Pomona Lake is an 4,000-acre lake that provides a variety of fishing opportunities for any angler. This primarily includes crappie, and channel catfish. Improvements have been made in the last five years to improve the habitat structure for the fish populations.
HANDICAPPED DOCKS
Pomona Lake has one handicapped fishing dock located in Michigan Valley Park adjacent to Northshore Marina.
BOAT RAMPS
The Corps has paved boat ramps at the following locations: Management Park, North Shore Marina, Adams Grove, 110–Mile Park, Carbolyn Park and the Dragoon Access area. The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism operates several boat ramps within the Pomona State Park. An unimproved launch is located in Cedar Park.
CRAPPIE FISHING
Pomona Lake is an 4,000 acre on-stream impoundment built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Fishing for crappie is very popular on Pomona Lake. These fish are most vulnerable in the spring. Crappie become shore-bound by lake April and fishing becomes hot and heavy by May. Spring fishing methods differ from summer because the crappie are spawning near shore among submerged brush and rocks. Jigs may also be fished with white or red twister tail grubs.
Summer crappie fishing will mean new techniques.
Crappie move offshore after spawning and suspend. However, they still must feed and are susceptible to hook and line. They are present in deeper bays and in the main lake near underwater structure, such as flat areas near drop-offs, along deep shorelines, and points. A good place to start is along the 15 to 20 foot contour. Crappie often suspend from the surface to the bottom with prime depths between 10 and 15 feet. A depth sounder can be an invaluable tool to help locate these fish. Probably the best bait presentation is to drift minnows at these depths during early morning and evening hours. When a crappie is caught, you can bet it will have a few friends down there, so anchor (quietly) and fish until the action dies down, then begin to drift again. Sometimes drifting the same area several times will work to fill a stringer.
When fishing the bays, keep your eyes along the shore and watch for fish feeding on schools of young shad that concentrate among the partially submerged willows to feed. Minnows fished with bobbers near the brush can produce crappie and bonus fish, such as white bass and channel catfish. Ice fishing for crappies cannot only be very productive, but also a good way to prevent cabin fever. Early and late winter offer the best action. Look for crappies to hang out in about 15 feet of water near the old creek channel. Much like open water, crappies are generally found suspended, and it may be necessary to experiment at several depths until they are located. Small minnows are the most common wintertime bait.
Crappie can be caught throughout the lake; however, there are several areas that are better than most. The number of fish harvested will depend upon wind conditions, depth occupied by the crappie, and water clarity. Start searching where all of the above conditions will be at their best. A good crappie fishing area can be the face of the dam.
CHANNEL CATFISH
Channel catfish can be located at almost any location on Pomona Lake. Some of the most popular sites are located in Cedar park, and the outlet channel.
Cedar park is located on the north side of the lake. There are many "snags" surrounding the campground which provide excellent structure for fish.
The outlet channel is located below the dam. Timing is important if you fish the outlet channel. Fishing is best when releases are high or when the release rate has just been cut back.
WIPER FISHING
Perhaps the meanest fish in Kansas waters, the wiper is the cross between the white bass and striped bass. Wipers grow fast, aggressively hit lures and fight like no other fish. It’s no wonder Kansas anglers love them.
Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism