Sheridan County State Lake, Kansas: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Set in Sheridan County, Kansas, this is Sheridan County State Lake. Everything around it is open valley. Roughly 35 acres: a morning covers one end, an afternoon the other. There is roughly 1.1 miles of shoreline here, which is a short walk end to end. Compared with other Kansas water on our list, it sits high. You are 11 miles from Hoxie. Wichita is the closest city, 194 miles away. It sits well inside its county, with no border complications.

• Where to Fish on Sheridan County State Lake

  No depth figure appears in our records, so the bank has to tell you. Inflow corners move water, and moving water gathers fish. The old creek line under the surface is the feature worth finding. Reported across Sheridan County: black bullhead, bluegill and channel catfish. The list covers the county rather than this water alone, so treat it as a guide. Sheridan County State Lake gives up more to patience than to distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Temperature averages peak at 78°F in July and bottom out at 28°F in January. Most months fish reasonably, given the right weather. 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. That is the shape of the year on Sheridan County State Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Who may fish here is not settled in anything we hold. Sheridan State Fishing Lake covers ground next to the water; its rules will apply on that side. For the catfish, fish bottom baits into the deeper holes and let them sit. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. If the gate is shut, Antelope Lake at 6.3 miles is the nearest alternative. For Sheridan County State Lake in particular, ask before you travel.