Clinton Lake
lake in Kansas
Clinton Lake offers reliable spring and summer topwater/bass fly fishing as well as white bass runs; good access from state park facilities and multiple boat ramps.
Predatory species like Walleye
- 01Predatory species like Walleye, Pike, and Muskellunge are actively feeding on baitfish and leeches.
- 02Crappie, Bluegill, and Sunfish can be found deeper, keying in on nymphs and small baitfish.
- 03Midge pupae and scuds remain consistent food sources for a wide range of species.
- 04Warmer fall days might still offer limited topwater action for panfish near cover.
Past reports week by week
10 weeksWhat to tie on
Picked from reports, hatches and the season. Tap a fly for the recipe and where else it works.
Chironomid Pupa (Black)
Midge pupae are a primary and consistent food source in lakes, and effective for subsurface feeders in fall.
Mysis Shrimp
Mysis shrimp are a crucial and consistent food source in large reservoirs, effective when fished dead drift near the bottom in fall.
Buy at AmazonMuskie Fly
Designed specifically for muskies and pike, this baitfish imitation is highly effective in large lakes during the fall feeding frenzy.
Clouser Minnow (Chartreuse/White)
An effective baitfish imitation, great for targeting predatory fish that are actively feeding in fall.
Balanced Leech (Black)
Leeches are a staple forage for predatory fish in stillwaters year-round, making this pattern highly effective in fall.
Woolly Bugger (Olive)
A versatile streamer pattern imitating leeches and baitfish, excellent for various predatory species in cooling fall waters.
Scud
Freshwater shrimp (scuds) are a consistent food source in lakes with aquatic vegetation, appealing to a wide range of species in fall.
Articulated Streamer (Drunk Sculpin)
Sculpin patterns are excellent for targeting larger predatory fish in fall as they key on substantial baitfish.
Buy at AmazonWhere to fish and who to ask
Clinton State Park - South Shore Access
Popular shore and boat access with nearby structure and reed beds frequented by bass and white bass.
North Shore Marina / Boat Ramp
Marina and ramp providing quick access to main-lake structure and points for trolling and fly angling.
Wakarusa Campground Access
Good bank fishing and close to river inflow areas where white bass congregate in spring.
Fly shops within 40 miles
Great Blue Heron Outdoors
Rainbow Fly Shop
K & K Fly Fisher’s Supply
Orvis
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Kansas season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Read before you go
Quick answers
Common questions about Clinton Lake.
What flies work best on Clinton Lake?
Our top scored fly patterns for Clinton Lake right now are Chironomid Pupa (Black) (80% confidence), Mysis Shrimp (80% confidence), Muskie Fly (80% confidence). These picks are scored from recent fishing reports, hatch data, and seasonal patterns.
What fish species are in Clinton Lake?
Clinton Lake holds Crappie, Bluegill, Sunfish, Walleye, Catfish, Panfish. See the species links on this page for fly recommendations and seasonal behavior for each.
Is Clinton Lake fishing well right now?
We publish a fresh bite report for Clinton Lake each week based on recent on-the-water intel. The current report — with conditions, hatches, and what's producing — is on this page.