Kansas · Fishing
Fishing in Stafford, Kansas
Stafford, Kansas sits in the heart of the Great Plains, and the fishing around here is quieter and more accessible than most people expect.
3 spotsUpdated dailyFree to access
View on mapFishing · 3 spots
Stafford, Kansas sits in the heart of the Great Plains, and the fishing around here is quieter and more accessible than most people expect. The three main spots — Park Smith Lake, Horseshoe Lake, and Little Salt Marsh — are all lake fisheries, which means you're looking at warm-water species typical of south-central Kansas: largemouth bass, channel catfish, crappie, and bluegill are the usual targets. Little Salt Marsh is the most distinctive of the three, a shallow, brackish wetland that draws a different crowd than your standard Kansas reservoir and can hold some surprises depending on water levels and the season. Park Smith Lake and Horseshoe Lake are more straightforward lake setups, generally better suited to bank fishing or a small kayak than a full-size boat. None of these waters carry a gold-medal or wild-trout designation, so set expectations accordingly — this is solid, relaxed Plains fishing rather than a destination trophy scene. That said, early mornings in late spring and again in early fall tend to produce well across all three locations, and the lack of crowds is a genuine advantage if you just want a few hours on the water without competing for space.
Frequently asked questions
What fish species can I realistically expect to catch at these lakes?
All three locations — Park Smith Lake, Horseshoe Lake, and Little Salt Marsh -- are warm-water fisheries. Channel catfish, largemouth bass, crappie, and bluegill are the most common targets in this part of Kansas. Little Salt Marsh's brackish character can affect what's present there depending on current water conditions, so it's worth checking with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks before your trip if you're targeting something specific.
Do I need a Kansas fishing license, and where do I get one?
Yes, anyone 16 or older needs a valid Kansas fishing license to fish any of these waters. You can purchase one online through the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks website or at local sporting goods and bait shops. Make sure you have it on your person while fishing, as wardens do check.
What time of day is best for fishing here?
Early morning, roughly the first two hours after sunrise, is consistently the most productive window at all three lakes, especially for bass and crappie. Evening before sunset is a close second. Midday fishing in summer is generally slow due to heat and bright light, though catfish can still be caught then if you're fishing bait on the bottom.
Can I launch a boat at Park Smith Lake, Horseshoe Lake, or Little Salt Marsh?
These are smaller lake and wetland fisheries, so access and launch facilities are limited compared to larger Kansas reservoirs. Bank fishing and small non-motorized watercraft like kayaks or canoes are the most practical approach. Check current access conditions with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks or Stafford County before hauling a trailer out.
What gear setup makes sense for a first visit?
A medium-action spinning rod in the 6- to 7-foot range covers most situations across all three spots. For bass and crappie, soft plastics, small jigs, and spinners work well. For catfish, cut bait or prepared stink bait on a simple bottom rig is reliable. Little Salt Marsh's shallower, weedy areas can reward topwater lures early in the morning during warmer months.
