Fishing Clinton Lake

AKA: Clinton Reservoir

Most Popular Fish
Clinton 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

Clinton Lake, KS

Popular Fish Species Clinton Lake, KS

Clinton Lake Popular Fish - White Crappie

White Crappie Fishing

Plenty of healthy white crappie reside just 30 minutes from Kansas City, in Clinton Lake. Crappie are being caught here with regular frequency this year. The fish population is healthy and crappie fishing is excellent. 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.

Walleye Fishing

Thanks to good fisheries management by the Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks, a healthy population of walleye are thriving in the waters of Clinton 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 and closer to shore. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. As always, staying close by 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. 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

After multiple, very successful spawn years, white bass are flourishing in Clinton Lake. They are so numerous in the lake there is no limit on white bass. Anglers should expect some great fishing 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. In spring, once the water temperature rises into the mid sixties, they move shallow into the backs of coves and creek channels to spawn. At this time anglers can fish from shore and often do quite well. Use lures that imitate baitfish, including crankbaits, jerkbaits, jigs and spoons.

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for smallmouth bass, channel catfish, blue catfish, white crappie, walleye, white bass and hybrid striped bass at Clinton Lake in Kansas.

Clinton Lake Fishing Video

Located on the southwest outskirts of Lawrence, Clinton Lake is an easy destination for boating and fishing enthusiasts. The 7,000-acre lake has decent populations of bass, crappie, hybrid stripers, white bass and catfish.

Clinton Lake, located in Kansas, is a popular destination for anglers seeking a diverse fishing experience. This picturesque lake offers a variety of fish species, making it a favorite spot for both recreational and avid anglers.

Smallmouth bass are highly sought after in Clinton Lake. These feisty fish provide an exciting challenge, known for their aggressive strikes and powerful fights. Anglers can target smallmouth bass by casting with crankbaits, jigs, or soft plastics near rocky shorelines, points, or submerged structures. Clinton Lake's clear waters and rocky habitat make it an ideal environment for smallmouth bass to thrive.

Hybrid stripers are another prized fish species found in Clinton Lake. These hybrid crosses between striped bass and white bass exhibit the best characteristics of both species, including size and fighting ability. Anglers targeting hybrid stripers can enjoy exhilarating battles and the chance to catch trophy-sized fish. Trolling with crankbaits or casting with swimbaits are effective methods for enticing these aggressive predators.

Catfish, including channel catfish and blue catfish, are abundant in Clinton Lake. Anglers can target catfish by fishing near rocky areas, submerged structures, or creek channels using a variety of baits, such as cut bait, stink bait, or live bait. Clinton Lake's ample catfish population provides opportunities for both quantity and size, making it a popular destination for catfish enthusiasts.

White bass and crappie are also popular species found in Clinton Lake. Anglers can target white bass by casting with jigs, spoons, or crankbaits, particularly during their spring spawning runs. Crappie can be caught by vertical jigging near submerged structures or brush piles. These panfish species offer anglers additional options for a successful day on the water.

Several campgrounds along with general, public-access areas around the lake provide access for fishing from the bank. Canoes, kayaks, car-toppers, pleasure boats, pontoons and fishing boats are all popular ways to explore the 85 miles of shoreline. Boat ramp #2 is ADA accessible. A marina, restaurants, camping, lodging, convenience stores and fishing tackle are all at, or nearby the lake.

Primary fish species residing in Clinton Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Clinton Lake Amenities

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

Today's Weather & Forecast

Clinton Lake not only provides excellent fishing opportunities but also offers amenities for boating and camping. Anglers can explore the lake's expansive waters, allowing them to access various fishing spots and navigate with ease. The lake's campgrounds and recreational facilities provide convenient options for anglers looking to extend their stay and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Clinton Marina
Rentals: Pontoon boats
785 749-3222

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Clinton Lake Boat Ramp #4
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off E 600 Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Clinton Lake Boat Ramp #5 & #6
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off E 700 Road, this is a two, six-lane, concrete ramps with docks and paved parking.

Clinton Lake Boat Ramp #7
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off N 1190 Road, this is a six-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Clinton Lake NW Kayak Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest corner of the lake, off E 400 Road, this is a portage area with gravel parking.

Clinton Marina Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, off E 800 Road, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Coon Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off E 550 Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

East 800 Road Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, off E 800 Road, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Rock Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off N 978 Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.

Marinas

Clinton Lake Marina
1329 E 800 Road
Lawrence, KS 66049
785 749-3222