Disclaimer: This blog post is for general information only. Always check Kansas fishing regulations and make sure you have the proper license and permission before fishing. Conditions change, and laws can vary from one spot to another.
When the weather turns warm and the air feels heavy, catfish come alive in the waters around Northeast Kansas. You don’t need a boat or a guide. A rod, some bait, and a quiet evening by the water are enough to get started.
The catfish around here are reliable. They show up in rivers, spillways, ponds, and the coves of larger lakes. Clinton Lake, Perry Lake, and Melvern are well-known spots, but plenty of smaller creeks and access points hold good fish if you’re willing to look. Backwaters, bridge crossings, and public fishing areas are worth walking. The less disturbed the water, the more likely something’s waiting down there.
Evenings tend to be the best time to fish, especially in the summer. The sun dips low, the bugs come out, and the catfish start to roam. Cut shad, chicken liver, and dip bait all work well. You’ll hear arguments over which is best, but what matters most is putting it where the fish are.
Flatheads are a different story. They prefer live bait and deeper water with structure like fallen trees, rock piles, or anything that gives them a place to ambush. They don’t bite as often, but when they do, it’s something to remember. They also get big, so make sure your gear can handle it.
Some folks around here go hand fishing, or noodling. It’s legal in Kansas during specific times for flathead, but it’s not something to do alone or without learning from someone who knows what they’re doing. It’s serious work and not without risk. I’ve heard tale of more than a few noodling accidents.
If you haven’t been fishing in a while, now’s the time. The nights are getting warmer, the fish are starting to move, and there’s always room on the bank for one more line in the water.
The Terra Tactica Outfit 