Idlewild Lake, Kansas: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Idlewild Lake is one of the Marshall County waters in Kansas. The bank is 1,165 feet above sea level. The water measures roughly 6 acres, so nothing here is far from anything else. Nearest town is Marysville, 11 miles off. Topeka sits 73 miles out, and it is the nearest city worth the name. Local rules may differ a few miles either side of here.

• Where to Fish on Idlewild Lake

  Depth is unmeasured here, so let the shoreline guide you. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Held water runs deepest at the wall and shallows back to the inflow. Marshall County records list channel catfish, black buffalo and river carpsucker among the fish reported. County data is a starting point rather than a guarantee. At Idlewild Lake the first feature you find is worth twenty minutes.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July to average close to 79°F, with January the cold end at about 26°F. The season stretches long at both ends here. It is not guaranteed even in a cold spell, so check yourself. November and March are the quiet, comfortable months to be out. Time your trip to Idlewild Lake by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. Nothing is mapped in the way of a ramp or car park within a short radius. Catfish want bait on the bottom: cut bait or worms, a simple running rig, and patience after dark. Take the rules with you rather than trusting memory. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. Vitosh Reservoir sits 22 miles off and takes the overflow. Where Idlewild Lake is concerned, a local answer beats a written one.