The Best Catfish Fishing Locations In Kansas

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Are you an avid fisherman looking for exciting new places to test your skills and patience? If so, you should look into catfish fishing in Montana! With its numerous large rivers, forests and outdoor opportunities, the “Big Sky Country” is a fantastic destination for fishermen of all levels.

Here we will highlight some popular spots where you can have a successful day of fun while trying to tackle one of the most elusive fish there is: the catfish. So grab your gear, bait up that line and get ready as we explore some of Montana’s best locations for catching these tasty critters!

Best Catfish Fishing Locations in Kansas

Kansas offers a variety of excellent catfish fishing locations for anglers to explore. Here are some of the best spots, complete with historical information, dimensions, and specific tips for fishermen.

Milford Lake

Milford Lake is the largest man-made lake in Kansas, spanning over 15,700 acres. It was constructed in the 1960s by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as a flood control and water supply reservoir. The lake is known for its diverse fish population and is an ideal spot for catfish anglers.

Fish species commonly found in Milford Lake:

Tuttle Creek Reservoir

Tuttle Creek Reservoir, located near Manhattan, Kansas, is the state’s second-largest impoundment, covering 12,500 acres. The reservoir was created in the 1960s to provide flood control, water supply, and recreation opportunities. Tuttle Creek is known for its excellent catfish fishing opportunities, with several prime spots along its banks and feeder creeks.

Fish species commonly found in Tuttle Creek Reservoir:

Perry Lake

Perry Lake, situated in northeast Kansas, covers 11,150 acres and was constructed in the 1960s for flood control and water supply purposes. The lake is a popular destination for catfish anglers, offering numerous coves and underwater structures that provide ideal fishing spots.

Fish species commonly found in Perry Lake:

Cheney Reservoir

Cheney Reservoir, located in south-central Kansas, is an 11,000-acre lake constructed in the 1960s for flood control, water supply, and recreation. The reservoir features various underwater structures, including submerged trees and rocky areas, which provide excellent habitat for catfish.

Fish species commonly found in Cheney Reservoir:

El Dorado Lake

El Dorado Lake, situated in southeast Kansas, covers 8,000 acres and was created in the 1980s for flood control, water supply, and recreational purposes. The lake’s diverse underwater structure, including rocky points and submerged timber, provides excellent catfish fishing opportunities.

Fish species commonly found in El Dorado Lake:

Wilson Lake

Wilson Lake, located in central Kansas, is a beautiful 9,000-acre reservoir known for its crystal-clear water and scenic landscapes. Constructed in the 1960s for flood control, water supply, and recreation, this lake offers an abundance of rocky points and submerged structures, making it a prime location for catfish fishing.

Fish species commonly found in Wilson Lake:

Marion Reservoir

Marion Reservoir, situated in central Kansas, covers 6,200 acres and was constructed in the 1960s for flood control and water supply purposes. The reservoir is known for its abundant vegetation and shallow flats, providing excellent habitat for catfish and other fish species.

Fish species commonly found in Marion Reservoir:

  • Channel catfish
  • Blue catfish
  • Flathead catfish
  • Largemouth bass
  • Crappie

Glen Elder Reservoir (Waconda Lake)

Glen Elder Reservoir, also known as Waconda Lake, is a 12,500-acre lake located in north-central Kansas. The reservoir was created in the 1960s for flood control, water supply, and recreational purposes. With its extensive underwater structure and numerous coves, Glen Elder Reservoir is a popular destination for catfish anglers.

Fish species commonly found in Glen Elder Reservoir:

  • Channel catfish
  • Blue catfish
  • Flathead catfish
  • Walleye
  • White bass

John Redmond Reservoir

John Redmond Reservoir, located in east-central Kansas, is a 9,400-acre lake that was constructed in the 1950s for flood control and water supply purposes. The lake features several tributaries and ample underwater structure, providing excellent fishing spots for catfish and other species.

Fish species commonly found in John Redmond Reservoir:

  • Channel catfish
  • Blue catfish
  • Flathead catfish
  • Crappie
  • Largemouth bass

La Cygne Reservoir

La Cygne Reservoir, situated in eastern Kansas, is a 2,600-acre lake that was constructed in the 1970s as a cooling reservoir for a power plant. The lake’s warm water and abundant vegetation create an ideal habitat for catfish, making it a popular fishing destination.

