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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

Hillsdale Lake

Miami County, Kansas · 4,580 acres (7.2 sq mi)

Good

59°F water, level steady, calm this morning.

Water59°F
Level917.6 ft→ steady
Wind today8 mphESE
Best bite3:30 pmto 5:45 pm

About Hillsdale Lake

Hillsdale Lake spreads over 4,580 acres in Miami County, Kansas. Hillsdale Dam holds it back on the Big Bull Creek. Hillsdale Lake, completed in 1982, impounds Big Bull Creek in Miami County, northeast Kansas.

It stretches about 5.5 miles end to end and its shoreline adds up to about 28 miles. Its surface is about 920 ft above sea level. The deepest water is about 57 ft. Spring Hill is about 3.4 miles northeast. The closest city is Olathe, about 12 miles away.

Size
4,580 acres (7.2 sq mi)
Deepest
About 57 ft
Shoreline
About 28 miles
End to end
About 5.5 miles
Elevation
About 920 ft
Type
Reservoir
Dam
Hillsdale Dam, Big Bull Creek
County
Miami County

The lake from above

1 1 mile N
Spot 1 is open for everyone; grey dots are the PRO spots.

Best fishing times

Saturday Good

  • 6:30 am – 8:45 amsunrise · wind 5 mph
  • 3:30 pm – 5:45 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 8 mph

Sunday Good

  • 6:30 am – 8:45 amsunrise · wind 5 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

For a lake of this size in Kansas, largemouth bass, walleye, crappie, bluegill and sunfish and catfish are the fish to expect. The state fish and wildlife agency lists what is stocked and the rules for this lake. At 59°F on the surface right now, here is how each one should behave.

  • Good
    Largemouth bass

    Fall feed. They chase baitfish into creeks and coves.

  • Good
    Walleye

    Prime range. Low light is best, on reefs and weed edges.

  • Good
    Crappie

    Active. Brush piles and docks in 8 to 15 ft.

  • Fair
    Bluegill and sunfish

    Warming. Shallow, sunny pockets in the afternoon.

  • Fair
    Catfish

    Waking up. Channels and creek mouths, especially after rain.

From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.

Fishing spots

  1. 1
    Point drop-off

    The bottom falls away fast off this point; fish rest deep and move up the slope to feed.

  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5
  6. 6
  7. 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

59°F

At the surface, seen .

Water level

917.6 ft →

Steady over 7 days.

Latest reading .

Ice

Open water

Ice thickness is an estimate from air temperature, not a measurement. Check the ice yourself before going on it.

Weather and wind

Saturday 49° / 24° 8 mph ESE Slight Chance Light Rain
Sunday 52° / 30° 6 mph SE Slight Chance Light Rain · 3% rain

Sunrise 7:00 am · sunset 5:07 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).

Towns and places to stay near Hillsdale Lake

  • Spring Hillabout 3.4 mi northeast
  • Edgertonabout 4.3 mi northwest
  • Paolaabout 5.6 mi south
  • Wellsvilleabout 5.7 mi west
  • Olathenearest city, about 12 mi northeast

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Questions about Hillsdale Lake

What fish are in Hillsdale Lake?

Lakes like Hillsdale 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 Hillsdale Lake?

About 57 ft at the deepest point. The 3-D view shows where the deep water is.

How big is Hillsdale Lake?

4,580 acres, with about 28 miles of shoreline.

What town is near Hillsdale Lake?

Spring Hill is about 3.4 miles northeast; Edgerton is about 4.3 miles northwest.

What is the water temperature at Hillsdale Lake today?

The surface was about 59°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.

Hillsdale Lake on your phone

The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.

Get it on Google Play

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