Fishing Melvern Lake

AKA: Melvern Reservoir

Popular Fish Species
Melvern Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
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Melvern Lake, KS

Popular Fish Species Melvern Lake, KS

Melvern Lake Popular Fish - Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Everyone enjoys catching smallmouth bass, as these smallies are tough fighters and acrobatic jumpers. Melvern Lake sustains a healthy smallmouth bass population. Smallmouth bass fishing is good virtually anytime they are shallow. Use shallow spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, crankbaits, tube baits and jerkbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure with drop-shot rigs, small worms, jigs and spoons. Largemouth bass and spotted bass also reside here in good numbers. Rock piles and points are prime areas for smallmouth as these areas are also home to crawfish.

Walleye Fishing

Thanks to a significant sunfish and baitfish populations, walleye are thriving in the fertile waters of Melvern Lake this year. May and June tend to be the best time for weekend anglers to catch them. During this time they tend to move shallower, closer to shore and begin spawning. Rock and gravel are preferred areas for the spawn. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. As always, stay around schools of baitfish. They are eager to feed throughout the lake, but tend to concentrate around structure on points, flats and muddy ledges off the river channels. Walleye have excellent, low-light vision which helps them find food in deep or murky water. Make an effort to be on the water during low light conditions. A proven method 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.

White Bass Fishing

White bass are flourishing in Melvern Lake and anglers should expect some really good fishing at times this year. White bass are aggressive, hard-fighting and just plain fun to catch. 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, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, white crappie, walleye, white bass and sauger at Melvern Lake in Kansas.

Melvern Lake, KS Fishing Video

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.

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.

Marinas

Melvern Lake Marina
31271 Marina Parkway
Melvern, KS 66510
620 256-6566