Region 4 Fishing Reports

New Fishing Newsletter

All KDWPT fisheries districts will shortly be offering a fishing newsletter that can be sent out to all that want it. The newsletters are aimed at keeping anglers informed about fishing opportunities and information in their areas of interest. The first few editions of the Cheney Fisheries District have been completed and are ready for distribution.

Zebra Mussels

Zebra mussels can be found attached to rocks lakewide and are expanding their population. Zebra mussel veligers are too small to be seen with the unaided eye and they can be found in boat livewells, minnow buckets, boat bilges, water toys and anything else that is capable of holding even a small amount of water. Be sure to drain all equipment before leaving the lake to avoid moving veligers to other waters. THIS INCLUDES MINNOW BUCKETS, BOAT LIVEWELLS AND BILGES!!!

Zebra mussel numbers decreased at Cheney in 2011; however, anglers and boaters should still use caution to avoid moving adults and veligers from the lake.

Click HERE to learn how to prevent the spread of zebra mussels.

White Bass and Wiper

Fair to Good

Up to 16"

White bass and wipers can generally be found on dropoffs, submerged islands, and on windblown points. Trolling crankbaits, jigging spoons, or casting lures are good ways to catch white bass and wipers. Try the breaks between M&M point and the dam as well as up by Walleye Island. Fall netting indicated that wiper numbers are still high, although the average size of fish has decreased compared to the last few years. Few white bass were sampled, but a few 10-15" white bass were sampled. The white perch are still likely negatively affecting the white bass population.

Walleye

Fair to Good

Up to 28"

Fish on main lake points and dropoffs during the cold-water season. Fish with fire-tiger shad raps or shad imitation crankbaits. As soon as late February and early March arrive, start casting along the rocks and dam. Walleye catch during test netting was down a bit from last year. There are still really good numbers of walleyes and they should generally be bigger in 2012 than in past years.

Crappie

Fair

Up to 15"

Traditional crappie fishing may be difficult due to low water around brush and rip rap. Find structure and you will likely find crappie.

Channel Catfish

Good

Up to 10 lb

Cutbait or stinkbait generally produce lakewide.

White Perch

There are many catchable size white perch (10+") in the lake. Fall netting results indicate that white perch numbers continue to decrease and average size has again increased. We still have a long way to go in controlling this invasive species, but it looks like we're on the right track. It looks like the white perch got a good spawn off in 2011, but high densities of walleyes and wipers will hopefully control their numbers.

White perch cannot be used as live bait, but they do make good cut bait. For tips on identifying a white perch from a white bass, wiper or striped bass click HERE.

All white perch in your possession must be dead. It is illegal to posses live white perch.

KDWPT will be releasing the recently completed “Kansas Crappie Bonanza” video on February 17, 2012. This 25-minute video covers Kansas crappie fishing during spring, summer, fall, and winter with tips and tactics to make you a better crappie angler. Visit the KDWPT homepage on February 17^th and click on the Kansas Crappie Bonanza link to view the video! You can find a preview of the video HERE.

This is a generic winter fishing report covering the fishing forecast for the upcoming 2012 fishing season. Regular weekly fishing reports will resume in March 2012.

The lake is about four feet low, the Fish Cove and Wenzel boat ramp is unusable due to shallow water. Beware of underwater hazards like islands and stumps.

New Fishing Video

KDWPT will be releasing the recently completed “Kansas Crappie Bonanza” video on February 17, 2012. This 25-minute video covers Kansas crappie fishing during spring, summer, fall, and winter with tips and tactics to make you a better crappie angler. Visit the KDWPT homepage on February 17^th and click on the Kansas Crappie Bonanza link to view the video!

You can view a promotional video for the Kansas Crappie Bonanza HERE.

This is a generic winter fishing report. Weekly fishing reports will return March 2012. The report will be updated if a hot winter time bite develops such as ice fishing.

Zebra Mussels

New Fishing Newsletter

We have created a fishing newsletter that can be sent out to all that want it. This newsletter is for fishing information for the El Dorado District(Cowley,Butler, Chase, & Morris counties) only.

Channel Catfish

The lake has a good population of channel catfish. Winter time catfish angling is usually pretty tough as these fish slow down in winter.

Saugeye

The lake has had a very good saugeye population that last number of years and anglers have begun to actively pursue these fish within the reservoir. Saugeye typically occupy much shallower water than walleye and many anglers fish underneath them. Don't be afraid to fish "too shallow" as more than likely the saugeye will be there! Saugeye can be caught throughout the reservoir in a variety of habitats including mud flats, rip-rapped shorelines, and rocky breaks. Saugeye can be caught casting or trolling crankbaits, casting plastic baits, or vertical jigging. Tipping plastics with live bait can entice strikes from those less aggressive.

During winter months, focus on sharp breaks from shallow to deep water. Use larger jig and plastic combos and work them slowly. Tipping with a large minnow is a good cold water tactic to entice inactive saugeye.

White Bass

White bass will continue to be active during the winter months especially while the water temps are still above 45F. White bass will hit jigs and crankbaits, just remember to slow your presentations as the water temps continue to drop. Once January and February arrive, vertical fishing will be the most productive. Jigs or spoons worked along points and river channels is a productive winter time approach.

Wiper

The wiper continue to grow in the lake. Increasing numbers of fish now exceed the 18-inch minimum length limit. See white bass for tips on catching winter time wiper.

Wiper are usually caught along with the white bass so be sure to examine your catch closely as there is a 18-inch length limit and 2/day creel on wipers! Click HERE for information on properly identifying white bass and wipers.

White Crappie

The lake provides very good crappie fishing opportunities during the winter months. Crappie traditionally concentrate along the dam, off the mainlake points, and in the deeper coves as the water cools. Vertical fishing with jigs is hard a hard to beat cold water tactic. A dead sticking presentation with the occasional 'twitch' of the rod tip is usually all that is needed. Creek channels with timber and brushpiles are ideal spots. Creel limit 20/day

0.7 feet below normal pool releasing 3 CFS. Click HERE for water level information.

New Kansas Crappie Fishing Video

KDWPT will be releasing the recently completed “Kansas Crappie Bonanza” video on February 17, 2012. This 25-minute video covers Kansas crappie fishing during spring, summer, fall, and winter with tips and tactics to make you a better crappie angler. Visit the KDWPT homepage on February 17^th and click on the Kansas Crappie Bonanza link to view the video!

