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When Randy Tull of Independence talks crappie fishing at Elk City Reservoir, it’s wise
to listen. This angler has fished his favorite coves there since 1966, and it’s a rare
evening when he doesn’t catch a basketful. Mostly, he catches white crappies, though
his biggest at Elk City was a black crappie that weighed 3-1/2 pounds. He caught it near
the dock in the state park. Tull’s job makes him an evening angler,
and a two-hour trip this week showed that the spawn is still on at Elk City. He kept
about 20, including a 2-1/4 pound female. All were caught from the bank in a state park
cove from cedar brush piles he put out earlier. “I’ve been out here since about 3 o’clock
and fishing these banks and these crappie are coming in here chasing these shad and
some of them are spawning, and catching them on jigs and putting a little crappie nibble
on them. And the color really is kind of immaterial – they’ll hit just about anything.
“The water depth has been anywhere from about a foot down to about three and a half.
Right off the banks, and they’re mostly in cedar brush.
“I think there’s still some that are spawning. As long as we have the weather hold out, we’ll
continue to see some fish come into these areas.”
Elk City Reservoir is a popular crappie destination, and the state park boat launch area usually
produces excellent bank fishing during spawn. Though right now is the best time to catch
crappies, good fishing should continue in deeper water for those who keep track of the
crappie schools. Enjoy the spring weather and visit Elk City
Reservoir and State Park this weekend. Experience for yourself some of Kansas’ best crappie
fishing. I’m Mike Blair for Kansas Wildlife and Parks.