Wilson Reservoir, KS Fishing Report

This is a generic winter fishing report that provides a general guide to fishing patterns and location that may yield the best results throughout the winter. Any hot reports or new fishing patterns will be reported here.

Crappie

Fair

10-14 inches

As with the other species, the crappie will shift into their winter patterns which is good news for anglers. Crappie will move deeper over the winter and can be found around deep brush piles, river channel breaks, and other submerged structure There seems to be a general crappie migration to the west end with good numbers consistently showing up around Minooka and Elm Creek as the water cools. Minnows should not be as necessary with the cooler water and anglers often have good success jigging Beavertails, tube jigs, Wasshoppas, and other large baits. Other good spots to try include the steep rocky bluffs in Hell Creek, Minnoka, and Elm Creek.

Stripers

Fair to Good

3-8 pounds

Normally in the winter as water temperatures decline, the stripers can be found in the upper end near Elm Creek and the Horseshoe area as well as in the Hell Creek area. Anglers do very well ice fishing for stripers, but shoreline anglers can catch a few as well wade fishing off the Hell Creek area and along the river channel on the extreme west end. Fall netting showed decent numbers around the west end of the lake.

Walleye

Good

11-23 inches

The best walleye reports this time of year come from deep water with anglers reporting fish anywhere from 30 to 50 feet deep. The Rocktown area can be very productive and Coopers Point may yield some fish. We did net good numbers of 'eyes along the north shore between Lucas and the dam in late October. They were showing up in 6 to 12 feet of water. Fishing in front of the dam can also yield good catches of cold water walleye. Jig and crawler work well, but jig and minnow will also catch some fish. Other anglers prefer slab spoons or Kastmasters. A few walleye will also show up on the upper end.

Channel Catfish

Slow

3-8 pounds

The best numbers we normally see this time of year can be found on the flats on the south side of the reservoir between Elm Creek and Marshall Cove. These fish tend to hang out in 6-12 feet of water and can offer some fine fishing once they are located. Drifting shrimp, cut bait, and chicken livers can all yield some fish.

White Bass

Good

14-18 inches, up to 3 pounds

White bass tend to show up in a few areas during the cold water months. Popular areas at this time of year are the humps and bumps between Lucas Point and Minooka, and the upper end along the river channel in Horseshoe Bend. Fall netting showed good numbers in the Hell Creek area. These white bass are good sized fish and very fat right now. They will offer some fine angling opportunities once you can locate them. Slab spoons and Kastmasters vertically jigged near the bottom normally produce good results.

Black Bass

Fair

10-18 inches

The bass will tend to migrate toward deeper water this time of year similar to other species. We annually net good numbers of 14 to 18 inch smallmouth along the north shore points between Lucas and the dam, near Minooka, and around Rocktown. These fish can be caught slow rolling white and chartreuse spinnerbaits or slowly retrieving soft plastic baits like Senkos or crawdad imitations. Largemouth bass will tend to be shallow and deep depending on the location within the reservoir. They can be caught using similar methods, but can still be found in the main lake coves.

White Perch

Fair

9 to 13 inches

The white perch typically emerge from hiding and start feeding actively on shad – often stacking up just off the steep rocky bluffs in Hell Creek, near the north end of the dam, and off Minooka. Continue to keep all you catch and remember. Our fall netting showed good numbers of perch near the north end of the dam and further west along the north shore to Lucas. - IT IS ILLEGAL TO HAVE A WHITE PERCH ALIVE IN YOUR POSSESSION - IF YOU CATCH IT AND WANT TO KEEP IT - IT HAS TO BE DEAD IN A COOLER OR LIVEWELL. THEY ARE NO LONGER LEGAL AS LIVE BAIT FOR STRIPERS OR OTHER FISH!!!!!

This is a generic winter fishing report that provides a general guide to fishing patterns and location that may yield the best results throughout the winter. Any hot reports or new fishing patterns will be reported here.

Crappie

Fair

10-14 inches

As with the other species, the crappie will shift into their winter patterns which is good news for anglers. Crappie will move deeper over the winter and can be found around deep brush piles, river channel breaks, and other submerged structure There seems to be a general crappie migration to the west end with good numbers consistently showing up around Minooka and Elm Creek as the water cools. Minnows should not be as necessary with the cooler water and anglers often have good success jigging Beavertails, tube jigs, Wasshoppas, and other large baits. Other good spots to try include the steep rocky bluffs in Hell Creek, Minnoka, and Elm Creek.

Stripers

Fair to Good

3-8 pounds

Normally in the winter as water temperatures decline, the stripers can be found in the upper end near Elm Creek and the Horseshoe area as well as in the Hell Creek area. Anglers do very well ice fishing for stripers, but shoreline anglers can catch a few as well wade fishing off the Hell Creek area and along the river channel on the extreme west end. Fall netting showed decent numbers around the west end of the lake.

Walleye

Good

11-23 inches

The best walleye reports this time of year come from deep water with anglers reporting fish anywhere from 30 to 50 feet deep. The Rocktown area can be very productive and Coopers Point may yield some fish. We did net good numbers of 'eyes along the north shore between Lucas and the dam in late October. They were showing up in 6 to 12 feet of water. Fishing in front of the dam can also yield good catches of cold water walleye. Jig and crawler work well, but jig and minnow will also catch some fish. Other anglers prefer slab spoons or Kastmasters. A few walleye will also show up on the upper end.

Channel Catfish

Slow

3-8 pounds

The best numbers we normally see this time of year can be found on the flats on the south side of the reservoir between Elm Creek and Marshall Cove. These fish tend to hang out in 6-12 feet of water and can offer some fine fishing once they are located. Drifting shrimp, cut bait, and chicken livers can all yield some fish.

White Bass

Good

14-18 inches, up to 3 pounds

White bass tend to show up in a few areas during the cold water months. Popular areas at this time of year are the humps and bumps between Lucas Point and Minooka, and the upper end along the river channel in Horseshoe Bend. Fall netting showed good numbers in the Hell Creek area. These white bass are good sized fish and very fat right now. They will offer some fine angling opportunities once you can locate them. Slab spoons and Kastmasters vertically jigged near the bottom normally produce good results.

Black Bass

Fair

10-18 inches

The bass will tend to migrate toward deeper water this time of year similar to other species. We annually net good numbers of 14 to 18 inch smallmouth along the north shore points between Lucas and the dam, near Minooka, and around Rocktown. These fish can be caught slow rolling white and chartreuse spinnerbaits or slowly retrieving soft plastic baits like Senkos or crawdad imitations. Largemouth bass will tend to be shallow and deep depending on the location within the reservoir. They can be caught using similar methods, but can still be found in the main lake coves.

