County, (Private Lake Development) This is a fishing only lake, no recreational boating. The City of Mound City in cooperation with Wildlife and Parks are constructing a fishing trail along the west side of the lake. This will improve shoreline angling access. Call Don George, Management Biologist with questions, 913-795-2218. For tips on spring bass fishing check out the KDWP video at the following link! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpIJaiyW32k For crappie anglers, watch this 25-minute video that covers Kansas crappie fishing during spring, summer, fall, and winter https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sazyEuIT_bk

NEOSHO RIVER AT CHETOPA DAM - Last Updated: 4/7/2025 Print

Species

Rating

Size

Baits, Method, & Location

Paddlefish

Fair

Paddlefish season is open. The river is dropping, which usually means poorer snagging conditions. Look for more paddlefish to move on rising water.

General Comments

THE SNAGGING SEASON IS OPEN FROM MARCH 15 THROUGH MAY 15TH.

•Catch and release is allowed on the Neosho River

•A fish must be kept if placed on a stringer. Culling is not allowed.

•A state-issued permit is required. Two paddlefish may be harvested daily and six may be harvested in a season.

•Barbless hooks are required at Chetopa.

The best fishing occurs at river flows of 10-15,000 cubic feet per second. The following link will take you to the Kansas Water Watch website. Click HERE for river flow data.

NEOSHO STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 4/21/2025 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method & Location
Bluegill	Fair	Up to 9"	Bluegill may be caught with a bobber and small jig, or small hook and worm. The access jetties are good locations of recent reports where bluegill have been caught by anglers using bobber and a worm. In recent fish surveys, bluegill showed an improved size structure of 6-8 inch year classes.
Warmouth	Fair	Up to 9"	Warmouth are a species that many anglers aren't aware of, but they're another species for fishing opportunity. Anglers can find warmouth primarily near rocky habitats, such as jetties and on dam, similar to green sunfish. The same tactics for bluegill and redear sunfish can be used to catch warmouth, such as a small hook tipped with a worm under a bobber, fly rod with small flies, and 1/16-1/32 ounce jigs.
Channel catfish	Good	Up to 28"	Channel catfish can be found in the shallows on the upper and lower ends of the lake. Boat anglers can focus their efforts on the flats of 4-8', coves, and the brushpiles located on the southwest corner of the lake. Shoreline anglers can focus their efforts on the rock jetties throughout the entire lake, however the jetties on the southwest side of the lake are in close proximity of brushpiles that may congregate channel catfish. Prepared baits, shrimp, chicken liver, and cut bait will be options to try.
Flathead catfish	Fair	Up to 28"	Flathead catfish can be caught on live bait, or fresh cut bait, near brushpiles and flats. Flathead catfish will move up to the shallows in the morning, evening, and at night, so fishing off the jetties will be your best bet.
Crappie	Good	Up to 12"	Anglers can focus their effort on brushpiles, which are located on the lower end on the southwest corner of the lake, drop offs and changes in depth located in close proximity to jetties, and coves. Crappie will congregate near structure. 1/8-1/16 ounce jigs with twister tails or tipped with a minnow, live minnows, worms, and small spinners are all good baits to try. In recent fish surveys, crappie continue to show an improved size structure of 8-10-inch year classes.
Largemouth Bass	Good	Up to 22"	Anglers have reported catching 1-3 lb Largemouth Bass on white bladed jigs, spinnerbaits, and top water lures. Recent sampling has indicated a much improved high quality and high density population. This is in result of recent water level management and habitat addition efforts. Anglers can focus on jetties, if fishing from the shore, where brushpiles are in close proximity. Anglers fishing from boat can target brushpile habitat. Fishing access jetties are located on all sides of the lake. Baits to use include spinnerbaits, bladed jigs, jigs, top-water lures, and plastics are recommended options for anglers.
General Comment
Water Temperature: 63° F, April 21, 2025 Be sure to Clean, Drain, and Dry your boat, bait buckets, and recreational watercraft before and after launching your boat. It is required to remove your drain plug on your watercraft upon departure to drain live wells and water inside of your boat; it will protect our natural resources in Kansas for current anglers and future generations to enjoy. Be sure to stay up to date on information regarding Aquatic Nuisance Species. Remember it is illegal to release any fish into public water unless it was taken from that water. Please discard leftover bait in a trash can. If you would like to provide a fishing report for Neosho State Fishing Lake, don't hesitate to contact Connor Ossowski, District Fisheries Biologist, at (620) 231-3173.

