Fishing Milford Lake

AKA: Milford Reservoir

Most Popular Fish
Milford Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Fishing Boat Rentals
Boat Launch Ramps
Marinas
Local Fishing Guides
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Contact Info

Milford Lake, KS

Popular Fish Species Milford Lake, KS

Milford Lake Popular Fish - Blue Catfish

Blue Catfish Fishing

This year blue catfish are running in the big-to-monster size in Milford Lake. Most of the local guides offer catfish trips, and big blues are the favorite target. The state record is over 100 pounds. Fishing for blue catfish is most often productive summer around any kind of structure. 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. Use a slip sinker or Carolina rig with cut bait or other popular catfish baits. Other catfish in the lake include channel and flathead catfish.

Milford Lake Popular Fish - Hybrid Striped Bass

Hybrid Striped Bass Fishing

Hybrid striped bass, also known as wipers, are a favorite of many locals and fishing guides at Milford Lake. They are plentiful, thanks to the Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks, and grow to bragging size. As a hybrid of striped bass and white bass, they have great potential for spawning massive numbers and growing to large sizes. Fishing for hybrid stripers is a matter of locating schools of bait, and schools of hybrid striped bass are likely to be in the area. Mornings, during Fall, hybrids can be caught on topwater or shallow running lures, as they are feeding on baitfish at the surface. When they move deeper, fish finders improve your odds of locating both bait and schools of wipers. Live bait, spoons and jigs are very very effective here, and these hungry fish can be caught year round.

Milford Lake Popular Fish - Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Smallmouth bass are a favorite of many locals at Milford Lake, as they are tough fighters and exciting to catch. Fishing for smallmouth bass is good anytime they are shallow - in spring, during high water, mornings in summer and during warmer fall afternoons. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap, and around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure with small worms, jigs and spoons. Largemouth bass also reside here in good numbers.

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, blue catfish, white crappie, walleye, bluegill, redear sunfish, white bass and hybrid striped bass at Milford Lake in Kansas.

Milford Lake Fishing Video

The primary draw of Milford State Park is Milford Lake, a 15,700-acre lake in the northeast part of the state. This scenic fishery has over 160 miles of shoreline and a host of fish species that call this home.

Milford Lake, located in north-central Kansas, is a premier fishing destination known for its scenic beauty and diverse fish populations. Anglers flock to Milford Lake for its excellent fishing opportunities and the chance to catch a variety of popular fish species.

Walleye is one of the most sought-after game fish in Milford 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 Milford Lake often requires understanding the lake's structure and employing techniques that entice these predator fish. Landing a walleye in Milford Lake can provide anglers with an exhilarating experience.

Both largemouth and smallmouth bass can be found in abundance in Milford Lake. 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. Milford Lake offers numerous opportunities to catch quality-sized bass, making it a favorite spot for bass anglers.

Channel catfish and flathead catfish are also highly popular species found in Milford Lake. Anglers can target these bottom-dwelling fish 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. Milford Lake's catfish population offers both quantity and quality catches, providing an exciting catfishing experience.

White bass, known for their schooling behavior, can be found in Milford Lake. 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 Milford Lake can result in fast-paced action and multiple hookups, providing an enjoyable angling experience.

White crappie and hybrid stripers are additional popular species sought after by anglers in Milford Lake. Anglers can target white crappie by vertical jigging near submerged structures, brush piles, or docks. Using minnows or soft plastics as bait can entice white crappie into biting. Hybrid stripers, a cross between striped bass and white bass, offer anglers an exciting challenge and can be caught using techniques such as trolling or casting with swimbaits or crankbaits.

Fishing enthusiasts pursue bass, catfish, walleye, crappie, sunfish, sauger, white bass and hybrid stripers (wipers), with notable success. Several boat ramps, parks, campgrounds and public areas offer access to the shoreline for fishing from the bank.

Primary fish species residing in Milford Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Milford Lake Amenities

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

Today's Weather & Forecast

Milford Lake also offers excellent opportunities for boating and camping. Anglers can explore the lake's vast 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 fully enjoy the outdoor experience.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Acorns Resort
Rentals: Kayaks, canoes and pontoon boats
785 463-4000

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Clay County Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off Fourth Street, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Curtis Creek Public Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, off Curtis Creek Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

East Rolling Hills Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast corner of the lake, off E Rolling Hills Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Farnum Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off US Highway 77, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Fort Riley Marina Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, off Timber Creek Road, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Milford State Park North Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off State Park Road, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Milford State Park South Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off State Park Road, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Quimby Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off 4th Lane, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.

Rolling Hills Public Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off W Rolling Hills Road, this is two, three-lane, concrete ramps with docks and paved parking.

School Creek Public Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off School Creek Road, this is a six-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Timber Creek South Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, off 7th Road, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

Whiting Street Boat Launch Ramps
Located mid lake, east side, off Whiting Street, this is two, two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and gravel parking.