This beloved Kansas lake was named one of the top spring fishing spots in the country
A beloved Kansas lake was recently named a top destination in the U.S. for spring fishing trips by travel site Fishing Booker. Clinton Lake, located just outside Lawrence, was listed alongside the likes of Ocean City, Maryland and Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin.
“Clinton Lake has a well-earned reputation as one of Kansas’ strongest fisheries,” the site raves.
The lake and adjacent state park boasts 35 square miles of trails, campsites and fishable water. Whether you choose to book a guided tour or embark on your own, the lake is a great spot to catch crappie, walleye, catfish and sunfish.
“Spring is good because that’s when spawns happen,” said Travis Andregg, a project manager at the Clinton Marina, referring to the births of a new generation of fish in the lake.
Anglers of all ages can find excitement here: The adjacent Henry’s Trout Pond offers kids an accessible introduction to trout fishing on a smaller scale. Fishing Booker also notes that small catfish and bluegill are up for grabs at the Langley Point kids’ fishing pond.
Access to Clinton State Park, where the lake is located, costs just $5 per vehicle. Anglers age 16 and up will also need to obtain a fishing license before heading to the lake.
But there are more reasons to visit the park than just fishing: Andregg added that the marina recently launched monthly parties over the summer that are free to the public. They’re scheduled for the first Fridays of June, July, August and September.
“We’re calling them Float Fridays,” he said. “We have local breweries, we have different vendors, we have musical talent, we have other entertaining things for kids. And then we blast music down onto the water.”
Clinton State Park is located at 798 N. 1415 Road in Lawrence.
Editor’s note: This story has been edited to reflect that children age 16 and up can get a fishing license in Kansas. The story originally said kids over age 12.
Do you have more questions about hunting and fishing in the Kansas City area? Ask the Service Journalism team at kcq@kcstar.com.
This story was originally published March 25, 2023 at 6:00 AM.
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