Coffey County Lake, Kansas - Coffey County Lake is a 5,090-acre flatland reservoir in east-central Kansas where a warm water discharge from the Wolf Creek Generating Station provides year-round ice-free conditions most years. The lake is managed for high predator populations to help control the gizzard shad population that otherwise might interfere with station operations. This results in 20 to 50 walleyes per day, with most between 15 and 18 inches and the chance at larger fish.

Fish near the warm water discharge in January, moving down to the lower end of the lake to the dam and nearby islands in Febmary and March. Slowly troll bottom bouncers and spinners, or floating jigheads tipped with crawlers at the 10- to 20-foot levels. Fish as shallow as 2 to 10 feet for prespawners in March. Unlike northern lakes where minnows are standard fare in spring, nightcrawlers are usually the ticket. Once fish are located, try switching to a jig & crawler combo.

The lake has restricted access and can be shut down to fishing due to high winds or other safety concerns. Call ahead for daily lake information and status.