Fishing At Melvern Lake

AKA: Melvern Reservoir

What to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, white crappie, walleye, white bass and sauger at Melvern Lake in Kansas.

Eisenhower State Park is a great place to camp while boating and fishing at Melvern Lake. Thriving in this a 7,000-acre lake are a variety of fish species, including bass, catfish, walleye, crappie, sunfish, sauger and white bass.

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

The purpose of this page is to deliver an overview of this lake, the fishing options, and area amenities. Our goal is to provide info to first time visitors, as well as beginner and novice anglers. We gathered details from personal experience, numerous trusted websites that each offer select bits of information, and videos of fishing activity on the lake. These websites include the Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks, marinas at the lake, campgrounds, boat rental agencies and others. By consolidating this information to one page it allows visitors to see the entire picture, all in one place.

Lake Video

Melvern Lake, located in eastern Kansas, is a popular fishing destination known for its abundant fish populations and scenic surroundings. Anglers are drawn to Melvern Lake for its excellent fishing opportunities and the chance to catch a variety of popular fish species.

Walleye is one of the primary game fish found in Melvern Lake. Anglers can target these prized fish 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 Melvern Lake often requires knowledge of the lake's structure and the use of techniques that appeal to these predator fish. Catching a walleye at Melvern Lake can be a thrilling experience for any angler.

Melvern Lake is also home to a thriving population of bass species, including largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass. Anglers can target these bass species using a variety of techniques such as casting with soft plastics, crankbaits, or topwater lures. The lake's structure, including submerged vegetation, rocky points, and fallen trees, provides excellent habitat for bass. Melvern Lake offers ample opportunities to catch quality-sized bass and provides a favorite spot for bass anglers.

Channel catfish and flathead catfish are abundant in Melvern 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. Melvern Lake's catfish population offers both quantity and quality catches, making it an ideal destination for catfish enthusiasts.

White bass is another popular fish species found in Melvern Lake. These schooling fish provide exciting angling opportunities, especially during their spring spawning runs. Anglers can target white bass by casting with jigs, spoons, or crankbaits near submerged structures, rocky points, or in open water where schools of baitfish are present. Catching white bass in Melvern Lake can result in fast-paced action and multiple hookups.

White crappie and sauger are additional popular species sought after by anglers in Melvern Lake. These panfish can be targeted by vertical jigging near submerged structures, brush piles, or docks. Anglers can use a variety of bait options, such as minnows or soft plastics, to entice white crappie and sauger into biting. Melvern Lake's population of white crappie and sauger provides anglers with the opportunity to catch these prized panfish and enjoy their delicate and tasty fillets.

You'll find plenty of cover, scattered along over 100 miles of shoreline, to wet a line and enjoy the scenery. A couple boat launch ramps and Melvern Lake Marina provide everything you need for boating and fishing here. There is lodging nearby, and campgrounds around the lake, plus restaurants and shopping.

Primary fish species residing in Melvern Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Melvern Lake Amenities

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

Today's Weather & Forecast

Melvern 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.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Melvern Lake Marina
Rentals: Kayaks and pontoon boats
620 256-6566

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Arrow Rock Parkway Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off Arrow Rock Parkway, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Eisenhower State Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, off S Fairlawn Road, this is an eight-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Cowboy Campground Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, off S Fairlawn Road, this is a six-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Melvern Lake Marina Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast corner of the lake, off Marina Parkway, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

South Hoch Road Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, off S Hoch Road, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Turkey Point Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off W 309th Street, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Willow Marsh Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off W 317th Street, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.