Fishing Waconda Lake

AKA: Glen Elder Reservoir

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

Popular Fish Species Waconda Lake, KS

Walleye Fishing

Waconda Lake 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. When the lake freezes over in winter, ice fishing for walleye can be very rewarding. Use GPS to locate fishing spots you normally fish during other times of the year. 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.

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 Waconda 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. When the lake freezes over, try your luck at ice fishing for white bass. 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.

Waconda Lake Popular Fish - Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Smallmouth bass are the most sought-after species at Waconda Lake, with fish over 3 pounds very common. Largemouth bass also reside here in good numbers. Smallmouth bass fishing is particularly good when they move to shallow water. Use shallow spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, crankbaits, tube baits and jerkbaits around any sort of rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, when the lake freezes over, consider ice fishing for smallies. Spend your time on deeper structure with drop-shot rigs, small worms, jigs and spoons. Rock piles and points are prime areas for smallmouth as these areas are also home to crawfish. W.

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, white crappie, walleye, bluegill and white bass at Waconda Lake in Kansas.

Waconda Lake Fishing Video

Cawker City, Glen Elder State Park and the town of Glen Elder wrap around the northern borders of Waconda Lake, creating easy access for boating fishing and camping. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy this 12,600-acre lake, in the north-central part of the state.

Waconda Lake, located in north-central Kansas, is a popular fishing destination known for its beautiful scenery and abundant fish populations. Anglers are drawn to Waconda Lake for its excellent fishing opportunities and the chance to catch a variety of popular fish species.

Both largemouth and smallmouth bass can be found in Waconda Lake, providing anglers with exciting bass fishing experiences. The lake's structure, including submerged vegetation, rocky points, and fallen trees, offers ideal habitat for bass. Anglers can target these species using a variety of techniques such as casting with soft plastics, crankbaits, or topwater lures. Waconda Lake is known for producing quality-sized bass, making it a favorite spot for bass enthusiasts.

Walleye is another highly sought-after species in Waconda Lake. Anglers can target walleye by trolling with crankbaits, casting with jigs, or drifting with live bait along the lake's drop-offs, rocky structures, or points. Successful walleye fishing at Waconda Lake often requires understanding the lake's structure and employing techniques that appeal to these predator fish. Landing a walleye can be a thrilling experience for any angler.

Channel catfish are abundant in Waconda Lake, providing anglers with excellent catfishing opportunities. 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, channels, or drop-offs can increase the chances of landing a catfish. Waconda Lake's catfish population offers both quantity and quality catches, making it an ideal destination for catfish enthusiasts.

White crappie, bluegill, and white bass are additional popular species found in Waconda Lake. Anglers can target white crappie by vertical jigging near submerged structures, brush piles, or docks. Bluegill, known for their aggressive nature, offer anglers enjoyable panfishing opportunities. White bass can be caught by casting with jigs, spoons, or crankbaits near submerged structures or in open water where schools of baitfish are present. These panfish species add variety to the fishing experience at Waconda Lake.

Explore more than 100 miles of shoreline in search of largemouth, smallmouth and white bass, plus crappie, catfish and walleye. Visit Glen Elder Marina for camping and fishing supplies as well as convenience items, boat slips, fuel and live bait. Four major campgrounds offer campsites and RV hookups, as well as areas for swimming and fishing from the bank.

Primary fish species residing in Waconda Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Glen Elder Reservoir Amenities

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

Today's Weather & Forecast

Waconda Lake also 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 fully enjoy the outdoor experience.

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Glen Elder Marina Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, off State Route 128, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

Glen Elder Wildlife Area Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off US Highway 24, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.

Northeast Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, off US Highway 24, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Southeast Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off 1 Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.