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
Marion Lake
Marion County, Kansas · 6,160 acres (9.6 sq mi)
58°F water, calm this morning.
About Marion Lake
Marion Lake is a reservoir in Marion County, Kansas, covering 6,160 acres. Marion Reservoir Dam holds it back on the Cottonwood River. Marion Reservoir, completed in 1968 for flood control on the Cottonwood River, has about 60 miles of shoreline.
From end to end it runs about 6.5 miles and its shoreline adds up to about 26 miles. Its surface is about 1,350 ft above sea level. Hillsboro lies about 3.6 miles to the southwest. Wichita, the nearest city, is about 48 miles south.
- Size
- 6,160 acres (9.6 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 26 miles
- End to end
- About 6.5 miles
- Elevation
- About 1,350 ft
- Type
- Reservoir
- Dam
- Marion Reservoir Dam, Cottonwood River
- County
- Marion County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Friday Good
- 6:30 am – 8:45 amsunrise
- 3:45 pm – 5:00 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 2 mph
Saturday Good
- 6:30 am – 8:45 amsunrise · wind 7 mph
- 3:45 pm – 6:00 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 9 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
Lakes like Marion Lake in Kansas usually hold 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 58°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
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
No daily level reading for this lake.
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 7:08 am · sunset 5:16 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Marion Lake
- Hillsboroabout 3.6 mi southwest
- Marionabout 3.7 mi southeast
- Peabodyabout 13 mi south
- Heringtonabout 19 mi northeast
- Wichitanearest city, about 48 mi south
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Questions about Marion Lake
What fish are in Marion Lake?
Lakes like Marion 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 Marion 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 Marion Lake?
6,160 acres, with about 26 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Marion Lake?
Hillsboro is about 3.6 miles southwest; Marion is about 3.7 miles southeast.
What is the water temperature at Marion Lake today?
The surface was about 58°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Marion Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
