Fishing

Welcome to 12,350 acre Tuttle Creek Lake, the second largest lake in Kansas. All that water can make for some nice fishing. Populations of many game fish species have been enhanced by a stocking program conducted by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks.

Excellent channel and flathead catfish can be found in the lake and in the river above and below. Worms, minnows, shad, and crayfish are preferred baits.

Good populations of crappie can be found in wooded coves and submerged brush piles using jigs and live minnows. The best times for crappie fishing are spring and late fall. Brush pile fish attractors have been added to the lake to enhance crappie habitat.

Fair numbers of largemouth bass are caught in the southern half of the lake and in River Pond. Bass tend to stay back in the protected coves near brushy cover, so anglers should concentrate their efforts near standing timber and brush piles. Use worms, crank baits, and spinner baits.

In early April, fair to good numbers of saugeye can be taken off the face of the dam, as well as in the river below. Try the mudflats during May and June. Jigs, minnows, and imitation lures work well.

Often traveling in large schools, white bass are abundant. Fish for white bass in open water and off rocky points in mid-April. The large tributaries can also be good in mid-April, and when turbid and high water conditions prevail. Jigs, spoons, and trolling baits are effective.

Rainbow trout are stocked year-round in Willow Lake located in River Pond State Park, providing an unusual fishing opportunity in Kansas. A special trout stamp is required.