Topeka, Kansas

[pathaws]

Has anyone ever fished in the Topeka area? I have a business trip in July and I anticipate having some evenings to kill, I'll have a car and if anyone know anything about fly-fishing in ther area I would really appreciate the information.

[rlackey]

There are many opportunities around, but they are difficult to find. I went to college in Manhattan KS, (1 hour west of Topeka) and the feeder creeks to the reservoirs contain spotted bass (cousin to smallmouth), small mouth and largemouth bass. Great fishing, but mostly private property. Some farmers are cool if you ask and some save it for their "grandkids" who harvest every fish they catch. I love to fly fish but I would toss the fly gear and obtain some spinning/baitcasting equipment. The farm pond fishing in that part of the start is outstanding. 5+ pound largemouth out of a farm pond is not unusual. Ask your contacts in Topeka if they know of any farm ponds you could fish. Fly fishing will work OK, but if it's windy, forget it. You'll be tossing frog imitations into moss and the fly rod doesn't work that great. Bottom line is this Utah is what 90%+ public land??? KS is 95
%+ private land. There in lies the problem. Plenty of great fishing, but mostly on private property. Best bet if you don't know anybody......drive around the countryside, and knock on doors and ask if you can fish. Let me know if you need more info ronlackey@yahoo.com