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Kansas · Fishing
La Cygne, Kansas is a quiet fishing town in the southeast corner of the state, and most anglers here are headed to La Cygne Lake, the area's main draw.
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La Cygne, Kansas is a quiet fishing town in the southeast corner of the state, and most anglers here are headed to La Cygne Lake, the area's main draw. The reservoir sits just outside town and offers lake fishing for species typical of eastern Kansas warmwater lakes — largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and white bass are the fish locals talk about most. There's also a smaller lake in the area that sees less pressure and can be worth checking if you want a more low-key outing. Neither water is a destination you'd fly across the country for, but if you're within a few hours of Linn County and want a solid day on the water without crowds, La Cygne delivers. The fishing tends to be most productive in spring when crappie move shallow and bass are pre-spawn, and again in fall when cooling water pushes fish into more predictable patterns. Summer can be productive early and late in the day, but midday heat on open Kansas water slows things down considerably. A Kansas fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older, and regulations are set by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks.
La Cygne Lake is a warmwater reservoir, so you're primarily looking at largemouth bass, crappie, channel catfish, and white bass. Flathead catfish are also present. It's not a trout fishery, so leave the fly rod at home unless you're targeting bass on the surface.
Spring is the most productive window, roughly March through May, when crappie stack up in shallower water and bass are active ahead of the spawn. Fall is a close second. Summer fishing is possible but plan to be on the water before 8 a.m. or in the evening to avoid the slow midday stretch.
La Cygne Lake
~6 min drive
A worthwhile stop near KS.
La Cygne Lake
~7 min drive
A worthwhile stop near KS.
Boicourt Lake
~9 min drive
A worthwhile stop near KS.
Small Lake
~13 min drive
A worthwhile stop near KS.
Drexel City Reservoir South
~18 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MO.
Drexel Lake
~18 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MO.
Sugar Valley Lake
~26 min drive
A worthwhile stop near KS.
Butler Recreational Lake
~37 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MO.
Harmony Mission Lake
~39 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MO.
Steuck Ponds
~54 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MO.
Cresap Lake
~55 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MO.
McDowell Lake
~58 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MO.
Also worth it near here
Yes, anyone 16 or older needs a valid Kansas fishing license. You can purchase one online through the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks website or at local sporting goods and bait shops. Buy it before you leave home if you're coming from out of state — don't count on finding a retailer open early in a small town.
It's a reasonable choice for both. The lake is accessible, crappie and channel catfish are forgiving targets for newer anglers, and you don't need a boat — bank fishing is viable in several spots. A simple spinning setup with live bait or jigs will cover most of what you'd want to catch here.
La Cygne Lake has a boat ramp available for anglers. Fees and hours can change seasonally, so check with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks or Linn County before your trip rather than assuming it's free or open at all hours.
