Kansas Angler
Online Edition		  
Google
 
Web www.zeiners.com
www.kansasangler.com cottonwoodmercantile.com
 
Store | Shopping




Angler Home

State
Fishing Reports
Kansas
Region 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5
Arknsas Fishing Reports
Colorado Fishing Reports
Iowa Fishing Report
Missouri Fishing Reports
Nebraska Fishing Reports
Oklahoma Fishing Reports
Texas Fishing Reports
Moon Phases

Angler Reports
Kansas ~ Arkansas,
Colorado ~ Iowa,
Missouri ~ Nebraska,
Oklahoma ~ Texas 

Anglers' Academy
Fishing and Tackle Tips
Tackle Manufacturer Tips
Lure Making Tips

Fishing Guides
Kansas, Arkansas
Missouri, Oklahoma
Texas

Kansas Club Corner
Kansas Fishing Clubs
Tournament Schedule
Tournament Results

 Tournament Trail
Contacts | Schedules
Kansans on the Trail

Photo Gallery
Fish Photographs

Kids Cove
Kids Home
News, Information,
Games, Photo Gallery,
Fishing Stories, Fishing Tips

Reader's Nook
The Latest Angler News
Current Articles
Kansas Angler Archives

Angler Links
Manufacturers
State Agencies
Other Links of Interest

Kansas State Info
State Record Fish
License Information 

Kansas Angler Info
About The Angler
Advertising Info
Contact The Angler 

  



Visit Zeiner's Bass Shop Online

 Kansas Fishing Report - Region 5 Southeast Kansas

Current Blue-Green Algae
Warnings and Advisories

Help The Angler keep others informed by emailing reports to us. Include your name in the message part of your report if you'd like to receive credit for the report.

Source: Kansas Wildlife and Parks, Local marinas and bait shops, Kansas Anglers like you. Send us a report.

Kansas Reports Region 1 NW KS | Region 2 NE KS
Region 3 SW KS | Region 4 SCen KS | Region 5 SE KS
Kansas Reports from Anglers | KS and OK Lake Levels

REGION 5
Reservoirs are listed first, then state lakes, city and local 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 9:25 p.m.

Video and instructions to help prevent the spread of Zebra Mussels

Here is a list of Kansas Counties

Notice

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.

For all KDWPT updates, visit https://ksoutdoors.com/COVID-19.

For the latest information on the COVID-19 virus, visit http://www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus/index.htm.

BIG HILL RESERVOIR - Need a Map? -

Last Updated: 3/7/2021

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Crappie Good 6-12" Crappie fishing has been steady.  Look for crappie to be in pre-spawn locations and near Rea Bridge.  Vertical jigging and minnows have been working best.  
Channel Catfish Fair 16-24" Catfishing has been slow.  Look for catfish to move into the shallows on warm days.  Shad sides have been working best.
Largemouth and Smallmouth  Bass Fair 12-20" Largemouth bass fishing has been slow.  Look for largemouth to move into the shallows on warm days.  Smaller baits fished slower have been working best.  Smallmouth bass fishing has been fair on the dam and other rocky shorelines.  Working soft plastics slowly around rocks has been working best.
Bluegill and Redears Fair 5-7" Bluegill and redear fishing remains slow.  Look for bluegill and redear near the shallow vegetation.  Vertical fishing small jigs and a small worm under a bobber have been working best.
       
General Comments

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

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.

ELK CITY RESERVOIR - Need a Map? -

Last Updated: 3/7/2021

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Crappie Fair 8-14" Crappie fishing has been slow.  Look for crappie fishing to improve as water temps warm.  Look for crappie around the state park cove as well as on the dam.  Minnows under a bobber and vertical jigging has been working best.  
Blue and channel catfish Poor 18-26" Catfishing is slow.  Look for catfish to be on the downwind side of the lake and in the shallows on warm days.  Cut shad have been working best.
White Bass Poor 10-14" The white bass fishing is slow.  White bass have not yet moved into the river to spawn.  Look for them to move into the river in the next couple weeks.  
Outlet Poor 12-20" Water release has stopped.  Look for fishing to improve with increased rainfall and water release.
 

Water temps in the reservoir are 45 degrees currently.

Blue catfish are currently managed with a 35-in minimum length limit and 5/day creel limit in hopes that they will establish a self-sustaining population.
Water Level

Current water levels and discharge can be viewed HERE.

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.

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 - Need a Map? -

Last Updated: 3/17/2021
Species Rating Size Baits, Method, Location
channel catfish fair

0% 11"-16"

33% 16"-24"

50% 24"-28"

17% 28"-36"

 Use a worm, stink bait, or shad sides in outlet or river current.
crappie fair

89% 5"- 8"

9% 8"-10"

1% 10"-12"

2% 12"-15"

0% 15"+

 Use a jig or minnow around inflowing water in backs of coves.
largemouth bass poor

37% 8"-12"

16% 12"-15"

42% 15"-20"

5% 20"+

 The main body of the reservoir doesn't have the necessary largemouth bass habitat to support a high density bass population. However, the flooded timber and clearer water in the backwater section of the river produces a fair density bass population. There were 19 bass per hour of electrofishing around the Ladd Bridge section of the river. The ideal catch rate would be 100 bass per hour. Use a jig, worm, spinner or crank bait around stumps and brush in the river.  
white bass good

8% 6"- 9"

24% 9"-12"

32% 12"-15"

32% 15"-18"

 Fish are spawning in riffles in river and Otter Creek.  Use a white or chartreuse jig.  There were some three pound fish in the fall test netting.
General Comments:

Link to USACE reservoir water level: http://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/FALL.lakepage.html

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

Sign up to receive a copy of the Fall River District Fisheries Newsletter.

For more information about the Fall River Fisheries District, click here to access newsletters.


\JOHN REDMOND RESERVOIR - Need a Map? -

Last Updated: 3/19/2021
Species Size Rating Bait, Method, Location
Channel Catfish up to 15lbs. Fair Fishing near the river or drifting or trolling along wind blown shorelines. Fresh cut bait or shad sides are a good choice. A 35" minimum length limit and 5/day creel is now in effect for Blue Catfish. 
White Bass up to 3lbs. Fair  Fishing up in the river or along the dam or windy shorelines using small spinners, crankbaits, or hair jigs. Below the dam during low to moderate releases can be really good.
Crappie up to 15" Slow-Fair Using various colors of jigs fished vertically around the new brush piles may be productive.

Comments - THE BOAT RAMP IS OPEN. Use caution and look for floating debris                                    Water Temp. 

