Fishing Kanopolis Lake

AKA: Kanopolis Reservoir

Popular Fish Species
Kanopolis Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
Marinas
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Kanopolis Lake, KS

Popular Fish Species Kanopolis Lake, KS

Saugeye Fishing

When a female walleye spawns with a male sauger, the result is a hybrid known as saugeye. Kanopolis Lake has a notable population of saugeye, which are pursued by local anglers. Their meat is very tasty, and they put up a good fight. Look for them near bottom on sandy bars and especially along drop offs into river channels. These toothy critters often migrate up-river in winter and spring, congregating in low-current areas. A common method for catching saugeye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting topwater lures, live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times.

Kanopolis Lake Popular Fish - Channel Catfish

Channel Catfish Fishing

To fish for catfish on Kanopolis Lake, most any rod and reel will work, as long as the line is strong enough. For serious catfish enthusiasts, using the right equipment improves success. A medium action, to medium-heavy action rod is ideal, in the 6' to 7' range. Use a slip sinker or Carolina rig with popular catfish baits on at least 10-pound line. Use sharp hooks with bait holders on the shank, or circle hooks for live bait. Kanopolis Lake has a decent population of channel catfish, and they are eager to bite. The typical fish are about 2 pounds, with larger ones caught frequently. Night fishing for catfish often delivers better results than daytime fishing. Fishing for channel catfish is often most productive around any kind of structure in the area. In Spring channel catfish migrate toward incoming water, so stay up river away from the main lake. In early summer look for rocky banks, the bigger the rocks the better. In summer and winter deeper structure is where to look. The river end of the lake is often the area where the bigger catfish are caught. Road beds, creek channels and rocky points are all good places to begin.

Kanopolis Lake 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 Kanopolis Lake, 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.

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, white crappie, walleye, saugeye, rainbow trout, bluegill, white bass and hybrid striped bass at Kanopolis Lake in Kansas.

Kanopolis Lake Fishing Video

Pick your favorite fresh-water fish species and you'll probably find it at Kanopolis Lake This 3,400-acre lake in the central part of the state, has crappie, trout, bass, catfish, sunfish, white bass and wipers.

Kanopolis Lake, located in central Kansas, is a popular fishing destination that offers anglers a diverse range of fishing opportunities. The lake is known for its scenic beauty and ample fish populations, attracting anglers of all skill levels.

Rainbow trout is one of the most sought-after species in Kanopolis Lake. The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism stocks the lake with rainbow trout during the colder months, providing anglers with exciting trout fishing opportunities. Anglers can target rainbow trout using a variety of baits such as PowerBait, worms, or small spinners. The trout fishing season at Kanopolis Lake is eagerly anticipated by anglers who enjoy the challenge of catching these beautiful and delicious fish.

Largemouth bass are another popular species found in Kanopolis Lake. Anglers can target these hard-fighting fish by casting with soft plastics, crankbaits, or topwater lures near submerged structures, rocky points, or weed beds. Kanopolis Lake's favorable habitat provides ample opportunities to catch quality-sized largemouth bass, making it a favorite spot for bass anglers.

Walleye is another prized fish species found in Kanopolis 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 submerged structures. Successful walleye fishing at Kanopolis Lake often requires knowledge of the lake's structure and the use of techniques that appeal to these predator fish. Catching a walleye at Kanopolis Lake can be a rewarding experience for any angler.

Channel catfish are abundant in Kanopolis Lake, providing anglers with excellent opportunities for catfishing. These bottom-dwelling fish can be targeted 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. Kanopolis Lake's catfish population offers both quantity and quality catches, making it an ideal destination for catfish enthusiasts.

White bass, bluegill, white crappie, and saugeye are additional popular species found in Kanopolis Lake. White bass can be caught by casting with jigs, spoons, or crankbaits, particularly during their spring spawning runs. Bluegill and white crappie provide enjoyable panfishing opportunities, and anglers can target them using small hooks and bait near submerged structures or brush piles. Saugeye, a hybrid cross between walleye and sauger, offer anglers the chance to catch hard-fighting and tasty fish.

The lake level often fluctuates considerably, but when full has over 40 miles of shoreline with a wide variety of cover for fish to inhabit. Rocky shorelines, timber, brush and flats all hold fish at different times of the year. A marina, boat ramps, campgrounds, supplies and lodging are all located at, or close by the lake.

Primary fish species residing in Kanopolis Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Kanopolis Lake Amenities

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

Today's Weather & Forecast

Kanopolis Lake not only provides excellent fishing opportunities but also offers amenities for boating and camping. Anglers can explore the lake's expansive 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 immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area.

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Buzzard Bay Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off Horsethief Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.

Horsethief Canyon Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, off Horsethief Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.

Marinas

Hart Marina
100 Marina Drive
Marquette, KS 67464
785 787-7286