Guide To The Best Places To Fish in Kansas

Kansas offers a multitude of fantastic fishing destinations, catering to anglers of all skill levels and preferences. From expansive reservoirs to serene lakes and meandering rivers, the state provides diverse habitats for various fish species.

One of the best places to fish in Kansas is Milford Reservoir, also known as Milford Lake. Located in the Flint Hills region, Milford Reservoir is the state's largest lake and offers excellent fishing opportunities. Anglers can target a variety of species, including walleye, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, and catfish. The lake's expansive size and diverse structure, such as submerged humps, rocky shorelines, and standing timber, provide ample hiding places for fish and create exciting angling experiences.

Clinton Lake is another popular fishing destination in Kansas, situated near Lawrence. This 7,000-acre reservoir is known for its quality fishing opportunities, particularly for crappie, largemouth bass, white bass, and channel catfish. Clinton Lake features a variety of underwater structures, including submerged points, brush piles, and drop-offs, which attract fish throughout the year. Anglers can enjoy fishing from the shore, launching a boat, or exploring the lake's quiet coves and inlets.

Kansas is also famous for its river fishing, with the Kansas River being a notable hotspot. The Kansas River offers excellent opportunities to catch catfish, including channel catfish, flathead catfish, and blue catfish. Anglers can target these hard-fighting fish by using cut bait, live bait, or prepared stinkbaits. The Kansas River's scenic beauty and abundant wildlife create a serene fishing environment, providing a memorable angling experience.

The best season to fish in Kansas depends on the target species. Spring and fall are generally regarded as the prime seasons for fishing. During the spring, as water temperatures rise, fish become more active, feeding heavily in preparation for spawning. This period offers excellent opportunities to catch species such as crappie, largemouth bass, and catfish. In the fall, fish again become more active as water temperatures cool down, providing optimal conditions for targeting walleye, smallmouth bass, and other species.

It's worth noting that Kansas experiences hot summers, and fishing can slow down during the peak heat of the day. Early mornings and evenings are often more productive during this season, allowing anglers to take advantage of cooler temperatures and increased fish activity.

Kansas offers a wealth of excellent fishing spots, with Milford Reservoir, Clinton Lake, and the Kansas River standing out as top destinations. Anglers can target popular species such as walleye, bass, crappie, catfish, and more. Spring and fall are generally the best seasons to fish in Kansas, providing optimal conditions and increased fish activity. Whether you prefer lake fishing or river angling, Kansas provides a variety of options for anglers to explore and enjoy the thrill of catching fish in the heartland.

There are many great places to fish in The Sunflower State. Across the state, lakes deliver excellent fishing for a wide variety popular fish species. If you seek the best place to fish in Kansas, here are some helpful tips.

Kansas's Top-Five, Amazing Fishing Spots

These lakes have long held a reputation as a good fishery. While other lakes may drift into and out of this list year to year, these have proven consistent over time. Learn more...

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Most Popular Fish Species In Kansas

You can fish for both species of crappie three species of catfish, three species of bass, both stripers and wipers, walleye and numerous other popular species. Various species of sunfish thrive in most lakes and ponds across the state. Rainbow and brown trout can also be found at several fishing destinations. Learn more...

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Top Places To Fish For Crappie In Kansas

Crappie fishing is part of the DNA of many anglers in Kansas. And while each one has their favorite spots, these three are considered the best place to catch crappie by many slab chasers. Learn more...

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Best Lakes To Fish For Catfish In Kansas

The state record for flatheads and blues both exceed 100 pounds, and the state record for channel cats is over 36 pounds. These fertile waters grow big catfish, as well as deliver good quantities for consistent angler success. Learn more...

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Best Bass Fishing Lakes In Kansas

Big largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass all swim in waters throughout the state. Year over year a few other lakes might make this list, but these have long-standing reputations as some of the best places to fish in Kansas for bass. Learn more...

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Best Lakes For Striped Bass Fishing In Kansas

If you like catching big stripers, you can find them in over half of the major lakes in Kansas. Stripers over 40 pounds, and hybrid stripers over 20 pounds are not uncommon. These three lakes have been delivering great results, long enough to develop a reputation as some of the best striper fisheries in the state. Learn more...

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Best Walleye Fishing Lakes In Kansas

A majority of major lakes in the state are home to tasty walleye. The state record is over 13 pounds, and quality fish are common many of the top producing lakes. These three are a great place to start your quest for a nice fish fry or a trophy walleye. Learn more...

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Enjoy these top spots to go fishing in Kansas