Brush Pile Coordinates:

N 38o 14.743'
W 95 o 45.998'

N 38o  14.658'
W 95o 46.138'

N 38o 14.419'
W 95o 46.767'

N 38o 14.256'
W 95o 46.423'

N 38o 14.722'
W 95o 45.641'

N 38o 14.811'
W 95o 45.694'

N 38o 14.922'
W 95o 45.715'

N 38o 15.222'
W 95o 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 - Need a Map? -  Selected in top 100 bass lakes in U.S. by Bassmaster Magazine

- Last Updated: 3/8/2021

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, Location
Channel, blue and flathead catfish, Slow all sizes,  Recent sampling indicates that this lake supports good fishing for big blue cats, good channel channel and flatheads.  Good baits are worms or liver, Sunfish or cutshad, prepared baits.  Some blue catfish have been caught that are over 80 pounds.  Catfishing can be very good just about any where along the shoreline.  Trotlines are doing very well.
Crappie Slow 9 - 12 inches There has been alot of big crappie caught this year, many above 14 inches.  Sampling indicates that there are still alot of good crappie here, most in the 10 -12 inch range. The crappie are usually close to structure. Some fish have been caught off the wall gates where water is released at the dam.  Some fish caught off of marina coves and its usually good at the hot water outlet area.  Best lures to use are jigs/ minnows, near structure.  
Largemouth Bass Slow varies but 16 to 20 inches is common Largemouth bass fishing is good.  Fish moving in response to forage with good results in  the hot water outlet area.  Use cranks, plastic worms, lizards or spinner baits like shad imitations.  Bass over 10 and close to 11 pounds have been caught in this lake.  
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.  Surfacing feeding whites are alot of fun.
wiper Slow some up to 12 pounds Most fish are in the 4 - 6 pound range with a few larger.  Some fish are caught in the center of lake close to the current or around the hot water.  
carp Good all sizes along the shoreline in weedbeds, bowfishing or fly casting
General Comments

All boat ramps are open, including the 2 boat ramps at The Linn County Park.   The fish are waiting for you.  The best way to measure social distancing is with a fishing pole. The water level is good. This lake has great shoreline angling, lots of room to spread out, for social distancing.  Overall the bass are steady, the channel catfish and wipers are improving. 

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.  There was a 6 pounder and a 7 pounder caught last week.  

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 


MELVERN RESERVOIR - Need a Map? - MELVERN GUIDE -

Last Updated: 3/8/2021

Crappie Fair-Good 0.25-1 lbs Most fish have been caught in 15 feet of water around brush piles or standing timber using minnows or jigs.  
Black bass Fair 0.5-4 lbs Casting crankbaits and jigs along rocky banks in back of creek arms  
Walleye Slow 0.5-2 lbs Some small ones have been caught recently using jigs  
Blue catfish Slow-Fair 2-30 bs Recent reports of blue catfish being caught using cut shad or crappie parts.  A few keepers have been reported, along with quite a few shorts.  
Channel catfish Fair 1- 6 lbs Some being caught on shad and cut bait.  
Fisheries Newsletter     If you would like to receive additional information about this lake a couple of times a year, sign up for the newsletter at the following link http://kdwp.state.ks.us/news/KDWP-Info/News/Newsletter-Request-Forms/Request-a-Newsletter-for-the-Lawrence-Fishing-District  
Blue Catfish     35 inch minimum length limit and 5 fish daily limit went into effect January 1, 2016.  This regulation change is to protect adult brood fish which hopefully will allow increased production of young blue catfish, translating into increased numbers of blues in Melvern.  
Sauger     18 inch minimum length limit went into effect Jan. 1, 2016.  This change makes sauger and walleye have the same regulations at Melvern Reservoir.  
Spotted Bass     18 inch minimum length limit went into effect Jan. 1, 2016.  This change makes all black bass (i.e. largemouth, smallmouth and spotted) have the same regulations at Melvern Reservoir.  
General Comments
Anglers, please remember to practice proper social distancing at boat ramps and any other areas that naturally concentrate users.   Melvern Reservoir has Zebra Mussels, Remember to clean, drain, and dry your boat and fishing equipment when leaving the lake to keep from spreading them to other lakes. 


POMONA RESERVOIR - Need a Map? - POMONA GUIDE -

Last Updated: 3/8/2021
 Species Rating Size Baits, Method, & Location
Channel Catfish, blue catfish Slow all sizes Good baits are worms or dip baits and cut sunfish or cutshad, stink/prepared baits.  Both of the Parks provide many good shorelines for bank 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.  
Walleye Slow varies Try off windy points, the bigger fish are in shallow feeding on gizzard shad.  Try crank baits or jigs tipped with night crawlers
White bass/Wipers  Slow varies There are good white bass up to 2 pounds and good wipers up to the 5-6 pound pounds.  Good baits are minnows/live baits, cut bait, sometimes for wipers use liver and shad imitation lures. 
Crappie Slow  varies but range 8 -12 inches Slow but starting to improve with fish in deeper water. 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 Slow Most are 10 to 15 inches Pomona has a limited black bass fishery. 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

The best way to measure social distancing is with a fishing pole. This lake has great shoreline angling, lots of room to spread out, for social distancing.  Warm weather will really speed up the fishing.   For daily water levels or release rates check out the Pomona COE web site, listed below.  Currently the stilling basin should be good during the water releases. Fishing at the outlet usually improves with higher water releases. Overall the crappie population is good with a few older fish that are in the 12 to 14 inch range and a lot of younger fish up to 11 inches.   

The catfish population in this impoundment is good, try fishing with live bait, liver or shad or assorted stink baits, especially after rain/inflow events.

Also remember this lake has a good wiper 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 KDWPT 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 


TORONTO RESERVOIR - Need a Map? -

Last Updated: 3/17/2021
Species Rating Size Baits, Method, Location
channel catfish fair

3% 11"-16"

48% 16"-24"

41% 24"-28"

8% 28"-36"

 Use a worm, stink bait, or shad sides in outlet and river current.
largemouth bass poor

17% 8"-12"

39% 12"-15"

44% 15"-20"

0% 20"-25"

 The main body of the reservoir doesn't have the necessary largemouth bass habitat to support a high density bass population. However, the flooded timber and clearer water in the backwater section of Walnut Creek produces a fair density bass population. There were 12 bass per hour of electrofishing sampled in the reservoir. The ideal catch rate would be 100 bass per hour. Use a jig, spinner, worm, or crank bait around stumps and brush in river and Walnut Creek.  
white bass good

0% 6"-9"

6% 9"-12"

84% 12"-15"

10% 15"-18"

0% 18"+

 Fish are spawning in riffles in river and Walnut Creek.  Use a white or chartreuse jig.  There were some three pound fish in the fall test netting.
white crappie fair

54% 5"-8"

28% 8"-10"

12% 10"-12"

6% 12"-15"

0% 15"+

 Use a jig or minnow in inflowing current in backs of coves. 
General Comments

Link to USACE reservoir water level: http://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/TORO.lakepage.html

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)

Sign up to receive a copy of the Fall River/Toronto District Fisheries Newsletter.

For more information about the Fall River/Toronto Fisheries District, click here to access newsletters.

