Best Fishing Lake In Kansas
When it comes to finding the best fishing spots in Kansas, there is no shortage of options. With its abundance of lakes, rivers, and streams, this Midwestern state offers plenty of opportunities for anglers of all levels. Whether you’re a local looking for new spots to cast your line or visiting from out of town, we’ve compiled a list of the best fishing spots in Kansas to help you plan your next fishing excursion. From the serene lakes in the countryside to the bustling fishing hotspots in Kansas City, there’s something for everyone in this diverse state. So grab your gear and get ready to reel in some big catches at the best fishing spots in Kansas!
Kansas is known as the Sunflower State; however, it also has some amazing fishing spots. Whether you are fishing for bluegill or largemouth bass, you will find them in a variety of ponds and lakes throughout Kansas. Let’s take a look at all that Kansas has to offer for the fisherman.
Did you know that the state of Kansas has a generous amount of first-rate fishing locations? It features 24 reservoirs, over 200 local lakes, 40 fishing lakes, 150,000 plus fishing ponds, and in excess of 10,000 miles of streams. The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks works diligently to stock and ensure public access to the beautiful bodies of water across Kansas. Thanks to their hard work and dedication, you can create wonderful memories and bring home a stringer of fish at any of the wonderful lakes, ponds, and streams in Kansas.
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Types of Fish Found in Kansas
When fishing Kansas waters you will find a large sampling of fish. The best-known Kansas fish include catfish, walleye, largemouth bass, crappie, and different types of panfish; however, in some of the larger reservoirs, you will find walleye, saugers, striped bass, smallmouth bass, saugeye, and the hard-fighting wipers, which are hybrid striped/white bass.
The “Fishing Capital of Kansas” can be found north of Junction City about 5 miles at Milford Lake. This 16,000 prairie lake features 160 miles of shoreline and is home to lunker smallmouths, crappie, catfish, and white bass. Located on the northern side of the dam is Gathering Pond. This tranquil location is frequently stocked for novice fishermen and youth. It has piers and jetties to fish from and offers convenient access.
Keith Sebelius Reservoir Fishing
Keith Sebelius Lake is located in northwestern Kansas west of Norton about five miles. This 2,300-acre lake is known for its wiper. Cedar Bluff Lake is located about a 20-minute drive southeast of WaKeeney and is home to wiper and white bass. Finally, Webster Lake, located eight miles west of Stockton, features bass and walleye.
Clark State Fishing Lake is located in southwestern Kansas and features a curvy shoreline, shady cover, and numerous coves. This protected water, located 39 miles southeast of Dodge City has large populations of channel catfish, panfish, largemouth bass, white bass, and walleye.
El Dorado Lake, located 20 miles northeast of Wichita, features some of the best largemouth bass fishing in standing timber. Cheney Lake, located 20 miles west of Wichita, is the perfect location to fish for walleye in the late spring. Cheney Lake is a 9,500 reservoir that is also home to a large number of wipers, crappie, white bass, and channel catfish. Visit Big Hill Lake, located 16 miles northeast of Independence for panfish.
In addition to these well-known fishing spots, you can find lesser-known places across the state, including the Mined Lake Wildlife Area in Pittsburg. This area contains more than 200 abandoned mining strip pits that are filled with water. The trenches created offer an abundance of crappie, catfish, and bass. In the winter, these pits are stocked with trout. The Mined Land Wildlife Area is located in dense woodland and offers unparalleled tranquility.
The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks did not forget about urban areas in the state. City anglers can also enjoy the 77 lakes and ponds located around larger communities and cities in Kansas, including Topeka, Kansas City, and Wichita. For great urban fishing, check out one of the 77 stocked areas anytime between April and September.
The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks also offers entry to many private fishing spots throughout the state with its Fishing Impoundments and Stream Habitats Program, abbreviated F.I.S.H. This program leases fishing rights to streams and ponds found on the state’s ranches and farms. These locations provide anglers with the perfect spot to catch sunfish and catfish. The 150,000 farm ponds are home to a number of record fish. Anglers need not contact the landowner ahead of time; however, they are required to follow Kansas fishing regulations and respect the land and landowner.