If you’re staring at the water at Milford Lake right now, you’re probably wondering if it’s even worth unloading the boat. January in Kansas isn't for the faint of heart. It’s cold. The wind off the Republican River can cut right through a heavy parka. But honestly? The fishing right now is surprisingly technical and rewarding if you know where the deep thermal pockets are hiding.
The latest Milford Lake Kansas fishing report shows a lake in transition. We aren't in that "dog days" summer heat where everything is suspended in 15 feet of water. Right now, it’s a game of depth and patience. As of mid-January 2026, the water temperatures are hovering right around the $33^\circ\text{F}$ to $35^\circ\text{F}$ mark near Wakefield, though some surface readings near the dam have flickered closer to $46^\circ\text{F}$ depending on the afternoon sun and wind mixing.
The Blue Catfish Situation (It’s Big)
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room. Or rather, the 80-pound fish in the channel. Milford is nationally famous for its Blue Catfish, and the winter bite is actually one of the best times to target trophy-sized fish.
Why? Because they congregate.
When the water temps drop, these fish stack up in the deep river channels and old roadbeds. You aren't going to find them cruising the flats in 5 feet of water. Look for the bends in the submerged river channel, specifically in depths ranging from 30 to 50 feet.
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Pro Tip: Use fresh cut bait. Shad sides or gizzards are the gold standard here. If you can find a school of shad on your electronics, the Blues won't be far behind.
The KDWP (Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks) recently updated regulations to protect these giants. You've got a 10-fish daily creel limit, but only one of those can be 30 inches or longer. This is huge for the longevity of the lake. These big fish take forever to grow—sometimes 12 to 14 years just to hit that 30-inch mark. Harvest the 18-to-25-inch "eaters" and let the big ones go.
Crappie and Saugeye: The Winter Grind
The crappie report is... well, it’s "fair" according to the official stats, but "good" if you have a high-quality livescope. The 2025 fall sampling showed a major rebound in numbers, the highest in eight years. Most of these fish are in the 8-to-10-inch range, but they are growing fast.
- Targeting: Focus on brush piles between the jetties on the west side.
- Method: Vertical jigging is basically the only way to go. Use small minnows or 1/16 oz jigs.
- Depth: They are holding tight to cover in 15-25 feet of water.
Saugeye are the "ghosts" of Milford. They’re doing well, but the overall density is a bit below average. However, 43% of the fish sampled recently were over the 18-inch minimum. If you catch one, it’s probably a keeper. Target the mudflats near channel edges. The fish are sluggish, so you have to practically drop the bait on their noses.
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What Most People Get Wrong About Winter Fishing Here
Most anglers give up when the air temp hits freezing. They assume the fish stop eating. That’s a total myth. Fish still have to eat; they just do it slower.
If you're moving your lure at summer speeds, you’re going home empty-handed. Basically, find the slowest presentation you can handle, then slow it down more.
The water level is another factor. Recent USGS data shows the reservoir storage is sitting around 353,000 acre-feet. It's stable, but the low water levels in some of the northern wetland cells mean you shouldn't expect much luck near the traditional pumping sites for waterfowl. Stick to the main body of the lake or the deeper southern sections near the dam for more consistent thermal stability.
The Gear That's Working
Honestly, don't overcomplicate it. For the cats, a Whisker Seeker GFX or a heavy Ugly Stik paired with an Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 6500 C3 is the standard setup. You want a line that can handle a 40-pounder without snapping in the cold. 20lb to 30lb mono is usually plenty.
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For the panfish, go light. If you can't feel the jig, you won't feel the bite. Winter bites are often just a "heavy" feeling on the line rather than a distinct "thump."
Actionable Steps for Your Trip
If you're heading out this weekend, here is the move:
- Check the Wind: If it's blowing over 15 mph from the North, the main lake is going to be brutal. Stick to the coves on the west side or stay home.
- Focus on Mid-Day: Forget the "dawn and dusk" rule for a second. In January, that 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM window when the sun has had a chance to warm the surface even a fraction of a degree can trigger a bite.
- Target the "Eaters": If you want a fish fry, target the 2-to-5-pound Channel Cats near the rocky jetties or the smaller Blue Cats in the 20-inch range.
- Watch the Solunar Tables: The next major activity peaks are usually around 3:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Plan your heaviest fishing around that afternoon window.
Milford Lake remains the "Big Blue" capital of Kansas for a reason. Even in the dead of winter, there's world-class fishing happening under that cold surface. Just dress in layers, bring a heater, and keep your bait on the bottom.