STATE FISHING LAKES

BOURBON STATE FISHING LAKE -

Last Updated: 3/8/2021
Species Rating Size Baits, Method, & Location
Black Bass ( Largemouth and Spotted Bass) Slow Fish 10 to 17 inches dominate the population for bass try out in deeper water, the deep side of the weed beds and piers.  Use spinners, plastic baits, crankbaits.
Bluegill/redear sunfish Slow all sizes Nice redear sunfish are available by slow fishing along the piers with jig, worm under a float. Bluegill are also available but are smaller in size.  
Walleye Poor 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 cut bait, stink baits, chicken liver, worms, the fish feeders are OFF, lakewide.  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.
Crappie Slow 8 - 12 inches and up Sampling indicates a good crappie population with a good percentage of fish over 10 inches.  Try using minnows, jigs under a 6ft float, along the piers.  Fish the creek mouth where the fresh water comes in and the fish are stacked up.
General Comments

The best way to measure social distancing is with a fishing pole. The water is normal and clear.  The boat ramp  is fine. This lake has great shoreline angling, lots of room to spread out, for social distancing.  This great weather is perfect for fishing.  

Recent channel catfish stockings will 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 y

In the spring of 2018, another 95 Georgia cubes have been placed to attract fish to shoreline areas.  Shoreline fishing can be good in deeper water around the lake.  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.  Because of C 19 virus, and crowding of anglers the fish feeders are OFF for the season.


COFFEY COUNTY LAKE (WOLF CREEK) - COFFEY COUNTY GUIDE - Need a Map? -


COFFEY COUNTY LAKE -  - Last Updated: 3/19/2021

Species Rating Size Baits, Methods, Locations
LAKE IS BACK OPEN      
largemouth bass Fair 8 in to 21 inches Focusing on habitat near or in the warm water discharge area will be best bet. lipless cranks, jerkbaits, swimbaits, or finesse plastics should work. Some quality fish have been caught recently.
walleye Fair 14-25 inches Crankbaits or live bait fished along the rocky points and riprap.
channel catfish/blue catfish Fair-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 should be productive or try creek channel swings and humps. Don't be afraid to fish shallow water for both species. We have tagged some blue catfish in the lake, if you catch one please take note of the tag number and report it to the gatehouse.
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. There have been some nice sized fish caught recently, but numbers are hard to come by.
white bass/Wipers Good up to 5lbs.  Use shad imitation lures like small spinners, crankbaits or bucktail jigs. and look for schools of shad or focus on wind blown flats or rocky points. Vertical jigging slab spoons is also a good technique. 
crappie Fair 11-15 inches Look for crappie around deep standing timber and brush piles or near the channel breaks. Using various colored jigs or minnows should produce some fish.
General Comments

Entrance gate phone number is 620-364-2475 call for lake conditions. 

Registration for Coffey County Lake is now available online at https://www.coffeycountyks.org/home/showdocument?id=3502.

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.

For more information on waters in Anderson, Allen, Coffey, and Woodson counties click the following link to sign up for the New Strawn District Fisheries Newsletter. http://kdwpt.state.ks.us/news/KDWPT-Info/News/Newsletter-Request-Forms/Request-a-Newsletter-for-the-New-Strawn-Fishing-District

CRAWFORD STATE FISHING LAKE - Need a Map? -

Last Updated: 3/17/2021

Species Rating Size Baits, Method &Location
Bluegill / Redear sunfish  Fair  6-8 inches There is an abundance of bluegill and redear sunfish up to 6" in good numbers. Panfish are a wonderful species to get someone hooked to fishing! They can be caught readily using a simple bobber and worm, 1/16-1/32 ounce jighead, and a fly rod and small fly to name a few tactics. Locations to try would be near the swim beach in the northwest corner, coves where shallow water and aquatic vegetation can be found, and marina cove.  
Saugeye  Fair 18-21 inches The fall sample indicated a low-density, high-quality population of saugeye up to 21". 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) Fair  21-24 inches

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. The fall sample indicated good numbers above the 18" minimum length limit and a quality population for anglers to utilize. 

Anglers are reporting Wiper up to  22" and 4 pounds being caught on the windblown side of the reservoir. South winds will congregate wipers on the dam and spillway area. 1/16-1/4 ounce jig heads with a twister tails is a good lure to try. 
Channel catfish  Good 15-26 inches Channel catfish can be found throughout all portions of the lake. Anglers can target the whiskered fish 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. There have been reports of flathead catfish being caught up to 30 lbs. Live bait and fresh cut bait are two tactics to try. 
Crappie  Good 6-10 inches The crappie population has a slightly improved size structure with fish sampled up to 12". However, the majority of the crappie that anglers may find at the end of their line will be in the 6-8" size range. Please consider harvesting your daily creel limit of 50 crappie per day to help reduce numbers of crappie and open up space for them to grow. Georgia Cubes, an artificial habitat structure placed by KDWPT staff, are present in Crawford State Lake and the link in the "General Comments" section will provide you with GPS coordinates. Eight brushpiles were created and added. GPS coordinates are listed below in the comments section. Crappie will congregate near the Georgia Cubes, submerged trees, structure, and docks. Anglers should try live minnows under a bobber, jigs with a twister tail, and streamers with a fly rod. 
Largemouth bass  Good 12-18 inches 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 2007. Quality fish up to 20" 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. An often overlooked method, the "Ned Rig" can also be utilized during all times of the year, but specifically in the summer months, when largemouth bass don't seem as willing to bite other types of lures. 
General Comments

Water Temperature: 51° F, 3/17/2021

Remember to continue to practice social distancing during this COVID-19 pandemic.  Continuing to practice social distancing will ensure we can keep our public fishing access points open for everyone.

KDWPT Fisheries and State Park staff submerged nearly 100 cedar trees and 40 "Georgia Cubes" were added to the lake in spring of 2019. 

Cedar trees were placed on existing brushpiles. The GPS coordinates for those existing brushpiles are as follows:

16 trees @ N 37.642683, W 094.806843 (Northeast corner dock)

13 trees @ N 37.641414, W 094.807232 (East cove dock on west side of cove)

17 trees @ N 37.640050, W 094.809163 (Middle arm, east side)

24 trees @ N 37.637126, W 094.811680 (East fishing pier)

Cedar trees were placed on new brushpiles. The GPS coordinates for the new brushpile locations are as follows:

18 trees @ N 37.642581, W 094.808307 (North point) 

8 trees and stumps @ N 37.644641, W 094.810386 (North boat ramp)

11 trees and stumps @ N 37.643394, W 094.811154 (Marina northeast dock)

7 trees @ N 37.641860, W 094.812640 (Marina Cove southwest dock)

Georgia Cubes were added to six new locations. The GPS coordinates for the Georiga Cubes are as follows:

16 Georgia Cubes @ N 37.642602, W 094.808321 (North point)

6 Georgia Cubes @ N 37.642695, W 094.806880 (Northeast corner dock)

7 Georgia Cubes @ N 37.641402, W 094.807221 (East cove dock on west side of cove)

5 Georgia Cubes @ N 37.637147, W 094.811688 (East fishing pier)

3 Georgia Cubes @ N 37.643472, W 094.811373 (Marina northeast dock)

3 Georgia Cubes @ N 37.644663, W 094.810369 (North boat ramp)

As District Fisheries Biologists, we send out a newsletter to inform anglers of fish sampling result, aquatic outreach events, fish stockings, and habitat improvement projects, for example. We have a spring and fall edition of our newsletters that you can subscribe to. This is sent directly to your email. If you would like to stay up to date on what is happening on Neosho State Fishing Lake (Lake McKinley), Crawford State Fishing Lake (Farlington Lake), Bone Creek Lake, CFAP and FISH properties, and the Mined Land Wildlife Area strip pits, you can subscribe to the Pittsburg District Newsletter at the following link: https://ksoutdoors.com/KDWPT-Info/News/Newsletter-Request-Forms/Request-a-Newsletter-for-the-Pittsburg-Fishing-District 

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. 

