UTERWalleye fishing in Kansas freshwater
In Kansas freshwater, walleye peak March–April and November and are around year-round, spawning in March, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. March: Milford, Cheney and Glen Elder walleye on the riprap at night.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Walleye in Kansas freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryAround
- FebruaryArriving
- MarchSpawningMilford, Cheney and Glen Elder walleye on the riprap at night.
- AprilPeak
- MayAround
- JuneAround
- JulyAround
- AugustAround
- SeptemberAround
- OctoberAround
- NovemberPeak
- DecemberAround
Where to fish walleye near Milford Lake, Cheney Reservoir, Wilson Lake
Wind-swept prairie reservoirs for walleye, white bass, wipers and crappie, the Neosho's paddlefish, and big channel and flathead cats in the rivers.
What to use for walleye
- Minnows (fatheads, shiners)Hooked lightly through the lips or behind the dorsal on a #6 to #2 hook under a slip bobber for crappie, perch and walleye; a big golden shiner on a 2/0 to 4/0 for largemouth, pike and stripers.
- LeechesHooked once through the sucker end on a #8 to #4 hook under a slip bobber or on a live-bait rig — walleye and smallmouth can't leave them alone.
- NightcrawlersWhole on a #6 to #2 hook under a bobber or on a bottom rig; threaded on a spinner harness drifted for walleye. The bait that catches everything in fresh water.
- Leader10–20 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook#2–3/0
- Jig head1/8–1/2 oz
- Braid10–30 lb
Feeds in 34–78°F water, best at 55–70°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch walleye in Kansas freshwater?
Peak season is March–April and November, with fish spawning in March (often a closed or catch-and-release window — check the rule). Walleye are here year-round. March: Milford, Cheney and Glen Elder walleye on the riprap at night.
Where do walleye hold in Kansas freshwater?
Look on lake, reservoir, river, bridge, dock / pilings — around Milford Lake, Cheney Reservoir, Wilson Lake, Tuttle Creek, El Dorado Lake, Neosho River.
What is the best bait for walleye in Kansas freshwater?
Live bait: minnows (fatheads, shiners), leeches, nightcrawlers. Minnows (fatheads, shiners): Hooked lightly through the lips or behind the dorsal on a #6 to #2 hook under a slip bobber for crappie, perch and walleye; a big golden shiner on a 2/0 to 4/0 for largemouth, pike and stripers. Tackle: leader 10–20 lb fluorocarbon, hook #2–3/0, jig head 1/8–1/2 oz, braid 10–30 lb.
What are the rules for walleye in Kansas freshwater?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) and change — read the current rule at https://www.ksoutdoors.gov/programs-services/law-enforcement/regulations-statutes/fishing-regulations before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://www.ksoutdoors.gov/licenses-permits-fees.
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