Hains Lake Fishing near Dodge City, Kansas

• Overview

  Within Ford County, Kansas, you have Hains Lake. It lies 2,431 feet above sea level. Compared with other Kansas water on our list, it sits high. Start from Dodge City, 11 miles down the road. Kinsley follows at 25 miles, then Cimarron at 27 miles. Close by you have: Cossell Lake within 32 miles, Clark County State Lake out at 33 miles, Finney Lake within 34 miles and Kiowa County State Lake out at 35 miles. It sits well inside the county, so one set of rules covers it.

• Where to Fish on Hains Lake

  Open data we checked carries no depth for this water. The old creek line under the surface is the feature worth finding. Look for where the old bank line still shows under the surface. County-wide records name largemouth bass, bluegill, green sunfish, longear sunfish and yellow bullhead. The list covers the county rather than this water alone, so treat it as a guide. Read Hains Lake for ten minutes before the first cast goes out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The range across the year is 30°F to 80°F. In milder years the surface never sets. Hard water here is never dependable, so check for yourself before stepping out. Autumn steadies things again once the heat lets go. It sets the rhythm of the year at Hains Lake. Wind on the bank for a day or two lifts the fishing there.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing on record says whether the bank is open or closed. Access is unmapped, which usually means a farm track and a walk. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Check whether a boat is allowed before you tow one. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. Failing this one, try Cossell Lake, 32 miles away. Check the position on Hains Lake before loading the car.