Be sure to Clean, Drain, and Dry your boat, bait buckets, and recreational watercraft before and after launching your boat. It is important 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. Zebra mussels, white perch, and asian carp are all invasive species that can be found in Kansas. Be sure to stay up to date on information regarding Aquatic Nuisance Species. The following link will provide you with information on Aquatic Nuisance Species in Kansas: https://ksoutdoors.com/Fishing/Aquatic-Nuisance-Species.

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.


LYON STATE FISHING LAKE -

Last Updated: 3/17/2021
Species Rating Size Baits, Method, Location
Bluegill and Redear good

49% 4-7"

30% 7-9"

21% 9-11"

 Use worm, very small jig, or small silver spinner around brush piles and rock jetties.  The water is extremely clear so use light line and small hooks.  Fishing is best on warm sunny days.
Channel Catfish good

0% 11-16"

76% 16-24"

23% 24-28"

<1% 28-36"

 Use worms, shad sides, or stink bait in inlet current. The feeders are empty.  I plan to restart them on April 15.    
Largemouth Bass good

30% 8-12"

59% 12-15"

11% 15-20"

0% >20"

 Use spinners or jigs around brush piles, rock jetties, and weed line.  The water is extremely clear so use light line and small lures.
Crappie fair

70% 5-8"

7% 8-10"

10% 10-12"

11% 12-15"

 Use small jigs or minnows around brush piles, rock islands, and piers.
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 2020 electrofishing. The size structures listed for crappie, bluegill, redear, and channel catfish are from October 2019 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 brush piles 17 (OCTET-STREAM 2.07 kB)
LYSL habitat cubes (OCTET-STREAM 979 B)

For more information about the Fall River/Toronto Fisheries District, click here to access newsletters.


MINED LAND WILDLIFE AREA FISHING REPORT -  

Last Updated: 3/19/2021

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Bluegill / Redear / Warmouth  Good  6-10 inches Bluegill and Redear Sunfish up to 9 inches are common on the strip pits on the Mined Land Wildlife Area. Focus your efforts around structure, slopes, and shallow water at the ends of the pits. Worms under a slip bobber, or 1/16 jigs will be a good bet to try. 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  Fair  15-28 inches Channel catfish have been stocked across the entire wildlife area. Try shad sides, liver, worms or prepared baits. Slip bobbers with worms, stink bait, or live bait fished along the edges will be a good technique to try. 
Crappie  Fair  8-12 inches  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 this winter and for anglers to focus on for crappie would be the following units: 7, 8, 22, 41, and 40, to name a few. 
Largemouth Bass  Good  12-21 inches 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 with 15-19" being common. 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 inches 

The first rainbow trout stocking of the winter and spring of 2020/2021 in the Trout Pit (Unit #30) was on Thursday, October 29, 2020 of 1,411 rainbow trout. The second trout stocking occurred on November 11, 2020 of 975 rainbow trout. The third trout stocking occurred on December 3, 2020 of 1,275 rainbow trout. The fourth trout stocking occurred on December 16, 2020 of 960 rainbow trout. The fifth trout stocking occurred on February 2, 2021 of 650 rainbow trout. The sixth trout stocking occurred on February 3, 2021 of 300 rainbow trout. The seventh trout stocking occurred on February 23, 2021 of 1,000 rainbow trout. The eighth trout stocking occurred on February 24, 2021 of 720 rainbow trout. The ninth and final trout stocking for spring 2021 occurred on March 15, 2021 of 880 rainbow trout. Good luck! 

Rainbow trout are stocked each spring, fall, and winter in Unit #30 in the "Trout Pit". Most rainbows are 10 inches in length when stocked and average 1/2 lb. each. Five percent of each stocking is comprised of 14-inch or larger fish.

Remember anglers -- A trout permit is required to be able to fish on the "Trout Pit" on Unit #30. This is valid for the calendar year. Rainbow trout & Brown Trout are managed under a combined daily creel limit of five fish. Anglers, 15 years and younger, can fish for and possess trout, but their daily creel is 2 per day. 

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.
Brown trout  Fair  15-20 inches

Brown trout have been stocked in Unit #30 in the Trout Pit to provide an additional species and trophy opportunity for anglers. 2,500 small 8 to 10-inch brown trout were stocked on October 22, 2018. Brown trout tend to be more seclusive than rainbow trout, so early morning and evening hours will be your best bet. Try power bait, small spinners, spoons, flies, small crankbaits, worms, or corn. 

NEW FOR 2020  -- As of January 1, 2020, there is no longer a 20" minimum and daily creel of 1 Brown Trout per day. Therefore, anglers may keep brown trout in combination with rainbow trout for a combined daily creel of 5. 
Walleye  Fair  18-21 inches 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. Limited opportunities exist, due to not being stocked since 2016. The units and strip pits 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 inches Wiper are stocked on the Mined Land Wildlife Area in Unit #21 on an annual basis. Stockings have occurred since 2007. A fish feeder is also present on the Wiper Pit in Unit #21 that provides supplemental food on this specific pit. 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. 
General Comments

Water Temperature: 51° F, 3/17/2021

Remember to continue to practice social distancing during this COVID-19 pandemic.  Continuing to practice social distancing will ensure we can keep our public fishing access points open for everyone.

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 during 2019. 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. 

