Reservoir or pond?
Clinton State Park includes separate trout and children’s fishing ponds. Confirm which water you intend to fish and which regulations apply.
Kansas lakes · Public fishing intelligence
Clinton Lake.
Start with the water. Find your next clue.
Clinton Reservoir brings together fishing water, shore access, boating, and a state park close to Lawrence. Use this guide to discover the lake, identify reliable public sources, and plan a trip without confusing older reports with current conditions.
Meet the lake
What makes this water different?
Clinton State Park lies on the north shore, where visitors can access camping, trails, boat ramps and a marina. The park also lists a small trout pond and a children’s fishing pond.
KDWP lists Clinton Marina with boat storage, kayak and boat rentals, and sales; multiple boat ramps and a fish-cleaning station are among the state park facilities. Check today’s ramp access and rental availability directly with the operators.
Species described by public sources
What can you fish for?
These are documented fisheries, not claims that any particular fish is biting today. Before fishing, check the species identification and current local regulations.
SPECIES & LEARNING
Crappie
Included in KDWP reservoir fishery reporting; use timber, cover and presentation as questions to investigate, not guaranteed spots.
Learn about this fish →SPECIES & LEARNINGLargemouth & smallmouth bass
Both appear in KDWP’s Clinton reservoir reporting, with location and structure observations that vary by season.
Learn about this fish →SPECIES & LEARNINGCatfish
Channel and blue catfish are described in the agency’s reservoir reporting.
Learn about this fish →SPECIES & LEARNINGWhite bass & wiper
KDWP includes white bass and hybrid striped bass in its Clinton reporting.
Learn about this fish →SPECIES & LEARNINGWalleye family
Walleye, sauger and saugeye appear in the lake’s report groups; verify current limits by species.
Learn about this fish →Use the four-step fishing trip planning guide →
Make a practical fishing plan
Three questions before the first cast.
Which access?
Use the state park map and current operator information to confirm boat ramp and shore access before traveling.
What changed?
Water conditions, baitfish movement and recent weather may matter more than a report from an earlier season.
Access, safety & regulations
Know the rules for this water.
KDWP identifies Clinton Reservoir as a zebra mussel aquatic-invasive-species designated water. Follow current Kansas transport and Clean, Drain, Dry guidance; do not move live fish between designated waters.
This page doesn't contain live water levels, weather alerts, open-now status, fish location or verified firsthand catch reports. Operational information must come from the lake's responsible authority.
Fishing guides serving this water
Meet people who list Clinton Lake.
These guides' publicly described service areas include this lake. Inclusion is not a verified current booking, paid partnership, or independent endorsement. Check the latest locations and trip details with each operator.
Aggressive Lures firsthand history
Austin Miller
Miller's Guide Service
Explore profile →Public-source listingCrappie Kirby
Crappie Kirby Fishing Guide Service
Explore profile →Public-source listingBrian Ondrejka
Kansas Angling Experience Guide Service
Explore profile →Public-source listingJosh Peck
Outdoor Limits Guide Service
Explore profile →Public-source listingRoger Bahre
Kansas Outdoor Sports Fishing Guide Service
Explore profile →Where this information comes from
Official lake references.
Reviewed October 25, 2026. These links are provided as source references and as places to recheck rules and access. A publication update or archived report does not establish current conditions. Aggressive Lures has not verified an independent fishing session here.
- Clinton State Park — KDWP ↗Park location, marina, ramps, access and facilities
- Reservoir fishing reports — KDWP ↗Agency fishery summaries; check date and species section
- Kansas public fishing access — KDWP ↗Public access reference
Want to compare the lakes? Return to the Kansas lakes directory →