OSAGE STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 7/12/2024 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method, & Location
Bluegill/Redear Sunfish	Good	Up to 10 inches	Sunfish can be found near aquatic vegetation. Bigger sunfish will be on the outside weed lines. Worms or small lures will produce bites
Channel catfish	Good	0.5-5 lbs	Catfish can be caught using stink bait, worms, or cut bait.
Crappie	Fair	up to 12 inches	Crappie can be caught on deep weed edges and brush piles. Minnows and small jigs will produce bites
White Bass/Wiper	Good	up to 5lbs.	In late evening or early morning, look for white bass chasing shad schools and breaking the surface. Cast top water baits to the schools.
Largemouth bass	Good	0.5-3 lbs	Bass can be found near aquatic vegetation edges. Larger bass will be on the outside weed lines. Soft plastic baits will produce bites. Topwater baits fished during dawn and dusk can be effective.
General Comments
Invasive species: Zebra Mussels and Curley-leaf pondweed are present. Lake users should clean, drain and dry fishing equipment and boats to prevent the spread. Stocking: 20,000 Wiper fry were stocked in May 2024. Wiper provide predatory control on Gizzard Shad. Too many shad can reduce survival of young of year sportfish species that compete for similar resources. 3,500 Channel Catfish were stocked in October 2023. Most recent fisheries survey: Bass and sunfish populations were surveyed in May 2024. Both populations are healthy and reproduce naturally. Largemouth Bass up to 18-20 inches, weighing 5-6lbs are present.

PLEASANTON CITY LAKE EAST - Last Updated: 4/24/2025 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method, &Location
Wipers	Fair	size varies,	Majority of fish are in the 3 to 5 pound range. Use spoons, crank baits are good, use shad imitations.
Channel catfish	Good	All sizes,	This lake has a good catfish population and produces nice fish. The fish feeders are OFF for the season. Anglers commonly catch fish in the 2- 7 pound range, with some over 10 pounds. Best baits are bluegill chunks, worms, liver, traditional chicken liver, shrimp, prepared baits, lake wide. Gear up for these big channels. We recently restocked channel catfish.
Largemouth bass	Good	varies	Water levels have increased and the bass are moving in shallow. lots of bass with a balanced population. try dropoffs, and the weed bed habitat. Try using silver or blue crank baits or soft baits. Lots of bass in the 12 to 15 inch range.
Walleye/Saugeye	Slow	18-24 inches	This population is improving in number and quality.
White Crappie	Fair	8-14 inches	Fish are moving into the shore and are in a prespawn faze. The crappie are improving and are in the 8 inch to 15 inches long. Use pink, blue/white tube or green jigs, minnows. After a rain, Fish the creek mouth where the fresh water comes in and the fish are stacked up.
General Comment
This is a great Kayak or small boat lake. This is a GREAT FAMILY FISHING LAKE. The best way to measure social distancing is with a fishing pole. The best time to fish is anytime you can. This lake has great shoreline angling, lots of room to spread out, for social distancing. his is a great kayaking while you are fishing lake, no recreational boating. Have the lake to yourself. There are good crappie here. This lake has a high density of largemouth bass, great fishing for kids! Also, keep in mind that there is a decent wiper population. The channel cat population in this lake is doing well, and during our sampling we saw a few walleye and saugeye, as well as some sizeable flatheads. Channel catfish, are stocked in mid October to increase fishing opportunities. This will supplement the population and maintain fishing opportunities. Zebra Mussels have recently been found in Hillsdale Lake, and (Private) Linn Valley Lake in Linn County, we'd like to remind you to stay aware and take all precautions necessary to prevent the spread into uncontaminated waters! This includes cleaning and rinsing your boat and motor, trailer, and equipment, draining any excess water from previous outings, and allowing your boat to dry before using it in a different body of water. Sign up for the Mound City Fishing District Newsletter today! Remember to "CLEAN, DRAIN AND DRY" your boats and equipment. Don't move water from any impoundment. For tips on spring bass fishing check out the KDWPT video at the following link! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpIJaiyW32k For crappie anglers, watch this 25-minute video that covers Kansas crappie fishing during spring, summer, fall, and winter https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sazyEuIT_bk This lake is enrolled into the Community Fisheries Assistance Program. A city fishing permit is no longer required. Remember- Wear a Lifejacket and Reach - Throw - Don t Go.

