Kansas Fishing Report for Northeast Kansas

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REGION 2
Reservoirs are listed first, then state lakes, city lakes and streams
Update dates are shown at the top of the report of the individual lake.
State reports last checked March 19, 2021 at 9:22 p.m.

Your safety is our priority. In KDWPT facilities where foot traffic is allowed, please practice social distancing and observe all safety precautions put in place by staff. Thank you.

Last Updated: 3/8/2021

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method, and Location
Zebra Mussels are present at Clinton Reservoir Be sure to CLEAN, DRAIN and DRY all equipment that comes in contact with the water to keep from spreading them to another lake.
Current Fishing Conditions
Blue Catfish			35 inch minimum length limit and 5 daily creel limit went into effect January 1, 2016. This regulation was implemented to protect brood fish, so that the population could have a chance to improve.

Smallmouth Bass			18 inch minimum length limit went into effect Jan. 1, 2016. This regulation change makes smallmouth bass regulations the same as those for largemouth bass.

Crappie	Fair	0.5-1.5 lbs	Crappie are being caught in water 10-20 feet deep around brush piles and standing timber vertically fishing jigs.
Channel catfish	Fair	0.5-5 lbs	Some action using shad, cut bait, sunfish, minnows and nightcrawlers.
Wiper	Fair	4-8 lbs	Using swim baits and large jigs, either casting or jigging over channel breaks. Trolling crankbaits are producing some fish.
White bass	Fair	0.5-2 lbs	Trolling crankbaits, or vertically fishing jigs over channel breaks.
District Newsletter			If you want to keep up with what is going on with Clinton Reservoir (including GPS coordinates to any newly placed brush piles) and other lakes in DG, SN, and OS Counties sign up for the Lawrence District Newsletter by clicking this link: http://kdwp.state.ks.us/news/KDWP-Info/News/Newsletter-Request-Forms/Request-a-Newsletter-for-the-Larkwrence-Fishing-District
General Comments
Anglers please remember to practice proper social distancing, especially at boat ramps areas and other locations that naturally concentrate users. All boat ramps are open in the State Park. Also, the Bloomington Ramps are open, except for Bloomington West (i.e. north of town of Clinton). Be sure to Clean, Drain, and Dry your boat when you leave, to keep from spreading Zebra mussels to other lakes.

Last Updated: 3/9/2021

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method & Location
Walleye	Slow	Up to 9 lbs.	Some walleye are being caught on shallow flats and mud banks. Drifting live bait, jigging, trolling crankbaits, casting baits while targeting structure can all be effective methods right now.
Crappie	Fair	Up to 13 inches	Some crappie are being caught near deeper brush in 20-30 feet of water. Jigs and shad imitation baits are producing best now.
White Bass	Fair	Up to 2 lbs.	Target white bass off wind blown points. Jigs and shad imitation lures are the best baits right now.
Largemouth Bass	Slow	Up to 4 lbs.	Target shallow water structure. Plastic baits are producing the most fish.
Newsletter	Good	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	Slow	Up to 10 lbs.	Channel catfish can be taken on a variety of baits lakewide using prepared or live baits.
General Comments
WATER LEVEL: As of March 9th the water level is 1.2 feet below conservation pool. You can check current water conditions at 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.

Last Updated: 3/14/2021

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. LOOK FOR RECENTLY TAGGED BLUE CATS!!! Blue Catfish...all between 25"-40" must be released...creel limit is still 5, but only 1 can be 40" or longer
Crappie	Fair/Good	10-20ft deep suspended near points, flooded brush, and ledges on jigs and minnows
Walleye	Fair	Target rocky or wind-swept mud banks with jigs, crankbaits, or bottom bouncers or along dam 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 now 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
*LOOK FOR RECENTLY TAGGED BLUE CATS!!!* *Wiper...creel limit is 5/day* *Blue Catfish...all between 25"-40" must be released...creel limit is still 5, 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, ASIAN CARP ARE IN DRAINAGES ASSOCIATED WITH THE KANSAS RIVER AND CAN EASILY BE MISTAKEN FOR SHAD!!! Blue-Green Algae: Current information listed here: http://www.kdheks.gov/algae-illness/algae_advisories.htm WARNING! ZEBRA MUSSELS NOW IN RESERVOIR AND OUTLET! Sign up for the most recent Milford district fisheries newsletter today! Daily water info Daily Lake Information

