Top fish species at McDowell Creek

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Check which species have trophy potential in McDowell Creek

McDowell Creek fishing reports

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Spotted gar

length · weight

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Longnose gar

length · weight

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Channel catfish

length · weight

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Channel catfish

length · weight

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Channel catfish

length · weight

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Largemouth bass

9 in · 1 lb

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General info

McDowell Creek is a stream located in Riley County, Kansas, United States. It is also intersecting with Geary County, Kansas. It is most popular for fishing Channel catfish, Largemouth bass, and Green sunfish.

Location

39°04′49.3″N 96°39′13.1″W
Directions

When are Largemouth Bass biting on McDowell Creek?

Learn what time of year and day to go fishing at McDowell Creek. Download Fishbrain today to look for new fishing spots, scout new fishing access, or prep for your next trip.

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Fishing regulations at McDowell Creek, KS

Disclaimer: Always check local fishing regulations, water access rights and land ownership before fishing, regardless of any catches logged in that area by the Fishbrain community. Fishbrain has mapped millions of acres of government-owned land across the USA to help you identify potential fishing access, but you are responsible for ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.

Fishing regulations in Kansas can change throughout the year. Make sure to check this page before fishing for the most up to date rules and regulations for the current season. Local regulations govern when you can fish, the max size of the fish you can keep, how many fish you can keep, and more.

Regulations for top species

Season open: year-round
Channel catfish

Channel catfish

Regulation boundaryKansas State Waters
Bag limit10

The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.

Restrictions & requirements

Snagging

Harvest of this species by snagging (snatch hooking) is prohibited.

Keep-Whole

Must remain in whole condition until landed ashore - head and tail must be intact.

Additional information
No size limit. No closed season.Statewide in Impounded WIFA Waters: 2 fish daily creel limit.For site-specific regulations that apply in specified reservoirs, state fishing lakes, and community lakes, see Northwest RegionNortheast RegionSouthwest RegionSouth Central RegionSoutheast Region
Edibility
Very good Catch, Clean, Cook Channel Catfish by BlueGabe
Synonyms
Ictalurus punctatus
Season open: year-round
Largemouth bass

Largemouth bass

Regulation boundaryKansas State Waters
Bag limit5

The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.

Min size15" (Total Length)

No person shall harvest any individual fish less than the minimum size limit.

Total length means the straight line distance from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed, while the fish is lying on its side.

Aggregate limit5

The maximum number of individual fish across an aggregate group of species legally harvested per harvester per day.

Restrictions & requirements

Snagging

Harvest of this species by snagging (snatch hooking) is prohibited.

Keep-Whole

Must remain in whole condition until landed ashore - head and tail must be intact.

Additional information
No closed season.Statewide in Impounded WIFA Waters: 18-inch minimum length limit, 2 fish daily creel limit.For site-specific regulations that apply in specified reservoirs, state fishing lakes, and community lakes, see Northwest RegionNortheast RegionSouthwest RegionSouth Central RegionSoutheast Region
Edibility
Very good Catch, Clean, Cook Largemouth Bass by BlueGabe
Synonyms
Micropterus nigricans
Season open: year-round
Green sunfish

Green sunfish

Regulation boundaryKansas State Waters
Restrictions & requirements

Keep-Whole

Must remain in whole condition until landed ashore - head and tail must be intact.

Additional information
No bag limit. No size limit. No closed season.
Edibility
Very good
Synonyms
Lepomis cyanellus
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Local laws and licenses

Kansas fishing license

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Cities nearby

Ogden

3.5 miles away

Manhattan

7.9 miles away

Junction City

11.1 miles away

Zeandale

13.4 miles away

Milford

15.2 miles away

Dwight

16.6 miles away

Riley

17.7 miles away

Alma

20.2 miles away

White City

20.3 miles away

Wamego

20.3 miles away

Chapman

21.2 miles away

Louisville

21.6 miles away

Wakefield

21.7 miles away

Bala

22.5 miles away

Olsburg

24.4 miles away

Randolph

24.7 miles away

Westmoreland

25.2 miles away

Woodbine

25.6 miles away

Latimer

25.8 miles away

Enterprise

27.7 miles away

Navarre

31.2 miles away

Clay Center

32.8 miles away

Hope

35.2 miles away

Manchester

35.7 miles away

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FAQ about McDowell Creek fishing

📍 Where is the McDowell Creek located?
the McDowell Creek is a stream located in Riley County, Kansas, United States. It is also intersecting with Geary County, Kansas. Its coordinates are:
39°04′49.3″N 96°39′13.1″W
.
🎣 Where on the McDowell Creek is it best to fish?
Find the best fishing spots on the McDowell Creek by looking at where other anglers have caught fish. This can easily be done in the where it is also possible to see big fish potential and how good fishing is right now along with Garmin® depth maps.
🐟 What species are in the McDowell Creek?
The most common species in the McDowell Creek are:
📢 What are the latest McDowell Creek fishing reports?
The latest McDowell Creek fishing reports are:
🪪 Do I need a fishing license to fish at the McDowell Creek?

Fishing in Kansas requires a valid state fishing license for anglers. Resident and non-resident annual and short-term licenses are available online or at authorized retailers.

In Kansas, no fishing license is required for anglers under 16 or residents 75 and older. Residents 65 and older qualify for a discounted license. A few other exceptions worth knowing:

  • Free fishing days — most states designate 1–2 weekends a year where anyone can fish without a license

  • Tribal waters — tribal members fishing on tribal land operate under separate tribal regulations

  • Private ponds — landowners fishing their own water typically don't need a license

Non-residents usually pay more for a license than residents. Some species also require an extra stamp or endorsement on top of your base license.

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