You can view a promotional video for the Kansas Crappie Bonanza HERE.

This is a generic winter time fishing report for El Dorado Reservoir. Weekly updated fishing reports will return in March 2012. Trout reports will continue to be updated and other hot bites that may develop will also be added to the report.

Fishing Newsletter

We have created a fishing newsletter that can be sent out to all that want it. This newsletter is for fishing information for the El Dorado District(Cowley,Butler, Chase, & Morris counties) only.

You can view past newsletters from across the state HERE.

Zebra Mussels

Zebra mussel veligers (larval zebra mussels) are too small to be seen with the unaided eye and they can be found in boat livewells, minnow buckets, boat bilges, water toys and anything else that is capable of holding even a small amount of water.

Be sure to drain all equipment before leaving the lake to avoid moving veligers to other waters. THIS INCLUDES MINNOW BUCKETS AND BOAT LIVEWELLS AND BILGES!!!

CLEAN DRAIN & DRY Every Lake, Every Time!

Click HERE to learn how to prevent the spread of zebra mussels. REMEMBER!! Zebra Mussels are also present in the Trout Area below the dam!!

Blue catfish

A few blues are being caught incidental to other species with most ranging 12 to 20 inches in length. No real pattern as the fish are being caught at a wide range of depths on a variety of baits. Blues favor the river channel areas and they will hit crankbaits, live bait (shad and crawlers), or other artificials.

We are finding tagged blue catfish this year during sampling, so be sure to check any blues you catch for tags. See info below.

The majority of these fish are below the 35-inch minimum length limit and must be released immediately. Take time to properly identify your catfish catch. Click HERE for information on how to properly identify your catch.

During July 2005, the Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks stocked 600 tagged blue catfish in to El Dorado Reservoir. The stocked fish ranged in length from 10 to over 23 inches. The minimum length limit for blue catfish at El Dorado is 35 inches so nearly all tagged fish will need to be released. The tag is located at the base of the dorsal fin and is yellow in color. If you catch a tagged fish at El Dorado Reservoir record the 5-digit number on the tag, measure the length of the fish, promptly release the fish with the tag intact, note the location the fish was caught, and contact the fisheries biologist at 316-322-7513. Information received from anglers regarding tagged blue catfish will provide useful information to the biologists and will assist in the tracking of the population. Thank you for your assistance!

Wiper

The lake has good numbers of legal wiper this fall and the fish are in good condition. Fish in the 24 and 25-inch range have been reported by anglers this year. Fish continue to be caught on crankbaits, slabs, and plastics. As temps fall in the lower 40s look for fish along river channels, rock humps, and breaks where vertical fishing with spoons or plastics will be your best bet.

We stocked 1.3 million wiper fry on 5/23/2011.

We stocked 40,000 wiper fingerlings on 6/13/2011

Be sure to properly ID your catch as there is there is an 21-inch minimum length limit and 2/day creel limit on wiper.. Click HERE for tips on identifying wipers.

White bass

White bass numbers are up during 2011 and angler catch has increased as well. There are abundant larger white bass (up to 2 lbs) available and also good numbers of smaller whites present to provide fishing opportunities in the near future. Look for cold water whites in the upper arms of the lake near rip rapped causeways and creek channels. Blade baits, spoons, and jigs are all good choices for vertical fishing during winter months.

Wipers can be caught along with white bass so it is important to properly identify your catch before putting it on a stringer. Click HERE for tips on identifying wipers.

White Perch

Bait anglers are catching white perch in depths 15 to 20 feet deep on nightcrawlers with very small hooks. Anglers pulling spinners with nightcrawlers are also picking up white perch. Slab spoons with a small jig 18-inches above the spoon are producing white perch, (as well as white bass and wiper).Most of the white perch are 6 to 9-inches in length. Remember it is illegal to posses live white perch. Click HERE for info on properly identifying white perch.

White crappie

Crappie are active throughout the winter months and usually concentrate by mid to late December. Concentrations of fish can be found on deep water brush or submerged timber, channel ledges, and man made brushpiles. A boat is very helpful to persue coldwater crappie as finding cover and fish with electronics is key to angler success. Jigs are the bait of choice during winter but occasionally small spoons can be a hot bait.

Channel Catfish

Channel cat density and size has improved during 2011. Catch rates increased during the 2011 fall test netting sample. Winter time catfish don't interest anglers much as the cats are pretty slow in the cold water. Look for good catfishing after ice out, especially a heavy shad winter kill occurs.

Walleye

Walleye will remain active throughout the winter months. As the water cools, your presentation must slow accordingly. Larger baits tipped with large live minnows are good winter time walleye tactic.

THE WALLEYE LENGTH LIMIT IS 21-INCHES WITH A 2/day CREEL LIMIT.

Rainbow Trout

Good

10 to 19-inches

Trout were stocked February 9, 2012. 635 trout were stocked.

Ice update: No ice present as of 9am 2/9/2012.

Trout have been caught on PowerBait and cheese recently. Spinners, spoons, and jigs also producing some fish. Trout in 1 to 1 1/2 pound range have been caught recently.

A trout permit is required to fish at the El Dorado Trout Stream.

2.4 feet low, releasing 5 CFS. Click Here for the most up to date lake level information.

Thoroughly scout the Wildlife Area ramps before attempting to launch as conditions are changing on a daily basis--look for posted signs regarding ramp status. Low water conditions are exposing many shallow areas far from shore creating boating hazards. Keep a close eye on the depth finder while boating and go slow in areas that you are unfamiliar with. Obstacles are changing weekly as water levels continue to drop. BE CAREFUL OUT THERE!

ZEBRA MUSSEL & WHITE PERCH WARNING! El Dorado Reservoir and the Walnut River below the reservoir contain zebra mussels and white perch. Take zebra mussel control precautions when leaving the lake, Trout Area, and Stilling Basin. For information on Zebra Mussels click Here.

Want to share your own fishing report? Go to KDWPT REG4 Public Fishing Report Blog.

Zebra Mussels

Zebra mussels can be found attached to rocks lakewide. Zebra mussel veligers are too small to be seen with the unaided eye and they can be found in boat livewells, minnow buckets, boat bilges, water toys and anything else that is capable of holding even a small amount of water. Be sure to drain all equipment before leaving the lake to avoid moving veligers to other waters. THIS INCLUDES MINNOW BUCKETS, BOAT LIVEWELLS AND BILGES!

