Neosho State Fishing Lake Fishing Report -
Species                                  Rating                                                Size                            Baits, Method & Location
Bluegill/Redear Sunfish                                                                  Good

4-7" - 25%

7-9" - 40%

9-11" - 33%

11"+ - 2%

Bluegill may be caught with a bobber and small jig, or small hook and worm. The access jetties are good locations of recent reports where bluegill have been caught by anglers using bobber and a worm. In recent fish surveys, bluegill showed an improved size structure of 6-8 inch year classes. 
Channel catfish  Good

11-16" - 35%

16-24" - 65%

Channel catfish can be found in the shallows on the upper and lower ends of the lake. Boat anglers can focus their efforts on the flats of 4-8', coves, and the brushpiles located on the southwest corner of the lake. Shoreline anglers can focus their efforts on the rock jetties throughout the entire lake, however the jetties on the southwest side of the lake are in close proximity of brushpiles that may congregate channel catfish. Prepared baits, shrimp, chicken liver, and cut bait will be options to try. 
Crappie  Good

5-8" - 30%

 8-10" - 61%

10-12" - 6%

12-15" - 3%

Anglers can focus their effort on brushpiles, which are located on the lower end on the southwest corner of the lake, drop offs and changes in depth located in close proximity to jetties, and coves. Crappie will congregate near structure. 1/8-1/16 ounce jigs with twister tails or tipped with a minnow, live minnows, worms, and small spinners are all good baits to try. In recent fish surveys, crappie continue to show an improved size structure of 8-10-inch year classes.  
Largemouth Bass  Good

   8-12" -  25%     

  12-15" - 40%     

 15-20" - 33%   

> 20" - 3%   

Anglers have reported catching 2-5 lb Largemouth Bass on white bladed jigs, spinnerbaits, and top water lures. Recent sampling has indicated a much improved high quality and high density population. This may be in result of recent water level management and habitat addition efforts. Anglers can focus on jetties, if fishing from the shore, where brushpiles are in close proximity. Anglers fishing from boat can target brushpile habitat. Fishing access jetties are located on all sides of the lake. Baits to use include spinnerbaits, bladed jigs, jigs, top-water lures, and plastics are recommended options for anglers.  
General Comment

Water Temperature: 93° F, July 28, 2025

Be sure to Clean, Drain, and Dry your boat, bait buckets, and recreational watercraft before and after launching your boat. It is required to remove your drain plug on your watercraft upon departure to drain live wells and water inside of your boat; it will protect our natural resources in Kansas for current anglers and future generations to enjoy. Be sure to stay up to date on information regarding Aquatic Nuisance Species. Remember it is illegal to release any fish into public water unless it was taken from that water. Please discard leftover bait in a trash can.

If you would like to provide a fishing report for Neosho State Fishing Lake, don't hesitate to contact Connor Ossowski, District Fisheries Biologist, at (620) 231-3173.