40 "Georgia Cubes", a synthetic habitat structure, were placed on Mined Land Wildlife Area in May 2019. Below are the GPS coordinates:

Unit #6 "Quail Farm", 2 Cube Clusters: (37.424696, -94.758655), (37.424365, -94.757868)

Unit #7 "Whitmore Pits", 2 Cube Clusters: (37.396253, -94.778864), (37.392872, -94.782366)

Unit #26 Reclamation Project currently closed, to be reopened in Spring 2020, 2 Cube Clusters: (37.332749, -94.800721), (37.332513, -94.800589)

As District Fisheries Biologists, we send out a newsletter to inform anglers of fish sampling result, aquatic outreach events, fish stockings, and habitat improvement projects, for example. We have a spring and fall edition of our newsletters that you can subscribe to. This is sent directly to your email. If you would like to stay up to date on what is happening on Neosho State Fishing Lake (Lake McKinley), Crawford State Fishing Lake (Farlington Lake), Bone Creek Lake, CFAP and FISH properties, and the Mined Land Wildlife Area strip pits, you can subscribe to the Pittsburg District Newsletter at the following link: https://ksoutdoors.com/KDWPT-Info/News/Newsletter-Request-Forms/Request-a-Newsletter-for-the-Pittsburg-Fishing-District 

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. Eurasian watermilfoil can also impact the fish community in a lake, so please be sure to inspect and clean your fishing gear. Please remember to Clean, Drain, and Dry your kayak, boat, boat trailer, and bait buckets. More information on Eurasian Watermilfoil may be found at the following link: https://ksoutdoors.com/Fishing/Aquatic-Nuisance-Species/Aquatic-Nuisance-Species-List/Eurasian-Watermilfoil  

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: 3/7/2021
Species Rating Size Baits, Method, & Location
Channel Catfish Fair 14-24" Catfishing has been hit or miss.  Look for catfish to be on the downwind side of the lake and in the shallows during warm days.  Nightcrawlers or shad sides have been working best.
Largemouth Bass Fair 8-18" Largemouth bass fishing has been slow.   Look for bass to be in the shallows during warmer parts of the day.  With cool water temps use smaller baits and fish them slower to trigger bites.  
Crappie Fair 8-12" Crappie fishing is slow.  Look for crappie starting to move into the shallows looking for spawning areas as the water warms in the coming weeks.  Minnows under a bobber are working best.
Bluegill/Redear Sunfish Fair 6-8" Bluegill and redear fishing is slow.  Look for fishing to improve as water temps warm up.  Small pieces of worm and small jigs under a bobber have been working best.
General Comments

Water temperature is currently 50 degrees and warming.

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.


NEOSHO STATE FISHING LAKE -

Last Updated: 3/17/2021

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Bluegill/Redear    Good        6-9 inches                                                                                     Anglers, whether catching for bait, for fun, or for the frying pan, should focus their efforts on the upper end of the lake on the north side on the jetties, east and west coves, and the lower end near the dam along the jetties. A bobber and worm, a 1/16 ounce jig with a small twister tail, or a fly rod with a small fly are all good options to try in water less than 6'. There is a high quality panfish opportunity for anglers to bring the family out and enjoy the scenery at Neosho State Fishing Lake.
Warmouth Fair 7-10 inches Anglers can find warmouth primarily near rocky habitats, such as jetties. 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 15-24 inches Channel catfish can be found throughout all portions of the lake. Boat anglers can focus their efforts on the flats of 10-12', 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 shad will be your best options to try. 
Flathead catfish Fair All sizes Flathead catfish can be caught on live bait, or fresh cut bait, near brushpiles and flats. Brushpiles are located on the southwest corner of the lake. Flathead catfish will move up to the shallows in the morning, evening, and at night, so fishing off the jetties with a bobber and live bait would be a good tactic to try. 
Crappie    Good 8-13 inches Anglers can focus their efforts 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. 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. 
Largemouth bass   Good 12-19 inches Anglers can focus on jetties, if fishing from the shore, where brushpiles are in close proximity. Fishing the edges of aquatic vegetation that is located near the shore can hold largemouth bass in wait to ambush prey that utilize the aquatic vegetation for forage and refuge. Jetties are located on the north end as well as the east and west sides of the lake. Baits include spinnerbaits, top-water lures, plastic worms, and live bait under a bobber are all tactics for anglers to pursue. 
General Comment

Water Temperature: 49° F, 3/17/2021

Remember to continue to practice social distancing during this COVID-19 pandemic.  Continuing to practice social distancing will ensure we can keep our public fishing access points open for everyone.

A habitat enhancement project was conducted in spring of 2020 with over 250 cedar trees being submerged and 27 new brushpile locations being added. You can find the GPS coordinates at the following link by opening the "Complete Online Map": https://ksoutdoors.com/KDWPT-Info/Locations/Hunting-Fishing-Atlas/Fishing-Atlas

As District Fisheries Biologists, we send out a newsletter to inform anglers of fish sampling result, aquatic outreach events, fish stockings, and habitat improvement projects, for example. We have a spring and fall edition of our newsletters that you can subscribe to. This is sent directly to your email. If you would like to stay up to date on what is happening on Neosho State Fishing Lake (Lake McKinley), Crawford State Fishing Lake (Farlington Lake), Bone Creek Lake, CFAP and FISH properties, and the Mined Land Wildlife Area strip pits, you can subscribe to the Pittsburg District Newsletter at the following link: https://ksoutdoors.com/KDWPT-Info/News/Newsletter-Request-Forms/Request-a-Newsletter-for-the-Pittsburg-Fishing-District 

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 Neosho 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 Neosho State Fishing Lake. This will allow for anglers to view the depths of the lake to choose different habitats and lake features 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. 

Be sure to Clean, Drain, and Dry your boat, bait buckets, and recreational watercraft before and after launching your boat. It is important 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. Zebra mussels, white perch, and asian carp are all invasive species that can be found in Kansas. Be sure to stay up to date on information regarding Aquatic Nuisance Species. The following link will provide you with information on Aquatic Nuisance Species in Kansas: https://ksoutdoors.com/Fishing/Aquatic-Nuisance-Species

OSAGE STATE FISHING LAKE -

Last Updated: 3/8/2021

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, & Location
Current Fishing Condition      
Fisheries Newsletter     If you want to receive additional information about this lake (including GPS coordinates to any newly placed brush piles) a couple of times during the year, sign up to receive a newsletter using this link http://kdwp.state.ks.us/news/KDWP-Info/News/Newsletter-Request-Forms/Request-a-Newsletter-for-the-Lawrence-Fishing-District
Bluegill Fair Up to 0.25 lbs Using worms under a bobber, jigs, and small spinners.
Channel catfish Fair 0.5-5 lbs Using liver, stink bait, shad, nightcrawlers and cut bait.
Largemouth bass Fair 0.5-2 lbs Casting crankbaits and jigs along shoreline cover.
General Comments

Note:  Zebra Mussels were found at this lake April 27, 2017.  Lake users should clean, drain and dry fishing equipment and boats to keep from moving zebra mussels to other waters.