White Perch

Fair

9 to 13 inches

The white perch typically emerge from hiding and start feeding actively on shad – often stacking up just off the steep rocky bluffs in Hell Creek, near the north end of the dam, and off Minooka. Continue to keep all you catch and remember. Our fall netting showed good numbers of perch near the north end of the dam and further west along the north shore to Lucas. - IT IS ILLEGAL TO HAVE A WHITE PERCH ALIVE IN YOUR POSSESSION - IF YOU CATCH IT AND WANT TO KEEP IT - IT HAS TO BE DEAD IN A COOLER OR LIVEWELL. THEY ARE NO LONGER LEGAL AS LIVE BAIT FOR STRIPERS OR OTHER FISH!!!!!

This is a generic winter fishing report that provides a general guide to fishing patterns and location that may yield the best results throughout the winter. Any hot reports or new fishing patterns will be reported here.

Crappie

Fair

10-14 inches

As with the other species, the crappie will shift into their winter patterns which is good news for anglers. Crappie will move deeper over the winter and can be found around deep brush piles, river channel breaks, and other submerged structure There seems to be a general crappie migration to the west end with good numbers consistently showing up around Minooka and Elm Creek as the water cools. Minnows should not be as necessary with the cooler water and anglers often have good success jigging Beavertails, tube jigs, Wasshoppas, and other large baits. Other good spots to try include the steep rocky bluffs in Hell Creek, Minnoka, and Elm Creek.

Stripers

Fair to Good

3-8 pounds

Normally in the winter as water temperatures decline, the stripers can be found in the upper end near Elm Creek and the Horseshoe area as well as in the Hell Creek area. Anglers do very well ice fishing for stripers, but shoreline anglers can catch a few as well wade fishing off the Hell Creek area and along the river channel on the extreme west end. Fall netting showed decent numbers around the west end of the lake.

Walleye

Good

11-23 inches

The best walleye reports this time of year come from deep water with anglers reporting fish anywhere from 30 to 50 feet deep. The Rocktown area can be very productive and Coopers Point may yield some fish. We did net good numbers of 'eyes along the north shore between Lucas and the dam in late October. They were showing up in 6 to 12 feet of water. Fishing in front of the dam can also yield good catches of cold water walleye. Jig and crawler work well, but jig and minnow will also catch some fish. Other anglers prefer slab spoons or Kastmasters. A few walleye will also show up on the upper end.

Channel Catfish

Slow

3-8 pounds

The best numbers we normally see this time of year can be found on the flats on the south side of the reservoir between Elm Creek and Marshall Cove. These fish tend to hang out in 6-12 feet of water and can offer some fine fishing once they are located. Drifting shrimp, cut bait, and chicken livers can all yield some fish.

White Bass

Good

14-18 inches, up to 3 pounds

White bass tend to show up in a few areas during the cold water months. Popular areas at this time of year are the humps and bumps between Lucas Point and Minooka, and the upper end along the river channel in Horseshoe Bend. Fall netting showed good numbers in the Hell Creek area. These white bass are good sized fish and very fat right now. They will offer some fine angling opportunities once you can locate them. Slab spoons and Kastmasters vertically jigged near the bottom normally produce good results.

Black Bass

Fair

10-18 inches

The bass will tend to migrate toward deeper water this time of year similar to other species. We annually net good numbers of 14 to 18 inch smallmouth along the north shore points between Lucas and the dam, near Minooka, and around Rocktown. These fish can be caught slow rolling white and chartreuse spinnerbaits or slowly retrieving soft plastic baits like Senkos or crawdad imitations. Largemouth bass will tend to be shallow and deep depending on the location within the reservoir. They can be caught using similar methods, but can still be found in the main lake coves.

White Perch

Fair

9 to 13 inches

The white perch typically emerge from hiding and start feeding actively on shad – often stacking up just off the steep rocky bluffs in Hell Creek, near the north end of the dam, and off Minooka. Continue to keep all you catch and remember. Our fall netting showed good numbers of perch near the north end of the dam and further west along the north shore to Lucas. - IT IS ILLEGAL TO HAVE A WHITE PERCH ALIVE IN YOUR POSSESSION - IF YOU CATCH IT AND WANT TO KEEP IT - IT HAS TO BE DEAD IN A COOLER OR LIVEWELL. THEY ARE NO LONGER LEGAL AS LIVE BAIT FOR STRIPERS OR OTHER FISH!!!!!

This is a generic winter fishing report that provides a general guide to fishing patterns and location that may yield the best results throughout the winter. Any hot reports or new fishing patterns will be reported here.

Crappie

Fair

10-14 inches

As with the other species, the crappie will shift into their winter patterns which is good news for anglers. Crappie will move deeper over the winter and can be found around deep brush piles, river channel breaks, and other submerged structure There seems to be a general crappie migration to the west end with good numbers consistently showing up around Minooka and Elm Creek as the water cools. Minnows should not be as necessary with the cooler water and anglers often have good success jigging Beavertails, tube jigs, Wasshoppas, and other large baits. Other good spots to try include the steep rocky bluffs in Hell Creek, Minnoka, and Elm Creek.

Stripers

Fair to Good

3-8 pounds

Normally in the winter as water temperatures decline, the stripers can be found in the upper end near Elm Creek and the Horseshoe area as well as in the Hell Creek area. Anglers do very well ice fishing for stripers, but shoreline anglers can catch a few as well wade fishing off the Hell Creek area and along the river channel on the extreme west end. Fall netting showed decent numbers around the west end of the lake.

Walleye

Good

11-23 inches

The best walleye reports this time of year come from deep water with anglers reporting fish anywhere from 30 to 50 feet deep. The Rocktown area can be very productive and Coopers Point may yield some fish. We did net good numbers of 'eyes along the north shore between Lucas and the dam in late October. They were showing up in 6 to 12 feet of water. Fishing in front of the dam can also yield good catches of cold water walleye. Jig and crawler work well, but jig and minnow will also catch some fish. Other anglers prefer slab spoons or Kastmasters. A few walleye will also show up on the upper end.

Channel Catfish

Slow

3-8 pounds

The best numbers we normally see this time of year can be found on the flats on the south side of the reservoir between Elm Creek and Marshall Cove. These fish tend to hang out in 6-12 feet of water and can offer some fine fishing once they are located. Drifting shrimp, cut bait, and chicken livers can all yield some fish.

White Bass

Good

14-18 inches, up to 3 pounds

White bass tend to show up in a few areas during the cold water months. Popular areas at this time of year are the humps and bumps between Lucas Point and Minooka, and the upper end along the river channel in Horseshoe Bend. Fall netting showed good numbers in the Hell Creek area. These white bass are good sized fish and very fat right now. They will offer some fine angling opportunities once you can locate them. Slab spoons and Kastmasters vertically jigged near the bottom normally produce good results.

Black Bass

Fair

10-18 inches

The bass will tend to migrate toward deeper water this time of year similar to other species. We annually net good numbers of 14 to 18 inch smallmouth along the north shore points between Lucas and the dam, near Minooka, and around Rocktown. These fish can be caught slow rolling white and chartreuse spinnerbaits or slowly retrieving soft plastic baits like Senkos or crawdad imitations. Largemouth bass will tend to be shallow and deep depending on the location within the reservoir. They can be caught using similar methods, but can still be found in the main lake coves.

