Bass Fishing In Kansas
Guide to fishing for spotted, smallmouth and largemouth bass.
By Rick Seaman
Kansas Bass Fishing
Bass fishing in Kansas is a beloved pursuit, cherished by anglers of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels. Few experiences rival the thrill of hooking into a largemouth or smallmouth bass, making it a timeless pastime that transcends cultural boundaries. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a novice angler eager to learn the ropes, mastering the art of bass fishing can be immensely rewarding. That's why this page is dedicated to offering invaluable insights and tips on bass fishing, providing a comprehensive guide on everything from bass fishing techniques to essential bass-catching strategies. Whether you're seeking advice on selecting the perfect lure or honing your casting skills, we're here to equip you with the knowledge and expertise needed to excel on the water. Dive into our wealth of information to discover the secrets of successful bass fishing and unlock the full potential of your angling endeavors.
Bass fishing basics video.
Bass Fishing In The State
Largemouth Bass Fishing In Kansas
Largemouth bass are the most abundant, and most pursued bass in Kansas. They are available in most warm-water lakes in the state, they tend to thrive in most water conditions and grow to bragging size in relative short order. Often called big mouth bass, or wide mouth bass, they are savvy predators that feed on most things that live in their territory. Bass in the 5 to 10-pound range are common in Kansas. The state record largemouth bass is over 11 pounds.
Finding & Catching Bigmouth Bass
Anglers can target big mouth bass in various lakes, reservoirs, and rivers. Spring and early summer are typically the best seasons for targeting largemouth bass as they are more active and feeding in the shallows near shoreline cover. Start with topwater baits, as they cover the water most efficiently. Reaction baits like crankbaits and spinnerbaits are the next choice. For finicky bass, plastic worms and jigs may entice a bite as you can move them very slowly around cover. In the heat of summer and the cold of winter bass move to deeper water, usually following the baitfish. Jigs, drop shot rigs and spoons are a good approach for bass holding in deep water. Vary your retrieve speed and action to find what the bass like today!
Smallmouth Bass Fishing In Kansas
While smallmouth bass don't grow as large as their cousin the largemouth, they make up the difference with tenacious fights. Known for long battles and spectacular jumps, smallies grow fat and strong but rarely exceed ten pounds. Their range and locations are often with or nearby the largemouths. The state record smallmouth bass is over 6 pounds.
Fishing for smallmouth bass often involves techniques such as casting with small jigs, crankbaits, or tubes, and focusing on rocky points, ledges, and drop-offs. Catching a smallmouth bass in Kansas offers an exciting challenge, and rewards anglers with a memorable experience.
Spotted Bass Fishing In Kansas
Spotted bass, also known as Kentucky bass, can be found in a few select lakes and reservoirs in Kansas. While less common than largemouth and smallmouth bass, spotted bass provide an additional opportunity for anglers seeking a different bass species to target. They exhibit similar behaviors and feeding habits as their larger cousins, and fishing techniques for spotted bass often overlap with those used for largemouth and smallmouth bass.
Kansas boasts several lakes and reservoirs renowned for their bass fishing opportunities. Milford Reservoir, Clinton Lake, and El Dorado Reservoir are among the top bass fishing destinations in the state, offering anglers ample chances to hook into quality bass. These bodies of water provide diverse habitats, including rocky points, submerged structures, and weed beds, which attract bass and create prime fishing conditions.
Best Bass Fishing Lakes In Kansas
You can find bass everywhere in Kansas. Visit the Bass Knowledge Center for additional, valuable information about bass and bass fishing. Private ponds, small lakes, rivers, streams and large impoundments all hold populations of bass. Some of these waters ice over in winter and allow for ice fishing. The most consistent stringers come from major lakes including Big Hill Lake, Cedar Bluff Lake, Clinton Lake, Coffey County Lake, Council Grove Lake, El Dorado Lake, Elk City Lake, Fall River Lake, Hillsdale Lake, Keith Sebelius Lake, Kirwin Reservoir, La Cygne Lake, Marion Reservoir, Melvern Lake, Milford Lake, Perry Lake, Pomona Lake, Toronto Lake, Tuttle Creek Lake, Webster Reservoir, Wilson Lake and Winfield City Lake.
Whether targeting largemouth, smallmouth, or spotted bass, Kansas offers a range of bass fishing experiences to suit anglers of all skill levels. With its abundance of lakes, reservoirs, and rivers, the state provides an angler's paradise for bass fishing enthusiasts. The combination of scenic landscapes, excellent fisheries, and the thrill of catching bass makes Kansas a top destination for bass anglers seeking memorable fishing adventures.
Bass In Kansas
Largemouth bass
World record: 22 lbs 4 oz
State Record: 11.80 lbs
Smallmouth bass
World record: 11 lbs 15 oz
State Record: 6.88 lbs
Spotted bass
World record: 9 lbs 8 oz
State Record: 4.44 lbs
Click the images and links above for species details.
Top 5 bass fishing lures for Kansas this year
When bass are shallow, spinnerbaits, crankbaits and top water lures are the most productive. As they move deeper, worms and jigs are among the top producers.
Kansas State Record Bass
The state record largemouth bass was caught from a private pit lake.
The state record smallmouth bass came from Milford Reservoir.
The state record spotted bass was caught out of Marion County Lake.
Bass are one of the most sought after of all the game fish. Its appeal spans cultures, age groups and genders to tap on the heart strings of anglers everywhere. Join us in our endeavor to offer information about bass fishing on your favorite bass lake in Kansas.
Understanding the primary seasonal movements of smallmouth bass and largemouth bass is key to locating them on local lakes in the Sunflower State.
Catch big bass!
Bass fishing information by state.
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