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