Fishing John Redmond Reservoir

AKA: John Redmond Lake

Popular Fish Species
John Redmond Reservoir Fishing Video
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John Redmond Reservoir, KS

Popular Fish Species John Redmond Reservoir, KS

John Redmond Reservoir Popular Fish - Walleye

Walleye Fishing

John Redmond Reservoir is home to a hearty population of walleye. Good fisheries management by Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks and plenty of forage in the lake have them growing fat and healthy. Walleye have excellent vision in low light scenarios which helps them find food in deep or murky water. Make an effort to be on the water anytime there are low light conditions. During May and June is the optimal time to catch them, while feeding in shallower water. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. Concentrate around structure like points, flats and ledges off the river channels. One of the proven methods for catching walleye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times.

John Redmond Reservoir Popular Fish - White Crappie

White Crappie Fishing

Plenty of healthy white crappie reside in John Redmond Reservoir, as they are making a nice comeback this year. The fish population is healthy and crappie fishing is excellent. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. Crappie always like cover and structure, so locate shallow brush and vegetation in Spring and Fall focusing on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out to as deep as 30 to 35 feet, as well as ledges near channels at these depths. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here.

John Redmond Reservoir Popular Fish - White Bass

White Bass Fishing

White bass are aggressive, hard-fighting and just plain fun to catch. Numerous successful spawn years have increased the population of white bass in John Redmond Reservoir, and anglers can expect some great fishing this year. When fishing for white bass, the average fish is typically in the one- to two-pound range. These schooling fish tend to roam around the lake looking for ideal water conditions and baitfish. Look for them to generally be in 15 to 35 feet of water, whether they are hovering around the bottom or swimming in open water. Fish finders are the best way to locate big schools of white bass. Fish near the bottom at night with live bait. In spring, once the water temperature rises into the mid sixties, they move shallow into the backs of coves and creek channels to spawn. When white bass chase schools of bait near the surface, spinners, spoons and small crank baits work well. At this time anglers can fish from shore and often do quite well. Use lures that imitate baitfish, including small crankbaits, small jerkbaits, jigs and spoons.

John Redmond Reservoir Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for channel catfish, white crappie, bluegill and white bass at John Redmond Reservoir in Kansas.

Fishing from the bank is quite popular at John Redmond Reservoir, as is boating and camping. Come visit and enjoy this 9,400-acre lake in the eastern part of the state, at New Strawn.

There are more than 15 miles of shoreline, much of which is scattered with flooded timber making it an ideal home for big crappie. Catfish, sunfish and white bass also roam these waters. RV hookups are available at the campgrounds and lodging is nearby, making this a nice fishing destination for extended stays.

Primary fish species residing in John Redmond Reservoir

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

John Redmond Reservoir 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

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Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Dam Site Campground Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off Embankment Road, this is two, two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Otter Creek West Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southern section of the lake, off Embankment Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.