Clinton Lake Fishing Report Guide
Clinton Lake Fishing Report Guide
Clinton Lake, located in the beautiful state of Kansas, is a prime destination for fishing enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. This picturesque lake, surrounded by lush greenery and rolling hills, provides a serene and tranquil setting perfect for a day of fishing, a weekend camping trip, or a family outing. Whether you’re an experienced angler or just starting out, Clinton Lake offers abundant opportunities to reel in some impressive catches while enjoying the great outdoors.
Clinton Lake Fishing Details
Here’s a comprehensive overview of Clinton Lake:
- Water Surface: 7,000 acres
- Shoreline: 86 miles
- Average Depth: 18 feet
- Max Depth: 42 feet
- Surface Elevation: 875 feet
- Location: Douglas County, Kansas
- Coordinates: 38.9290° N, 95.3903° W
- Accessibility: Easily accessible via major highways with multiple entry points and boat ramps
- Type of Lake: Reservoir
- Lake Amenities: Boat ramps, fishing docks, campgrounds, picnic areas, hiking trails, restrooms, and marinas
Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Clinton Lake is well-maintained and offers a variety of amenities to enhance your visit. The lake is fed by the Wakarusa River, which helps sustain its water levels and supports a diverse aquatic ecosystem.
Types of Fish in Clinton Lake
Clinton Lake is home to a wide variety of fish species, making it a popular spot for anglers. Here are some of the most common types of fish you can catch, along with details on where they are usually found:
- Largemouth Bass: Often found near submerged vegetation, fallen trees, and rocky shorelines. They are most active during early morning and late evening.
- Smallmouth Bass: Prefer rocky areas and deeper waters. Look for them around underwater structures and drop-offs.
- Channel Catfish: Typically found in muddy or sandy bottoms. They tend to gather in deeper waters during the day and move to shallower areas at night.
- Crappie: Often found near submerged structures such as brush piles, trees, and docks. They are most active during their spawning season in the spring.
- Walleye: Usually found in deeper waters, especially near rocky structures and drop-offs. They move to shallower areas during spring and fall.
- White Bass: Commonly found in open waters and near the surface during their spawning season in the spring. Early morning and late evening are the best times to catch them.
With its varied habitats, including deep channels, shallow coves, and submerged structures, Clinton Lake provides ideal conditions for these fish to thrive.
Best Fishing Baits, Lures, and Tackle to Use
Selecting the right bait, lures, and tackle can significantly impact your fishing success at Clinton Lake. Here are some recommendations for each type of fish:
- Largemouth Bass: Plastic worms, crankbaits, and spinnerbaits are effective. Topwater lures work well early in the morning or late in the evening.
- Smallmouth Bass: Use jigs, crankbaits, and soft plastics. Live bait such as minnows can also be very effective.
- Channel Catfish: Stink baits, chicken liver, and nightcrawlers are excellent choices. Catfish rigs with a sliding sinker are ideal for fishing the bottom.
- Crappie: Small jigs, particularly those with bright colors, are effective. Live minnows are also a good choice, especially when fishing near submerged structures.
- Walleye: Jigs tipped with live bait like minnows or nightcrawlers work well. Crankbaits and spinnerbaits are also effective, particularly in deeper waters.
- White Bass: Small spinners, jigs, and spoons are effective. Live bait such as shad or minnows can also be successful.
Adjust your tackle based on the fish you’re targeting. For instance, lighter tackle is suitable for crappie, while heavier gear is needed for largemouth bass and catfish.
- 8 SEGMENTS LIFELIKE LURES: Designed with 8 segment multi-jointed body, TRUSCEND fishing lure can sink slowly and move flexible in water. In addition, life-like swimming actions make it attracting more catches and provoking predator fish to strike.
- Unbeatable Value: This fishing lure kit contains two crankbaits that run at a depth of 9 to 14 feet and serves as a great addition to your tackle box to cover a huge range
- The Cotton Cordell Wally Diver has proven that its slender profile and tight wiggle produce big walleye and bass.
- DOUBLE-BLADE UNIQUE DESIGN – TRUSCEND fishing lures for bass uses a double-blade rotating tail design, which delivers a heavy sputter as it moves across the surface, create noise and commotion that fish can not ignore. It also “roll resistant” and works well at a variety of speeds. Interestingly, when the monster bass bites the top water fishing lures, its tail will close to prevent the bass from spitting it out.
- ULTRA-SHARP OWNER HOOKS – Equipped with sharp high quality OWNER high carbon steel hooks and built-in magnet, the innovative design of these soft lures can help ensure increased fish hook ups in all situations while Reduce the odds getting hung up when fishing, thus saving your bait for future use.
- ✅ Purpose and Size: These grubs for fishing attract a wide variety of fish including trout, crappie, panfish, bluegill, bream, roach, carp and more. Using grub fishing lures that imitate worms offers many advantages over live worms or minnows. These crappie lures are equipped with an optimal size hook and a rubber grub. The hook dimensions are 10 mm wide and 25 mm long, and the length of the larva itself is 22 mm.
Best Fishing Spot Locations at Clinton Lake Fishing
Clinton Lake offers numerous fishing spots known for their excellent catches. Here are some of the top locations to try:
- Clinton Lake Dam: This area is known for its deep waters and is a great spot for catching walleye and white bass. Fish near the rocky structures and drop-offs.
