Yates Center City Lake Fishing Report - Updated: 7/31/25

Species Size Rating Baits, Methods, Locations
Redear and Bluegill up to 10" Fair Small jigs or worms fished around water willow beds.
Largemouth Bass 8-20" Fair-Good Football jigs, Texas-rigged plastics, shaky head with big worm, or slow rolling big spinnerbaits around various structural elements. Topwater baits should produce some fish along the water willow. The slot limit was changed to a 15-21" protected slot, meaning you need to release any bass in the 15"-21" range, but you are encouraged to harvest all bass under 15" to help improve the population. The bite is probably the best early or late in the day. Look for them around deeper habitat during the midday hours.
Catfish up to 10lbs. Good Shad sides, worms, or other prepared baits fished on windy flats or upper end of lake when water is coming in.
Wipers/White Bass 8-18" Fair-Good  Vertical jigging slab spoons or shad imitation jigs around the creek channel and deeper water or fish may be caught along the rocky shorelines or windy points using small spinners, crankbaits, or hair jigs.
Crappie up to 12" Fair-Good  The creel limit is 20 fish/day you are encouraged to harvest the abundant 8-9" fish to help improve the population. Look for them near off-shore habitats like standing timber or brush piles.
Walleye 15-24" slow No reports
This lake contains Eurasian Watermilfoil. Please remember to help stop the spread of Aquatic Nuisance Species Clean, Drain, and Dry your boat and equipment when leaving water bodies.