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Fly Fishing in Kansas

25 featured rivers, lakes and streams in Kansas, each with target species, a hatch chart and a map of nearby access.

Big Hill Lake (Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Crappie)
Known for its timber-filled coves and exceptional water clarity, it is one of the best 'stealth' bass lakes in the state.
Cedar Bluff Tailwater (Smallmouth Bass, Wiper, White Bass)
The Smoky Hill River below the dam offers unique habitat for smallmouth bass and wipers in a rugged, scenic canyon-like setting.
Chase State Lake (Largemouth Bass, Spotted Bass, Bluegill)
Located in the heart of the Flint Hills, this lake features incredibly clear water and a beautiful native prairie setting.
Chikaskia River (Channel Catfish, Flathead Catfish, Common Carp)
A sandy-bottomed river in southern Kansas that holds a surprising number of large channel catfish that will take a fly.
Cottonwood River Riffles (Channel Catfish, Flathead Catfish, Smallmouth Bass)
The limestone ledges near Cottonwood Falls provide unique current breaks for fly anglers targeting channel cats.
Douglas State Lake (Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Redear Sunfish)
A heavily managed lake with plenty of structure, perfect for casting large poppers for trophy-sized bluegill.
Dragoon Creek (Green Sunfish, Longear Sunfish, Largemouth Bass)
A tributary of the Marais des Cygnes, this creek offers classic warm-water fly fishing for sunfish under heavy canopy.
Elk City River Trail Section (Largemouth Bass, Spotted Bass, Flathead Catfish)
The Elk River above the lake flows through massive boulders and limestone bluffs, providing excellent pocket water.
Fall River State Park No. 1 (White Bass, Crappie, Channel Catfish)
The rocky river sections above the reservoir offer excellent sight-casting opportunities for white bass during the spring spawn.
Frenchman's Creek (Wiper, Channel Catfish)
A remote tributary of the Republican River known for its sandy bottom and surprising population of aggressive wipers.
Glen Elder Outlet (Wiper, White Bass, Walleye)
A fast-moving tailwater that offers consistent action for wipers and white bass when the gates are open.
Kanopolis Seep Stream (Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Green Sunfish)
A small, clear stream fed by dam seepage that provides year-round consistent temperatures for sunfish and largemouth.
Little Blue River (Common Carp, Channel Catfish)
A sandy, winding river in Marshall County that offers great opportunities for fly rodders to target large carp in shallow water.
Milford State Park Hatchery Stream (Wiper, White Bass, Walleye)
The outflow from the fish hatchery provides a constant flow of cold water that attracts fish from the main reservoir.
Mushroom Rock Pond (Bluegill, Largemouth Bass)
A small, scenic pond in Kanopolis State Park that offers quiet, wind-sheltered fly fishing for panfish.
Neosho River (Chetopa Dam) (White Bass, Paddlefish, Wiper)
A famous spot for massive paddlefish, though fly anglers target the huge numbers of white bass that stack here in April.
Saline River (Hays Section) (Channel Catfish, Green Sunfish, Carp)
This prairie river has a high salt content which supports unique mineral-tolerant insects, making for interesting forage hatches.
Scott State Lake (Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Channel Catfish)
Fed by Big Springs, this canyon lake offers exceptionally clear water for Kansas, perfect for stalking large bluegill on dries.
Shoal Creek (Spotted Bass, Longear Sunfish, Smallmouth Bass)
A rare Ozark-style stream in the far southeast corner of Kansas, featuring clear water, chert bottoms, and spotted bass.
Spring River (Empire Lake Tailwater) (Spotted Bass, White Bass, Paddlefish)
The portion of the Spring River in Kansas provides a diverse fishery with clear water and rocky riffles.
Tuttle Creek Willow Lake (Rainbow Trout, Bluegill, Largemouth Bass)
A small, sheltered lake near the dam that is a designated trout water in winter and a top-water sunfish haven in summer.
Unit G - Marais des Cygnes WMA (Common Carp, Bowfin, Gar)
Intricate wetland canals and marshes offer prime habitat for sight-fishing for large common carp and bowfin.
Vic's Lake (Sedgwick County Park) (Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass)
A premier urban trout fishery that is stocked heavily in winter, offering easy access and reliable action.
Webster Stilling Basin (White Bass, Walleye, Wiper)
The deep, oxygenated water below Webster Dam attracts large concentrations of white bass and walleye in the early spring.
Wilson Reservoir Rocky Outcrops (Smallmouth Bass, Striped Bass, Walleye)
Casting Clouser Minnows along the dramatic sandstone cliffs for smallmouth bass feels like mountain lake fishing.

Fly Fishing in Kansas

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