- Wakarusa River Inlet: This area is particularly good for catfish and crappie. The inflow of water attracts fish, making it a prime spot.
- Rocky Shorelines: These areas are popular for largemouth and smallmouth bass. The submerged vegetation and rocks provide excellent cover for these fish.
- Marina Area: Fishing near the docks can be productive, especially for crappie and bass. The marina area is also easily accessible, making it a convenient spot.
- Brush Piles and Trees: Located throughout the lake, these submerged structures are great for crappie and bass. Use a fish finder to locate these hidden spots.
Exploring different areas and trying various techniques can help you find the best fishing spots for the day.
Fishing Tips and Recommendations
Here are some general tips to enhance your fishing experience at Clinton Lake:
- Time of Day: Early morning and late evening are typically the best times to fish, as many species are more active during these periods.
- Seasonal Patterns: Pay attention to the seasonal movements of fish. For example, walleye are more likely to be found in shallower waters during spring and fall, while they move to deeper areas in the summer.
- Weather Conditions: Fish are often more active on overcast days. Windy conditions can also stir up the water, making fish more likely to bite.
- Use a Fish Finder: A fish finder can help locate schools of fish and identify underwater structures where fish may be hiding.
- Be Patient and Persistent: Fishing can require patience. If one spot isn’t producing, don’t hesitate to move around and try different areas.
Clinton Lake Fishing Reviews
Here are five positive reviews from anglers who have enjoyed fishing at Clinton Lake:
- James H.: “Clinton Lake is my favorite fishing spot in Kansas. The variety of fish is amazing, and I’ve had great success catching largemouth bass. The scenery is beautiful, and the facilities are well-maintained.”
- Emily R.: “I love fishing at Clinton Lake! The catfish are huge, and there are plenty of great spots to choose from. The park staff are always friendly and helpful.”
- David S.: “Had an awesome time fishing for crappie at Clinton Lake. The lake is clean and well-maintained, and the fish are plentiful. Can’t wait to come back!”
- Samantha P.: “Clinton Lake is perfect for a family fishing trip. We caught lots of crappie and bass, and the kids had a blast. The campgrounds are clean and well-equipped.”
- Brian L.: “If you’re looking for a great fishing experience in Kansas, Clinton Lake is the place to go. The fish are biting, and the surroundings are peaceful and relaxing.”
Top-Rated RV Parks, RV Resorts, and Campgrounds
For those looking to stay close to Clinton Lake, here are five top-rated RV parks, resorts, and campgrounds:
- Clinton State Park Campground:
- Features: Spacious campsites, electric and water hookups, restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and fire rings.
- Amenities: Boat ramps, fishing docks, hiking trails, and playgrounds.
- Distance to Lake: Located within Clinton State Park, right on the shores of the lake.
- Douglas State Fishing Lake Campground:
- Features: Basic camping facilities with picnic tables, fire rings, and restrooms.
- Amenities: Fishing, boating, hiking, and birdwatching.
- Distance to Lake: About 10 miles from Clinton Lake.
- Lawrence / Kansas City West KOA:
- Features: Full hookups, pull-through sites, Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, restrooms, and showers.
- Amenities: Swimming pool, playground, and convenience store.
- Distance to Lake: Approximately 15 miles from Clinton Lake.
- Prairie Pines Campground:
- Features: Electric and water hookups, restrooms, showers, picnic areas, and fire rings.
- Amenities: Fishing, hiking trails, and birdwatching.
- Distance to Lake: Roughly 20 miles from Clinton Lake.
- Hidden Valley RV Park:
- Features: Full hookups, Wi-Fi, restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities.
- Amenities: Pet-friendly, recreational area, and a convenience store.
- Distance to Lake: Around 25 miles from Clinton Lake.
These parks offer a range of amenities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay while you’re fishing at Clinton Lake.
Clinton Lake Fishing Summary
Clinton Lake is a fantastic destination for anyone looking to enjoy a great day of fishing in Kansas. With its abundant fish populations, well-maintained facilities, and beautiful surroundings, it’s no wonder this lake is a favorite among anglers. Whether you’re targeting largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, crappie, walleye, or white bass, Clinton Lake has something for everyone. Pack your fishing gear, bring your family or friends, and get ready for an unforgettable fishing experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Clinton Lake Fishing
- What is the best time of year to fish at Clinton Lake?
- The best time to fish at Clinton Lake is during the spring and fall when the fish are more active and closer to the shore.
- Do I need a fishing license to fish at Clinton Lake?
- Yes, a valid Kansas fishing license is required to fish at Clinton Lake. Licenses can be purchased online or at local retailers.
- Are there boat rentals available at Clinton Lake?
- Yes, boat rentals are available at Clinton State Park. It’s a great option if you don’t have your own boat.
- What facilities are available at Clinton State Park?
- Clinton State Park offers a range of facilities, including campsites, restrooms, showers, picnic areas, boat ramps, and fishing docks.
- Is Clinton Lake family-friendly?
- Absolutely! Clinton Lake is a great place for a family outing. There are plenty of activities for kids, including fishing, hiking, and playing in the park areas.
That’s all for now, folks! I hope this guide helps you plan an amazing fishing trip to Clinton Lake. Tight lines and happy fishing!
