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 4 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Kanopolis Lake
Ellsworth County, Kansas · 3,410 acres (5.3 sq mi)
58°F water, level steady, calm this morning.
About Kanopolis Lake
In Ellsworth County, Kansas, Kanopolis Lake covers 3,410 acres; it is a reservoir. Kanopolis Dam holds it back on the Smoky Hill River. Kanopolis Lake on the Smoky Hill River was the first federal reservoir built in Kansas.
From end to end it runs about 4.7 miles and its shoreline adds up to about 16 miles. The water sits about 1,460 ft above sea level. It reaches about 35 ft at its deepest. Ellsworth lies about 12 miles to the northwest. The closest city is Wichita, about 71 miles away.
- Size
- 3,410 acres (5.3 sq mi)
- Deepest
- About 35 ft
- Shoreline
- About 16 miles
- End to end
- About 4.7 miles
- Elevation
- About 1,460 ft
- Type
- Reservoir
- Dam
- Kanopolis Dam, Smoky Hill River
- County
- Ellsworth County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Friday Good
- 6:30 am – 8:45 amsunrise
- 3:45 pm – 5:15 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 7 mph
Saturday Fair
- 6:30 am – 8:45 amsunrise · wind 9 mph
- 3:45 pm – 6:00 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 14 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish in Kanopolis Lake
Anglers come to Kanopolis Lake for catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, walleye and white bass. With the surface at 58°F, the notes below say which of them should be biting.
- FairCatfish
Waking up. Channels and creek mouths, especially after rain.
- GoodCrappie
Active. Brush piles and docks in 8 to 15 ft.
- GoodLargemouth bass
Fall feed. They chase baitfish into creeks and coves.
- GoodWalleye
Prime range. Low light is best, on reefs and weed edges.
- GoodWhite bass
Schools chasing bait on points. Watch for splashes.
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
4 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 7:12 am · sunset 5:19 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Kanopolis Lake
- Ellsworthabout 12 mi northwest
- Lindsborgabout 16 mi east
- Lyonsabout 21 mi southwest
- McPhersonabout 23 mi southeast
- Wichitanearest city, about 71 mi southeast
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Questions about Kanopolis Lake
What fish are in Kanopolis Lake?
Kanopolis Lake holds catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, walleye and white bass. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Kanopolis Lake?
About 35 ft at the deepest point. The 3-D view shows where the deep water is.
How big is Kanopolis Lake?
3,410 acres, with about 16 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Kanopolis Lake?
Ellsworth is about 12 miles northwest; Lindsborg is about 16 miles east.
What is the water temperature at Kanopolis Lake today?
The surface was about 58°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Kanopolis Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