White Perch

Fair

9 to 13 inches

The white perch typically emerge from hiding and start feeding actively on shad – often stacking up just off the steep rocky bluffs in Hell Creek, near the north end of the dam, and off Minooka. Continue to keep all you catch and remember. Our fall netting showed good numbers of perch near the north end of the dam and further west along the north shore to Lucas. - IT IS ILLEGAL TO HAVE A WHITE PERCH ALIVE IN YOUR POSSESSION - IF YOU CATCH IT AND WANT TO KEEP IT - IT HAS TO BE DEAD IN A COOLER OR LIVEWELL. THEY ARE NO LONGER LEGAL AS LIVE BAIT FOR STRIPERS OR OTHER FISH!!!!!

This is a generic winter fishing report that provides a general guide to fishing patterns and location that may yield the best results throughout the winter. Any hot reports or new fishing patterns will be reported here.

Crappie

Fair

10-14 inches

As with the other species, the crappie will shift into their winter patterns which is good news for anglers. Crappie will move deeper over the winter and can be found around deep brush piles, river channel breaks, and other submerged structure There seems to be a general crappie migration to the west end with good numbers consistently showing up around Minooka and Elm Creek as the water cools. Minnows should not be as necessary with the cooler water and anglers often have good success jigging Beavertails, tube jigs, Wasshoppas, and other large baits. Other good spots to try include the steep rocky bluffs in Hell Creek, Minnoka, and Elm Creek.

Stripers

Fair to Good

3-8 pounds

Normally in the winter as water temperatures decline, the stripers can be found in the upper end near Elm Creek and the Horseshoe area as well as in the Hell Creek area. Anglers do very well ice fishing for stripers, but shoreline anglers can catch a few as well wade fishing off the Hell Creek area and along the river channel on the extreme west end. Fall netting showed decent numbers around the west end of the lake.

Walleye

Good

11-23 inches

The best walleye reports this time of year come from deep water with anglers reporting fish anywhere from 30 to 50 feet deep. The Rocktown area can be very productive and Coopers Point may yield some fish. We did net good numbers of 'eyes along the north shore between Lucas and the dam in late October. They were showing up in 6 to 12 feet of water. Fishing in front of the dam can also yield good catches of cold water walleye. Jig and crawler work well, but jig and minnow will also catch some fish. Other anglers prefer slab spoons or Kastmasters. A few walleye will also show up on the upper end.

Channel Catfish

Slow

3-8 pounds

The best numbers we normally see this time of year can be found on the flats on the south side of the reservoir between Elm Creek and Marshall Cove. These fish tend to hang out in 6-12 feet of water and can offer some fine fishing once they are located. Drifting shrimp, cut bait, and chicken livers can all yield some fish. Be on the lookout for blue catfish which are also in the reservoir. They are not legal size yet so make sure and take care to return them to the water. There is a 35 inch minimum length limit on blue catfish at Wilson Reservoir!

White Bass

Good

14-18 inches, up to 3 pounds

White bass tend to show up in a few areas during the cold water months. Popular areas at this time of year are the humps and bumps between Lucas Point and Minooka, and the upper end along the river channel in Horseshoe Bend. Fall netting showed good numbers in the Hell Creek area. These white bass are good sized fish and very fat right now. They will offer some fine angling opportunities once you can locate them. Slab spoons and Kastmasters vertically jigged near the bottom normally produce good results.

Black Bass

Fair

10-18 inches

The bass will tend to migrate toward deeper water this time of year similar to other species. We annually net good numbers of 14 to 18 inch smallmouth along the north shore points between Lucas and the dam, near Minooka, and around Rocktown. These fish can be caught slow rolling white and chartreuse spinnerbaits or slowly retrieving soft plastic baits like Senkos or crawdad imitations. Largemouth bass will tend to be shallow and deep depending on the location within the reservoir. They can be caught using similar methods, but can still be found in the main lake coves.

White Perch

Fair

9 to 13 inches

The white perch typically emerge from hiding and start feeding actively on shad – often stacking up just off the steep rocky bluffs in Hell Creek, near the north end of the dam, and off Minooka. Continue to keep all you catch and remember. Our fall netting showed good numbers of perch near the north end of the dam and further west along the north shore to Lucas. - IT IS ILLEGAL TO HAVE A WHITE PERCH ALIVE IN YOUR POSSESSION - IF YOU CATCH IT AND WANT TO KEEP IT - IT HAS TO BE DEAD IN A COOLER OR LIVEWELL. THEY ARE NO LONGER LEGAL AS LIVE BAIT FOR STRIPERS OR OTHER FISH!!!!!

This is a generic winter fishing report that provides a general guide to fishing patterns and location that may yield the best results throughout the winter. Any hot reports or new fishing patterns will be reported here.

Crappie

Fair

10-14 inches

As with the other species, the crappie will shift into their winter patterns which is good news for anglers. Crappie will move deeper over the winter and can be found around deep brush piles, river channel breaks, and other submerged structure There seems to be a general crappie migration to the west end with good numbers consistently showing up around Minooka and Elm Creek as the water cools. Minnows should not be as necessary with the cooler water and anglers often have good success jigging Beavertails, tube jigs, Wasshoppas, and other large baits. Other good spots to try include the steep rocky bluffs in Hell Creek, Minnoka, and Elm Creek.

Stripers

Fair to Good

3-8 pounds

Normally in the winter as water temperatures decline, the stripers can be found in the upper end near Elm Creek and the Horseshoe area as well as in the Hell Creek area. Anglers do very well ice fishing for stripers, but shoreline anglers can catch a few as well wade fishing off the Hell Creek area and along the river channel on the extreme west end. Fall netting showed decent numbers around the west end of the lake.

Walleye

Good

11-23 inches

The best walleye reports this time of year come from deep water with anglers reporting fish anywhere from 30 to 50 feet deep. The Rocktown area can be very productive and Coopers Point may yield some fish. We did net good numbers of 'eyes along the north shore between Lucas and the dam in late October. They were showing up in 6 to 12 feet of water. Fishing in front of the dam can also yield good catches of cold water walleye. Jig and crawler work well, but jig and minnow will also catch some fish. Other anglers prefer slab spoons or Kastmasters. A few walleye will also show up on the upper end.

Channel Catfish

Slow

3-8 pounds

The best numbers we normally see this time of year can be found on the flats on the south side of the reservoir between Elm Creek and Marshall Cove. These fish tend to hang out in 6-12 feet of water and can offer some fine fishing once they are located. Drifting shrimp, cut bait, and chicken livers can all yield some fish. Be on the lookout for blue catfish which are also in the reservoir. They are not legal size yet so make sure and take care to return them to the water. There is a 35 inch minimum length limit on blue catfish at Wilson Reservoir!

