Fishing At Elk City Lake

AKA: Elk City Reservoir

What to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, white crappie, saugeye, bluegill and white bass at Elk City Lake in Kansas.

With plenty of areas for fishing from the bank, Elk City Lake is a great place to take kids, as well as experienced anglers for a day of fishing. Numerous area campgrounds also make this a popular destination for an extended stay.

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

Elk City Lake, located in the southeastern section of Kansas, is a popular fishing destination known for its scenic beauty and diverse fish populations. The lake offers anglers a variety of fishing opportunities, making it a favorite spot for both local and visiting anglers.

Largemouth bass is one of the primary targets for anglers at Elk City Lake. The lake's structure, including submerged brush piles, rocky shorelines, and weed beds, provides excellent habitat for largemouth bass. Anglers can use a variety of techniques, such as casting with soft plastics, crankbaits, or topwater lures, to entice these hard-fighting fish into biting. Elk City Lake is known for producing quality-sized largemouth bass, making it a favorite among bass anglers.

Saugeye, a hybrid cross between walleye and sauger, is another popular fish species found in Elk City Lake. These fish combine the best characteristics of both parent species, making them an exciting target for anglers. Anglers can target saugeye by trolling with crankbaits, casting with jigs, or drifting with live bait near the lake's drop-offs, points, or submerged structures. Elk City Lake's population of saugeye provides anglers with a unique fishing experience and the opportunity to catch trophy-sized fish.

Channel catfish are abundant in Elk City Lake, 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. Elk City Lake's catfish population offers both quantity and quality catches, making it a favorite destination for catfish enthusiasts.

White bass, white crappie, and trout are also popular species found in Elk City 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.

Elk City Lake offers amenities for boating and camping, allowing anglers to make the most of their fishing trips. Anglers can explore the lake's waters, 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, saugeye, channel catfish, white bass, white crappie, and occasional trout, Elk City Lake offers anglers a fantastic fishing experience in the beautiful landscape of Kansas. Whether it's the excitement of reeling in a trophy-sized bass, the challenge of targeting saugeye, or the joy of catching panfish or trout, Elk City Lake provides ample opportunities for anglers of all skill levels to enjoy the sport of fishing amidst the natural beauty of Kansas.

There is no marina or boat rentals at this 4,500-acre lake, but virtually everything else you need is available at or close to the lake. Cruise around the 50 miles of shoreline and wet a line to tempt crappie, bass, catfish, saugeye and white bass into biting.

Primary fish species residing in Elk City Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Elk City Lake Amenities

Marina: NO
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Elk City State Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off Squaw Creek Road, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Click here for a Kansas Fishing License.