Wichita Kansas area

[Pogues2300]

Just curious if a pedal kayaker would have some decent options for bass fishing near Wichita. Possible job opportunity could land me there and I’ve never been to Kansas. Thank you.

[Pogues2300]

Must be a barren wasteland lol

[A-Jay]

I think  @Bluebasser86  lives a couple of hours north east of Wichita.

He seems to get a few now and then.

A-Jay

[BTSyndrome]

It depends on what you mean by close. Something within 30 min.... be completely honest, no. 

It you are fine driving an hour fifteen to two hours away, then there are state lakes and community lakes that would be good for kayaking. Hope you enjoy fishing in the wind

[Pogues2300]

Thanks for the responses. I live in Minnesota I feel it’s windy here basically every day anyways lol

[Bluebasser86]

You’ll have options but like was mentioned, it depends what you consider close. There’s quite a few options in that hour range. Not near as much water as what you’re use to in Minnesota, and it’s completely different fishing, but it’s all fishable by kayak I promise. I’m not sure what you’re use to with wind in Minnesota, but in that area, 20+ mph is pretty normal and 30-40 mph winds isn’t uncommon.

[Bankc]

Kansas is a good bit windier than Minnesota.  And Wichita is... Well... My advice would be to take a vacation down there before you accept the job.  Just to make sure it's the kind of place you'd like to live.  Some people love it.  Some people hate it.  And if you love it, then it's a great place to live.  Wonderful, friendly people.  It's basically one gigantic small town.  But if you prefer a more urban area with lots of stuff to do, or you enjoy getting out in nature and hiking or camping in the mountains or woods, then you're going to be a very, very long drive away from any kind of fun.   Wichita is like a three plus hours drive to the nearest anything that isn't a wheat field. 

 

Now, I'm not saying it's a bad place to live.  I lived there as a kid and absolutely loved it.  But it's different.  And it would be worth a visit before you commit to anything long-term. 

[BTSyndrome]

I 100% agree with Bankc.    Definitely experience it before hand to make sure you know if it's what you want .

Of my 45 years... only two of them were living somewhere else.

2008-2010 I got the pleasure of living in Ooltewah just outside of Chattanooga TN, right next to the Chick.

To keep it short... growing up here, I just didn't know what I was missing out on.

But two years of hills/mountains, cooler Summer/warmer winters, what wind  lol, so many outdoor things to do, way nicer (but absolutely in no hurry) people (( it is the South)), Etc....

I loved every bit of it!!

 

If I got my way I would have NEVER came back to KS. It's just my opinion only.

but the wife's job decided it for us.

 

[Pogues2300]

Thanks all. As far as the wind goes Kansas is less than a mile per hour more than Minnesota on average. I too was somewhat surprised but seems every day is windy in Minnesota so was not shocked and was the main reason I upgraded to a pedal kayak. 

[Cuivre]

I would definitely join the Kansas Kayak Angler club.  I used to fish with NEKKA (North East Kansas Kayak Anglers-not active any more since they merged into one club) and it is good to learn the lakes and meet folks, since I live in the St. Joseph, MO area close to the KS state line.  I fished a lot of great lakes in KS, since a 2 hour drive isn't an issue for me to fish a good lake or to just explore.  Find the KS fish and game website- they have all the lakes listed on their map- it is a great resource!

 

Lakes / Channel Catfish / Fishing Forecast / Fishing / KDWP - KDWP (ksoutdoors.com)

 

Where to Fish in Kansas / Fishing / KDWP - KDWP (ksoutdoors.com)

[Drew03cmc]

Around Wichita, within a reasonable drive, are several lakes worth your time. The further north and east or south and east, there's a lot more.