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Kansas · Fishing
Burrton sits in the Arkansas River lowlands of south-central Kansas, and the fishing here is straightforward lake fishing on three small waters: West Lake, Boyle Lakes, and Saucer Lake.
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Burrton sits in the Arkansas River lowlands of south-central Kansas, and the fishing here is straightforward lake fishing on three small waters: West Lake, Boyle Lakes, and Saucer Lake. None of these are destination fisheries that draw crowds from Wichita, which is part of the appeal — you can show up on a weekday morning, find a spot on the bank, and actually fish without competing for elbow room. Expect the species mix typical of Harvey County impoundments: largemouth bass, channel catfish, and bluegill are the most likely targets, though you should check current KDWP stocking records to confirm what's in each water before you go. All three are lake fisheries, so gear can stay simple — a medium spinning rod handles most situations, and live bait like nightcrawlers or cut shad covers the catfish and panfish bases. Access tends to be bank-friendly at waters this size, but regulations, parking, and any permit requirements can change, so pulling up the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks regulations before your trip is worth the five minutes it takes.
These are typical Kansas plains lakes, so channel catfish, largemouth bass, and bluegill are the most common targets. Crappie show up in waters like these as well, but species composition varies by lake and by what KDWP has stocked recently. Check the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks fish stocking reports for current information on each specific water.
Yes. Kansas requires a valid fishing license for anyone 16 or older. Licenses are available through the KDWP website or at local sporting goods retailers. Some waters also carry additional permit or access requirements, so confirm the rules for whichever lake you plan to fish before you go.
Hillsboro Cove
~1h 11m drive
A worthwhile stop near KS.
Riverside
~1h 22m drive
A worthwhile stop near KS.
Cheney Reservoir - North Shore
~25 min drive
Easy
Cottonwood Point
~1h 14m drive
A worthwhile stop near KS.
Shady Creek
~1h 24m drive
A worthwhile stop near KS.
Marion Reservoir - Cottonwood Point
~1h 15m drive
Easy
Saucer Lake
~2 min drive
A worthwhile stop near KS.
Boyle Lakes
~2 min drive
A worthwhile stop near KS.
West Lake
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near KS.
Cheney Reservoir
~27 min drive
A worthwhile stop near KS.
Moss Lake
~36 min drive
A worthwhile stop near KS.
Dillons Pond
~36 min drive
A worthwhile stop near KS.
Also worth it near here
Early morning and the last two hours before sunset are the most productive windows for bass and bluegill, when water temperatures are cooler and fish are actively feeding near the surface. Catfish tend to bite well after dark, especially in warmer months when daytime heat pushes them into deeper, slower water.
A medium-power spinning rod in the 6- to 7-foot range handles most situations across all three lakes. For catfish, a heavier setup with a slip-sinker rig and cut bait or nightcrawlers works well. For bass and panfish, light to medium-light tackle with small jigs, soft plastics, or live bait covers your bases without overcomplicating things.
All three are small lake fisheries where bank fishing is a realistic option, and you do not need a boat to fish them effectively. That said, access points and bank conditions vary, so it is worth scouting the specific lake you plan to visit or checking with KDWP or local bait shops in the area for current access details.
