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
Waconda Lake
Mitchell County, Kansas · 12,600 acres (19.7 sq mi)
58°F water, calm this morning.
About Waconda Lake
Waconda Lake is a reservoir in Mitchell County, Kansas, covering 12,600 acres. Glen Elder Dam holds it back on the Solomon River. Waconda Lake is impounded behind Glen Elder Dam where the North and South Forks of the Solomon River meet.
It stretches about 6.2 miles end to end and its shoreline adds up to about 27 miles. Its surface is about 1,460 ft above sea level. The deepest water is about 55 ft. Beloit lies about 11 miles to the east.
- Size
- 12,600 acres (19.7 sq mi)
- Deepest
- About 55 ft
- Shoreline
- About 27 miles
- End to end
- About 6.2 miles
- Elevation
- About 1,460 ft
- Type
- Reservoir
- Dam
- Glen Elder Dam, Solomon River
- County
- Mitchell County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Saturday Good
- 6:45 am – 9:00 amsunrise · wind 10 mph
- 3:45 pm – 6:00 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 15 mph
Sunday Good
- 6:45 am – 9:00 amsunrise · wind 5 mph
- 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 5 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish in Waconda Lake
Anglers come to Waconda Lake for catfish, crappie, striped bass, walleye and white bass. At 58°F on the surface right now, here is how each one should behave.
- FairCatfish
Waking up. Channels and creek mouths, especially after rain.
- GoodCrappie
Active. Brush piles and docks in 8 to 15 ft.
- GoodStriped bass
Comfortable range. Watch for birds and surface feeding.
- 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
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 7:15 am · sunset 5:19 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Waconda Lake
- Beloitabout 11 mi east
- Osborneabout 15 mi west
- Mankatoabout 20 mi northeast
- Smith Centerabout 27 mi northwest
Prices and availability come from booking partners; we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Questions about Waconda Lake
What fish are in Waconda Lake?
Waconda Lake holds catfish, crappie, striped bass, walleye and white bass. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Waconda Lake?
About 55 ft at the deepest point. The 3-D view shows where the deep water is.
How big is Waconda Lake?
12,600 acres, with about 27 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Waconda Lake?
Beloit is about 11 miles east; Osborne is about 15 miles west.
What is the water temperature at Waconda Lake today?
The surface was about 58°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Waconda Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