PLEASANTON CITY LAKE WEST - Last Updated: 4/24/2025 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method, &amp; Location
channel catfish	Good	Size varies, some up to 8 pounds	The fish feeders are OFF for the season. Catfish fishing can be fantastic. Use cut shad or sunfish or best on chicken liver, shrimp, worms, prepared baits, along dam, lots of fat fish from 2 - 6 pounds. This lake is a great channel catfish lake with great shoreline angling, lots of room to spread out, for social distancing. Gearup for these big channel catfish. We recently restocked this lake so the catfish numbers are even higher.
crappie	Fair	All sizes	Fish are moving into the shore and are in a prespawn faze. Density and quality of fish is good. Most about 9 inches with some in the 12 inch range. Because of the lake design and habitat placements, most fish are accessible from the shoreline. Fish with jigs, blue /white, minnows,
largemouth bass	Fair	12-23 inches	Water levels have increased, and the bass are moving in shallow.
	Slow	varies	Most fish are under 8 inches. use a small worm or jig under a float.
General Comments
A grant from Ks. Wildlife and Parks has funded a floating dock that has been placed on the north shore adjacent to the shelter house. This enhancement will greatly improve fishing opportunities for families and physically challenged anglers. Its great weather for fishing. This is a great kayak or small craft lake. This is a fishing only lake, no recreational boating. The best way to measure social distancing is with a fishing pole. The fish feeders are OFF for the season. This lake has great shoreline angling, lots of room to spread out, for social distancing. Water levels are good. Best time to fish is anytime you can. Pleasanton West Lake produces a quality bass and channel catfish fishery. Largemouth bass, overall are in very good condition and health. Try your luck with roadrunners, jigs, and spinners for these sizeable fish! The lake was just recently restocked with channel catfish. Zebra Mussels have recently been found in Hillsdale Lake, and Linn Valley, Linn County, (Private Lake Development), we'd like to remind you to stay aware and take all precautions necessary to prevent the spread into uncontaminated waters! This includes cleaning and rinsing your boat and motor, trailer, and equipment, draining any excess water from previous outings, and allowing your boat to dry before using it in a different body of water. Get the kids, get your friends and Go Fishing. Remember to "CLEAN, DRAIN AND DRY" your boats and equipment. Don't move water. For tips on spring bass fishing check out the KDWPT video at the following link! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpIJaiyW32k For crappie anglers, watch this 25-minute video that covers Kansas crappie fishing during spring, summer, fall, and winter https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sazyEuIT_bk This lake has a high density of channel catfish that increases angling opportunity. Remember- Wear a Lifejacket and Reach - Throw - Don t Go. This is a Community Fisheries Assistance Program Lake, no fishing permits required.

POMONA RESERVOIR - Last Updated: 4/24/2025 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method, & Location
Channel, Blue, Flathead Catfish	Fair	all sizes	Good baits are worms or dip baits and cut sunfish or cutshad. The State Park and the Coe of Engineers provide many great shorelines for family from the bank fishing. The Rock Quarry is a good place for shore fishing. The outlet can be very good when releasing larger amounts of water. There is the occasional harvest of a blue catfish. Channel catfish are in great shape, many in the 2 to 4 pound range. Lots of catfish caught in the spillway on worms or cut bait.
Walleye/saugeye	Fair	varies	Try crank baits or jigs tipped with night crawlers along the dam or rocky areas
White bass/Wipers	Fair	varies	There are good white bass up to 2 pounds and good wipers up to the 5-7 pound pounds. Good baits are minnows/live baits, cut bait, sometimes for wipers use liver and shad imitation lures. Look for where shad are schooled up.
Crappie	Slow	varies but range 8 -12 inches	Fish are moving into the shore and are in a prespawn faze. Sampling shows alot of good crappie over 10 inches here. Shallow windy shorelines and points are good places for crappie feeding on gizzard shad. Best baits are dark jigs and/or minnows. When releasing high volume of water the outlet/spillway is fantastic.
Largemouth Bass	Poor	Most are 10 to 15 inches	Pomona has a limited black bass fishery with some smallmouth bass being caught. Catches are more common in the Marina area and in the coves on a variety of baits to include crankbaits and soft baits
General Information
Water levels are good. The weather is great for fishing. Pomona has produced many good crappie in the 10 to 14 inch range and excellent white bass. Also remember this lake has a good wiper and an improving walleye, saugeye population. These are often caught at the drop offs along creek channels, and around concentrations of gizzard shad. The reservoir also supports some larger walleye and blue catfish, though in low numbers. These numbers will be improved by future stockings. Zebra mussels now inhabit this lake. This means take EXTRA PRECAUTION to help prevent the spread into uncontaminated impoundments. "Clean, Drain and Dry" before and after using any equipment on this lake. For additional information, water temperature, release rates, please check: http://www.nwk.usace.army.mil/Locations/District-Lakes/Pomona-Lake/Daily-Lake-Information/ Have FUN, Get the kids, get your friends and Go Fishing. Remember to "CLEAN, DRAIN AND DRY" your boats and equipment. The State and COE Parks are ready for family fishing. Sign up for the Mound City Fishing District Newsletter today! Check out this video on fish management provided by KDWP http://ksoutdoors.com/Fishing/Special-Fishing-Programs-for-You/Fishing-Videos/Kansas-Fish-Management For crappie anglers, watch this 25-minute video that covers Kansas crappie fishing during spring, summer, fall, and winter https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sazyEuIT_bk

