Top fish species at South Fork Cottonwood River

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Check which species have trophy potential in South Fork Cottonwood River

South Fork Cottonwood River fishing reports

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Largemouth bass

length · weight

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Flathead catfish

length · weight

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Flathead catfish

length · weight

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General info

South Fork Cottonwood River is a stream located in Chase County, Kansas, United States. It is also intersecting with Butler County, Kansas. It is most popular for fishing Flathead catfish and Largemouth bass.

Location

38°11′41.4″N 96°33′32.6″W
Directions

When are Largemouth Bass biting on South Fork Cottonwood River?

Learn what time of year and day to go fishing at South Fork Cottonwood River. 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 South Fork Cottonwood River, 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
Flathead catfish

Flathead catfish

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.

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.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
Synonyms
Pylodictis olivaris
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
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Local laws and licenses

Kansas fishing license

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Cities nearby

Cassoday

11.6 miles away

Cottonwood Falls

12.0 miles away

Florence

20.3 miles away

Madison

23.3 miles away

Emporia

24.5 miles away

Rosalia

26.4 miles away

Eureka

29.4 miles away

Peabody

29.7 miles away

Lincolnville

30.0 miles away

Potwin

30.6 miles away

El Dorado

30.6 miles away

Elbing

32.4 miles away

Whitewater

35.7 miles away

Hillsboro

36.4 miles away

Towanda

36.4 miles away

Leon

37.0 miles away

Walton

38.3 miles away

Furley

41.6 miles away

Augusta

41.8 miles away

Goessel

42.8 miles away

Newton

44.1 miles away

Greenwich

45.2 miles away

Latham

45.8 miles away

Andover

47.1 miles away

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FAQ about South Fork Cottonwood River fishing

📍 Where is the South Fork Cottonwood River located?
the South Fork Cottonwood River is a stream located in Chase County, Kansas, United States. It is also intersecting with Butler County, Kansas. Its coordinates are:
38°11′41.4″N 96°33′32.6″W
.
🎣 Where on the South Fork Cottonwood River is it best to fish?
Find the best fishing spots on the South Fork Cottonwood River 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 South Fork Cottonwood River?
The most common species in the South Fork Cottonwood River are:
📢 What are the latest South Fork Cottonwood River fishing reports?
The latest South Fork Cottonwood River fishing reports are:
🪪 Do I need a fishing license to fish at the South Fork Cottonwood River?

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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