GPS coordinates (Datum =NAD 83 in decimel degrees) for cedar tree fish habitat are:                         

1.  N38.76493             W095.674210                   2. N38.76591              W095.670920                  

  1.  N38.76540           W095.67353               4.  N38.76628             W095.67362 
  1.  N38.76263           W095.67154               6. N38.76833              W095.67339 
  1. N38.77290            W095.67194               8. N38.76469              W095.66955 
  1. N38.76276            W095.67139               10. N38.76506            W095.67109 
  1. N 38.76291           W095.66969               12. N38.76287            W095.67497 



WILSON STATE FISHING LAKE -  

Last Updated: 3/7/2021

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location  
Channel Catfish Fair 16-24" Catfishing has been slow.  Look for catfish to be on the downwind side of the lake and also in the shallows on warm days.  Shad sides and nightcrawlers have been working best.  
Largemouth and Spotted Bass Fair 10-22" Largemouth bass fishing has been slow.  Look for fish to move into the shallows on warm days.  Smaller baits worked slowly have been working best.  
Crappie Fair 8-12" Crappie fishing has been slow.  Crappie will begin to move into the shallows to spawn in the weeks to come.  Look for them in the deeper water near the spawning areas.  Minnows under a bobber have been working best.  
Bluegill and Redear Fair 6-8" Bluegills and redears fishing has been slowed.  Bluegill and redear have been biting well just outside of the weedline and on deeper brush piles.  A small worm under a bobber has been working best.  
General Comments
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 (Lake Fegan) - Need a Map? -

Last Updated: 3/19/2021
Species Rating Size Bait, Method, Location
Largemouth Bass slow-Fair 6-12" Using small lures fished slowly in shallow water on warm days may get you a few bites.
Channel Catfish Fair 12-18" Using shad sides on wind blown flats may produce some fish. Most fish are ranging from 1.5 to 4 lbs.
Walleye Poor 8-12" You will be hard pressed to find a fish of harvestable length.
Bluegill Slow 4-6" mealworms, nightcrawlers, or small jigs.
Crappie Poor   The population is low in abundance and not many fish are harvestable length yet.
Woodson State Fishing Lake is back open to fishing, however, do not expect to catch many harvestable size fish. Be sure to read and follow the length and creel limits.

We added 120 brush piles and 220 Georgia Cubes to the lake for fish habitat. For a map of these habitat locations and a bathymetric map of Woodson State Fishing Lake CLICK HERE

CITY AND LOCAL LAKES

BONE CREEK FISHING REPORT - Need a Map? -

Last Updated: 3/17/2021

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Bluegill / Redear Sunfish  Good  6-10 inches Bluegill and redear sunfish, or "shellcrackers", can be found lakewide near the shoreline. 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. During the spring and early summer months, redear sunfish and bluegill will build nests during the spawn and can provide a memorable angling experience. 
Channel catfish  Good  15-32 inches The channel catfish population is flourishing across all sizes and anglers may just find the rod tip bending and the drag peeling on their next fishing trip to Bone Creek. Anglers should focus on flats in the fall and winter months where the gizzard shad congregate, if utilizing a boat, in 12-14'. Anglers from the shoreline should focus on the coves, both the north and south side of the dam, and the handicap access on the south side of the lake near the boat ramp. Prepared baits, shrimp, chicken liver, and shad will be good baits to try. Fall sampling indicated a variety of sizes of channel catfish with 14% of the population above 28", so be sure to set the drag loose and experience the chance at reeling in a trophy channel catfish at Bone Creek. 
Crappie  Fair 8-14 inches Lots of submerged trees, high water clarity, and adequte forage (i.e., gizzard shad).... the perfect recipe for a crappie population to flourish! Crappie can be found at Bone Creek in a variety of habitats. Anglers should focus on submerged trees that are in 15-20' that are in close proximity to depth changes, or creek channels. There are a variety of coves that will hold crappie during the spawn in the spring time. 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 year class of Age-0 crappie, as well as crappie up to 14". 
Largemouth bass  Good  15-21 inches Bone Creek provides a high quality largemouth bass angling experience. They can be found lakewide in a variety of habitats that are available at Bone Creek. Anglers should focus on the edges of vegetation that can be found along the shoreline and coves, as water begins to warm up this spring. There is an abundance of submerged trees in a range of depths that will also hold fish. 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, jerkbaits, and spinnerbaits will be your best bet. Don't hesitate to throw the classic "ned rig" in the summertime when fish will be deeper and provide a chance at a strike. 
Saugeye   Good  16-22 inches

Saugeye were stocked in Bone Creek in 2013. Since then, the saugeye population has established and provides another sportfish opportunity for anglers. They are managed under a 18" and daily creel of 2. Fall sampling provided that there is a high percentage of fish in the 18-22" range, as well as a prominent year class of 8-12" saugeye. 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. 

The minimum length for Saugeye at Bone Creek is 18 inches and a daily creel of 2 fish per day! Please take precaution in measuring Saugeye that you catch. It is critical as these fish are establishing a population. 
General Comments

Water Temperature: 48° F, 3/17/2021

Remember to continue to practice social distancing during this COVID-19 pandemic.  Continuing to practice social distancing will ensure we can keep our public fishing access points open for everyone.

As District Fisheries Biologists, we send out a newsletter to inform anglers of fish sampling result, aquatic outreach events, fish stockings, and habitat improvement projects, for example. We have a spring and fall edition of our newsletters that you can subscribe to. This is sent directly to your email. If you would like to stay up to date on what is happening on Neosho State Fishing Lake (Lake McKinley), Crawford State Fishing Lake (Farlington Lake), Bone Creek Lake, CFAP and FISH properties, and the Mined Land Wildlife Area strip pits, you can subscribe to the Pittsburg District Newsletter at the following link: https://ksoutdoors.com/KDWPT-Info/News/Newsletter-Request-Forms/Request-a-Newsletter-for-the-Pittsburg-Fishing-District 

Be sure to Clean, Drain, and Dry your boat, bait buckets, and recreational watercraft before and after launching your boat. It is important 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 invasive aquatic vegetation that can be found in nearby water bodies. Be sure to inspect your boat, boat trailer, and bait buckets prior to launching at Bone Creek to prevent the spread. Zebra mussels, white perch, and asian carp are all invasive species that can be found in Kansas. Be sure to stay up to date on information regarding Aquatic Nuisance Species. The following link will provide you with information on Aquatic Nuisance Species in Kansas: https://ksoutdoors.com/Fishing/Aquatic-Nuisance-Species 

If you would like to provide a fishing report for Bone Creek Lake, don't hesitate to contact Connor Ossowski, District Fisheries Biologist, at (620) 231-3173.


BOURBON COUNTY, CEDAR CREEK LAKE -

Last Updated: 3/8/2021
 species ratings size baits, methods, locations
Crappie Slow 8 to 12 inches crappie are  usually close to structure and breaks. Try jigs, minnows. Recent sampling show a nice population of 10 - 14 inch crappie.  
Channel catfish Sow 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 Slow most bass in the 13 to 16 inch range some bass are suspended in deeper water, some are in the feeder creeks and shallow water, with jigs, spinners, gizzard shad plugs, most about 13-16 inches, around structure. 5 to 7 pounds are fairly common. Fish the creek mouth where the fresh water comes in and the fish are stacked up. 
General Comments

 The best way to measure social distancing is with a fishing pole. This lake has limited shoreline access so please spread out, social distance.  Crappie have been starting to pick up on minnows or dark jigs. Largemouth bass can be good but fish the deeper water in the trees for suspended fish.  Fishing is cooler in the evening or at night.

 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. 