Channel Cat

Fair

All Sizes

In the cooler weather months, channel cat can be caught on a variety of baits such as; liver, stinkbait, and shrimp. Drifting and fishing with shad sides or small, whole shad has proven to be very productive. If fishing from shore try off of jetties or near any rocky or woody areas.

White Crappie

Fair

up to 12"

Crappie tend to congregate in large schools as the water cools. Fish around brushpiles and creek channel dropoffs with small jigs or spoons.

Walleye

Fair

Up to 18"

As the water cools walleye tend to push shad into shallower water. Try casting shad colored crankbaits and plastics near rocky shorelines. If fishing from a boat, using slab spoons has proven to be productive in the cooler months.

White Bass

Fair

Up to 2 lbs

As the water continues to cool, white bass will be feeding on young-of-the-year shad. Good bait choices for this time of year are crankbaits, plastics, and slab spoons. Target white bass in areas where they will be chasing shad, such as; points, ledges, and humps.

Wiper

Fair

1-5 lbs

In the fall and winter months, fish with shad-like crankbaits or twister tail jigs off of wind blown shorelines and points. Wiper can also be found near brushpiles and other structure this time of year.

This is a generic fishing report covering the upcoming fall and winter season. Regular weekly fishing reports will resume in March 2012.

Local fishing reports depend on information from anglers like YOU! To provide fishing information on this lake or any in the Sedgwick, Marion or Harvey County area, please contact Jessica at 316-683-8069 or click here to email Jessica.

Blue-Green Algae: Current advisories and warnings are listed here: http://www.kdheks.gov/algae-illness/algae_advisories.htm

Crappie

Fair

8" to 10"

Small minnows and jigs. There are a few nice crappie in the lake although most are fairly small.

Bluegill

Fair

Up to 8"

Worms under a bobber.

Channel Catfish

Fair

2-4 lbs.

Stink bait in the mornings and evenings. Some really nice catfish hang out around structure.

Largemouth Bass

Fair

12" to 18"

Fish shallow brush. Some bass approaching 5 lb were sampled this year.

KDWPT will be releasing the recently completed “Kansas Crappie Bonanza” video on February 17, 2012. This 25-minute video covers Kansas crappie fishing during spring, summer, fall, and winter with tips and tactics to make you a better crappie angler. Visit the KDWPT homepage on February 17^th and click on the Kansas Crappie Bonanza link to view the video! You can find a preview of the video HERE.

This is a generic winter fishing report covering the fishing forecast for the upcoming 2012 fishing season. Regular weekly fishing reports will resume in March 2012.

New Fishing Video

KDWPT will be releasing the recently completed “Kansas Crappie Bonanza” video on February 17, 2012. This 25-minute video covers Kansas crappie fishing during spring, summer, fall, and winter with tips and tactics to make you a better crappie angler. Visit the KDWPT homepage on February 17^th and click on the Kansas Crappie Bonanza link to view the video!

You can view a promotional video for the Kansas Crappie Bonanza HERE.

This is a generic winter fishing report. Weekly fishing reports will return March 2012.

New Fishing Newsletter

We have created a fishing newsletter that can be sent out to all that want it. This newsletter is for fishing information for the El Dorado District (Cowley,Butler, Chase, & Morris counties) only. To subscribe, click HERE .

Channel Catfish

Butler contains a very good population of channel catfish. Cats over 20lbs are caught each year and fish in the teens are not uncommon. There is a length limit of 15-inches and a creel limit of 2/day. From May through September fish feeders are operated at the lake and anglers have good success in these areas on sponge, dip, and stink baits as well as fresh cut baits. Action slows as water temps fall. Good cold weather baits are cut shad or shad guts. Look for the deeper water for the cold water cats which can be found along the dam and along the north and south shorelines in the western end of the lake.

Length limit is 15 inches and creel limit is 2/day.

Largemouth Bass

Butler is a great lake for both size and numbers of largemouth bass and usually ranks near the top in the statewide Fishing Forecast. Fish exceeding six pounds are sampled during the annual spring electrofishing surveys and anglers report catching bass exceeding seven pounds. Bass can be found in all areas of the lake. The water clarity at Butler is usually on the dingy side so large baits are a good idea. The lake contains good levels of forage species which the bass prey upon including shad, bluegill, and the very abundant black crappie population. Cold water tactics at Butler include large slash baits and large plastics or jig-n-pig combos.

Black Crappie

The black crappie population at Butler is dominated by smaller individuals in the 5 1/2 to 7-inch length range. Although the high numbers of these fish can provide fast action at certain times, anglers should not expect to catch many quality sized black crappie at the lake. The crappie concentrate in the winter months near the old channel and can be caught vertically fishing jigs. When the water begins to warm in the spring anglers do well fishing shallow with jig/minnow and bobber combos. The daily creel limit is 50/day on crappie at Butler and anglers are encouraged to harvest this over-abundant species.

Bluegill

Bluegill are numerous at Butler and provide good fishing opportunities for kids and novice anglers. Bluegill can be caught during the warmer months on live bait fished under a bobber near vegetation, woody cover, or rocks. Few anglers pursue bluegill at Butler during the colder months.

Redear Sunfish

Redear sunfish numbers are much lower than the bluegill numbers but the quality is better. An occasional 9-inch redear is caught but fewer anglers target this species as it more difficult to catch on rod and reel. Redear normally inhabit deeper water than the bluegill and they are normally found closer to the bottom. Fishing bits of nightcrawler on a light split shot rig on the bottom is a good spring/summer tactic for redear. Few anglers chase the redear during the colder months.

Use caution while launching at the boat ramp as low water conditions continue.

New Fishing Video

KDWPT will be releasing the recently completed “Kansas Crappie Bonanza” video on February 17, 2012. This 25-minute video covers Kansas crappie fishing during spring, summer, fall, and winter with tips and tactics to make you a better crappie angler. Visit the KDWPT homepage on February 17^th and click on the Kansas Crappie Bonanza link to view the video!

You can view a promotional video for the Kansas Crappie Bonanza HERE.

This is a generic winter fishing report. Weekly fishing reports will return March 2012.