Last Updated: 9/4/2020

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. Mussels will start spawning as the water temperature rises to around 54 degrees. Please do not move water from Perry Reservoir.
Perry District Newsletter	Good-Excellent		We publish a newsletter for Perry and other waters in the district twice a year. If you would like the letter e-mailed to you click here and fill in the blanks.
Channel Catfish	Good	up to 10.0 lbs	Channel Catfish bite has been pretty slow, that or anglers haven't been targeting them. Some fish could be found in the creek and river channels.
Sauger	Slow	up to 2.6 lbs.	There are good numbers in the reservoir but are difficult to target. Try trolling crankbaits or lindy rigs along the dam. 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.	Lots of small 8-10 inch bass were seen this spring. Fishing should be great as these fish continue to grow. Try casting crankbaits and spinner jigs near any of the newly 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. Try casting around rocks or look for schools of fish breaking up the balls of shad. There are A LOT of 6-9 inch fish out there but some larger 14-16 inch fish can still be found.
White Crappie	Slow to Fair	up to 1.5 lbs.	Fish have moved back to deeper cover. They can be found around 8 ft. deep in 16-20 ft. of water.
Blue Catfish	Fair	up to 25.0 lbs.	We have been sampling good numbers of fish in the mid-lake area, over old channels or near drop offs. A few nice fish in the 35 inch length limit range can be caught, many fish are below the length limit, with a few blue catfish over the 35 inch minimum length limit. Remember blue cats look similar to channel catfish, so be careful with identification.
Comments
As of September 4th, the current lake elevation is at 892.81 (1.31' above conservation pool) and holding relatively stable. For current lake conditions click here and for the lake forecast click here. All boat ramps are open with the exception of Devil's Gap. 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. 39 Georgia Cube fish habitat structures were placed in the reservoir last spring. Their locations can be found here. This is a generic report and will be updated as information becomes available.

TUTTLE CREEK RESERVOIR - Need a Map? -

- Last Updated: 3/3/2021

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method, and Location
Crappie	Good	1/2 to 2 pounds	The crappie population is doing great. The 2020 sample collected the most fish over 10 inches in over 20 years. Winter fishing has been good with reports of fish in 18 to 22 feet deep around brush. Jigs and/or minnows.
White Bass	Slow	1/2 to 2 pounds	White bass numbers continue to be low due to limited spawning success the last six years.
Catfish	Fair	Up to 40 pounds	The lake and the connected river system maintains a good channel catfish population and is one of the best places around to catch channel over 8 pounds. The blue catfish population is finally starting to get established with the first successful natural spawn documented in 2016. To protect the population until it can sustain itself, a 35-inch minimum length limit went into effect in 2018. The plan is to only have a length limit on blue catfish for a few years until the population shows signs of being permanently established. Please check any blue catfish for a yellow 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 (785) 539-7941 or ely.sprenkle@ks.gov A big THANK YOU to all who report their catch!
Largemouth Bass	Slow	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	Current numbers of saugeye in the Reservoir are fairly low. Best saugeye fishing can be found in the River Pond or Rocky Ford.
Rainbow Trout	Good	Up to 8 pounds	Trout season is here at Willow Lake. The sixth stocking was completed on March 2nd when 600 pounds of fish were released into the lake. So far the lake has received over 5,600 rainbow trout this winter. Fishing has been picking up and should get real good with the ice melting off this week. Commercial trout dough baits tend to be the best, but lures, worms, or minnows all work well.
General Comments
You can check current water conditions HERE Zebra mussels were found in Tuttle Creek in 2017. This makes the Reservoir, River Pond and Rocky Ford as designated Aquatic Nuisance Species waters. 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 please do not move fish you have caught or your bait. Do you want some more information on fishing in the Manhattan area? You can subscribe to the free Manhattan Fisheries Newsletter by clicking the link.

