Fishing at Fossil Lake, Russell County, Kansas

• Overview

  Fossil Lake is one of the Russell County waters in Kansas. What surrounds it is mixed woodland. Around 43 acres of surface means several distinct areas to work. The edge runs 1.5 miles or so, easy to work in an afternoon. By elevation it is in the upper part of our Kansas listings. The nearest town is Russell, 2.4 miles away. Victoria is 16 miles and Hoisington 24 miles. There is no boundary nearby to worry about.

• Where to Fish on Fossil Lake

  Depth remains unrecorded, so treat the first session as a survey. Look for where the old bank line still shows under the surface. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Across Russell County, recorded fish include green sunfish, channel catfish, common carp and gizzard shad. The county list is broader than any single water. On Fossil Lake the quiet end is the one worth the extra effort.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate records put July near 80°F and January near 28°F. Seasons here are moderate, and the fishing runs most of the year. It should never be assumed safe, whatever the month says. November and March are the quiet, comfortable months to be out. That shapes the year on Fossil Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  We have no record of the rules that apply on this bank. A campsite lies half a mile away for anyone staying over. Catfish want bait on the bottom: cut bait or worms, a simple running rig, and patience after dark. Where the road in crosses private land, ask first. Rules for boats are stricter than rules for the bank in many places. Wilson Lake at 17 miles is the sensible second choice. Nothing here settles the position at Fossil Lake for certain.