Fishing Cheney Reservoir

AKA: Cheney Lake

Most Popular Fish
Cheney Reservoir Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
Fishing Boat Rentals
Marinas
Local Fishing Guides
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
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Cheney Reservoir, KS

Popular Fish Species Cheney Reservoir, KS

Walleye Fishing

Stocking programs over the years by Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks, have built a significant population of walleye here in Cheney Reservoir. Thanks to a significant baitfish population, and presence of numerous small sunfish in the lake, walleye are thriving in the fertile waters of Cheney Reservoir 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 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.

Cheney Reservoir 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 Cheney Reservoir, as they are plentiful 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.

Cheney Reservoir Popular Fish - White Crappie

White Crappie Fishing

A nice population of white crappie reside in Cheney Reservoir, as they are making a nice comeback this year. The species is healthy, and crappie fishing is fair to good. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. Crappie always like cover and structure, so locate shallow brush and vegetation in Spring and Fall focusing on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out to as deep as 30 to 35 feet, as well as ledges near channels at these depths. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. Black crappie, in smaller numbers, also make this lake their home.

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for channel catfish, blue catfish, white crappie, walleye, bluegill, white bass, white perch and hybrid striped bass at Cheney Reservoir in Kansas.

Cheney Reservoir Fishing Video

Plenty of camping and RV hookup spaces are plentiful around Cheney Reservoir, a 9,500-acre lake in the south-central part of the state. Over 60 miles of shoreline is available for fishing from a boat, and much of it is accessible for fishing from the bank. Wipers, walleye and white bass get a lot of attention here, but big catfish, fat crappie and several sunfish are also popular.

Cheney Reservoir, located in Kansas, is a premier fishing destination that offers anglers a diverse range of fishing opportunities. With its clear waters and ample fish populations, Cheney Reservoir attracts anglers in search of popular fish species and an enjoyable fishing experience.

One of the main attractions at Cheney Reservoir is the presence of hybrid stripers. These hard-fighting fish are a cross between striped bass and white bass, combining the strength and size of striped bass with the aggressiveness of white bass. Anglers targeting hybrid stripers can experience thrilling battles and have the chance to reel in trophy-sized fish. Trolling with crankbaits or casting with swimbaits are effective techniques for enticing these hybrid stripers.

Catfish, including channel catfish and blue catfish, are abundant in Cheney Reservoir. Anglers can target catfish using a variety of baits, such as cut bait, stink bait, or live bait. Fishing near submerged structures, along channels, or in deep holes can increase the chances of hooking into a catfish. Cheney Reservoir offers a fruitful environment for catfish angling and provides opportunities for both quantity and quality catches.

White bass, another popular species in Cheney Reservoir, offer anglers an exciting fishing experience. These schooling fish can be found chasing baitfish near submerged structures and shorelines. Anglers can catch white bass using a variety of lures and baits, such as jigs, spoons, or crankbaits. When white bass are actively feeding, anglers can enjoy fast-paced action and the opportunity to catch multiple fish in a short period.

Crappie and bluegill are also sought-after species in Cheney Reservoir. Anglers can target crappie by vertical jigging near submerged structures, while bluegill can be caught using small hooks and bait such as worms or crickets. These panfish species provide a relaxing and enjoyable fishing experience, particularly for anglers looking to spend a peaceful day on the water.

Primary fish species residing in Cheney Reservoir

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Cheney 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

Cheney Reservoir is not only a fantastic fishing destination but also offers amenities for boating and camping. Anglers can explore the vast waters of Cheney Reservoir with their boats, enjoying the freedom to navigate and fish various areas of the lake. The reservoir also features camping facilities, allowing anglers to extend their fishing trips and fully immerse themselves in the outdoor experience.

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Cheney Reservoir Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest corner of the lake, off NE 50th Street, this is a multi-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Cheney State Park - Mr. D's Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, east side, off Boundary Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

County Line Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest corner of the lake, off NE 60th Street, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

East Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off Titan Road, this is a multi-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Red Bluff, West Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the northeast side of the lake, off Kent Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.