New Fishing Newsletter

We have created a fishing newsletter that can be sent out to all that want it. This newsletter is for fishing information for the El Dorado District (Cowley,Butler, Chase, & Morris counties) only. To subscribe, click HERE .

Channel Catfish

Chase offers quality channel catfish fishing opportunities. Numbers of fish are good and sizes run up to the mid-teens with fish over 20 lbs occasionally taken. Fish in the 3 to 5 lb range are much more common. Three fish feeders are operated at the lake from mid-May through September. Anglers do well fishing from the fishing piers on the north side of the lake throughout spring, summer, and fall. Catfish action slows during the coldest months but some die hard anglers find the cats in the deeper water in the eastern portion of the lake. Harvest regulations include a 15-inch minimum length limit and 5/day creel limit.

Largemouth Bass

Anglers do well on largemouth bass at the lake fishing the rocky shorelines, water willow beds, fishing piers, or backs of the coves depending on the time of the year. The first hint of warming waters in the spring will find the fish in the shallows in the coves and even on the mudflats in the upper end of the lake. Although the lake does not produce many 'lunker' sized bass, anglers may find fish approaching 20-inches with most in the 14 1/2 to 17-inch range.

There is a 13 to 18 inch slot limit on Largemouth Bass in effect at the lake.

Saugeye

The 2011 fall test netting again showed low density of catchable sized saugeye at the lake. However, good numbers of young saugeye were observed during night time electrofishing samples in October indicating much needed recruitment from stockings needed to increase adult densities. Anglers should expect fair saugeye fishing in 2012.

Spotted Bass

The spotted bass adds additional black bass opportunities at Chase. The spots are more often found a bit deeper than the largemouth and usually hang in the eastern portions of the lake favoring rocky habitat over the weedy.

White Bass

White bass are very cyclic at Chase being very numerous one year and nearly gone the next. Due to this sporadic nature they have not gained much attention from anglers except for the occasional incidental catch from those pursuing other species. During 2012, anglers should expect fishing for white bass to be fair.

Bluegil

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Chase produces good fishing for bluegill throughout most of the growing season. Anglers do well fishing close to the large rocks off of the fishing piers, next to weedy habitat, and close to the fish feeders shortly after feed has dropped. A simple rig including bobber, small hook, and live bait is all that is needed. These bluegill are great for getting a kid interested in fishing.

White Crappie

Crappie fishing can be good all year at the lake. Winter time anglers find the most success vertical fishing jigs over brushpiles and along the dam.

New Fishing Video

KDWPT will be releasing the recently completed “Kansas Crappie Bonanza” video on February 17, 2012. This 25-minute video covers Kansas crappie fishing during spring, summer, fall, and winter with tips and tactics to make you a better crappie angler. Visit the KDWPT homepage on February 17^th and click on the Kansas Crappie Bonanza link to view the video!

You can view a promotional video for the Kansas Crappie Bonanza HERE.

Fishing Newsletter

We have created a fishing newsletter that can be sent out to all that want it. This newsletter is for fishing information for the El Dorado District (Cowley,Butler, Chase, & Morris counties) only. To subscribe, click HERE .

Black Crappie

No recent reports available.

Black crappie are rated fair for 2011. Anglers should expect most fish to be in the 7 to 9-inch range with an occasional fish over 10-inches.

Bluegill

Fair

up to 7-inch

Few recent reports.

Although few lunker sized bluegill are available at Cowley, action can be fast and furious on fish to 7-inches during the spring spawn. The clear waters at Cowley make detecting the spring spawning beds a snap. Bluegill are a great fish to introduce kids to fishing.

Channel Catfish

Good

Up to 6 lbs

Stinkbaits and livers off of the piers and along the south shoreline.

Channel catfish have been rated good for the 2011 fishing season. The three fish feeders are popular with fishermen with two being accessible from shore.

15-inch minimum length limit 5/day creel limit

Largemouth Bass

Fair to Good

up to 19-inch

Plastics and other baits that mimic crayfish. The water is currently very clear and most fish have been found at depths near 7 feet. We saw some very nice bass while conducting the spring electrofishing sample this year.

Anglers should expect good fishing for largemouth bass in 2011. Numbers remain good with fish up to 4 1/2 pounds. The lake contains a variety of fish holding structure that will interest most anglers.

Redear Sunfish

Cowley produces quality sized redears with some approaching 12-inches in length! The 2010 fall test netting sample showed a decline in density for 2011. Anglers have good success fishing shallow for redears early in the spring as the water begins to warm and also later in to the summer fishing live bait on the bottom in deeper (7 to 10 feet) water.

Crappie

Fair

8-14 inches

Fish brush with jigs and minnows. Mostly small crappie were captured in nets this fall. Good crappie fishing might be a year out at Kingman.

Channel catfish

Good

Up to 10 lbs

Fish with stinkbait or cutbait. Kingman is a really good catfish lake, fish near structure and off the jetties.

Largemouth Bass

Fair

12-23 inches

Use slow-moving artificial baits or large live bait during winter. Kingman has a relatively low-density largemouth bass population, but big fish approaching 8 lb are caught annually at the lake.

Northern Pike

Good

24-42 inches

The fall and winter can be good times to catch pike. Cast rattletraps or spinners lakewide. Look for yellow tags and report tag numbers and length of fish to Jeff at 620-459-6922.

White Perch

3-12 inches

White perch are being caught frequently by anglers. It is illegal to possess live white perch.

KDWPT will be releasing the recently completed “Kansas Crappie Bonanza” video on February 17, 2012. This 25-minute video covers Kansas crappie fishing during spring, summer, fall, and winter with tips and tactics to make you a better crappie angler. Visit the KDWPT homepage on February 17^th and click on the Kansas Crappie Bonanza link to view the video! You can find a preview of the video HERE.

This is a generic winter fishing report covering the fishing forecast for the upcoming 2012 fishing season. Regular weekly fishing reports will resume in March 2012.

KDWPT biologists are conducting a northern pike study at the lake. Be on the lookout for northern pike tagged with small, yellow tags (see picture) near the dorsal fin. If you catch a tagged pike, call Jeff at 620-459-6922. Pike up to 13 lb. were sampled this spring.

White perch have been found in the lake, and they can become a fisheries management nightmare. If you catch a white perch, you must kill it; do not release it back into the water. Also, do not move fish from one body of water to another. To see what a white perch looks like, click HERE.