White Bass

Good

14-18 inches, up to 3 pounds

White bass tend to show up in a few areas during the cold water months. Popular areas at this time of year are the humps and bumps between Lucas Point and Minooka, and the upper end along the river channel in Horseshoe Bend. Fall netting showed good numbers in the Hell Creek area. These white bass are good sized fish and very fat right now. They will offer some fine angling opportunities once you can locate them. Slab spoons and Kastmasters vertically jigged near the bottom normally produce good results.

Black Bass

Fair

10-18 inches

The bass will tend to migrate toward deeper water this time of year similar to other species. We annually net good numbers of 14 to 18 inch smallmouth along the north shore points between Lucas and the dam, near Minooka, and around Rocktown. These fish can be caught slow rolling white and chartreuse spinnerbaits or slowly retrieving soft plastic baits like Senkos or crawdad imitations. Largemouth bass will tend to be shallow and deep depending on the location within the reservoir. They can be caught using similar methods, but can still be found in the main lake coves.

White Perch

Fair

9 to 13 inches

The white perch typically emerge from hiding and start feeding actively on shad – often stacking up just off the steep rocky bluffs in Hell Creek, near the north end of the dam, and off Minooka. Continue to keep all you catch and remember. Our fall netting showed good numbers of perch near the north end of the dam and further west along the north shore to Lucas. - IT IS ILLEGAL TO HAVE A WHITE PERCH ALIVE IN YOUR POSSESSION - IF YOU CATCH IT AND WANT TO KEEP IT - IT HAS TO BE DEAD IN A COOLER OR LIVEWELL. THEY ARE NO LONGER LEGAL AS LIVE BAIT FOR STRIPERS OR OTHER FISH!!!!!

Crappie

Fair to Good

10-14 inches

As with the other species, the crappie will begin to shift into their fall patterns which is good news for anglers. Crappie will begin to move shallow over the next couple of months while feeding aggressively on shad, minnows, and insects. Anglers should be able to find them near rocky shorelines, up creek arms, around the marina docks, and near some of the better spawning areas. Other anglers will have some success fishing the main lake brush piles. There seems to be a general crappie migration to the west end with good numbers consistently showing up around Minooka and Elm Creek as the water cools. Minnows should not be as necessary with the cooler water and anglers often have good success jigging Beavertails, tube jigs, Wasshoppas, and other large baits.

Stripers

Fair to Good

3-8 pounds

Normally in the fall as water temperatures decline, the stripers start to emerge from the deep and start feeding up on the points. Trolling over these points or casting crankbaits, bucktails, and slabs can all produce some fish. This is a great time of year to wade fish once the water temperatures cool a little more. We often find very good numbers of stripers in the upper end near Elm Creek and the Horseshoe while netting. Fall netting showed decent numbers around the west end of the lake.

Walleye

Fair to Good

14-23 inches

Similar to the other species, walleye can be found shallow during the fall as we often catch more in our trap nets next to the bank then in our gill nets set in deeper water. Casting swim baits, crankbaits, and roadrunners can all yield some shallow walleye, but drifting with a jig/crawler or jig/minnow combo also works well. Our fall sampling showed good numbers of walleye in waters of 8-12 feet.

Anglers are starting to catch quite a few cigars which run 8-12 inches. Please handle these fish with care and cut the line if they swallowed the hook. They are the future keeper walleye at Wilson and must be returned to the water in good condition so they can grow to the 15 inch length limit in a couple of years.

Channel Catfish

Good

3-8 pounds

Chumming is over for the year and the catfish will be a little more difficult to locate. The best numbers we normally see this time of year can be found on the flats on the south side of the reservoir between Elm Creek and Marshall Cove. These fish tend to hang out in 6-12 feet of water and can offer some fine fishing once they are located. Drifting shrimp, cut bait, and chicken livers can all yield some fish. Be on the lookout for blue catfish which are also in the reservoir. They are not legal size yet so make sure and take care to return them to the water. There is a 35 inch minimum length limit on blue catfish at Wilson Reservoir!

White Bass

Good

14-18 inches, up to 3 pounds

In the fall, the white bass continue to school on shad but the schools tighten up and they become more predictable. The gulls move in and help anglers find the schooling activity. Popular areas at this time of year are the humps and bumps between Lucas Point and Minooka. Fall netting showed good numbers in the Hell Creek area.

Black Bass

Good

10-18 inches

Smallmouth and largemouth bass prefer water temperatures in the 60's and should offer some excellent action through September and October until the water temperatures get too cold. They will be found much shallower now then they have been throughout the summer, especially the smallmouth. Casting a variety of crankbaits and soft plastics off the main lake points should be productive for smallies while the largemouth will typically be found in the coves near the flooded vegetation. Fishing along the dam and near the boat ramps also seems to be productive in the fall. The recent BASS tournamnet at Wilson yielded very good results and the reservoir continues to produce very nice catches of both largemouth and smallmouth bass.

White Perch

Fair to Good

9 to 13 inches

The white perch typically emerge from hiding and start feeding actively on shad – often stacking up just off the steep rocky bluffs in Hell Creek. There have also been some good reports of surfacing white perch on calm days near the dam, Hell Creek area, and near the Marina. Continue to keep all you catch and remember. Our fall netting showed good numbers of perch near the north end of the dam and further west along the north shore to Lucas. - IT IS ILLEGAL TO HAVE A WHITE PERCH ALIVE IN YOUR POSSESSION - IF YOU CATCH IT AND WANT TO KEEP IT - IT HAS TO BE DEAD IN A COOLER OR LIVEWELL. THEY ARE NO LONGER LEGAL AS LIVE BAIT FOR STRIPERS OR OTHER FISH!!!!!

Crappie

Fair to Good

10-14 inches

As with the other species, the crappie will begin to shift into their fall patterns which is good news for anglers. Crappie will begin to move shallow over the next couple of months while feeding aggressively on shad, minnows, and insects. Anglers should be able to find them near rocky shorelines, up creek arms, around the marina docks, and near some of the better spawning areas. Other anglers will have some success fishing the main lake brush piles. There seems to be a general crappie migration to the west end with good numbers consistently showing up around Minooka and Elm Creek as the water cools. Minnows should not be as necessary with the cooler water and anglers often have good success jigging Beavertails, tube jigs, Wasshoppas, and other large baits.

Stripers

Fair to Good

3-8 pounds

Normally in the fall as water temperatures decline, the stripers start to emerge from the deep and start feeding up on the points. Trolling over these points or casting crankbaits, bucktails, and slabs can all produce some fish. This is a great time of year to wade fish once the water temperatures cool a little more. We often find very good numbers of stripers in the upper end near Elm Creek and the Horseshoe while netting. Fall netting showed decent numbers around the west end of the lake.

Walleye

Fair to Good

14-23 inches

Similar to the other species, walleye can be found shallow during the fall as we often catch more in our trap nets next to the bank then in our gill nets set in deeper water. Casting swim baits, crankbaits, and roadrunners can all yield some shallow walleye, but drifting with a jig/crawler or jig/minnow combo also works well. Our fall sampling showed good numbers of walleye in waters of 8-12 feet.

