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Kansas · Fishing
Marion Reservoir is the anchor of fishing in Marion, Kansas, and it punches above its weight for a plains reservoir. The lake holds a solid mix of walleye, crappie, channel catfish, and largemouth bass, with Cottonwood Point and Hillsboro Cove being the two areas anglers return to most.
3 spotsUpdated dailyFree to access
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Marion Reservoir is the anchor of fishing in Marion, Kansas, and it punches above its weight for a plains reservoir. The lake holds a solid mix of walleye, crappie, channel catfish, and largemouth bass, with Cottonwood Point and Hillsboro Cove being the two areas anglers return to most. Cottonwood Point sits at 1,365 feet elevation and offers relatively easy access, making it a reasonable starting point whether you're wading in for the first time or setting up a full bank-fishing spread. Crappie tend to draw a crowd in spring when they move shallow, while walleye fishing picks up in lower-light conditions and cooler months. Channel catfish are available through the warmer months and are forgiving for anglers who want consistent action without chasing a specific bite window. The reservoir is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and a Kansas fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older. If you're driving in from out of state, Marion is a straightforward stop with enough variety across species and access points to fill a weekend without repeating yourself.
The reservoir holds walleye, crappie, channel catfish, and largemouth bass. Crappie and walleye are the most commonly targeted species, while channel catfish offer reliable action for anglers who prefer a slower-paced setup.
Cottonwood Point and Hillsboro Cove are the two main fishing areas listed for Marion Reservoir. Cottonwood Point is rated easy for access, so it works well for bank fishing or launching a small boat without a lot of logistical hassle.
Hillsboro Cove
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near KS.
Canning Creek
~1h 3m drive
A worthwhile stop near KS.
Marion Reservoir - Cottonwood Point
~5 min drive
Easy
Cottonwood Point
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near KS.
Shady Creek
~1h 8m drive
A worthwhile stop near KS.
Milford Lake - West Rolling Hills
~1h 25m drive
Easy
Santa Fe Trail
~1h 3m drive
A worthwhile stop near KS.
Richey Cove
~1h 6m drive
A worthwhile stop near KS.
Harvey County East Park Lake
~39 min drive
A worthwhile stop near KS.
Gas Lake
~53 min drive
A worthwhile stop near KS.
El Dorado Lake
~1h 4m drive
A worthwhile stop near KS.
Bluestem
~1h 6m drive
A worthwhile stop near KS.
Also worth it near here
For walleye, early morning and evening are the most productive windows since they feed more actively in low light. Crappie and catfish are less time-sensitive, though catfish bites on channel cats often improve after sunset.
Yes, a Kansas fishing license is required for anyone 16 years of age or older. You can purchase one through the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks website or at local retailers before your trip.
A medium-action spinning rod handles most of what the reservoir offers. For walleye, jigs and live bait rigs work well; for crappie, small jigs or minnows under a bobber are standard. If you're targeting channel catfish from the bank at Cottonwood Point, a heavier bottom rig with cut bait or prepared stink bait will cover you.
