Neosho State Fishing Lake

Channel catfish Good 11-16" - 35%16-24" - 65% Channel catfish can be found in the shallows on the upper and lower ends of the lake. Boat anglers can focus their efforts on the flats of 4-8', coves, and the brushpiles located on the southwest corner of the lake. Shoreline anglers can focus their efforts on the rock jetties throughout the entire lake, however the jetties on the southwest side of the lake are in close proximity of brushpiles that may congregate channel catfish. Crappie Good 5-8" - 30% 8-10" - 61%10-12" - 6%12-15" - 3% Anglers can focus their effort on brushpiles, which are located throughout the lake, drop offs and changes in depth located in close proximity to jetties, and coves. Crappie will congregate near structure. 1/8-1/16 ounce jigs with twister tails or tipped with a minnow, live minnows, worms, and small spinners are all good baits to try. In recent fish surveys, crappie continue to show an improved size structure of 8-10-inch year classes. Largemouth Bass Good 8-12" - 25% 12-15" - 40% 15-20" - 33% > 20" - 3% Anglers have reported catching 2-5 lb Largemouth Bass on white bladed jigs, spinnerbaits, and top water lures. Recent sampling has indicated a much improved high quality and high density population. This may be in result of recent water level management and habitat addition efforts. Anglers can focus on jetties, if fishing from the shore, where brushpiles are in close proximity. Anglers fishing from boat can target brushpile habitat. Fishing access jetties are located on all sides of the lake. Baits to use include spinnerbaits, bladed jigs, jigs, top-water lures, and plastics are recommended options for anglers. General Comment Be sure to Clean, Drain, and Dry your boat, bait buckets, and recreational watercraft before and after launching your boat. It is required to remove your drain plug on your watercraft upon departure to drain live wells and water inside of your boat; it will protect our natural resources in Kansas for current anglers and future generations to enjoy. Be sure to stay up to date on information regarding Aquatic Nuisance Species. Remember it is illegal to release any fish into public water unless it was taken from that water. Please discard leftover bait in a trash can.If you would like to provide a fishing report for Neosho State Fishing Lake, don't hesitate to contact Connor Ossowski, District Fisheries Biologist, at (620) 231-3173 or [email protected].