Anglers are starting to catch quite a few cigars which run 8-12 inches. Please handle these fish with care and cut the line if they swallowed the hook. They are the future keeper walleye at Wilson and must be returned to the water in good condition so they can grow to the 15 inch length limit in a couple of years.

Channel Catfish

Good

3-8 pounds

Chumming is over for the year and the catfish will be a little more difficult to locate. The best numbers we normally see this time of year can be found on the flats on the south side of the reservoir between Elm Creek and Marshall Cove. These fish tend to hang out in 6-12 feet of water and can offer some fine fishing once they are located. Drifting shrimp, cut bait, and chicken livers can all yield some fish. Be on the lookout for blue catfish which are also in the reservoir. They are not legal size yet so make sure and take care to return them to the water. There is a 35 inch minimum length limit on blue catfish at Wilson Reservoir!

White Bass

Good

14-18 inches, up to 3 pounds

In the fall, the white bass continue to school on shad but the schools tighten up and they become more predictable. The gulls move in and help anglers find the schooling activity. Popular areas at this time of year are the humps and bumps between Lucas Point and Minooka. Fall netting showed good numbers in the Hell Creek area.

Black Bass

Good

10-18 inches

Smallmouth and largemouth bass prefer water temperatures in the 60's and should offer some excellent action through September and October until the water temperatures get too cold. They will be found much shallower now then they have been throughout the summer, especially the smallmouth. Casting a variety of crankbaits and soft plastics off the main lake points should be productive for smallies while the largemouth will typically be found in the coves near the flooded vegetation. Fishing along the dam and near the boat ramps also seems to be productive in the fall. The recent BASS tournamnet at Wilson yielded very good results and the reservoir continues to produce very nice catches of both largemouth and smallmouth bass.

White Perch

Fair to Good

9 to 13 inches

The white perch typically emerge from hiding and start feeding actively on shad – often stacking up just off the steep rocky bluffs in Hell Creek. There have also been some good reports of surfacing white perch on calm days near the dam, Hell Creek area, and near the Marina. Continue to keep all you catch and remember. Our fall netting showed good numbers of perch near the north end of the dam and further west along the north shore to Lucas. - IT IS ILLEGAL TO HAVE A WHITE PERCH ALIVE IN YOUR POSSESSION - IF YOU CATCH IT AND WANT TO KEEP IT - IT HAS TO BE DEAD IN A COOLER OR LIVEWELL. THEY ARE NO LONGER LEGAL AS LIVE BAIT FOR STRIPERS OR OTHER FISH!!!!!

The current lake elevation and water temperature are posted on the location page daily by the Corp of Engineers

Crappie

Fair to Good

10-14 inches

As with the other species, the crappie will begin to shift into their fall patterns which is good news for anglers. Crappie will begin to move shallow over the next couple of months while feeding aggressively on shad, minnows, and insects. Anglers should be able to find them near rocky shorelines, up creek arms, around the marina docks, and near some of the better spawning areas. Other anglers will have some success fishing the main lake brush piles. There seems to be a general crappie migration to the west end with good numbers consistently showing up around Minooka and Elm Creek as the water cools. Minnows should not be as necessary with the cooler water and anglers often have good success jigging Beavertails, tube jigs, Wasshoppas, and other large baits.

Stripers

Fair to Good

3-8 pounds

Normally in the fall as water temperatures decline, the stripers start to emerge from the deep and start feeding up on the points. Trolling over these points or casting crankbaits, bucktails, and slabs can all produce some fish. This is a great time of year to wade fish once the water temperatures cool a little more. We often find very good numbers of stripers in the upper end near Elm Creek and the Horseshoe while netting. Fall netting showed decent numbers around the west end of the lake.

Walleye

Fair to Good

14-23 inches

Similar to the other species, walleye can be found shallow during the fall as we often catch more in our trap nets next to the bank then in our gill nets set in deeper water. Casting swim baits, crankbaits, and roadrunners can all yield some shallow walleye, but drifting with a jig/crawler or jig/minnow combo also works well. Our fall sampling showed good numbers of walleye in waters of 8-12 feet.

Anglers are starting to catch quite a few cigars which run 8-12 inches. Please handle these fish with care and cut the line if they swallowed the hook. They are the future keeper walleye at Wilson and must be returned to the water in good condition so they can grow to the 15 inch length limit in a couple of years.

Channel Catfish

Good

3-8 pounds

Chumming is over for the year and the catfish will be a little more difficult to locate. The best numbers we normally see this time of year can be found on the flats on the south side of the reservoir between Elm Creek and Marshall Cove. These fish tend to hang out in 6-12 feet of water and can offer some fine fishing once they are located. Drifting shrimp, cut bait, and chicken livers can all yield some fish. Be on the lookout for blue catfish which are also in the reservoir. They are not legal size yet so make sure and take care to return them to the water. There is a 35 inch minimum length limit on blue catfish at Wilson Reservoir!

White Bass

Good

14-18 inches, up to 3 pounds

In the fall, the white bass continue to school on shad but the schools tighten up and they become more predictable. The gulls move in and help anglers find the schooling activity. Popular areas at this time of year are the humps and bumps between Lucas Point and Minooka. Fall netting showed good numbers in the Hell Creek area.

Black Bass

Good

10-18 inches

Smallmouth and largemouth bass prefer water temperatures in the 60's and should offer some excellent action through September and October until the water temperatures get too cold. They will be found much shallower now then they have been throughout the summer, especially the smallmouth. Casting a variety of crankbaits and soft plastics off the main lake points should be productive for smallies while the largemouth will typically be found in the coves near the flooded vegetation. Fishing along the dam and near the boat ramps also seems to be productive in the fall. The recent BASS tournamnet at Wilson yielded very good results and the reservoir continues to produce very nice catches of both largemouth and smallmouth bass.

White Perch

Fair to Good

9 to 13 inches

The white perch typically emerge from hiding and start feeding actively on shad – often stacking up just off the steep rocky bluffs in Hell Creek. There have also been some good reports of surfacing white perch on calm days near the dam, Hell Creek area, and near the Marina. Continue to keep all you catch and remember. Our fall netting showed good numbers of perch near the north end of the dam and further west along the north shore to Lucas. - IT IS ILLEGAL TO HAVE A WHITE PERCH ALIVE IN YOUR POSSESSION - IF YOU CATCH IT AND WANT TO KEEP IT - IT HAS TO BE DEAD IN A COOLER OR LIVEWELL. THEY ARE NO LONGER LEGAL AS LIVE BAIT FOR STRIPERS OR OTHER FISH!!!!!

The current lake elevation and water temperature are posted on the location page daily by the Corp of Engineers - it is linked to this fishing report page for your convenience.

We have two Aquatic Nuisance Species - white perch and zebra mussels and have joined Cheney and El Dorado as lakes with both species. The law now says that if anyone leaves the lake with water in your livewell or boat, you are subject to a ticket for transporting Zebra Mussels since they will spawn and the microscopic little mussels will probably be in every drop of water in the lake. Make sure you drain all water from the boat before you leave the boat ramp area!!! We have been taking veliger samples and the samples were high so be sure to drain and dry everything!!!!!!

