Fishing Wilson Lake

AKA: Wilson Reservoir

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, blue catfish, white crappie, walleye, bluegill, redear sunfish, white bass, white perch and striped bass at Wilson Lake in Kansas.

Several boat ramps provide easy access to Wilson Lake in the north-central part of the state, 5 miles south of Wilson. The lake has 9,000 surface acres and 100 miles of shoreline providing an outdoor paradise for fishing, boating, sightseeing and swimming.

Lake Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Contact Info

Lake Video

Wilson Lake, located in north-central Kansas, is a renowned fishing destination known for its breathtaking scenery and diverse fish populations. Anglers flock to Wilson Lake for its excellent fishing opportunities and the chance to catch a variety of popular fish species.

Striped bass is one of the most prized game fish found in Wilson Lake. Anglers can target these powerful and elusive fish using a variety of techniques such as trolling with large crankbaits, casting with swimbaits, or drifting with live bait. Wilson Lake's striped bass population offers anglers the opportunity to reel in trophy-sized fish and enjoy the thrill of battling these hard-fighting predators.

Both largemouth and smallmouth bass can be found in Wilson Lake, providing anglers with exciting bass fishing experiences. The lake's structure, including submerged vegetation, rocky points, and drop-offs, offers ideal habitat for bass. Anglers can use various techniques such as casting with soft plastics, crankbaits, or topwater lures to entice these hard-fighting fish into biting. Wilson Lake is known for producing quality-sized bass, making it a favorite spot for bass enthusiasts.

Walleye is another highly sought-after species in Wilson 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 Wilson Lake often requires understanding the lake's structure and employing techniques that appeal to these predator fish. Landing a walleye can provide anglers with an exhilarating and rewarding angling experience.

White perch can be found in abundance in Wilson Lake. Anglers can target these schooling fish by casting with jigs, spoons, or crankbaits near submerged structures or in open water where schools of baitfish are present. White perch offer fast-paced action and multiple hookups, making them a popular target among anglers.

Channel catfish, white crappie, bluegill, and white bass are additional popular species found in Wilson Lake. Anglers can target channel catfish 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. White crappie can be caught by vertical jigging near submerged structures, brush piles, or docks. Bluegill, known for their aggressive nature, offer enjoyable panfishing opportunities. Wilson Lake's population of white bass provides anglers with the opportunity to catch these hard-fighting fish and enjoy their firm, white fillets.

Wilson 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.

Primary fish species residing in Wilson Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Wilson Lake Amenities

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

Today's Weather & Forecast

Fishing enthusiasts are drawn here to pursue bass, catfish, perch, walleye, crappie, sunfish, striped bass and white bass. For anglers preferring to fish from the bank will find camping areas and plenty of primitive areas with easy access. Many of these same areas work well for launch of small craft like canoes, kayaks and car-topper boats.

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

200th Blvd Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off 200th Blvd, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.

232 Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, east side, off State Route 232, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Lucas Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off 203rd Street, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Minooka Park Recreation Area Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off Reservoir Road, this is a multi-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Minooka Recreation Area East Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off Reservoir Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Reservoir Road Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, off Reservoir Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Wilson State Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off Tatanka Loop, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Click here for a Kansas Fishing License.