Cheney Reservoir in Kingman County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Cheney Reservoir is listed under Kingman County, Kansas. The bank is 1,421 feet above sea level. At roughly 15.3 sq miles it ranks among the larger waters in the region. Some 32 miles of shoreline means conditions can differ from one end to the other. Among the waters listed for Kingman County, none is wider. 8.7 miles away sits Cheney, the nearest town. Beyond it, Haven at 10 miles and Saint Marys at 11 miles. Two sets of local rules meet not far from this water.

• Where to Fish on Cheney Reservoir

  Our records give 42 ft, so you have a figure to work from. The arms fish better than the open middle whenever the water is up. Inflow corners move water, and moving water gathers fish. Kingman County records list arkansas darter, flathead catfish and green sunfish among the fish reported. County data is a starting point rather than a guarantee. On Cheney Reservoir the first feature you find is usually worth a session.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warm month here averages 81°F; the cold one sits at 30°F. A lid forms in a hard winter only. It is not guaranteed even in a cold spell, so check yourself. November and March are the quiet, comfortable months to be out. At Cheney Reservoir the season follows that pattern closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  Public access is on record for this one. Nothing in the way of made access shows up nearby: no ramp, no car park, no path. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Read any posted signs at the access point rather than assuming. Some stretches are reserved and marked as such on the ground. If the gate is shut, Lake Forty-eight at 7.3 miles is the nearest alternative. The position on Cheney Reservoir is worth confirming on the day.