The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (point drop-off) is open for everyone; the other 6 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Elk City Lake
Montgomery County, Kansas · 4,500 acres (7 sq mi)
60°F water, calm this morning.
About Elk City Lake
Elk City Lake is a reservoir in Montgomery County, Kansas, covering 4,500 acres. It was made by Elk City Dam on the Elk River. Elk City Lake, built by the Army Corps of Engineers on the Elk River, has over 50 miles of shoreline in Montgomery County.
From end to end it runs about 3.4 miles with roughly 17.5 miles of shoreline. The water sits about 800 ft above sea level. The nearest town, Independence, is about 4 miles east.
- Size
- 4,500 acres (7 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 17.5 miles
- End to end
- About 3.4 miles
- Elevation
- About 800 ft
- Type
- Reservoir
- Dam
- Elk City Dam, Elk River
- County
- Montgomery County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Saturday Good
- 6:30 am – 8:45 amsunrise · wind 6 mph
- 3:30 pm – 5:45 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 8 mph
Sunday Good
- 6:30 am – 8:45 amsunrise · wind 6 mph
- 4:15 pm – 5:45 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 3 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish to expect
Expect the usual Kansas mix for a lake this size: largemouth bass, walleye, crappie, bluegill and sunfish and catfish. The state fish and wildlife agency lists what is stocked and the rules for this lake. At 60°F on the surface right now, here is how each one should behave.
- GoodLargemouth bass
Fall feed. They chase baitfish into creeks and coves.
- GoodWalleye
Prime range. Low light is best, on reefs and weed edges.
- GoodCrappie
Active. Brush piles and docks in 8 to 15 ft.
- FairBluegill and sunfish
Warming. Shallow, sunny pockets in the afternoon.
- FairCatfish
Waking up. Channels and creek mouths, especially after rain.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Point drop-off
The bottom falls away fast off this point; fish rest deep and move up the slope to feed.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
6 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.
Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.
Water temperature
At the surface, seen .
Water level
No daily level reading for this lake.
Ice
No clear view of the ice yet
Ice thickness is an estimate from air temperature, not a measurement. Check the ice yourself before going on it.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 7:00 am · sunset 5:14 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Elk City Lake
- Independenceabout 4 mi east
- Neodeshaabout 11 mi northeast
- Cherryvaleabout 12 mi east
- Coffeyvilleabout 16 mi southeast
Prices and availability come from booking partners; we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Questions about Elk City Lake
What fish are in Elk City Lake?
Lakes like Elk City Lake usually hold largemouth bass, walleye, crappie, bluegill and sunfish and catfish. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Elk City Lake?
We have no published depth for this lake. The 3-D view gives an estimated shape of the bed: where the deep basin and the drop-offs are. Not for navigation.
How big is Elk City Lake?
4,500 acres, with about 17.5 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Elk City Lake?
Independence is about 4 miles east; Neodesha is about 11 miles northeast.
What is the water temperature at Elk City Lake today?
The surface was about 60°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Elk City Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
