Lake Kahola near Council Grove: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Lake Kahola lies in Morris County, Kansas. It stands 1,263 feet above sea level. It measures some 365 acres, and wind has room to build across it. You are looking at roughly 4.5 miles of shoreline, with plenty of water between access points. Nearest place of any size is Council Grove, 10 miles away. The big place round here is Topeka, 54 miles distant. Being near a boundary, it pays to know which side you are fishing.

• Where to Fish on Lake Kahola

  Our records hold no depth for this water. The arms fish better than the open middle whenever the water is up. Draw-down through summer strips the margins, so follow the water out. Records held for Morris County cover golden redhorse, longear sunfish, orangethroat darter, orangespotted sunfish and slender madtom. Records at county level tell you what is around, not what is stocked here. On Lake Kahola the obvious spot is not always the productive one.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warm month here averages 79°F; the cold one sits at 27°F. Whether it freezes depends on the year. It should never be assumed safe, whatever the month says. June to September is hot work, so the first and last hours are what count. Lake Kahola runs to that rhythm year in and year out.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing we hold confirms whether access is permitted. There is a launch about half a mile from the bank. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. Council Grove Lake at 13 miles is the sensible second choice. What applies at Lake Kahola may have changed since it was mapped.