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
Melvern Lake
Osage County, Kansas · 6,910 acres (10.8 sq mi)
59°F water, level steady, calm this morning.
About Melvern Lake
In Osage County, Kansas, Melvern Lake covers 6,910 acres; it is a reservoir. It was made by Melvern Dam on the Marais des Cygnes River. Melvern Lake was built in 1970 by the Army Corps of Engineers for flood control on the Marais des Cygnes River.
It stretches about 9.6 miles end to end with roughly 48 miles of shoreline. The water sits about 1,030 ft above sea level. Lyndon lies about 5.9 miles to the northeast. Topeka, the nearest city, is about 36 miles north.
- Size
- 6,910 acres (10.8 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 48 miles
- End to end
- About 9.6 miles
- Elevation
- About 1,030 ft
- Type
- Reservoir
- Dam
- Melvern Dam, Marais des Cygnes River
- County
- Osage County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Friday Good
- 6:30 am – 8:45 amsunrise
- 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 5 mph
Saturday Good
- 6:30 am – 8:45 amsunrise · wind 5 mph
- 3:30 pm – 5:45 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 10 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 7:02 am · sunset 5:11 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Melvern Lake
- Lyndonabout 5.9 mi northeast
- Osage Cityabout 7.6 mi northwest
- Emporiaabout 17 mi west
- Burlingtonabout 19 mi south
- Topekanearest city, about 36 mi north
Prices and availability come from booking partners; we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Questions about Melvern Lake
What fish are in Melvern Lake?
Lakes like Melvern 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 Melvern 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 Melvern Lake?
6,910 acres, with about 48 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Melvern Lake?
Lyndon is about 5.9 miles northeast; Osage City is about 7.6 miles northwest.
What is the water temperature at Melvern Lake today?
The surface was about 59°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Melvern Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
