Melvern Lake Fishing in Osage County, Kansas

• Overview

  Melvern Lake is an Osage County water, in Kansas. The country round it is rolling hill from end to end. Surface area runs to some 9.8 sq miles, so a boat and a plan are both worth having. The outline measures near 49 miles, so a boat opens up water the bank never reaches. Nothing else we list in Osage County covers more water. Nearest town is Lyndon, 8.9 miles off. For a city, Topeka is 39 miles off. Rules can differ a short way off, since the county line is near.

• Where to Fish on Melvern Lake

  The books put it at 95 ft. Look for where the old bank line still shows under the surface. Standing timber shows when the level drops, and fish sit against it. Records held for Osage County cover black bullhead, orangespotted sunfish, white sucker and green sunfish. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. Melvern Lake responds to conditions more than to tactics.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The range across the year is 28°F to 79°F. Fishing continues through most of the calendar, with quiet spells rather than closures. It should never be assumed safe, whatever the month says. April and May are the settled weeks, with October close behind. It sets the rhythm of the year at Melvern Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  State or federal ownership covers this water. Expect a half a mile walk in from where the car goes. Overnight stays are possible about half a mile out, where camping is mapped. Facilities include toilets around half a mile from here. For the catfish, fish bottom baits into the deeper holes and let them sit. Local rules can differ across the county line, so check where you stand. Some stretches are reserved and marked as such on the ground. The nearest alternative is Osage City Reservoir, 8.9 miles out. Confirm before you fish Melvern Lake.