Kansas is home to some first-rate fishing locations. There are many places where you can fish, including frequently stocked fishing lakes, reservoirs, and more than 200 local lakes and ponds. If you’re a non-resident aged 16 and above, you need a valid non-resident fishing license to fish in public areas. Residents aged 16 through 74 should have a resident hunting or fishing license to cast a line in Kansas.
Fishing Spots in Kansas
Here are some of the best fishing spots in Kansas. You’ll find plenty of crappie fishing in the state, along with a variety of other fish to catch.
Glen Elder Reservoir
Also known as Waconda Lake, Glen Elder Reservoir sits 12 miles west of Beloit, straddling Osborn County and Mitchell County. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation initially constructed this 12,586-acre reservoir to control floods and support irrigation. The reservoir has a depth of 55 feet, so ensure you have the right equipment to fish in deep waters. Crappie, white bass, walleye, black bass, and catfish are some of the fish species you will find here.
Cheyenne Campground is along the lake and has water and electric hookups. Kanza Campground has water and electric hookups, showers, and a dock.
Severy City Lake
Severy City Lake is situated in the southern part of the town of Severy, about 64 miles east of Wichita. The surrounding areas are well-kept, and you will have access to numerous picnic shelters and a boat ramp. Although gas-powered motors are not allowed, the lake is suitable for shore fishing, kayaks, and canoes. You’ll find numerous fish species, including channel catfish, redear sunfish, largemouth bass, and bluegill. Toot’s Drive-In in Howard is a quaint burger joint serving great dinners and breakfasts. It’s just 15 minutes south on Highway 99.
Lake Scott
Lake Scott is another top-rated fishing spot in Kansas. This 115-acre lake sits close to Scott City within Lake Scott State Park, and it ranks as the best bluegill lake in Kansas. Try fishing the little bays and coves or directly in front of the dam in the morning or evening. For better results, try casting a piece of worm beneath a small bobber. Besides bluegill, you will find other species like saugeye, which can weigh up to 7 pounds.
There are a few RV campgrounds in the park where you can stay. Circle Drive Campground has a few full hookup sites and others that have electric and water. There are also lots of primitive sites around the park.
Chase State Lake
Chase State Lake is a 109-acre lake located 75 miles northeast of Wichita in a stunning Flint Hills Valley near Cottonwood Falls. There are zebra mussels at this lake, which means that you cannot transport live fish or water from here to another lake or pond. The super-clear water and the rock shoreline provide above-average angling for largemouth bass. Other fish species found here include bluegill, saugeye, and channel catfish.
Cowley State Lake
Cowley State Lake is an 84-acre lake located 75 miles south of Wichita and about 16 miles east of Arkansas City. It’s a beautiful public property with a perfect blend of grasslands and timber. Cowley State Lake is ranked third-best in Kansas among bass anglers, with average catches weighing more than 5 pounds. Some of the species you will catch here include bluegill, channel catfish, redear sunfish, crappie, and walleye.
Lake Eureka
Lake Eureka is a unique destination for fishing in Kansas. This 259-acre lake sits approximately four miles north of Eureka, near the small airport. White crappie, green sunfish, bluegill, bass, and saugeye are among the fish species found in this lake. Anglers have rated the lake as Kansas’s best lake for white crappie. When you get tired of fishing, unwind and enjoy boating and swimming on the public beach. There are also picnic areas, restrooms, and campgrounds near the lake.
Lake Olathe
Lake Olathe is a 172-acre lake that sits one mile west of Olathe in Jackson County. The lake features a big park area for children to play in if they get tired of fishing. It’s home to a wide variety of fish species, including panfish, largemouth bass, wipers, bluegill, flathead catfish, white crappie, and saugeye.
Where to Fish in Kansas
When planning for fishing in Kansas, start with Wichita. The city features more than 30 publicly accessible fishing destinations, which are well-stocked by the state. This makes it easy and convenient to cast a line and make a great catch. Besides, some of the good fishing spots in Wichita are conveniently in parks with modern amenities like playgrounds and restrooms, making them ideal for families with young kids.
Camping and Fishing in Kansas
Before you head out on your fishing trip in Kansas, look over your rig and ensure you have everything you need. Bring along a cooler and ice to transport your catch home, or at least back to the RV fridge. Besides those items, pack the right fishing gear, including sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, rain gear, warm clothing, and a life jacket.
The state of Kansas offers exceptional spots for anglers who like freshwater fishing. Whether you are after teasing trout, fishing for predators on the water or from the shore, or you want to teach your children how to fish, Kansas has everything you want.
With an RV rental, your fishing trip will be a little more comfortable! After you’ve spent a long day fishing, grill up your catch right at your campsite. Then, retire inside to enjoy all the comforts of home onboard your RV. Plan your perfect fishing getaway with an RV rental from RVshare.
