Fishing Prairie Center Pond in Johnson County, Kansas

• Overview

  Prairie Center Pond is a Johnson County water, in Kansas. It sits in rolling hill country. Surface area runs to about 4 acres — small enough to read in one session. New Century sits 3.9 miles from the bank. Olathe lies 4.2 miles off, Gardner another 5 miles. In the same area: Lake Olathe out at 1.2 miles, Gardner Lake roughly 2.8 miles, Cedar Lake out at 3.8 miles, Johnson County Kill Creek Park South roughly 4.5 miles and Kill Creek Park Lake out at 4.7 miles. There is no boundary nearby to worry about.

• Where to Fish on Prairie Center Pond

  We hold no depth figure for this one. Levels move with the draw rather than the rain on water like this. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Reported across Johnson County: green sunfish, bluegill, orangethroat darter and longear sunfish. What holds for the county may not hold for this water. Prairie Center Pond gives up more to patience than to distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Temperature averages peak at 79°F in July and bottom out at 28°F in January. The freeze here is occasional rather than annual. It should never be assumed safe, whatever the month says. Late winter often fishes better here than midsummer does. It sets the rhythm of the year at Prairie Center Pond.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing on record says whether the bank is open or closed. The nearest mapped parking is half a mile away, so the last stretch is on foot. Fishing from a pier is possible 70 yards away. There are toilets mapped about half a mile away. Sort the permit out before you load the car. A polite question at the farm gate opens more banks than anything else. Failing this one, try Lake Olathe, 1.2 miles away. Confirm access to Prairie Center Pond locally before you travel.