Smith Lake Fishing near Osage City, Kansas

• Overview

  Smith Lake sits in Wabaunsee County, out in Kansas. Everything around it is farm and woodlot. About 10 acres of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. The closest town, Osage City, is 11 miles away. After that come Auburn at 12 miles and Carbondale at 14 miles. Being near a boundary, it pays to know which side you are fishing.

• Where to Fish on Smith Lake

  Depth is unmeasured here, so let the shoreline guide you. Look for where the old bank line still shows under the surface. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. Survey and observation records for Wabaunsee County include plains darter, orangethroat darter, white sucker and longear sunfish. These are county-wide records, so not all of them will be in this water. Read Smith Lake for ten minutes before the first cast goes out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July to average close to 79°F, with January the cold end at about 27°F. In milder years the surface never sets. It should never be assumed safe, whatever the month says. March through May is the strongest run, with October and November a second stretch. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Smith Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether the bank is open is not something our records settle. There is no mapped parking or launch nearby, which keeps numbers down. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Where access is informal, keep it that way by behaving. A polite question at the farm gate opens more banks than anything else. Should this one be busy, Osage City Reservoir is 11 miles off. Check the position at Smith Lake before loading the car.