Sign up for the Mound City Fishing District Newsletter today! 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 -

- Last Updated: 3/8/2021
Species Rating Size Baits, Method, & Location
Channel catfish Slow varies Go fishing, the fish have to eat. try bluegill chunks, chicken livers or cut shad, lake wide. Fish population sampling lots of nice channel catfish from 7 to 12 pounds.  Fish feeders are OFF and there are a lot of fish around these.  Gearup for big channel catfish.  We recently stocked channel catfish so the density is even higher.  
Largemouth bass Slow varies 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  
Walleye POOR  varies also try the dam and rocky structure in the south half of the lake with jigs or minnows  
Crappie Slow some small fish but some real good ones also, with 50 limit crappie are usually along dam and brush piles on the windy side, use minnows and dark jigs, recently bigger fish over 11 inches reportedly caught, fish the windy side.  
Comments

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.  The lake is full pool and the water is clear. Go fishing, the fish have to eat.   Remember the length and creel limits.

Due to a leak in the dam water levels can be low and will remain low until financing and approval for repair are made. The channel catfish population in this lake is doing well.  

Recently there were 1,000 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), we'd like to remind y

Also there have been some very sizeable largemouth bass (up to 6 lbs) caught- try deeper weedbeds and brush piles with your spinners, jigs. 

This is a great family fishing lake with good shoreline access and bathrooms. 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 

With questions about this lake call Donald George, Fisheries Biologist, at 913-795-2218, or Bourbon County at 620-223-3800.

CRITZER LAKE -

 Last Updated: 3/8/2021
Species Rating Size Baits, Method, Location
Largemouth Bass Slow 13 to 18 inches with a few at 22 inches Currently the lake is at full pool, water clarity is great at this time. Work the  flats close to deeper drop offs and rocky areas, some larger fish available up to 8 pounds, best luck with dark colored jipnpigs, plastic worms, crank baits in  close to cover.  The majority of fish are in the 12 inch to 4 pound range. 
Smallmouth Bass Poor 13 to 15" A limited fishery exists some are taken on jigs, spinners, along the dam and rocky areas.
Channel Catfish Slow 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 Off for the season.  We recently stocked several thousand channel catfish into the lake to boost the population. 
Crappie Slow any size 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. Try areas the flats dropoff to deeper water.
Walleye Slow  most between 12 to 17 inches Recent sampling indicates good numbers of  fish (17.5 to 22 inches) are available. Some are taken on jigs tipped with worms, spinners, dam and upper creek channel
General Comments

The best way to measure social distancing is with a fishing pole.  Water levels are normal.  Go fishing, the fish have to eat.  Some good bass and catfish were caught this week. The fish feeder is OFF.  

Recently there were 1,500 channel catfish 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. 

This lake was sampled on 5/23/2018, and many largemouth bass were caught and released, varying in size (nothing over 4 lbs.), as well as a few smallmouth bass. There is a lot of cover in this lake and electrofishing may not catch bigger fish.  There is a great channel cat population, with a lot of fish in the 2 to 8 pound range.  There are a few walleye between 14 and 21 inches were seen as well.  White crappie are abundant and caught close to cover, with light colored jigs.  The water is clear unless there have been heavy rains.

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 

FORT SCOTT CITY LAKE -

 Last Updated: 3/8/2021
Species Rating Size Baits, Method, & Location
largemouth and spotted bass Slow varies The water level is good.   Try shad crank baits, soft plastic baits close to fish structure, the deeper side of weed beds and along rocky points. 

channel and flathead

catfish

 Slow varies, some very nice There is a good population of channel catfish, many around 3-4 pounds.  Fish are lakewide, use 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 2,000 larger channel catfish into this lake. 
walleye 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 Crappie usually close to structure and breaks.  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

The best way to measure social distancing is with a fishing pole. Ft Scott Lake has 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 about 900 xmas trees were placed at each end of the dam and along Sciortino Park.  The tree placement along the dam are very accessible for shoreline anglers.  This project is 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.




GARNETT CITY LAKE - NORTH - Last Updated: 3/19/2021

Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Crappie Fair 8-14 inches Use live bait or various colored jigs near dropoffs or brush piles in deeper water.
Channel catfish Fair 8-30 inches Livers, shad sides, or other prepared baits along ledges or windy banks. 
Largemouth Bass Slow-Fair up to 5lbs.  Slow rolling big spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, or swimbaits up shallow on warm days, or working jigs or jerkbaits near same habitat may net a few bites.
Wipers Fair up to 6 lbs Chicken livers or crankbaits fish 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!

For more information on waters in Woodson, Coffey, Anderson, and Allen counties, click the following link to sign up for the New Strawn District Fisheries Newsletter.http://kdwpt.state.ks.us/news/KDWPT-Info/News/Newsletter-Request-Forms/Request-a-Newsletter-for-the-New-Strawn-Fishing-District


GARNETT SOUTH -

Last Updated: 3/19/2021
Species Rating Size Baits, Methods, and Location
Current Fishing Opportunity      
       
Largemouth Bass Slow-Fair up to 5lbs.  Slow-rolling big spinnerbaits or working big swimbaits slowly near the shallows. Crankbaits, Rattletraps, or jerkbaits may be worth a try when the water temps. warm up a little more.
Bluegill Slow up to 8 inches Small jigs or flies, also bobber with a worm
Channel Catfish Fair 8-24 inches chicken livers, cut bait or other prepared bait lakewide.
Crappie Slow-Fair 6-10 inches Various colored jigs fished in deep water near structure.
Trout    

Season starts Nov. 1 and runs thru April 15. This is a Type 1 trout water which means all anglers 16 or older is required to have a trout permit. 

Trout can be caught on a variety of lures such as small jigs, spinners, and flies. They may also be caught on prepared baits.
       

Comments: 

Please remember to CLEAN, DRAIN, and DRY your boats and livewells to help stop the spread of ANS species. For more information on this lake and other lakes in Anderson, Allen, Coffey, and Woodson Counties, click on the link below to subscribe to the New Strawn District Fisheries Newsletter.

 http://kdwpt.state.ks.us/news/KDWPT-Info/News/Newsletter-Request-Forms/Request-a-Newsletter-for-the-New-Strawn-Fishing-District

Comments: 

Please remember to CLEAN, DRAIN, and DRY your boats and livewells to help stop the spread of ANS species. For more information on this lake and other lakes in Anderson, Allen, Coffey, and Woodson Counties, click on the link below to subscribe to the New Strawn District Fisheries Newsletter.

 http://kdwpt.state.ks.us/news/KDWPT-Info/News/Newsletter-Request-Forms/Request-a-Newsletter-for-the-New-Strawn-Fishing-District


MOUND CITY LAKE -

 - Last Updated: 3/8/2021
Species Rating Size Baits, Method, &amp;amp; Location
Channel Catfish Slow Size varies but most are of  legal size, with some large fish Try stink baits, chicken liver, cut shad or chunks of sunfish. The lake supports high number of 2 to 8 pounders, in the lake.  The creek in the south end maybe excellent right after a hard rain. We recently stocked channel catfish to expand the population.  F
Bluegill/Redear Sunfish Slow varies Use small baits, jigs or small worm under a float set for shallow water, fish are in shallow spawning
Crappie Slow 8 to 14 inches some larger Crappie are in prespawn mode, try deeper areas adjacent to shallow flats. 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 Slow varies Fish are in prespawn mode.  Work the edges. Recent sampling indicates a good population with majority of fish 14 to 19 inches.  some up to 7 pounds.  Bass are in the deeper edges., try  plastics, jig and Pig, slabs
General Comments

Lake is iced over.  The best way to measure social distancing is with a fishing pole.   This lake has great shoreline angling, lots of room to spread out, for social distancing.  Warm weather will really speed up the fishing.  Water level is good and clear.  Go fishing, the fish have to eat.  Water conditions are good.  The catfish and crappie are very nice this year.

