Elmers Lake Fishing Guide, Johnson County, Kansas

• Overview

  Elmers Lake is one of the Johnson County waters in Kansas. The bank is 935 feet above sea level. At 3 acres it is the sort of place you fish for an evening rather than a day. It is a small entry by Johnson County standards. 4.5 miles away sits Bonner Springs, the nearest town. The nearest city of size is Olathe, an 8.1 miles drive. Local rules may differ a few miles either side of here.

• Where to Fish on Elmers Lake

  No published figure covers depth, so learn it as you fish. Look for where the old bank line still shows under the surface. Draw-down through summer strips the margins, so follow the water out. Species logged across Johnson County include green sunfish, bluegill and orangethroat darter. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. Anyone new to Elmers Lake should walk it once before setting up.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Between January at about 28°F and July at about 79°F, the water has a wide range to work through. Whether it freezes depends on the year. It is not guaranteed from one year to the next. Late winter often fishes better here than midsummer does. It holds true on Elmers Lake more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether you may fish here is not something records settle. Parking is mapped about half a mile from the bank. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. Should this one be busy, Shawnee Mission Lake is 3.4 miles off. Where Elmers Lake is concerned, a local answer beats a written one.