Last Updated: 3/14/2021

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 2021 should be for saugeye, crappie, and largemouth bass. WARNING..ZEBRA MUSSELS NOW PRESENT!!!

Last Updated: 3/9/2021

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method & Location
Largemouth Bass	Fair	0.5-5 lbs	Plastic finesse baits along vegetation edges are producing the best right now.
Bluegill	Fair	Up to 0.33 lbs	Jigs or worms fished near shoreline structure.
Channel Cat	Slow	1-10 lbs	Channel cats can be taken now on a variety of live or prepared baits.
Crappie	Fair	Up to 13 inches	Crappie can be taken on jigs near culvert and rock jetties. Crappie are being caught on both sides of the culvert at this time. Majority of the fish being caught are around 8 inches, but some larger ones can be found.
White Bass	Slow	14-17 inches	A good population of white bass exists in this lake and is not often targeted. White bass can be taken on shad imitation lures and white marabou jigs.
General Comments
The curly-leaf pondweed stand has died-off for the year.

Last Updated: 3/9/2021

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 lakewide.
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.
Crappie	Fair	Up to 12 inches	Minnows and jigs are producing the most fish right now. Majority of the population is 8-10 inches, but some nicer ones can be found. Target vegetation edges and shallow brush right now.
Saugeye	Slow	Up to 3 lbs.	Saugeye are being caught near submerged roadbed and flats adjacent to the dam. Jigs are the best producing bait right now. Most of the saugeye being caught right now are shorts, but some keepers (> 18 inches) are being found as well.
Largemouth Bass	Slow	Up to 3 lbs.	Largemouth can be taken on finesse plastics and spinnerbaits fished near trees in the coves and at vegetation edges. Some are being taken on the flats with crankbaits.
Wiper/White Bass	Slow	Up to 4 lbs.	Crankbaits and shad imitation baits fished near submerged road also target near schools of gizzard shad.

Last Updated: 5/14/2015

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method, & Location
Black Bass	Fair	Up to 7 pounds	The lake has fair numbers of both largemouth and smallmouth. Bass are protected by an 18 inch minimum length limit.
Bluegill and Yellow Perch	Fair	Up to 1/3 pound	There is a good population of bluegill at the lake and there are a few yellow perch around.
White Crappie	Fair to Good	1/2 to 1 pound	Crappie can be found along the bank looking to spawn. The lake has a good crappie population.
Channel Catfish	Slow	1 to 15 pounds	The lake does not have a lot of catfish, but they tend to be big.
General Comments
Lake Wabaunsee is designated as a Aquatic Nuisance Species Water since zebra mussels were discovered there in 2013. It is illegal to transport alive fish from ANS designated waters. To help prevent the spread of invasive species, please always clean your boat when moving to different water bodies and dump your bait. This scenic lake is noted for largemouth bass fishing along the abundant shoreline weed beds during the spring and summer. Smallmouth bass are also available along the dam and rocky shoreline. Saugeye and crappie can also be taken at this 200 acre lake located in the flint hills. Since this lake is not part of the CFAP Program, annual or day use permits are available at the boat ramp bait house on the northeast shore.

GARDNER CITY LAKE -

-Last Updated: 3/9/2021

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location

Bluegill Fair Up to 8 inches Livebait under a bobber fished near structure.

Channel Catfish Slow Up to 14 lb. Channel catfish can be taken now on a variety of live or prepared baits.

Crappie Slow Up to 12 inches Use minnows and jigs near docks and vegetation edges. Some recent reports of a good bite near docks.

Largemouth Bass Fair Up to 4 lbs Finesse plastics, jigs, or spinner-baits target docks and vegetation edges.