Channel catfish

Good

Up to 30"

Livers, stinkbait, and shrimp are good baits. Fish off the jetties and near any rocky or woody structure. Fall netting indicates that 2012 will be another tremendous year for catfishing at McPherson SFL.

Creel limit is 2 catfish per day and a 15" length limit.

Crappie

Fair

8-10"

Use small jigs and minnows around brush or rocks. A few bigger crappie were sampled this fall. The crappie fishing this spring should be a little better than in past years.

Largemouth bass

Good

Up to 5 lb.

Fish artificial baits slowly around cover. McPherson SFL should again be one of the top bass lakes in the state in 2012,

Saugeye

Fair

15"

A few saugeye were sampled this fall in gill nets. There probably isn't high enough densities to target quite yet, but anglers should be aware that a few have survived stocking and may be caught.

KDWPT will be releasing the recently completed “Kansas Crappie Bonanza” video on February 17, 2012. This 25-minute video covers Kansas crappie fishing during spring, summer, fall, and winter with tips and tactics to make you a better crappie angler. Visit the KDWPT homepage on February 17^th and click on the Kansas Crappie Bonanza link to view the video! You can find a preview of the video HERE.

This is a generic winter fishing report covering the fishing forecast for the upcoming 2012 fishing season. Regular weekly fishing reports will resume in March 2012.

Largemouth bass

Fair

2-6 lbs

No recent reports.

Channel catfish

Fair

1-5 lbs

No recent reports, lake is very low and fish will be congregated in remaining water.

Crappie

Fair

Up to 12"

No recent reports.

KDWPT will be releasing the recently completed “Kansas Crappie Bonanza” video on February 17, 2012. This 25-minute video covers Kansas crappie fishing during spring, summer, fall, and winter with tips and tactics to make you a better crappie angler. Visit the KDWPT homepage on February 17^th and click on the Kansas Crappie Bonanza link to view the video! You can find a preview of the video HERE.

The lake is very low and closed to any boating.

Zebra Mussel

Zebra mussels have been discovered in Council Grove City Lake. Click HERE for more information.

New Fishing Video

KDWPT will be releasing the recently completed “Kansas Crappie Bonanza” video on February 17, 2012. This 25-minute video covers Kansas crappie fishing during spring, summer, fall, and winter with tips and tactics to make you a better crappie angler. Visit the KDWPT homepage on February 17^th and click on the Kansas Crappie Bonanza link to view the video!

You can view a promotional video for the Kansas Crappie Bonanza HERE.

Bluegill

Fair

Up to 7-inch

A live bait and float combo is hard to beat for bluegill.

Crappie

Fair to Good

up to 12-inch

Check the brushpiles on the northern end of the dam, near the tower, or off the mainlake points. Jigs tipped with minnows is a good summer time tactic.

Channel catfish

Fair

up to 8 lbs

Crawlers and stinkbait on windy shorelines.

Largemouth bass

up to 3 lbs

Few recent reports

Spotted bass

Few recent reports

Walleye

Fair

up to 20-inch

Few recent reports. Jig and minnow combo fished on the flats would be a good bet or trolling crankbaits along the dam and off of the points.

The City of Council Grove requires Aquatic Nuisance Species certification of anglers and boaters at Council Grove City Lake. Go to ANS Certification to obtain the certificate. You must have this certificate in your possession while fishing and/or boating at Council Grove City Lake.

If you would like to read or share fishing reports, go to KDWPT Public Fishing Reports.

Bluegill

Fair

up to 1/2lb

With cooler water, fish for sunfish around structures and weed lines. It is best to use worms or small jigs this time of year.

Largemouth Bass

Fair

Up to 18 inches

When fishing for largemouth bass in the fall and winter, try jigs, plastic baits, spinner baits, or crank baits fished around structures or along weed lines.

White Crappie

Fair

8-12 inches

Crappie tend to congregate in large schools as the water cools. Fish around brushpiles and creek channel dropoffs with small jigs or spoons.

Channel Catfish

Good

1 lb plus

In the cooler weather months, channel cat can be caught on a variety of baits such as; liver, stinkbait, and shrimp. Drifting and fishing with shad sides or small, whole shad has proven to be very productive. If fishing from shore try off of jetties or near any rocky or woody areas.

Little Arkansas River

River is very low.

Channel Catfish

Good

1-4lbs

In the cooler weather months, channel cat can be caught on a variety of baits such as; liver, stinkbait, and shrimp. Drifting and fishing with shad sides or small, whole shad has proven to be very productive. If fishing from shore try off of jetties or near any rocky or woody areas.

White Crappie

Fair

up to 10-12"

Crappie tend to congregate in large schools as the water cools. Fish around brushpiles and creek channel dropoffs with small jigs or spoons

Largemouth Bass

Fair

All sizes

When fishing for largemouth bass in the fall and winter, try jigs, plastic baits, spinner baits, or crank baits fished around structures or along weed lines.

Saugeye

Fair

18" length limit

As the water cools saugeye tend to push shad into shallower water. Try casting shad colored crankbaits and plastics near rocky shorelines. If fishing from a boat, using slab spoons has proven to be productive in the cooler months.

White bass

Fair

12" +

As the water continues to cool, white bass will be feeding on young-of-the-year shad. Good bait choices for this time of year are crankbaits, plastics, and slab spoons. Target white bass in areas where they will be chasing shad, such as; points, ledges, and humps.

Channel Catfish

Fair

Up to 5 lbs

In the cooler weather months, channel cat can be caught on a variety of baits such as; liver, stinkbait, and shrimp. Drifting and fishing with shad sides or small, whole shad has proven to be very productive. If fishing from shore try off of jetties or near any rocky or woody areas.

Flatheads

Fair

Vary

Flatheads tend to feed energetically on large baits in the fall, and then become dormant in the cooler winter months.

White Crappie

Fair

Up to 12 inches

Crappie tend to congregate in large schools as the water cools. Fish around brushpiles and creek channel dropoffs with small jigs or spoons.

Largemouth Bass

Fair

8-22 inches

When fishing for largemouth bass in the fall and winter, try jigs, plastic baits, spinner baits, or crank baits fished around structures or along weed lines.