Mound City Lake has a great reputation for producing good strings of crappie.  Best baits are  dark colored jigs and minnows, mainly around underwater structure.  Fish feeders are Off.  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)

Sign up for the Mound City 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 

Get the kids, get your friends and Go Fishing. Remember to "CLEAN, DRAIN AND DRY" your boats, trailers and equipment.


PLEASANTON CITY LAKE - EAST -

-    Last Updated: 3/8/2021
Species Rating Size Baits, Method, &Location
Wipers Slow size varies, on windy days fish shoreline downwind. Use live bait or shad imitations, and hang on. lake wide trolling with sassy shads, with crankbaits, spoons, worms.  Majority of fish are in the 3 to 5 pound range.   
Channel catfish Slow All sizes, this lake has a good catfish population and produces nice fish.  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, lakewide.  Gear up for these big channels.  We recently stocked 2000 channel catfish.  The fish feeders are Off for the season. 
Largemouth bass Slow varies lots of bass with a balanced population. try dropoffs, and the deep side of weed bed habitat.  Try using silver or blue crank baits or soft baits.   Lots of bass in the 12 to 15 inch range. 
Walleye Slow 18-24 inches An incidental fish taken near deeper habitat.
White Crappie Slow 8-14 inches The crappie are improving and are in the 8 inch to 12 inches long. Fish around the floating dock, and brushpiles areas of deeper water.  Use pink, blue/white tube or green jigs, minnows.  Fish the creek mouth where the fresh water comes in and the fish are stacked up.
General Comment

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.  Warm weather will really speed up the fishing.  This 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, as well as some sizeable flatheads.  Channel catfish, 2,800 are stocked in mid October to increase 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: 3/8/2021
Species Rating Size Baits, Method, &amp;amp; Location
channel catfish Slow Size varies, some up to 8 pounds Excellent fishery, lots of channel catfish,  Use cut shad or sunfish, (best on chicken liver), shrimp, worms, prepared baits, along dam, lots of fat fish from 2 - 6 pounds.  Fish feeders are Off.  This lake is a great channel catfish lake with great shoreline access. This lake has 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 Slow All sizes Density and quality of fish is good.  The crappie are in deeper water around 7 ft.   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 Slow 12-22 inches water levels are good. The bass are moving to the deeper edges work the water willow edges. Use crank baits or spinners, recent sampling shows many bass over 18 inches.
bluegill Slow varies Most fish are under 8 inches. use a small worm or jig under a float.
General Comments

The best way to measure social distancing is with a fishing pole.    This lake has great shoreline angling, lots of room to spread out, for social distancing.  Warm weather will really speed up the fishing.  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!  Recently there were 2,800 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 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.

YATES CENTER RESERVOIR - NEW -

- Last Updated: 3/19/2021
Species Size Rating Baits, Methods, Locations
Redear and Bluegill up to 10" Slow A good population of both species is present in this lake. Use the good ol nightcrawler or mealworm under a bobber or small jigs around the water willow or timber.
Largemouth Bass 8-18" Slow Slow-rolling swimbaits or spinnerbaits near points and dropoffs or working crankbaits along the rocky banks. Fish will start to bite better when the water temps. get into the upper 40's and 50's. 
Catfish up to 10lbs. Fair Shad sides fished on windy flats will probably be most productive or the upper end where water comes in.
Wipers/White Bass 8-18" Fair  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.
Crappie up to 12" Fair-Good Fishing around the standing timber near ledges or the creek channel with various colored jigs will probably be the most productive.
Walleye 15-24" slow Working crankbaits along the rocky shorelines or dam.
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.


YATES CENTER - SOUTH OLD LAKE - OWL

-   Last Updated: 3/19/2021
Species Rating Size Baits, Method & Location
Largemouth bass Slow-Fair 1-5 lbs. Slow rolling big spinnerbaits and swimbaits or working vibrating jigs or crankbaits up in the shallows on warm sunny days may get a few bites. Bass will start biting better when water temps get closer to 50 and above.
channel catfish Fair 1/2-15 lbs Using shad sides on wind blown banks should get a few bites.
Walleye Slow 10-24" Vertical jigging spoons or small jigs near dropoffs in deeper water.
crappie Fair-Good up to 14" Crappie are in deeper water, look for them around the Georgia cubes or along the creek channel breaks. Various colored jigs fished vertically.
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.

We sank 30 Georgia Cube Fish Attractors in this lake and they are holding fish. Click on the following link to download the Google Earth File and get the coordinates. http://ksoutdoors.com/KDWPT-Info/Locations/Hunting-Fishing-Atlas/Fishing-Atlas/GPS-KML-Information-Files/Google-KMZ-file-of-Artificial-Habitat-Fish-Attractor-GPS 

District Fisheries Newsletter. http://kdwpt.state.ks.us/news/KDWPT-Info/News/Newsletter-Request-Forms/Request-a-Newsletter-for-the-New-Strawn-Fishing-District


STREAMS

MARAIS DES CYGNES RIVER -

 -  Last Updated: 3/8/2021
Species Rating Size Baits, Method, & Location
blue, channel catfish Slow varies fish in the river are concentrated below riffles, stink baits, cut shad, liver, 
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

This area has shoreline angling, lots of room to spread out, for social distancing.  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.  

Some of the wildlife area pools are flooded or draining and contain fish trapped by the recent flooding.  Rough and some game fish are available.  Access to the river is at the Marais des Cygnes Wildlife Area. For additional opportunities call 913-352-8941 for accurate information on wildlife pool drainage.

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. 



NEOSHO RIVER AT CHETOPA DAM -

- Last Updated: 5/28/2020

Species Rating Size Baits, Method, & Location
Paddlefish     Paddlefish snagging season is currently closed.
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.

 



State Reports

Kansas Region 1 NW | Region 2 NE | Region 3 SW | Region 4 SCen | Region 5 SE

Other States Arkansas | Colorado | Iowa | Missouri | Nebraska | Oklahoma | Texas

Angler Reports

Kansas | Arkansas | Colorado | Iowa | Missouri | Nebraska | Oklahoma | Texas  

 

 

 
Website

Shopping Cart  

Copyright 1999-2021 by The Kansas Angler -737 S. Washington #6 - Wichita, KS 67211 - 316-265-6668
Questions or problems with this website should be directed to webmaster.