Best places to fish in Wichita

Wichita anchors a productive stretch of Kansas prairie reservoirs, with Cheney Reservoir just west of the city and El Dorado Lake a short drive east. These wind-driven waters produce walleye, white bass, wiper - the hybrid striped bass that fights well above its weight - channel and flathead catfish, and slab crappie. In spring, white bass and walleye run up the feeder rivers and creek arms to spawn, giving guides fast action on jigs and small crankbaits, while summer turns on the wiper as schools chase shad across the main lake. Guides also work brush and rock for crappie and set lines for big cats. Boats launch from ramps at Cheney State Park and around El Dorado, and the constant prairie wind is part of the game, positioning fish along windblown points and flats. The guides below are ranked by Google review volume and rating.