Crappie

Fair to Good

10-14 inches

As with the other species, the crappie will begin to shift into their fall patterns which is good news for anglers. Crappie will begin to move shallow over the next couple of months while feeding aggressively on shad, minnows, and insects. Anglers should be able to find them near rocky shorelines, up creek arms, around the marina docks, and near some of the better spawning areas. Other anglers will have some success fishing the main lake brush piles. There seems to be a general crappie migration to the west end with good numbers consistently showing up around Minooka and Elm Creek as the water cools. Minnows should not be as necessary with the cooler water and anglers often have good success jigging Beavertails, tube jigs, Wasshoppas, and other large baits.

Stripers

Fair to Good

3-8 pounds

Normally in the fall as water temperatures decline, the stripers start to emerge from the deep and start feeding up on the points. Trolling over these points or casting crankbaits, bucktails, and slabs can all produce some fish. This is a great time of year to wade fish once the water temperatures cool a little more. We often find very good numbers of stripers in the upper end near Elm Creek and the Horseshoe while netting.

Walleye

Fair to Good

14-23 inches

Similar to the other species, walleye can be found shallow during the fall as we often catch more in our trap nets next to the bank then in our gill nets set in deeper water. Casting swim baits, crankbaits, and roadrunners can all yield some shallow walleye, but drifting with a jig/crawler or jig/minnow combo also works well. Anglers from the recent bass tournament reported catching fair to good numbers of walleye. Anglers are starting to catch quite a few cigars which run 8-12 inches. Please handle these fish with care and cut the line if they swallowed the hook. They are the future keeper walleye at Wilson and must be returned to the water in good condition so they can grow to the 15 inch length limit in a couple of years.

Channel Catfish

Good

3-8 pounds

Chumming is over for the year and the catfish will be a little more difficult to locate. The best numbers we normally see this time of year can be found on the flats on the south side of the reservoir between Elm Creek and Marshall Cove. These fish tend to hang out in 6-12 feet of water and can offer some fine fishing once they are located. Drifting shrimp, cut bait, and chicken livers can all yield some fish. Be on the lookout for blue catfish which are also in the reservoir. They are not legal size yet so make sure and take care to return them to the water. There is a 35 inch minimum length limit on blue catfish at Wilson Reservoir!

White Bass

Good

14-18 inches, up to 3 pounds

In the fall, the white bass continue to school on shad but the schools tighten up and they become more predictable. The gulls move in and help anglers find the schooling activity. Popular areas at this time of year are the humps and bumps between Lucas Point and Minooka.

Black Bass

Good

10-18 inches

Smallmouth and largemouth bass prefer water temperatures in the 60's and should offer some excellent action through September and October until the water temperatures get too cold. They will be found much shallower now then they have been throughout the summer, especially the smallmouth. Casting a variety of crankbaits and soft plastics off the main lake points should be productive for smallies while the largemouth will typically be found in the coves near the flooded vegetation. Fishing along the dam and near the boat ramps also seems to be productive in the fall. The recent BASS tournamnet at Wilson yielded very good results and the reservoir continues to produce very nice catches of both largemouth and smallmouth bass.

White Perch

Fair to Good

9 to 13 inches

The white perch typically emerge from hiding and start feeding actively on shad – often stacking up just off the steep rocky bluffs in Hell Creek. There have also been some good reports of surfacing white perch on calm days near the dam, Hell Creek area, and near the Marina. Continue to keep all you catch and remember - IT IS ILLEGAL TO HAVE A WHITE PERCH ALIVE IN YOUR POSSESSION - IF YOU CATCH IT AND WANT TO KEEP IT - IT HAS TO BE DEAD IN A COOLER OR LIVEWELL. THEY ARE NO LONGER LEGAL AS LIVE BAIT FOR STRIPERS OR OTHER FISH!!!!!

The current lake elevation and water temperature are posted on the location page daily by the Corp of Engineers - it is linked to this fishing report page for your convenience.

We have two Aquatic Nuisance Species - white perch and zebra mussels and have joined Cheney and El Dorado as lakes with both species. The law now says that if anyone leaves the lake with water in your livewell or boat, you are subject to a ticket for transporting Zebra Mussels since they will spawn and the microscopic little mussels will probably be in every drop of water in the lake. Make sure you drain all water from the boat before you leave the boat ramp area!!! We have been taking veliger samples and the samples were high so be sure to drain and dry everything!!!!!!

Crappie

Fair to Good

10-14 inches

As with the other species, the crappie will begin to shift into their fall patterns which is good news for anglers. Crappie will begin to move shallow over the next couple of months while feeding aggressively on shad, minnows, and insects. Anglers should be able to find them near rocky shorelines, up creek arms, around the marina docks, and near some of the better spawning areas. Other anglers will have some success fishing the main lake brush piles. There seems to be a general crappie migration to the west end with good numbers consistently showing up around Minooka and Elm Creek as the water cools. Minnows should not be as necessary with the cooler water and anglers often have good success jigging Beavertails, tube jigs, Wasshoppas, and other large baits.

Stripers

Fair to Good

3-8 pounds

Normally in the fall as water temperatures decline, the stripers start to emerge from the deep and start feeding up on the points. Trolling over these points or casting crankbaits, bucktails, and slabs can all produce some fish. This is a great time of year to wade fish once the water temperatures cool a little more. We often find very good numbers of stripers in the upper end near Elm Creek and the Horseshoe while netting.

Walleye

Fair to Good

14-23 inches

Similar to the other species, walleye can be found shallow during the fall as we often catch more in our trap nets next to the bank then in our gill nets set in deeper water. Casting swim baits, crankbaits, and roadrunners can all yield some shallow walleye, but drifting with a jig/crawler or jig/minnow combo also works well. Anglers from the recent bass tournament reported catching fair to good numbers of walleye. Anglers are starting to catch quite a few cigars which run 8-12 inches. Please handle these fish with care and cut the line if they swallowed the hook. They are the future keeper walleye at Wilson and must be returned to the water in good condition so they can grow to the 15 inch length limit in a couple of years.

Channel Catfish

Good

3-8 pounds

Chumming is over for the year and the catfish will be a little more difficult to locate. The best numbers we normally see this time of year can be found on the flats on the south side of the reservoir between Elm Creek and Marshall Cove. These fish tend to hang out in 6-12 feet of water and can offer some fine fishing once they are located. Drifting shrimp, cut bait, and chicken livers can all yield some fish. Be on the lookout for blue catfish which are also in the reservoir. They are not legal size yet so make sure and take care to return them to the water. There is a 35 inch minimum length limit on blue catfish at Wilson Reservoir!

White Bass

Good

14-18 inches, up to 3 pounds

In the fall, the white bass continue to school on shad but the schools tighten up and they become more predictable. The gulls move in and help anglers find the schooling activity. Popular areas at this time of year are the humps and bumps between Lucas Point and Minooka.

