Fishing Elk City Lake
AKA: Elk City Reservoir
Popular Fish Species Elk City Lake, KS
White Crappie Fishing
Plenty of healthy white crappie reside in Elk City Lake, as they are making a nice comeback 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.
Saugeye Fishing
When a female walleye spawns with a male sauger, the result is a hybrid known as saugeye. Elk City Lake has a notable population of saugeye, which are pursued by local anglers. Their meat is very tasty, and they put up a good fight. Look for them near bottom on sandy bars and especially along drop offs into river channels. These toothy critters often migrate up-river in winter and spring, congregating in low-current areas. A common method for catching saugeye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting topwater lures, live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times.
Hybrid Striped Bass Fishing
Hybrid striped bass, also known as wipers, are a favorite of many locals and fishing guides at Elk City Lake, 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.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, white crappie, saugeye, bluegill and white bass at Elk City Lake in Kansas.
Elk City Lake Fishing Video
With plenty of areas for fishing from the bank, Elk City Lake is a great place to take kids, as well as experienced anglers for a day of fishing. Numerous area campgrounds also make this a popular destination for an extended stay.
Elk City Lake, located in the southeastern section of Kansas, is a popular fishing destination known for its scenic beauty and diverse fish populations. The lake offers anglers a variety of fishing opportunities, making it a favorite spot for both local and visiting anglers.
Largemouth bass is one of the primary targets for anglers at Elk City Lake. The lake's structure, including submerged brush piles, rocky shorelines, and weed beds, provides excellent habitat for largemouth bass. Anglers can use a variety of techniques, such as casting with soft plastics, crankbaits, or topwater lures, to entice these hard-fighting fish into biting. Elk City Lake is known for producing quality-sized largemouth bass, making it a favorite among bass anglers.
Saugeye, a hybrid cross between walleye and sauger, is another popular fish species found in Elk City Lake. These fish combine the best characteristics of both parent species, making them an exciting target for anglers. Anglers can target saugeye by trolling with crankbaits, casting with jigs, or drifting with live bait near the lake's drop-offs, points, or submerged structures. Elk City Lake's population of saugeye provides anglers with a unique fishing experience and the opportunity to catch trophy-sized fish.
Channel catfish are abundant in Elk City Lake, providing anglers with excellent opportunities for catfishing. Anglers can target catfish 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. Elk City Lake's catfish population offers both quantity and quality catches, making it a favorite destination for catfish enthusiasts.
White bass, white crappie, and trout are also popular species found in Elk City Lake. White bass can be caught by casting with jigs, spoons, or crankbaits, particularly during their spring spawning runs. White crappie can be targeted by vertical jigging near submerged structures or brush piles.
There is no marina or boat rentals at this 4,500-acre lake, but virtually everything else you need is available at or close to the lake. Cruise around the 50 miles of shoreline and wet a line to tempt crappie, bass, catfish, saugeye and white bass into biting.
Primary fish species residing in Elk City Lake
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Elk City Lake Amenities
Marina: NO
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
Elk City Lake 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 enjoy the outdoor experience.
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Elk City State Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off Squaw Creek Road, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.
Fishing Guides On Elk City Lake
If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.
Fishing License
Click here for a Kansas Fishing License.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Table Road Campground - 620 331-6295
Sunset Point Campground - 620 331-6295
Comfort Cove Campground - 620 331-6295
Elk City Lake Outlet Channel Campground - 620 336-2741
Rv park west & Angus beef - 620 757-1509
Elk City Lake KS Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Elk City Lake
Elk City State Park
4825 Squaw Creek Rd
Independence, KS 67301
620 331-6295
Fishing lakes in each state.
101424
Elk City Lake in KS
KANSAS
Fishing for crappie and catfish in southeast KS.