Hey, all you fishing fanatics! Are you looking for the perfect spot to catch big, juicy bass? Well, look no further because I’m here to tell you about Kansas’s best bass fishing spots. You won’t believe what impressive catches await you and your family in these great locations.
From quaint streams across the state to huge reservoirs begging for a line, Kansas has something special for everyone who loves casting their reel into rich waters filled with hungry bass. So come along on this journey with me as we explore the best places to catch that dream fish!
Best Bass Fishing Locations in Kansas
Kansas offers a variety of excellent bass fishing locations for anglers looking for their next big catch. Under each location, you’ll find specific details about the area, including dimensions, historical information, tips for fishermen, and the commonly found fish species.
1. La Cygne Reservoir
History and Information for Fishermen
La Cygne Reservoir is a 2,600-acre impoundment located in Linn County, Kansas. Built in 1973 as a cooling lake for a power plant, it has become a prime location for bass fishing due to its warm water temperatures. The reservoir features diverse habitats, including submerged timber, rocky points, and aquatic vegetation. There is a fishing dock and boat ramps available for public use. The warm water discharge from the power plant attracts baitfish and bass, making the area near the discharge a hotspot for anglers. Fishing with spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and plastic worms can yield great results.
Commonly Found Fish Species
- Largemouth Bass - Smallmouth Bass - Spotted Bass - White Bass - Crappie
2. Wilson Lake
History and Information for Fishermen
Wilson Lake is a 9,000-acre reservoir located in Russell County, Kansas. Completed in 1964, it was built as part of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers flood control project. The lake’s clear water and rocky structure make it an ideal habitat for smallmouth bass. Wilson Lake also offers a variety of fishing opportunities, including shore fishing, boat fishing, and even kayak fishing. For easy access, anglers can find several marinas and boat ramps around the lake. The Hell Creek area is well-known for its smallmouth bass population, and using finesse techniques with soft plastic baits can be very effective.
Commonly Found Fish Species
- Smallmouth Bass - Largemouth Bass - White Bass - Walleye - Striped Bass
3. Milford Lake
History and Information for Fishermen
Milford Lake, situated in Geary County, Kansas, is the largest reservoir in the state, spanning over 15,700 acres. Completed in 1967, it was also built as part of a flood control project. The lake’s diverse habitat, which includes submerged timber, rocky shoreline, and shallow flats, makes it a popular destination for bass anglers. Milford Lake has multiple boat ramps, fishing docks, and campgrounds available for visitors. The Farnum Creek area is known for its largemouth bass population, and flipping or pitching jigs and soft plastics around submerged timber can be highly productive.
Commonly Found Fish Species
- Largemouth Bass - Smallmouth Bass - Spotted Bass - White Bass - Channel Catfish
4. Perry Reservoir
History and Information for Fishermen
Perry Reservoir, located in Jefferson County, Kansas, covers an area of 11,150 acres. Constructed in 1966, it serves as a water supply and recreational area. The reservoir features a variety of habitats, including standing timber, rocky points, and flooded vegetation, which provide excellent cover for bass. Public boat ramps, fishing docks, and other amenities are available around the lake. The Delaware River arm of the reservoir is a popular spot for largemouth bass fishing. Anglers may find success using topwater lures, jerkbaits, and soft plastic baits around these structures.
Commonly Found Fish Species
- Largemouth Bass - Smallmouth Bass - White Bass - Crappie - Channel Catfish
5. Cheney Reservoir
History and Information for Fishermen
Cheney Reservoir, located in Reno County, Kansas, covers an area of 9,537 acres. Completed in 1965, it serves as a water supply, flood control, and recreational area. The reservoir features a variety of habitats, including submerged timber, rocky points, and underwater humps, which provide excellent cover for bass. Public boat ramps, fishing docks, and other amenities are available around the lake. Anglers may find success using crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and soft plastic baits around these structures.
Commonly Found Fish Species
- Largemouth Bass - White Bass - Walleye - Channel Catfish - Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass)
6. Clinton Reservoir
History and Information for Fishermen
Clinton Reservoir, situated in Douglas County, Kansas, spans over 7,000 acres. Completed in 1977, it was built as part of a flood control and water supply project. The lake’s diverse habitat, which includes standing timber, rocky shoreline, and aquatic vegetation, makes it an attractive destination for bass anglers. Clinton Reservoir has multiple boat ramps, fishing docks, and campgrounds available for visitors. The Wakarusa River arm of the reservoir is a popular spot for largemouth bass fishing. Anglers may succeed using topwater lures, jerkbaits, and soft plastic baits around these structures.
Commonly Found Fish Species
- Largemouth Bass - White Bass - Crappie - Channel Catfish - Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass)
7. Tuttle Creek Reservoir
History and Information for Fishermen
Tuttle Creek Reservoir, located in Pottawatomie County, Kansas, covers an area of 12,500 acres. Constructed in 1962, it serves as a flood control and water supply reservoir. The lake features a variety of habitats, including standing timber, rocky points, and underwater ledges, which provide excellent cover for bass. Public boat ramps, fishing docks, and other amenities are available around the lake. Anglers may find success using crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and soft plastic baits around these structures.