Saugeye

Fair

Up to 18 inches

As the water cools saugeye tend to push shad into shallower water. Try casting shad colored crankbaits and plastics near rocky shorelines. If fishing from a boat, using slab spoons has proven to be productive in the cooler months.

Bluegill

Fair

Up to 1 lb

With cooler water, fish for sunfish around structures and weed lines. It is best to use worms or small jigs this time of year.

White Bass

Fair

1 lb

As the water continues to cool, white bass will be feeding on young-of-the-year shad. Good bait choices for this time of year are crankbaits, plastics, and slab spoons. Target white bass in areas where they will be chasing shad, such as; points, ledges, and humps.

Wipers

Fair

1-5 lbs.

In the fall and winter months, fish with shad-like crankbaits or twister tail jigs off of wind blown shorelines and points. Wiper can also be found near brushpiles and other structure this time of year.

This is a generic fishing report covering the upcoming fall and winter season. Regular weekly fishing reports will resume in March 2012.

Boat inspections are MANDATORY at Marion County Lake to prevent the spread of Zebra Mussels and other Aquatic Nuisance Species. Protect our waters... don't forget to CLEAN, DRAIN, and DRY!

Blue-Green Algae: Current advisories and warnings are listed here: http://www.kdheks.gov/algae-illness/algae_advisories.htm

Channel Catfish

Good

Up to 5 lb.

Use cutbait or stinkbait lakewide. Fish on deep breaks and near rocky or woody structure.

Wiper

Fair

Up to 5 lb.

Look for schooling wipers chasing schools of shad. Hit up windblown points and dropoffs with rattletraps, jigs, or slab spoons. There is an excellent wiper population at Wellington. There are a few big fish, but lots and lots in the 15-20" range. Fishing for wipers should be great in 2012.

White Crappie

Good

Up to 14"

Fish for cold water crappies on channel edges and in deep water with structure. Good numbers of crappies can also be caught off the old dam.

Saugeye

Good

Up to 5 lb.

Look for saugeye in the new lake near dropoffs and near the cut in the old dam. Wellington will again be one of the better saugeye lakes in the state in 2012. About half of the saugeye captured during fall netting were of legal size. Early spring should be a good time to start casting the dams at the lake for good-sized saugeye.

Flathead Catfish

Fair

all sizes

Fish live bait near structure; flatheads approaching 60 lb were sampled from the lake this year.

KDWPT will be releasing the recently completed “Kansas Crappie Bonanza” video on February 17, 2012. This 25-minute video covers Kansas crappie fishing during spring, summer, fall, and winter with tips and tactics to make you a better crappie angler. Visit the KDWPT homepage on February 17^th and click on the Kansas Crappie Bonanza link to view the video! You can find a preview of the video HERE.

This is a generic winter fishing report covering the fishing forecast for the upcoming 2012 fishing season. Regular weekly fishing reports will resume in March 2012.

The lake is closed to boating due to low water. There are still fish to be caught from shore.

New Fishing Video

KDWPT will be releasing the recently completed “Kansas Crappie Bonanza” video on February 17, 2012. This 25-minute video covers Kansas crappie fishing during spring, summer, fall, and winter with tips and tactics to make you a better crappie angler. Visit the KDWPT homepage on February 17^th and click on the Kansas Crappie Bonanza link to view the video!

You can view a promotional video for the Kansas Crappie Bonanza HERE.

Zebra Mussels

Zebra mussels were verified in Winfield City Lake in December 2006. Lake users should follow recommended control practices found HERE .

Be sure to drain all equipment before leaving the lake to avoid moving veligers to other waters. THIS INCLUDES MINNOW BUCKETS AND BOAT LIVEWELLS AND BILGES!!!

Crappie

Fair

up to 14-inch

Anglers are finding crappie in the mouths of the coves on the south side of the lake in the deeper water near timber.

Channel catfish

Good

up to 2 to 6 lb

On livers and shad.

Black bass

Few recent reports.

White bass

Fair

up to 15-inch

Slab spoons on the old road and along the dam.

Wipers

Fair

up to 5 lb

Trolling crankbaits or working slab spoons along the old road bed and along the dam.

We stocked 300,000 wiper fry on 5/23/2011

Walleye

Slow

up to 22-inch

Look for fish on the old road and along the breaks on the south side of the lake. Trolling crankbaits and slab spoons will be good choices this time of the year.

Minimum length limit 18 inches.

The City of Winfield requires additional permits for anglers using the lake. Stop in to the lake office before fishing at the lake.

All improved boat ramps have been closed due to the low water conditions. Launching is still possible from shoreline areas. Stop by the main Lake Office for info.

If you would like to read or share fishing reports, go to KDWPT Public Fishing Reports.

Channel Catfish

Good

all sizes

Fish for coldwater catfish with cutbait in deep water and around structure.

Crappie

Fair

up to 14"

Hit up cover with jigs and minnows. This fall's sample for crappie was again excellent. Lots of 10+" fish. Spring crappie fishing should be good again in 2012.

Largemouth Bass

Fair

Up to 18"

Fish any cover with lures or live bait.

Saugeye

Fair

Up to 18"

Use live bait or shad imitation lures in shallow water, especially on windblown shores. During early spring, throw crankbaits on the dam. A good number of chunky sub-legal and keeper-sized saugeye were captured in netting this fall.

KDWPT will be releasing the recently completed “Kansas Crappie Bonanza” video on February 17, 2012. This 25-minute video covers Kansas crappie fishing during spring, summer, fall, and winter with tips and tactics to make you a better crappie angler. Visit the KDWPT homepage on February 17^th and click on the Kansas Crappie Bonanza link to view the video! You can find a preview of the video HERE.

This is a generic winter fishing report covering the fishing forecast for the upcoming 2012 fishing season. Regular weekly fishing reports will resume in March 2012.

Crappie

Fair

Crappie tend to congregate in large schools as the water cools. Fish around brushpiles and other structures with small jigs or spoons.

Channel Cat

Good

3/4lb plus

In the cooler weather months, channel cat can be caught on a variety of baits such as; liver, stinkbait, and shrimp. Drifting and fishing with shad sides or small, whole shad has proven to be very productive. If fishing from shore try off of jetties or near any rocky or woody areas.

Bluegill

Fair

Up to 1/2lb

With cooler water, fish for sunfish around structures and weed lines. It is best to use worms or small jigs this time of year.

