Clinton Lake Fishing in Douglas County, Kansas

• Overview

  Clinton Lake falls in Douglas County, part of Kansas. It sits in rolling hill country. At roughly 11.5 sq miles it ranks among the larger waters in the region. At about 34 miles of edge, most people fish a single area and learn it well. Nothing else we list in Douglas County covers more water. The nearest town is Lawrence, 9.7 miles away. Overbrook is 12 miles and Baldwin City 14 miles. It lies deep inside the county rather than near an edge.

• Where to Fish on Clinton Lake

  Open data we checked carries no depth for this water. The old creek line under the surface is the feature worth finding. Draw-down through summer strips the margins, so follow the water out. Public occurrence data for Douglas County names gizzard shad, green sunfish and black bullhead. The list covers the county rather than this water alone, so treat it as a guide. The shape of Clinton Lake rewards a slow walk along one bank.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July near 79°F and January near 28°F on the long-run figures. Neither winter nor summer shuts things down for long. It is not guaranteed even in a cold spell, so check yourself. June to September is hot work, so the first and last hours are what count. It sets the rhythm of the year at Clinton Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether the bank is open is not something our records settle. A carry of half a mile from the nearest parking is the price of fishing here. There is a campsite half a mile from the water. Toilets are half a mile away, which matters on a long session. State or provincial rules still apply whatever the bank status. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. For a change of water, Lone Star Lake is 4.4 miles distant. Where Clinton Lake is concerned, a local answer beats a written one.