Black Bass

Good

10-18 inches

Smallmouth and largemouth bass prefer water temperatures in the 60's and should offer some excellent action through September and October until the water temperatures get too cold. They will be found much shallower now then they have been throughout the summer, especially the smallmouth. Casting a variety of crankbaits and soft plastics off the main lake points should be productive for smallies while the largemouth will typically be found in the coves near the flooded vegetation. Fishing along the dam and near the boat ramps also seems to be productive in the fall. The recent BASS tournamnet at Wilson yielded very good results and the reservoir continues to produce very nice catches of both largemouth and smallmouth bass.

White Perch

Fair to Good

9 to 13 inches

The white perch typically emerge from hiding and start feeding actively on shad – often stacking up just off the steep rocky bluffs in Hell Creek. There have also been some good reports of surfacing white perch on calm days near the dam, Hell Creek area, and near the Marina. Continue to keep all you catch and remember - IT IS ILLEGAL TO HAVE A WHITE PERCH ALIVE IN YOUR POSSESSION - IF YOU CATCH IT AND WANT TO KEEP IT - IT HAS TO BE DEAD IN A COOLER OR LIVEWELL. THEY ARE NO LONGER LEGAL AS LIVE BAIT FOR STRIPERS OR OTHER FISH!!!!!

Crappie

Fair to Good

10-14 inches

As with the other species, the crappie will begin to shift into their fall patterns which is good news for anglers. Crappie will begin to move shallow over the next couple of months while feeding aggressively on shad, minnows, and insects. Anglers should be able to find them near rocky shorelines, up creek arms, around the marina docks, and near some of the better spawning areas. Other anglers will have some success fishing the main lake brush piles. There seems to be a general crappie migration to the west end with good numbers consistently showing up around Minooka and Elm Creek as the water cools. Minnows should not be as necessary with the cooler water and anglers often have good success jigging Beavertails, tube jigs, Wasshoppas, and other large baits.

Stripers

Fair to Good

3-8 pounds

Normally in the fall as water temperatures decline, the stripers start to emerge from the deep and start feeding up on the points. Trolling over these points or casting crankbaits, bucktails, and slabs can all produce some fish. This is a great time of year to wade fish once the water temperatures cool a little more. We often find very good numbers of stripers in the upper end near Elm Creek and the Horseshoe while netting.

Walleye

Fair to Good

14-23 inches

Similar to the other species, walleye can be found shallow during the fall as we often catch more in our trap nets next to the bank then in our gill nets set in deeper water. Casting swim baits, crankbaits, and roadrunners can all yield some shallow walleye, but drifting with a jig/crawler or jig/minnow combo also works well. Anglers are starting to catch quite a few cigars which run 8-12 inches. Please handle these fish with care and cut the line if they swallowed the hook. They are the future keeper walleye at Wilson and must be returned to the water in good condition so they can grow to the 15 inch length limit in a couple of years.

Channel Catfish

Good

3-8 pounds

Chumming is over for the year and the catfish will be a little more difficult to locate. The best numbers we normally see this time of year can be found on the flats on the south side of the reservoir between Elm Creek and Marshall Cove. These fish tend to hang out in 6-12 feet of water and can offer some fine fishing once they are located. Drifting shrimp, cut bait, and chicken livers can all yield some fish. Be on the lookout for blue catfish which are also in the reservoir. They are not legal size yet so make sure and take care to return them to the water. There is a 35 inch minimum length limit on blue catfish at Wilson Reservoir!

White Bass

Good

14-18 inches, up to 3 pounds

In the fall, the white bass continue to school on shad but the schools tighten up and they become more predictable. The gulls move in and help anglers find the schooling activity. Popular areas at this time of year are the humps and bumps between Lucas Point and Minooka.

Black Bass

Good

10-18 inches

Smallmouth and largemouth bass prefer water temperatures in the 60's and should offer some excellent action through September and October until the water temperatures get too cold. They will be found much shallower now then they have been throughout the summer, especially the smallmouth. Casting a variety of crankbaits and soft plastics off the main lake points should be productive for smallies while the largemouth will typically be found in the coves near the flooded vegetation. Fishing along the dam and near the boat ramps also seems to be productive in the fall.

White Perch

Fair to Good

9 to 13 inches

The white perch typically emerge from hiding and start feeding actively on shad – often stacking up just off the steep rocky bluffs in Hell Creek. There have also been some good reports of surfacing white perch on calm days near the dam, Hell Creek area, and near the Marina. Continue to keep all you catch and remember - IT IS ILLEGAL TO HAVE A WHITE PERCH ALIVE IN YOUR POSSESSION - IF YOU CATCH IT AND WANT TO KEEP IT - IT HAS TO BE DEAD IN A COOLER OR LIVEWELL. THEY ARE NO LONGER LEGAL AS LIVE BAIT FOR STRIPERS OR OTHER FISH!!!!!

Crappie

Fair to Good

10-14 inches

As with the other species, the crappie will begin to shift into their fall patterns which is good news for anglers. Crappie will begin to move shallow over the next couple of months while feeding aggressively on shad, minnows, and insects. Anglers should be able to find them near rocky shorelines, up creek arms, around the marina docks, and near some of the better spawning areas. Other anglers will have some success fishing the main lake brush piles. There seems to be a general crappie migration to the west end with good numbers consistently showing up around Minooka and Elm Creek as the water cools. Minnows should not be as necessary with the cooler water and anglers often have good success jigging Beavertails, tube jigs, Wasshoppas, and other large baits.

Stripers

Fair to Good

3-8 pounds

Normally in the fall as water temperatures decline, the stripers start to emerge from the deep and start feeding up on the points. Trolling over these points or casting crankbaits, bucktails, and slabs can all produce some fish. This is a great time of year to wade fish once the water temperatures cool a little more. We often find very good numbers of stripers in the upper end near Elm Creek and the Horseshoe while netting.

Walleye

Fair to Good

14-23 inches

Similar to the other species, walleye can be found shallow during the fall as we often catch more in our trap nets next to the bank then in our gill nets set in deeper water. Casting swim baits, crankbaits, and roadrunners can all yield some shallow walleye, but drifting with a jig/crawler or jig/minnow combo also works well. Anglers are starting to catch quite a few cigars which run 8-12 inches. Please handle these fish with care and cut the line if they swallowed the hook. They are the future keeper walleye at Wilson and must be returned to the water in good condition so they can grow to the 15 inch length limit in a couple of years.

Channel Catfish

Good

3-8 pounds

Chumming is over for the year and the catfish will be a little more difficult to locate. The best numbers we normally see this time of year can be found on the flats on the south side of the reservoir between Elm Creek and Marshall Cove. These fish tend to hang out in 6-12 feet of water and can offer some fine fishing once they are located. Drifting shrimp, cut bait, and chicken livers can all yield some fish. Be on the lookout for blue catfish which are also in the reservoir. They are not legal size yet so make sure and take care to return them to the water. There is a 35 inch minimum length limit on blue catfish at Wilson Reservoir!