White Perch

Rainbow Trout

Good

To catch trout try small spinners, spoons, flies, small crankbaits, power bait, worms, or corn.

Largemouth Bass

Poor

Up to 2lbs

When fishing for largemouth bass in the fall and winter, try jigs, plastic baits, spinner baits, or crank baits fished around structures or along weed lines.

Crappie

Fair

Up to 12 inches

Crappie tend to congregate in large schools as the water cools. Fish around brushpiles and other structures with small jigs or spoons.

Channel Catfish

Good

3/4 lb plus

In the cooler weather months, channel cat can be caught on a variety of baits such as; liver, stinkbait, and shrimp. Drifting and fishing with shad sides or small, whole shad has proven to be very productive. If fishing from shore try off of jetties or near any rocky or woody areas.

Bluegill

Fair

Up to 1/2lb

With cooler water, fish for sunfish around structures and weed lines. It is best to use worms or small jigs this time of year.

Rainbow Trout

Good

To catch trout try small spinners, spoons, flies, small crankbaits, power bait, worms, or corn.

Channel Catfish

Good

3/4lb plus

In the cooler weather months, channel cat can be caught on a variety of baits such as; liver, stinkbait, and shrimp. Drifting and fishing with shad sides or small, whole shad has proven to be very productive. If fishing from shore try off of jetties or near any rocky or woody areas.

Largemouth Bass

Fair

Up to 3lbs

When fishing for largemouth bass in the fall and winter, try jigs, plastic baits, spinner baits, or crank baits fished around structures or along weed lines.

Crappie

Fair

Up to 10 inches

Crappie tend to congregate in large schools as the water cools. Fish around brushpiles and other structures with small jigs or spoons.

Bluegill

Good

Up to 1/2lb

With cooler water, fish for sunfish around structures and weed lines. It is best to use worms or small jigs this time of year.

.

Channel Catfish

No Rating

3/4 lb plus

Largemouth Bass

Fair

Up to 2lbs

When fishing for largemouth bass in the fall and winter, try jigs, plastic baits, spinner baits, or crank baits fished around structures or along weed lines

Channel Catfish

Fair

3/4lbs plus

In the cooler weather months, channel cat can be caught on a variety of baits such as; liver, stinkbait, and shrimp. Drifting and fishing with shad sides or small, whole shad has proven to be very productive. If fishing from shore try off of jetties or near any rocky or woody areas.

Channel Catfish

Fair

3/4lb plus

In the cooler weather months, channel cat can be caught on a variety of baits such as; liver, stinkbait, and shrimp. Drifting and fishing with shad sides or small, whole shad has proven to be very productive. If fishing from shore try off of jetties or near any rocky or woody areas.

Largemouth Bass

Fair

Up to 2lbs

When fishing for largemouth bass in the fall and winter, try jigs, plastic baits, spinner baits, or crank baits fished around structures or along weed lines.

Bluegill

Fair

Up to 1/2lb

With cooler water, fish for sunfish around structures and weed lines. It is best to use worms or small jigs this time of year.

Channel Catfish

Fair

3/4 lb and up

In the cooler weather months, channel cat can be caught on a variety of baits such as; liver, stinkbait, and shrimp. Drifting and fishing with shad sides or small, whole shad has proven to be very productive. If fishing from shore try off of jetties or near any rocky or woody areas.

Bluegill

Fair

Up to 1/2lb

With cooler water, fish for sunfish around structures and weed lines. It is best to use worms or small jigs this time of year.

Wipers

Fair

In the fall and winter months, fish with shad-like crankbaits or twister tail jigs off of wind blown shorelines and points. Wiper can also be found near brushpiles and other structure this time of year.

Saugeye

Fair

As the water cools saugeye tend to push shad into shallower water. Try casting shad colored crankbaits and plastics near rocky shorelines. If fishing from a boat, using slab spoons has proven to be productive in the cooler months.

Crappie

Fair

Up to 10 inches

Crappie tend to congregate in large schools as the water cools. Fish around brushpiles and other structures with small jigs or spoons.

Largemouth Bass

Fair

Up to 2lbs

When fishing for largemouth bass in the fall and winter, try jigs, plastic baits, spinner baits, or crank baits fished around structures or along weed lines.

Channel Catfish

Good

3/4lbs plus

In the cooler weather months, channel cat can be caught on a variety of baits such as; liver, stinkbait, and shrimp. Also, fishing with shad sides or small, whole shad has proven to be very productive.

Channel Catfish

Good

3/4lbs plus

In the cooler weather months, channel cat can be caught on a variety of baits such as; liver, stinkbait, and shrimp. Also fishing with shad sides or small, whole shad has proven to be very productive.

Crappie

Fair

Crappie tend to congregate in large schools as the water cools. Fish around brushpiles and other structures with small jigs or spoons.

Largemouth Bass

Poor

Up to 5 pounds

When fishing for largemouth bass in the fall and winter, try jigs, plastic baits, spinner baits, or crank baits fished around structures or along weed lines.

Channel Catfish

Good

1/3 lb plus

In the cooler weather months, channel cat can be caught on a variety of baits such as; liver, stinkbait, and shrimp. Drifting and fishing with shad sides or small, whole shad has proven to be very productive. If fishing from shore try off of jetties or near any rocky or woody areas.

Channel Catfish

Fair

3/4lbs plus

In the cooler weather months, channel cat can be caught on a variety of baits such as; liver, stinkbait, and shrimp. Also, fishing with shad sides or small, whole shad has proven to be very productive.

Largemouth Bass

Fair

Up to 18"

When fishing for largemouth bass in the fall and winter, try jigs, plastic baits, spinner baits, or crank baits fished around structures or along weed lines

Channel Catfish

Good

3/4lb plus

In the cooler weather months, channel cat can be caught on a variety of baits such as; liver, stinkbait, and shrimp. Also, fishing with shad sides or small, whole shad has proven to be very productive.

Largemouth Bass

Fair

Larger than 18"

When fishing for largemouth bass in the fall and winter, try jigs, plastic baits, spinner baits, or crank baits fished around structures or along weed lines.

Channel Catfish

Fair

3/4lb plus

In the cooler weather months, channel cat can be caught on a variety of baits such as; liver, stinkbait, and shrimp. Also, fishing with shad sides or small, whole shad has proven to be very productive.

