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 5 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Wilson Lake
Russell County, Kansas · 9,040 acres (14.1 sq mi)
59°F water, level steady, calm this morning.
About Wilson Lake
In Russell County, Kansas, Wilson Lake covers 9,040 acres; it is a reservoir. Wilson Dam holds it back on the Saline River. Wilson Lake is promoted by the Army Corps of Engineers as "the clearest lake in Kansas.".
It stretches about 11.9 miles end to end with roughly 53 miles of shoreline. Its surface is about 1,510 ft above sea level. The deepest water is about 65 ft. The nearest town, Russell, is about 10 miles west.
- Size
- 9,040 acres (14.1 sq mi)
- Deepest
- About 65 ft
- Shoreline
- About 53 miles
- End to end
- About 11.9 miles
- Elevation
- About 1,510 ft
- Type
- Reservoir
- Dam
- Wilson Dam, Saline River
- County
- Russell County
- Water
- Known for clear water
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Friday Good
- 6:45 am – 9:00 amsunrise
- 3:45 pm – 5:15 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 9 mph
Saturday Fair
- 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 Wilson Lake
The fish here: smallmouth bass, catfish, crappie, striped bass, walleye and white bass. With the surface at 59°F, the notes below say which of them should be biting.
- FairSmallmouth bass
Picking up. Look on rocky points and gravel.
- 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.
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
5 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 7:15 am · sunset 5:21 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Wilson Lake
- Russellabout 10 mi west
- Ellsworthabout 18 mi southeast
- Lincolnabout 19 mi east
- Victoriaabout 25 mi west
Prices and availability come from booking partners; we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Questions about Wilson Lake
What fish are in Wilson Lake?
Wilson Lake holds smallmouth bass, catfish, crappie, striped bass, walleye and white bass. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Wilson Lake?
About 65 ft at the deepest point. The 3-D view shows where the deep water is.
How big is Wilson Lake?
9,040 acres, with about 53 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Wilson Lake?
Russell is about 10 miles west; Ellsworth is about 18 miles southeast.
What is the water temperature at Wilson Lake today?
The surface was about 59°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Wilson Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