WILSON STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 4/7/2025 Print

General Comments
Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method & Location
Channel Catfish	Good	16-24"	Catfishing has been good at times. Look for fish to be near any inflowing water as well as on the windward side of the lake. Shad sides have been working best.
Largemouth and Spotted Bass	Fair	10-22"	Largemouth bass fishing has been fair. Look for fish near deeper structure, however they may move shallow during the heat of the day. Jerk-baits have been working best.
Crappie	Fair	8-12"	Crappie fishing has slowly improved. Look for crappie in deeper water adjacent to spawning areas as they stage to spawn. Minnows have been working best.
Bluegill and Redear	Fair	6-8"	Bluegills and redear fishing is slowly improving. Look for fish near deeper structure, but they will move shallow on warm sunny days. Worms under bobbers have been working best.
Both maintained boat ramps are currently usable. A bathymetric map is available for Wilson State Fishing Lake at the link above. District Newsletter We have created a fishing newsletter that can be sent out to all that subscribe to it. This newsletter is for fishing information for the Independence District (Chautauqua, Labette, Montgomery, and Wilson counties) only.

WOODSON STATE FISHING LAKE - Last Updated: 4/22/2025 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Bait, Method, Location
Largemouth Bass	Fair-Good	6-18"	Texas-rigged plastics, football jigs, spinnerbaits, swimbaits, or squarebill crankbaits fished around brush piles, rocky banks, or vegetation should produce.
Channel Catfish	Fair-Good	12-26"	Livers, shad sides, stink bait fished on wind blown banks. Fishing the north end of the lake with water coming could be productive. Lots of fish in the 1-4 lb. range. Don't be afraid to fish shallower habitat
Walleye	Slow-Fair	8-20"	Jig and plastic along rocky banks or the dam. Some harvestable fish are available.
Bluegill	Fair	4-7"	mealworms, nightcrawlers, or small jigs fished near shore and around vegetation or brush.
Crappie	Fair-Good	6-12"	Crappie should be pushing shallow to spawn fish around brush near rocky habitat using your favorite crappie jig under a bobber.
For a map of habitat locations and a bathymetric map of Woodson State Fishing Lake CLICK HERE

YATES CENTER - SOUTH OWL - Last Updated: 4/22/2025 Print

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method & Location
Largemouth bass	Fair-Good	1-5 lbs.	Football jigs, vibrating jigs, Texas-rigged plastics or squarebill crankbaits worked near rocky banks or water willow. Nice sized bass are available.
channel catfish	Fair-Good	1/2-15 lbs	Using shad sides livers or other prepared baits on wind blown banks should get a few bites.
Walleye	No reports	10-24"
crappie	Good	up to 14"	Crappie should be shallow near rocky structure spawning using various colored jigs under a bobber worked slowly should produce.
General Comments
STOP AQUATIC HITCHHIKERS! CLEAN, DRAIN, and DRY your boat and livewell before leaving an area. DO NOT MOVE FISH OR BAIT between waters.

YATES CENTER CITY LAKE - Last Updated: 4/22/2025 Print

Species	Size	Rating	Baits, Methods, Locations
Redear and Bluegill	up to 10"	Fair	Small jigs or worms fished around deeper brush
Largemouth Bass	8-20"	Fair-Good	Football jigs, Texas-rigged plastics, shaky head with big worm, or slow rolling big spinnerbaits around various structural elements. Utilizing live sonar and a jighead with fluke style bait in open water or around the deep timber can be productive. The slot limit was changed to a 15-21" protected slot, meaning you need to release any bass in the 15"-21" range, but you are encouraged to harvest all bass under 15" to help improve the population. Recent sampling has shown a decrease in abundance but an increase in the size structure of the population.
Catfish	up to 10lbs.	Fair-Good	Shad sides, worms, or other prepared baits fished on windy flats or upper end of lake when water is coming in.
Wipers/White Bass	8-18"	Fair-Good	Vertical jigging slab spoons or shad imitation jigs around the creek channel and deeper water or fish may be caught along the rocky shorelines or windy points using small spinners, crankbaits, or hair jigs.
Crappie	up to 12"	Good	The creel limit is 20 fish/day you are encouraged to harvest the abundant 8-9" fish to help improve the population. Fish are schooled up offshore around standing timber and the creek channel.
Walleye	15-24"	slow	No reports
This lake contains Eurasian Watermilfoil. Please remember to help stop the spread of Aquatic Nuisance Species Clean, Drain, and Dry your boat and equipment when leaving water bodies.

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