Biggest lakes in Kansas: the top 10 by size

The list

Sizes are the published surface area where one exists; the others are our own measure of the water's outline and read "about". Reservoirs shrink and grow with their level, so a dry year shows less water.

1. Milford Lake

At 15,700 acres of water, Milford Lake is a big lake. Walleye, white bass, crappie and catfish are the draw. It goes down to about 65 ft.

Milford Lake today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

2. Waconda Lake

Waconda Lake covers some 12,600 acres. It lies near Beloit. It is the Solomon River behind Glen Elder Dam. Catfish, crappie, striped bass and walleye are the draw. The deepest water is around 55 ft. On the 3-D map the bed has three point drop-offs and two sheltered coves: good places to start.

Waconda Lake today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

3. Tuttle Creek Lake

Tuttle Creek Lake spreads over 12,400 acres. You will find it about 5.2 miles southeast of Manhattan. Like most lakes its size in Kansas, it should hold largemouth bass, walleye, crappie and bluegill. At about 49 ft at its deepest, it warms quickly in spring. The lake bed gives you three point drop-offs and two sheltered coves to work. Tuttle Creek Lake dams the Big Blue River north of Manhattan, Kansas and is one of the largest reservoirs in the state.

Tuttle Creek Lake today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

4. Perry Lake

At some 11,100 acres, Perry Lake is a big lake. The lake is about 5.6 miles east of Oskaloosa. White bass, largemouth bass, bluegill and catfish are the draw. It goes down to about 43 ft. On the 3-D map the bed has three point drop-offs and two sheltered coves: good places to start.

Perry Lake today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

5. Cheney Reservoir

Cheney Reservoir is a reservoir of 9,550 acres. The lake is within an easy drive of Wichita (about 24 miles). It holds catfish, crappie, striped bass and walleye. At about 42 ft at its deepest, it warms quickly in spring. On the 3-D map the bed has three point drop-offs and an upper arm: good places to start. Cheney Reservoir on the North Fork Ninnescah River also serves as a drinking-water supply for Wichita.

Cheney Reservoir today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

6. John Redmond Lake

John Redmond Lake spreads over 9,400 acres. You will find it near Burlington. It is the Neosho River behind John Redmond Dam. The fish here are catfish, crappie, walleye and white bass. It goes down to about 12 ft. Its bed shows three steep ledges and an upper arm worth a first look. John Redmond Reservoir is a large but shallow flood-control lake on the Neosho River in Coffey County.

John Redmond Lake today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

7. Wilson Lake

At some 9,040 acres, Wilson Lake is a good-sized lake. The lake is about 10 miles west of Russell. It holds smallmouth bass, catfish, crappie and striped bass. The deepest water is around 65 ft. The lake bed gives you three point drop-offs and two sheltered coves to work. Wilson Lake is promoted by the Army Corps of Engineers as "the clearest lake in Kansas.". It is a clear lake, so long casts and a quiet approach pay off.

Wilson Lake today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

8. El Dorado Lake

El Dorado Lake covers some 8,000 acres. It lies within an easy drive of Wichita (about 30 miles). El Dorado Lake Dam holds it on the Walnut River. Expect catfish, trout, walleye and white bass. At about 60 ft deep, it stays cooler below the surface well into summer. On the 3-D map the bed has three point drop-offs and two sheltered coves: good places to start. El Dorado Lake on the Walnut River is Kansas's largest state park lake and is stocked with rainbow trout in winter.

El Dorado Lake today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

9. Clinton Lake

Clinton Lake is a reservoir of 7,000 acres. The lake is near Lawrence. Clinton Dam holds it on the Wakarusa River. Expect catfish and smallmouth bass. It goes down to about 55 ft. Clinton Lake dams the Wakarusa River just west of Lawrence, Kansas.

Clinton Lake today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

10. Melvern Lake

Melvern Lake covers some 6,910 acres. It lies about 5.9 miles northeast of Lyndon. Melvern Dam holds it on the Marais des Cygnes River. The usual Kansas mix applies: largemouth bass, walleye, crappie and bluegill. The lake bed gives you three point drop-offs and two sheltered coves to work. Melvern Lake was built in 1970 by the Army Corps of Engineers for flood control on the Marais des Cygnes River.

Melvern Lake today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

Big water, big days

The bigger the lake, the more the wind matters. Plan the day around the forecast, start on the sheltered side and give yourself a way home if it builds.