White Bass

Good

14-18 inches, up to 3 pounds

In the fall, the white bass continue to school on shad but the schools tighten up and they become more predictable. The gulls move in and help anglers find the schooling activity. Popular areas at this time of year are the humps and bumps between Lucas Point and Minooka.

Black Bass

Good

10-18 inches

Smallmouth and largemouth bass prefer water temperatures in the 60's and should offer some excellent action through September and October until the water temperatures get too cold. They will be found much shallower now then they have been throughout the summer, especially the smallmouth. Casting a variety of crankbaits and soft plastics off the main lake points should be productive for smallies while the largemouth will typically be found in the coves near the flooded vegetation. Fishing along the dam and near the boat ramps also seems to be productive in the fall.

White Perch

Fair to Good

9 to 13 inches

The white perch typically emerge from hiding and start feeding actively on shad – often stacking up just off the steep rocky bluffs in Hell Creek. There have also been some good reports of surfacing white perch on calm days near the dam, Hell Creek area, and near the Marina. Continue to keep all you catch and remember - IT IS ILLEGAL TO HAVE A WHITE PERCH ALIVE IN YOUR POSSESSION - IF YOU CATCH IT AND WANT TO KEEP IT - IT HAS TO BE DEAD IN A COOLER OR LIVEWELL. THEY ARE NO LONGER LEGAL AS LIVE BAIT FOR STRIPERS OR OTHER FISH!!!!!

Crappie

Slow

10-14 inches

The crappie spawn is over for the year and fish will move back to the deeper brush piles. Try fishing minnows just above the brush around Minooka and the other marked fish attractors for best results. We recently added a bunch of cedar trees to the brush piles around Minooka so there is even more habitat down there now.

Stripers

Fair to Good

3-8 pounds

Anglers continue to report surfacing stripers around the dam, Rocktown, and Elm Creek areas. They are chasing shad on calm days and can be caught on a variety of crankbaits, bucktail jigs, and slab spoons. Anglers could probably also find some fishing trolling along the channel edges in 20-35 feet of water.

Walleye

Fair

14-23 inches

The walleye bite has slowed some with the warmer water temperatures. There are still some fish being caught from 40-50 feet of water and a few also showing up in 5-15 feet. Anglers have been doing best with jig and crawler and jig and minnow combos. Anglers are starting to catch quite a few cigars which run 8-12 inches. Please handle these fish with care and cut the line if they swallowed the hook. They are the future keeper walleye at Wilson and must be returned to the water in good condition so they can grow to the 15 inch length limit in a couple of years.

Channel Catfish

Good

3-8 pounds

Anglers can catch channel catfish up toward the west end of the reservoir around Elm Creek boat ramp and west. Drifting across the flats with shrimp, stinkbaits, and night crawlers can yield some cats. There are also some anglers chumming right now and catching 4-8 pound channels near Minnooka Point. Be on the lookout for blue catfish which are also in the reservoir. They are not legal size yet so make sure and take care to return them to the water. There is a 35 inch minimum length limit on blue catfish at Wilson Reservoir!

White Bass

Good

14-18 inches, up to 3 pounds

Anglers may have some luck fishing for surfacing white bass around the reservoir. They will likely be mixed in with striped bass and white perch.

Black Bass

Good

10-18 inches

We sampled bass last month and found good numbers of largemouth bass up shallow in most of the coves. They are really concentrated in the cattail and Phragmities stands in 3-5 feet of water and near the beaver piles. Anglers might try using jig-n-pig, topwater, and plastics to catch some largemouth. The smallmouth bass were located around the main lake points in 5-10 feet of water and can be caught on crawdad imitation crankbaits and plastics.

White Perch

Fair to Good

9 to 13 inches

There have been some good reports of surfacing white perch on calm days near the dam, Hell Creek area, and near the Marina. Continue to keep all you catch and remember - IT IS ILLEGAL TO HAVE A WHITE PERCH ALIVE IN YOUR POSSESSION - IF YOU CATCH IT AND WANT TO KEEP IT - IT HAS TO BE DEAD IN A COOLER OR LIVEWELL. THEY ARE NO LONGER LEGAL AS LIVE BAIT FOR STRIPERS OR OTHER FISH!!!!!

Crappie

Slow

10-14 inches

The crappie spawn is over for the year and fish will move back to the deeper brush piles. Try fishing minnows just above the brush around Minooka and the other marked fish attractors for best results. We recently added a bunch of cedar trees to the brush piles around Minooka so there is even more habitat down there now.

Stripers

Fair to Good

3-8 pounds

Anglers continue to report surfacing stripers around the dam, Rocktown, and Elm Creek areas. They are chasing shad on calm days and can be caught on a variety of crankbaits, bucktail jigs, and slab spoons. Anglers could probably also find some fishing trolling along the channel edges in 20-35 feet of water.

Walleye

Fair

14-23 inches

The walleye bite has slowed some with the warmer water temperatures. There are still some fish being caught from 40-50 feet of water and a few also showing up in 5-15 feet. Anglers have been doing best with jig and crawler and jig and minnow combos. Anglers are starting to catch quite a few cigars which run 8-12 inches. Please handle these fish with care and cut the line if they swallowed the hook. They are the future keeper walleye at Wilson and must be returned to the water in good condition so they can grow to the 15 inch length limit in a couple of years.

Channel Catfish

Good

3-8 pounds

Anglers can catch channel catfish up toward the west end of the reservoir around Elm Creek boat ramp and west. Drifting across the flats with shrimp, stinkbaits, and night crawlers can yield some cats. There are also some anglers chumming right now and catching 4-8 pound channels near Minnooka Point. Be on the lookout for blue catfish which are also in the reservoir. They are not legal size yet so make sure and take care to return them to the water. There is a 35 inch minimum length limit on blue catfish at Wilson Reservoir!

White Bass

Good

14-18 inches, up to 3 pounds

Anglers may have some luck fishing for surfacing white bass around the reservoir. They will likely be mixed in with striped bass and white perch.

Black Bass

Good

10-18 inches

We sampled bass last month and found good numbers of largemouth bass up shallow in most of the coves. They are really concentrated in the cattail and Phragmities stands in 3-5 feet of water and near the beaver piles. Anglers might try using jig-n-pig, topwater, and plastics to catch some largemouth. The smallmouth bass were located around the main lake points in 5-10 feet of water and can be caught on crawdad imitation crankbaits and plastics.

White Perch

Fair to Good

9 to 13 inches

There have been some good reports of surfacing white perch on calm days near the dam, Hell Creek area, and near the Marina. Continue to keep all you catch and remember - IT IS ILLEGAL TO HAVE A WHITE PERCH ALIVE IN YOUR POSSESSION - IF YOU CATCH IT AND WANT TO KEEP IT - IT HAS TO BE DEAD IN A COOLER OR LIVEWELL. THEY ARE NO LONGER LEGAL AS LIVE BAIT FOR STRIPERS OR OTHER FISH!!!!!