Cheney Reservoir
lake in Kansas
Cheney offers good bank access near the dam and marinas, with predictable spring and summer bass action for fly anglers.
Conditions right now
No USGS gauge is linked to this water yet, so we can't chart flows.
Wiper
- 01Wiper, Walleye, and Crappie are actively chasing baitfish and leeches in deeper areas as water temperatures drop.
- 02Panfish and Bluegill can be found near submerged structure and weed lines, feeding on nymphs and small baitfish.
- 03Carp may still be active in shallower, warmer pockets, foraging on the bottom for invertebrates and worms.
- 04Slower retrieves and presentations near the lakebed are generally more effective in cooler fall waters.
- 05Pay attention to any warmer, sunny days for potential increases in activity from all species.
Past reports week by week
10 weeksWhat to tie on
Picked from reports, hatches and the season. Tap a fly for the recipe and where else it works.
Weighted Pine Squirrel Leech
The natural movement of squirrel fur mimics sluggish baitfish and annelids, enticing finicky fish in cooling fall water (45-55 degrees Fahrenheit) at Cheney Reservoir.
Balanced Leech
Leeches are a staple forage for predatory fish in stillwaters year-round, making them highly effective in the fall at Cheney Reservoir.
Buy at AmazonCrayfish (Fly)
Crayfish are a primary food source for many species in rocky lake environments like Cheney Reservoir, and this subsurface pattern is crucial in the fall.
Buy at AmazonWoolly Bugger (Olive)
Imitates leeches and baitfish, consistent food sources for predatory species in cooling fall waters of Cheney Reservoir.
Perch Pattern
Imitates yellow perch, a significant baitfish for larger predatory species like Wiper and Walleye, with fall being a prime time to use this pattern in lakes.
Crappie Jig Fly
Mimics small minnows and invertebrates, effective during the fall crappie spawn and for other panfish around structure in Cheney Reservoir.
Buy at AmazonChironomid Pupa
Chironomids (midges) are a consistent and important food source in lakes from spring through fall, fished dead drift near the bottom of Cheney Reservoir.
Buy at AmazonSquirmy Wormy
Imitates aquatic worms, which are a consistent food source year-round, and particularly effective after any fall rains in Cheney Reservoir.
Buy at AmazonWhere to fish and who to ask
Cheney State Park - Riverside Access
Popular shore and boat access with adjacent shallow flats for bass fishing.
Dam/Outlet Reach
Area below the dam where current and structure can concentrate gamefish; good for streamer work.
South Shore Marina
Launch point and hub for anglers targeting main-lake structure and flats.
Fly shops within 40 miles
Ark River Anglers
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Kansas season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Read before you go
Quick answers
Common questions about Cheney Reservoir.
What flies work best on Cheney Reservoir?
Our top scored fly patterns for Cheney Reservoir right now are Weighted Pine Squirrel Leech (80% confidence), Perch Pattern (80% confidence), Crappie Jig Fly (80% confidence). These picks are scored from recent fishing reports, hatch data, and seasonal patterns.
What fish species are in Cheney Reservoir?
Cheney Reservoir holds Wiper, Crappie, Walleye, Bluegill, Sunfish, Panfish. See the species links on this page for fly recommendations and seasonal behavior for each.
Is Cheney Reservoir fishing well right now?
We publish a fresh bite report for Cheney Reservoir each week based on recent on-the-water intel. The current report — with conditions, hatches, and what's producing — is on this page.