Bluegill

Fair

Up to 1/2lb

With cooler water, fish for sunfish around structures and weed lines. It is best to use worms or small jigs this time of year.

Channel Catfish

Good

3/4lb plus

In the cooler weather months, channel cat can be caught on a variety of baits such as; liver, stinkbait, and shrimp. Also, fishing with shad sides or small, whole shad has proven to be very productive.

Channel Catfish

Fair

3/4lb plus

In the cooler weather months, channel cat can be caught on a variety of baits such as; liver, stinkbait, and shrimp. Also, fishing with shad sides or small, whole shad has proven to be very productive.

Channel Catfish

Good

3/4lbs plus

In the cooler weather months, channel cat can be caught on a variety of baits such as; liver, stinkbait, and shrimp. Also, fishing with shad sides or small, whole shad has proven to be very productive.

Channel Catfish

Fair

3/4lb plus

In the cooler weather months, channel cat can be caught on a variety of baits such as; liver, stinkbait, and shrimp. Also, fishing with shad sides or small, whole shad has proven to be very productive.

Channel Catfish

Fair

3/4lb plus

In the cooler weather months, channel cat can be caught on a variety of baits such as; liver, stinkbait, and shrimp. Also, fishing with shad sides or small, whole shad has proven to be very productive.

Channel Catfish

Fair

3/4lbs plus

In the cooler weather months, channel cat can be caught on a variety of baits such as; liver, stinkbait, and shrimp. Also, fishing with shad sides or small, whole shad has proven to be very productive.

Channel Catfish

Good

3/4 lb plus

In the cooler weather months, channel cat can be caught on a variety of baits such as; liver, stinkbait, and shrimp. Also, fishing with shad sides or small, whole shad has proven to be very productive.

Channel Catfish

3/4lbs plus

In the cooler weather months, channel cat can be caught on a variety of baits such as; liver, stinkbait, and shrimp. Also, fishing with shad sides or small, whole shad has proven to be very productive.

Rainbow trout

Excellent

10 to 18-inches

Trout will be stocked every other Thursday until spring.

Channel catfish

Good

1-5 lb

Nightcrawlers, cut bait, prepared baits, hot dogs.

Bluegill

Fair

Up to 8"

Near the bank and around structure on nightcrawlers.

KDWPT will be releasing the recently completed “Kansas Crappie Bonanza” video on February 17, 2012. This 25-minute video covers Kansas crappie fishing during spring, summer, fall, and winter with tips and tactics to make you a better crappie angler. Visit the KDWPT homepage on February 17^th and click on the Kansas Crappie Bonanza link to view the video! You can find a preview of the video HERE.

This is a generic winter fishing report covering the fishing forecast for the upcoming 2012 fishing season. Regular weekly fishing reports will resume in March 2012.

Channel Catfish

Good

1-3 lbs.

Stinkbait, nightcrawlers, shrimp, cutbait.

Largemouth bass

Fair

Up to 3 lbs.

A few bass caught on live bait and lures.

KDWPT will be releasing the recently completed “Kansas Crappie Bonanza” video on February 17, 2012. This 25-minute video covers Kansas crappie fishing during spring, summer, fall, and winter with tips and tactics to make you a better crappie angler. Visit the KDWPT homepage on February 17^th and click on the Kansas Crappie Bonanza link to view the video! You can find a preview of the video HERE.

White perch are present in Carey Park Fishing Pond. White perch are a nuisance species that are illegal to possess alive and SHOULD NOT be transported to other waters for any reason.

Zebra Mussels

Adult Zebra Mussels were found 7/31/08 at Lake Afton.

The zebra mussels reproduce during the warmer summer months and veligers (larval zebra mussels) are present in the water column. Zebra mussel veligers are too small to be seen with the unaided eye and they can be found in boat livewells, minnow buckets, boat bilges, water toys and anything else that is capable of holding even a small amount of water.

Be sure to drain all equipment before leaving the lake to avoid moving veligers to other waters. THIS INCLUDES MINNOW BUCKETS, BOAT LIVEWELLS AND BILGES!!!

Click HERE to learn how to prevent the spread of zebra mussels.

REMEMBER!! Zebra Mussels are also present in Clearwater Creek below the spillway!

White Perch

Fair

Up to 1 lb

Channel Catfish

Fair

1-3 lbs

In the cooler weather months, channel cat can be caught on a variety of baits such as; liver, stinkbait, and shrimp. Drifting and fishing with shad sides or small, whole shad has proven to be very productive. If fishing from shore try off of jetties or near any rocky or woody areas.

Saugeye

Fair

As the water cools saugeye tend to push shad into shallower water. Try casting shad colored crankbaits and plastics near rocky shorelines. If fishing from a boat, using slab spoons has proven to be productive in the cooler months.

Largemouth Bass

Fair

Up to 3 pounds

When fishing for largemouth bass in the fall and winter, try jigs, plastic baits, spinner baits, or crank baits fished around structures or along weed lines.

Crappie

Fair

Up to 10 inches

Crappie tend to congregate in large schools as the water cools. Fish around brushpiles and creek channel dropoffs with small jigs or spoons.

Bluegill Sunfish

Fair

Up to 1 lb

With cooler water, fish for sunfish around structures and weed lines. It is best to use worms or small jigs this time of year.

Channel Catfish

Fair

3/4 lb plus

In the cooler weather months, channel cat can be caught on a variety of baits such as; liver, stinkbait, and shrimp. Drifting and fishing with shad sides or small, whole shad has proven to be very productive. If fishing from shore try off of jetties or near any rocky or woody areas.

Largemouth Bass

Fair

When fishing for largemouth bass in the fall and winter, try jigs, plastic baits, spinner baits, or crank baits fished around structures or along weed lines.

Bluegill

Fair

With cooler water, fish for sunfish around structures and weed lines. It is best to use worms or small jigs this time of year.

This is a generic fishing report covering the upcoming fall and winter season. Regular weekly fishing reports will resume in March 2012.

Channel Catfish stockings will resume in March 2012

Local fishing reports depend on information from anglers like YOU! To provide fishing information on this lake or any in the Sedgwick, Marion or Harvey County area, please contact Jessica at 316-683-8069 or click here to email Jessica.

Blue-Green Algae: Current advisories and warnings are listed here: http://www.kdheks.gov/algae-illness/algae_advisories.htm