Fishing At El Dorado Lake

AKA: Dorado Lake Reservoir

What to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, blue catfish, white crappie, walleye, white bass, white perch and hybrid striped bass at El Dorado Lake in Kansas.

If you like fishing, boating and camping, El Dorado Lake should be on your list of upcoming destinations. Anglers are drawn by the healthy populations of bass, walleye, hybrid stripers, crappie, perch and sunfish.

Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Rental Boats
Boat Launch Ramps
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Lake Video
Contact Info

El Dorado Lake, located in the eastern section of Kansas, is a renowned fishing destination known for its abundant fish populations and scenic beauty. The lake offers anglers a wide range of fishing opportunities, attracting both local and visiting anglers throughout the year.

Largemouth bass is one of the most sought-after species in El Dorado Lake. Anglers can target these hard-fighting fish by casting with soft plastics, crankbaits, or topwater lures near submerged structures, weed beds, and rocky shorelines. El Dorado Lake's diverse habitat provides ideal conditions for largemouth bass to thrive, making it a popular spot for anglers looking to reel in trophy-sized bass.

Walleye is another prized fish species found in El Dorado Lake. Anglers can target walleye by trolling with crankbaits, casting with jigs, or drifting with live bait along the lake's drop-offs, rocky points, or underwater structures. The lake's clear waters and varying depths create excellent conditions for walleye fishing, and successful anglers can enjoy the thrill of catching these delicious fish.

Hybrid stripers, a cross between striped bass and white bass, are also abundant in El Dorado Lake. These hard-fighting fish offer anglers an exciting challenge and the opportunity to catch trophy-sized specimens. Trolling with crankbaits, casting with swimbaits, or vertically jigging can entice hybrid stripers to bite. Anglers targeting these fish can enjoy the thrill of reeling in these powerful predators.

El Dorado Lake is home to a healthy population of channel catfish, providing anglers with excellent opportunities for catfishing. Anglers can target catfish using a variety of baits such as cut bait, stink bait, or live bait. Fishing near the lake's deeper areas, including channels and drop-offs, can increase the chances of landing a catfish. El Dorado Lake's catfish population offers both quantity and quality catches, making it a favorite destination for catfish enthusiasts.

White bass and white crappie are additional popular species found in El Dorado Lake. White bass can be caught by casting with jigs, spoons, or crankbaits, particularly during their spring spawning runs. White crappie can be targeted by vertical jigging near submerged structures or brush piles. Anglers can enjoy the thrill of catching these panfish species while appreciating the scenic surroundings of the lake.

El Dorado Lake offers excellent amenities for boating and camping. Anglers can explore the expansive waters of the lake, navigate with ease, and access various fishing spots. The lake's campgrounds and recreational facilities provide convenient options for anglers looking to extend their stay and enjoy the outdoor experience.

With its diverse fish population, including largemouth bass, walleye, hybrid stripers, channel catfish, white bass, and white crappie, El Dorado Lake offers anglers a fantastic fishing experience in the heart of Kansas. Whether it's the thrill of landing a trophy-sized bass, the challenge of hooking into a walleye, or the joy of catching panfish, El Dorado Lake provides ample opportunities for anglers of all skill levels to enjoy the sport of fishing amidst the natural beauty of Kansas.

Almost 100 miles of shoreline wrap this 8,000-acre lake in the central part of the state, at El Dorado. Excellent camping facilities are available at El Dorado State Park and Veteran's Point, both of which have boat launch ramps. There is plenty of shoreline accessible for fishing from the bank or launching canoes and kayaks. Shady Creek Marina serves the boating public and offers boat rentals. Restaurants, convenience stores and lodging are available at the lake or very close by.

Primary fish species residing in El Dorado Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

El Dorado Lake Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Fishing Boat Rentals

Shady Creek Boat Rentals
Rentals: Pontoon boats
316 321-0943

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Blue Stem #1 Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off Bluestem Point Road, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Bluestem Point Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off Bluestem Point Road, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

El Dorado State Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off Marina Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Pelican Point Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Boulder Bluff Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Shady Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off NE 6th Street, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Click here for a Kansas Fishing License.