Jeffrey Energy Center - Make-Up Lake Fishing Report -
| Species | Rating | Size | Baits, Method, and Location | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black Bass | Slow/Fair | 1 to 5 pounds | The smallmouth bass population has been on the rebound with numbers of fish starting to climb back up from a down spell. The corners of the dam and along the East bank are the best places for smallmouth. The largemouth bass population is also on the rise, while still a subpar fishery it is currently far better than it has been. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Crappie | Fair | 1/2 to 1 pound | The population is on the rise with abundance of crappie in the fall 2025 sample being double the 10-year average. Most of the fish were from a big spawn in 2024 with 63% of the fish sampled were between 8 to 10 inches long. Fish grow fast at this lake and fishing should be good in 2026. New brush piles listed below. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Catfish | Fair to Good | 1/2 to 6 pounds | The lake has supported a robust channel catfish harvest rate through the years. The southwest corner of the lake and the northern 2 coves tend to be good spots. The lake has a low level blue catfish population with most below 20 inches. The lake is home to some big flathead. If the inlet is flowing, then good fishing can be found there for all three species. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Walleye and Sauger | Fair | 1 to 5 pounds | The 2025 fall gill netting and electrofishing samples showed good things for both walleye and sauger. Adult walleye numbers are up and there was good numbers of young walleye. Sauger are doing well with half of the fish we collected this fall were over 20-inches! The two species (walleye & sauger) are combined in KS regulations and an angler can harvest a combined total of 2 per day at the Jeffrey Lakes that are over the 15-inch minimum length limit. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| White Bass | Fair | 1/2 to 2 pounds | White bass numbers have dipped below their normal robust levels. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Wipers | Fair to Good | Up to 12 pounds | The 2024 wiper stocking had exceptional survival which has boosted numbers to a 25-year high. However, this means that almost all of the wiper right now are between 14 to 15 inches long. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| General Comments | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Anglers need to check into the Jeffrey Energy Center Guard House located north of St. Mary's, then west off K-63 Hwy. You can call the Guard House to check on availability at (785) 456-6149. The Jeffrey Energy Center allows 30 anglers to fish at any one time. If the inlet is flowing, then good fishing can usually be found there. Make-Up Lake has zebra mussels which classifies the lake as an Aquatic Invasive Species water. It is illegal to transport alive fish from AIS designated waters. To help prevent the spread of invasive species, please CLEAN, DRAIN & DRY all equipment when changing water bodies and dump your bait.
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