White Bass Slow 14 to 17 inches A good population of white bass exists in this lake. White bass can be taken in open water on shad imitation lures.

Last Updated: 3/9/2021

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method & Location
Bluegill	Fair	Up to 8 inches	Nightcrawler under a bobber fished near shoreline structure.
Channel Catfish	Slow	Up to 5 lbs.	Channel catfish are being taken on live and prepared baits.
Largemouth Bass	Fair	Up to 6 lb.	Largemouth bass have moved shallow. Largemouth bass can be found at edges of water willow, rock edges, and shallow brush. Plastic baits are producing best right now.
Saugeye	Slow	Up to 4 lbs.	Jigs tipped with a nightcrawler fished on the flat. Shad imitation baits will also produce bites. There is a good population of 18 inch saugeye available to anglers right now.
Wiper	Slow	Up to 11 lbs.	Use shad imitation baits and find bait fish near drop-offs.
White Crappie	Fair	Most fish around 7 inches, but some are greater than 10 inches.	Jigs or minnows fished near brushpiles.
General Comments
Caution!!! Asian Carp have made their way up stream to below Lake Olathe dam. 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.

Last Updated: 3/9/2021

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method & Location
Largemouth Bass	Slow	0.5-4 lbs	Finesse plastics fished near vegetation edges and structure.
Channel catfish	Slow	0.5-6 lbs	Chicken liver or worms fished near mainlake points.
Crappie	Slow	0.5-1 lbs	Minnows and jigs are catching fish right now. Crappie are shallow near structure, brushpiles, weed edges, and rock banks.
Saugeye	Slow	Up to 22 inches	Saugeye can be found drifting or trolling mudflats using jigs tipped with nightcrawler or jigging spoons.
Wiper	Slow	Up to 24 inches	Use shad imitation baits fished near main lake points.
Bluegill and Redear Sunfish	Fair	Up to 10 inches	The bluegill and redear sunfish populations are in really good shape right now with many fish in the 7-9 inch length range. Use piece of nightcrawler or small jig 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. More brushpiles were added again on 3/17/20. 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

POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY LAKE -

- Last Updated: 3/1/2021

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method, and Location
Black Crappie	Fair	1/3 to 1 lb.	Moderate numbers of crappie.
Bluegill	Fair to Good	6 to 10 inches	The lake has a nice bluegill population.
Channel Catfish	Fair	1/2 to 6 lbs.	The lake contains good numbers of catfish for a small lake.
Largemouth Bass	Good	1/2 to 4 lbs.	The lake has a great largemouth bass population. Bass 13 to 18 inches long are protected.
General Comments
This small 49 acre lake is located in northeast Pott. County. The fishing conditions are very similar to that of a large farm pond. The lake is noted for good catch and release largemouth bass fishing due to the abundance of the species.

Last Updated: 3/9/2021

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method, Location
Bluegill	Fair	Up to 8 inches	Livebait under a bobber fished near shoreline structure.
Crappie	Slow	Up to 15 inches	Worms and minnows near structure are producing the best.
Channel Catfish	Slow	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.
Largemouth Bass	Fair	Up to 4 lbs.	Finesse plastics are working best right now fished near deeper structure.
Trout	Good	Catchable	Trout are biting on flies and powerbait.
General Comments
In addition to a state fishing license, a Johnson County fishing permit is required. If you plan to fish for trout, a Johnson County trout permit is also required. Johnson County fishing/trout permits are available through Johnson County Parks and Recreation District and other select vendors.

Last Updated: 3/9/2021

Species	Rating	Size	Baits, Method & Location
Black Crappie
Bluegill
Channel Catfish
Largemouth Bass
Smallmouth Bass
Wiper/White Bass
Walleye
General Comments
Wyandotte County Lake will open for the spring on 3/12/21. A Wyandotte County fishing permit is required to fish this property. A Wyandotte County trout permit is required for trout fishing. Please contact Wyandotte County Unified Government Parks and Recreation Department at 913-573-8327 for more information.