Cheney Reservoir

About: Cheney Reservoir

Tranquil Waters and Abundant Catches: Cheney Reservoir, Cheney, Kansas

Nestled in Cheney, Kansas, Cheney Reservoir offers anglers a serene fishing experience with its expansive waters and diverse fish population. Whether you prefer casting from the shore or navigating the lake by boat, Cheney Reservoir promises rewarding catches and memorable fishing adventures.

Overview of the Water Body

Cheney Reservoir is a prominent freshwater reservoir located southwest of Wichita, Kansas. Covering approximately 9,500 acres, the reservoir is known for its clear waters and ample fishing opportunities. Managed by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism, Cheney Reservoir supports a variety of fish species that thrive in its fertile waters.

Fish Species

• Walleye (Sander vitreus): Walleye have a streamlined, olive-green body with dark vertical bars. They are prized for their delicious flesh and are known for their nocturnal feeding habits.
  • Best Natural Baits: Nightcrawlers, minnows, and leeches.
  • Best Artificial Lures: Jigs, crankbaits, and minnow-shaped lures in natural colors.
  • Best Method to Catch: Use medium spinning or baitcasting gear. Target rocky points, drop-offs, and areas with submerged structures during low-light conditions or at night. Present your bait or lure near the bottom where Walleye hunt.
• White Crappie (Pomoxis annularis): White Crappie have a compressed, silvery body with distinct vertical bars. They are popular among anglers for their firm, mild-flavored flesh.
  • Best Natural Baits: Minnows, small fish, and insect larvae.
  • Best Artificial Lures: Jigs, spinners, and small crankbaits in silver or white colors.
  • Best Method to Catch: Use light spinning gear or fly fishing equipment. Target brush piles, submerged trees, and shallow flats during spring and fall spawning seasons. Present your bait or lure with a slow, twitching motion to attract strikes.
• Freshwater Drum (Aplodinotus grunniens): Freshwater Drum have a cylindrical, silver-gray body with a deep, blunt head. They are known for their powerful fights and ability to produce drumming sounds.
  • Best Natural Baits: Nightcrawlers, crayfish, and cut bait.
  • Best Artificial Lures: Crankbaits, jigs, and spoons that mimic small fish or crayfish.
  • Best Method to Catch: Use medium to heavy spinning or baitcasting gear. Target deep holes, channels, and areas with muddy bottoms where Freshwater Drum feed. Allow your bait or lure to sink near the bottom and use a slow, steady retrieve to entice bites.
• Channel Catfish (Ictalurus punctatus): Channel Catfish have a cylindrical body with a deeply forked tail and prominent whisker-like barbels around their mouth. They are prized for their size and tasty flesh.
  • Best Natural Baits: Chicken liver, nightcrawlers, and cut bait.
  • Best Artificial Lures: Prepared baits and scent-enhanced lures designed for bottom feeding fish.
  • Best Method to Catch: Use medium to heavy spinning or baitcasting gear. Target shallow flats, creek mouths, and areas with submerged logs or vegetation where Channel Catfish search for food. Present your bait near the bottom and allow the scent to attract Catfish.
• White Bass (Morone chrysops): White Bass have a silvery body with several horizontal stripes along their sides. They are known for their aggressive feeding behavior and are popular targets for anglers.
  • Best Natural Baits: Minnows, small fish, and crayfish.
  • Best Artificial Lures: Jigs, spinners, and small crankbaits in silver or white colors.
  • Best Method to Catch: Use light to medium spinning gear or fly fishing equipment. Target rocky points, submerged humps, and areas with current where White Bass school. Vary your retrieve speed to find the most effective presentation.

Expert Techniques for Fishing in Cheney Reservoir

Maximize your fishing success at Cheney Reservoir with these expert techniques:

• Use Depth Finders: Locate submerged structures and depth changes where fish congregate.
• Fish During Dawn and Dusk: Many species are more active during low-light conditions.
• Experiment with Baits: Offer a variety of baits to determine what the fish are actively feeding on.
• Respect Fishery Regulations: Adhere to size limits and catch-and-release guidelines to preserve the fishery.

Conclusion

Cheney Reservoir in Cheney, Kansas, offers anglers an excellent opportunity to enjoy nature and reel in prized catches. Whether you’re targeting the elusive Walleye, the delicious White Crappie, the robust Freshwater Drum, the formidable Channel Catfish, or the spirited White Bass, fishing at Cheney Reservoir promises unforgettable experiences and bountiful rewards amidst Kansas’s scenic beauty.