Striped Bass & Hybrid Striper Fishing In Kansas

By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

Kansas offers excellent opportunities for striped bass fishing, with anglers targeting both native striped bass and hybrid stripers. These hard-fighting fish provide an exciting challenge and can be found in several major lakes throughout the state.

Striper Fishing Video

Learn the basics for catching striped bass.

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Fishing for Striped Bass in Kansas

When fishing for stripers concentrate on the deeper waters in the lake. If you can locate schools of shad, stripers are often close by. When the baitfish are shallow, over the deeper water, you can catch stripers on crankbaits or by swimming spoons at appropriate depths. Check Kansas fishing reports for current striper information. And for the ultimate thrill try large topwater baits if you see any surface feeding action. When the stripers are deep, jigs and jigging spoons work well. Live and cut bait will also take striped bass when they are in medium to deeper water. Fish nearby or in the river channel if it is a defined depth change. Trolling is also an excellent way to fish for stripers. Use flashy lures in bigger sizes. Striped Bass, known for their strength and spirited fights, provide an exhilarating angling experience.

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Fishing for Hybrid Stripers in Kansas

Kansas offers several opportunities for hybrid striped bass fishing, which are popular with local anglers. Hybrid stripers are a crossbreed between striped bass and white bass, combining the best characteristics of both species. They are known for their strength, aggressive nature, and impressive fighting ability, making them a thrilling catch for anglers. These "wipers" tend to school around baitfish and follow river channel edges. Fish finders can help you locate schools of fish as well as schools of baitfish. Look for them on flats and long points that connect with channels. Trolling, or still fishing, with live or cut bait are also great options for catching hybrid stripers.

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One of the primary destinations for striped bass fishing in Kansas is Wilson Reservoir. Known as the "Striper Capital of Kansas," Wilson Reservoir boasts a healthy population of both native striped bass and hybrid stripers. Anglers can enjoy the thrill of hooking into these powerful fish as they put up a spirited fight. Wilson Reservoir's clear waters and rocky structures create an ideal habitat for striped bass, making it a popular spot for anglers seeking trophy-sized catches.

Another notable lake for striped bass fishing in Kansas is Milford Reservoir. While primarily known for its warm water species, Milford Reservoir also supports a population of hybrid stripers. These hybrids, a cross between striped bass and white bass, offer anglers an exciting angling experience. Milford Reservoir's deep waters and submerged structures provide suitable conditions for hybrid striper growth and make it a top choice for anglers targeting these fish.

Kansas state records for striped bass reflect the potential for impressive catches in the state. The current state record for striped bass stands at over 44 pounds, caught in Wilson Reservoir. This impressive catch exemplifies the quality and size of striped bass that can be found in Kansas waters. Hybrid striper state records are also notable, with the current record weighing over 25 pounds.

When targeting striped bass and hybrid stripers in Kansas, anglers often use techniques such as trolling with crankbaits, casting with swimbaits or jigs, or live bait fishing. Understanding the fish's behavior and locating their preferred feeding areas, such as deep holes, rocky points, or areas with baitfish schools, can greatly increase the chances of success.

Striped Bass Fishing Lakes

Kansas residents are fortunate to have several lakes with healthy populations of stripers. These lakes include Cedar Bluff Lake, Cheney Reservoir, Clinton Lake, Coffey County Lake, Council Grove Lake, El Dorado Lake, Elk City Lake, Kanopolis Lake, Keith Sebelius Lake, Kirwin Reservoir, La Cygne Lake, Lovewell Reservoir, Marion Reservoir, Milford Lake, Pomona Lake, Waconda Lake, Webster Reservoir, Wilson Lake and Winfield City Lake.

Click the images and links above for species details.

Kansas State Record Striped Bass & Wiper

The state record striped bass was caught from Wilson Lake.

The state record hybrid striped bass came from Perry Reservoir Outlet.

While stripers are native to salt water, they naturally migrate into fresh water streams to spawn. Their eggs must remain in motion in order to hatch so the fresh water rivers and streams become the ideal spawning grounds for stripers. Landlocked stripers then populate the lakes.

Fishing for Stripers in Kansas

When fishing for stripers concentrate on the deeper waters in the lake. If you can locate schools of shad, stripers are often close by. When the baitfish are shallow over the deep water, you can catch stripers on crankbaits or by swimming spoons at appropriate depths. Check Kansas fishing reports for current striper information. And for the ultimate thrill try large topwater baits if you see any surface feeding action. When the stripers are deep, jigs and jigging spoons work well. Live and cut bait will also take striped bass when they are in medium to deeper water. Fish nearby or in the river channel if it is a defined depth change. Trolling is also an excellent way to fish for stripers. Use flashy lures in bigger sizes.

Striped bass fishing information, by state.