Fish species commonly found in La Cygne Reservoir:

  • Channel catfish
  • Blue catfish
  • Flathead catfish
  • Largemouth bass
  • White bass

These fishing locations in Kansas offer anglers even more opportunities to catch trophy-sized catfish while enjoying the state’s diverse natural beauty.

Catfish Fishing Techniques

It’s essential to use the right techniques and strategies to maximise your chances of catching catfish. Here are some popular and effective catfish fishing methods that can help you reel in more fish.

Still-fishing with Bait

One of the most straightforward and successful techniques for catching catfish is still-fishing with bait. This method involves using a simple setup with a rod and reel, a sinker, a hook, and your choice of bait. Common baits for catfish include cut bait (chunks of fish), nightcrawlers, liver, shrimp, or specially made stink baits.

Cast your line near underwater structures or drop-offs where catfish are likely to be hiding. Keep your line tight and wait for the catfish to bite. Be patient, as it may take some time for the fish to find your bait.

Drift Fishing

Drift fishing is an active technique that involves casting your baited line into the water and allowing it to drift with the current or wind. This method covers more water and increases your chances of attracting catfish. Use a slip sinker or a float rig to keep your bait near the bottom, where catfish tend to search for food.

Jugging

Jugging is a unique catfish fishing technique that involves using multiple floating jugs or bottles with lines and baited hooks attached. The jugs are released into the water and allowed to drift. When a catfish bites the bait, the jug will be pulled under the water or move erratically, indicating a catch. This method allows you to fish multiple spots simultaneously and is especially useful when fishing large bodies of water.

Noodling

Noodling, also known as hand-fishing or grabbling, is an adventurous and hands-on technique for catching catfish. This method involves reaching into underwater holes or crevices where catfish tend to hide and grabbing the fish by hand. Noodling can be dangerous, as it requires putting your arm into unknown underwater spaces where other creatures may be hiding, so it’s essential to exercise caution and never attempt this method alone.

Slip Float Rigs

Using slip float rigs is an effective method for targeting catfish in specific depths. This rig consists of a sliding bobber, a stopper, a swivel, a leader, and a hook with bait. The stopper is adjustable, allowing you to set the depth at which your bait will be suspended. Cast your line near underwater structures or drop-offs, and adjust the depth as needed to find where the catfish are feeding.

By employing these catfish fishing techniques, you can increase your chances of catching these elusive fish and enjoy a successful day on the water.

FAQ

Q1: What is the best time of day to fish for catfish?

A: The best time of day to fish for catfish is typically during the early morning or late evening hours when they are most active and feeding. However, catfish can be caught throughout the day, especially on overcast days or in murky water conditions. Nighttime fishing can also be productive, as catfish rely on their sense of smell and taste to locate food, making them effective nocturnal hunters.

Q2: What type of fishing line should I use for catfish?

A: When targeting catfish, choosing a strong and durable fishing line that can withstand the fish’s size and power is essential. Monofilament or braided lines with a test strength of 15 to 30 pounds are ideal choices for catfish fishing. Monofilament lines offer good knot strength and abrasion resistance, while braided lines provide high sensitivity and low stretch, allowing you to feel even the slightest bites.

Q3: How do I properly handle and release a catfish?

A: Catfish have sharp spines on their dorsal and pectoral fins, which can cause injury if not handled carefully. To safely handle a catfish:
Use a sturdy pair of gloves or a thick towel to protect your hands.
Grasp the fish firmly behind its head, avoiding the spines, or use a lip-grip tool to hold the fish by its lower jaw.
Remove the hook using needle-nose pliers or a hook-removal tool. If the hook is deeply embedded, it may be best to cut the line and leave the hook in place, as it will eventually rust and fall out.
Gently lower the catfish back into the water, supporting its body until it swims away on its own.
By following these steps, you can ensure the safe release of catfish and help maintain a healthy fish population in your favorite fishing spot.