Saugeye fishing at Smoky Hill River

When the water first warms, saugeye slide up into 3 to 10 ft. There's no big seasonal slide here — summer means 3 to 10 ft, winter 3 to 10 ft. If you only fish one area, make it Kanopolis Dam tailrace: a dam tailrace around 9 ft that scores prime in spring. In summer the feeding windows fall in the evening and early morning. Keep a crawler harness (shallow) or a jig + crawler rigged through the warm months.

White Bass & Hybrids fishing at Smoky Hill River

Spring puts white bass & hybrids in skinny water — 2 to 10 ft is the zone. Summer fish stay in 3 to 10 ft, and winter fish hold in 3 to 10 ft. Spring white bass & hybrids concentrate at Kanopolis Dam tailrace, a prime-rated dam tailrace around 9 ft. Warm-month bites cluster around early morning and the evening. A jigging spoon or a topwater (when schooling) covers the summer program.

Channel Catfish fishing at Smoky Hill River

In spring, channel catfish run shallow here, mostly 3 to 10 ft. Summer keeps them at 3 to 10 ft, and they winter in 3 to 10 ft. Kanopolis tailrace is the standout, a creek channel at roughly 8 ft, rated prime for summer channel catfish. Time it for after dark and the evening.

White Bass fishing at Smoky Hill River

When the water first warms, white bass slide up into 2 to 10 ft. There's no big seasonal slide here — summer means 3 to 10 ft, winter 3 to 10 ft. Start at Kanopolis Dam tailrace. It's a dam tailrace holding about 9 ft of water and rates prime come spring. The feeding windows run early morning and the evening. Keep a slab spoon or a small topwater (schooling fish) rigged through the warm months.

Walleye fishing at Smoky Hill River

Early season walleye use the shallows, holding in 3 to 10 ft. Even in summer they hold at 3 to 10 ft; winter keeps them in 3 to 10 ft. The chart's best answer is Kanopolis Dam tailrace — dam tailrace, 9 ft, prime for spring. Best bite is the evening and early morning. Tie on a crawler harness on bottom bouncer or a deep crankbait (trolled) and you're in the game.

Freshwater Drum fishing at Smoky Hill River

Start shallow in spring: freshwater drum sit in 3 to 10 ft that time of year. They don't go far with the seasons — 3 to 10 ft covers summer, 3 to 10 ft covers winter. Top water on the chart: Kanopolis tailrace, a creek channel in the 8 ft range, prime in summer. Fish it in the evening and you'll meet the bite. Throw a jig + crawler combo or a small crankbait (slow) until the fish tell you otherwise.

How deep is Smoky Hill River?

Smoky Hill River is about 10 ft (3 m) deep at its deepest point. The contours here are modeled from the water's real shape and maximum depth, so treat them as a rough guide.

What fish are in Smoky Hill River?

Anglers target saugeye, white bass & hybrids, channel catfish, white bass, walleye, freshwater drum, common carp on Smoky Hill River.

Where is the best fishing spot on Smoky Hill River?

Kanopolis Dam tailrace is the top-rated area: a dam tailrace in about 9 ft of water that rates prime for saugeye in spring. The map above holds the full rated-spot list for every species and season.

When is the best time to fish Smoky Hill River?

For saugeye, the summer bite is best in the evening and early morning. Each species page section below lists the seasonal windows, and the map shows a live NOW badge when you're inside one.

What are the fishing regulations for Smoky Hill River?

Fishing on Smoky Hill River is regulated by the Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks. Check the official Kansas regulations for current license requirements, season dates, and size and bag limits — special regulations can apply to this specific water.