Russell County, KS · Reservoir
Wilson Lake
The clearest big reservoir in Kansas, set in the Smoky Hills — famous for trophy striped bass and wipers chasing shad over the rock, plus smallmouth bass, walleye, and white bass. Deep and clean, it fishes more like a Western reservoir than a plains lake.
Live · updated
Top pick today
Striped Bass — Great day to fish for Striped Bass.
Best conditions of 4 species tracked at Wilson Lake.
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Species at Wilson Lake
4 species tracked, ranked by today's conditions. The top pick is open below — tap any species to expand it, or a chip to focus.
#1 Striped Bass Great day to fish for Striped Bass. In season 82/100
What's helping
- incoming tide — striped bass prefers incoming tide
- 15 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
About. Morone saxatilis — Maryland's state fish. Anadromous — runs into Bay tributaries to spawn each spring. Targeted by trolling, jigging, live-lining, and surf casting. Locally called "rockfish."
Prefers. Water 50–72°F (ideal 62°F) · incoming tide · depth 5–35 ft.
- Daily creel
- 2
Kansas: 2 striped bass/day at Wilson Lake; wipers carry a 21" minimum, 2/day. Confirm the water.
Source: Kansas non-tidal regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
#2 White Bass Workable day for White Bass. In season 68/100
What's helping
- 15 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
About. Morone chrysops — A hard-fighting open-water schooling bass of big reservoirs and their feeder rivers across the Plains and Midwest. White bass run up tributaries by the thousands to spawn in spring — the run is a calendar event on waters like McConaughy and the Missouri reservoirs — then chase shad in surface-busting "jumps" through summer. Often hybridized with striped bass to make the "wiper." Abundant and lightly regulated, so creel limits are generous or absent.
Prefers. Water 55–80°F (ideal 68°F) · either tide · depth 4–30 ft.
- Daily creel
- 15
Kansas: 15/day for white bass, striped bass, wiper, and yellow bass in combination on most waters.
Source: Kansas non-tidal regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
#2 Smallmouth Bass Workable day for Smallmouth Bass. In season 68/100
What's helping
- 15 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
About. Micropterus dolomieu — Premier gamefish of the non-tidal Potomac, the Upper Susquehanna, and Deep Creek Lake. Pound-for-pound one of the hardest-fighting freshwater fish. Hits tubes, crayfish imitations, spinnerbaits, and topwater poppers.
Prefers. Water 55–78°F (ideal 68°F) · either tide · depth 3–30 ft.
- Min size
- 15"
- Daily creel
- 5
Kansas: 5 black bass/day, 15" minimum on most reservoirs.
Source: Kansas non-tidal regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
#2 Walleye Workable day for Walleye. In season 68/100
What's helping
- 15 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
About. Sander vitreus — Maryland's premier cool-water gamefish. Deep Creek Lake is the flagship fishery; also found in the non-tidal Potomac and the Youghiogheny River. Low-light feeder — dusk, dawn, and overcast/windy days are prime. Jigs, crankbaits, and nightcrawler harnesses are standard.
Prefers. Water 50–72°F (ideal 62°F) · either tide · depth 10–40 ft.
- Min size
- 15"
- Daily creel
- 5
Kansas: 5 walleye/day, 15" minimum on most reservoirs (Milford, Tuttle Creek, Wilson).
Source: Kansas non-tidal regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
Location Info
Water Body
Reservoir
Access
Pier, shore, and ramp
Jurisdiction
Kansas non-tidal
Coordinates
Notes
Wilson Lake: 2 striped bass/day; wipers 21" minimum, 2/day; black bass 15" minimum, 5/day.
Local reports & rules for Wilson Lake: Kansas Wildlife & Parks fishing report → · fish-consumption advisories (EPA directory) →
Nearby Access Points
Frequently Asked
Do I need a fishing license to fish at Wilson Lake?
Yes (anglers age 16 and older). To fish at Wilson Lake you need the appropriate state fishing license. See the agency's current rules: the state agency website
What fish are commonly targeted at Wilson Lake?
Wilson Lake is listed on this site for 4 commonly-targeted species: Striped Bass, White Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye. Which species is currently in season and which is scoring highest today is shown in the per-species ranking on this page.
When is the best time to fish at Wilson Lake?
It depends more on the species and the day's conditions than on a fixed "best hour." Water temperature, weather, and — at tidal locations — the stage of the tide drive activity most. The per-species ranking on this page scores every target species at Wilson Lake against today's live conditions, so the fish near the top are your best bets right now; check back as conditions change through the day.
What kind of access does Wilson Lake have?
Wilson Lake has multiple access types — pier, shoreline, and at least one public boat ramp. Wilson Lake: 2 striped bass/day; wipers 21" minimum, 2/day; black bass 15" minimum, 5/day.
Which state's fishing regulations apply at Wilson Lake?
state agency regulations apply at Wilson Lake. Size limits, creel limits, and seasonal closures are listed per species on each species page. Always confirm against the agency source linked from each regulation block — emergency closures can take effect mid-season.
Is Wilson Lake tidal water?
No. Wilson Lake is non-tidal — water level varies with rainfall, seasonal flow, and (where applicable) upstream dam releases rather than tidal exchange.