Commonly Found Fish Species
- Largemouth Bass - Smallmouth Bass - White Bass - Crappie - Channel Catfish
8. El Dorado Reservoir
History and Information for Fishermen
El Dorado Reservoir, situated in Butler County, Kansas, spans over 8,000 acres. Completed in 1981, it was built as part of a flood control and water supply project. The lake’s diverse habitat, which includes standing timber, rocky shoreline, and aquatic vegetation, makes it an attractive destination for bass anglers. El Dorado Reservoir has multiple boat ramps, fishing docks, and campgrounds available for visitors. The Nescatunga Creek arm of the reservoir is a popular spot for largemouth bass fishing. Anglers may succeed using topwater lures, jerkbaits, and soft plastic baits around these structures.
Commonly Found Fish Species
– Largemouth Bass
– Smallmouth Bass
– White Bass
– Crappie
– Channel Catfish
9. Marion Reservoir
History and Information for Fishermen
Marion Reservoir, located in Marion County, Kansas, covers an area of 6,200 acres. Completed in 1968, it serves as a flood control, water supply, and recreational area. The reservoir features a variety of habitats, including submerged timber, rocky points, and underwater humps, which provide excellent cover for bass. Public boat ramps, fishing docks, and other amenities are available around the lake. Anglers may find success using crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and soft plastic baits around these structures.
Commonly Found Fish Species
- Largemouth Bass - White Bass - Walleye - Crappie - Channel Catfish
10. Melvern Reservoir
History and Information for Fishermen
Melvern Reservoir, situated in Osage County, Kansas, spans over 6,930 acres. Completed in 1972, it was built as part of a flood control and water supply project. The lake’s diverse habitat, which includes standing timber, rocky shoreline, and aquatic vegetation, makes it an attractive destination for bass anglers. Melvern Reservoir has multiple boat ramps, fishing docks, and campgrounds available for visitors. The Marais des Cygnes River, arm of the reservoir, is a popular spot for largemouth bass fishing. Anglers may succeed using topwater lures, jerkbaits, and soft plastic baits around these structures.
Commonly Found Fish Species
- Largemouth Bass - Smallmouth Bass - White Bass - Crappie - Channel Catfish
Kansas is an incredible state for bass fishing and offers various occasions to catch huge bass. Whether you’re searching for the top lake, river, or stream – there are several stunning locations in every waterfront area of Kansas. Experience the exhilaration as you land a big one! Nothing beats the adrenaline rush of reeling in that winning treble hook. Follow our tips, and find yourself among your friends boasting about Kansas’s best bass fishing spots! If this article has inspired you to explore Kansas further, be sure to read our other articles – including what time of day is best for bass fishing.
FAQs about Ozark Bass
1. What is an Ozark Bass?
An Ozark Bass (Ambloplites constellatus) is a species of freshwater fish belonging to the sunfish family, Centrarchidae. It is native to the Ozark region of the United States, primarily in Arkansas and Missouri.
2. What do Ozark Bass look like?
Ozark Bass have a deep, laterally compressed body with a large mouth and sharp teeth. They are typically greenish-brown with dark vertical bars along their sides and a pale belly. Adult males develop bright orange or red coloration during the breeding season.
3. How big do Ozark Bass grow?
Ozark Bass typically grow to be around 5 to 8 inches in length, although some individuals can reach up to 10 inches. Their weight usually ranges from 0.5 to 1 pound.
4. What is the natural habitat of Ozark Bass?
Ozark Bass are found in clear, cool streams and rivers with rocky substrates in the Ozark Plateau region. They prefer areas with moderate to swift currents and tend to inhabit shallow waters near rocks, boulders, and submerged vegetation.
5. What do Ozark Bass eat?
Ozark Bass are carnivorous and feed primarily on aquatic insects, crayfish, and small fish. They are ambush predators, hiding among rocks and vegetation before striking at their prey.
6. How do Ozark Bass reproduce?
Ozark Bass spawn from late spring to early summer when water temperatures reach 60-70°F. Males build nests in shallow water by clearing a circular area on the substrate. Females lay eggs in the nest, and males fertilize them externally. Males then guard the nest and protect the eggs and newly hatched fry from predators.
7. Are Ozark Bass good for sport fishing?
Yes, Ozark Bass are popular among anglers due to their aggressive nature and willingness to strike at various types of lures and baits. They put up a strong fight for their size, making them an enjoyable catch.
8. Can Ozark Bass be eaten?
Ozark Bass are edible, with firm, white meat that has a mild flavor. They can be prepared in various ways, such as pan-frying, grilling, or baking. However, they are not commonly targeted for consumption due to their relatively small size.
9. Are Ozark Bass endangered or threatened?
Currently, the Ozark Bass is not considered to be endangered or threatened. However, their populations may be susceptible to habitat degradation and pollution, so practising responsible fishing and conservation efforts is essential to ensure their continued survival.