Kansas
Kansas River at Topeka
Location Snapshot
Kansas River at Topeka is a large Kansas River mainstem reach at Topeka with a catfish-focused warmwater identity. The principal supported target is channel catfish, with flathead and blue catfish adding additional species variety to the same fishery.
Current River Rating
Excellent · 93
Conditions look favorable based on the available readings.
Scores are model-specific and are not directly comparable across water types.
Medium confidence
Should I Go?
Go
Recommended Window
Wednesday, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
Why
- Cloud cover is generally suitable for fishing.
- Air temperature is comfortable for fishing.
Favorable Factors
- Light to moderate wind should make casting and boat control easier.
- Recent precipitation has been light.
Timing Evidence
Window confidence: Medium
Current Readings
- Flow
- 14300 CFS
- Gage Height
- 9.13 ft
- Water Temperature
- 62.6 °F
- Latest current reading
- Oct 20, 2026, 9:30 AM
Updated recently · USGS station 06888990 · Direct monitoring location
Readings from past 7 Days
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Historical readings are provided for context. Readings outside the current freshness window are not used to rate current conditions.
Better Nearby Options
Checking nearby StrikeTracks waters…
Preliminary guidance only. Always assess current weather, access, water depth, current speed, and your own ability before entering the river.
Changing Conditions Advisory
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Weather Near Gauge
Current Weather
Clear
Temperature
56°F
Feels like
53°F
Wind
6 mph E
Wind gust
12 mph
Current precipitation
0.00 in
Updated
Oct 19, 2026, 7:15 PM
Recent Rainfall
Estimated precipitation near this gauge
Last 6 hours
0.00 in
Last 24 hours
0.00 in
Last 48 hours
0.00 in
Little recent rainfall near this river.
Next 24 Hours
Tue 5 AM
Clear
Temp 46°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 5 mph
Tue 9 AM
Clear
Temp 49°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 3 mph
Tue 1 PM
Overcast
Temp 66°F
Chance 3%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 6 mph
Tue 5 PM
Mostly clear
Temp 65°F
Chance 2%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 7 mph
Tue 9 PM
Clear
Temp 54°F
Chance 2%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 5 mph
Wed 1 AM
Clear
Temp 51°F
Chance 4%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 5 mph
Four-Day Forecast
Tue, Oct 20
Overcast
High 67°F / Low 44°F
Chance 4%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 14 mph
Wed, Oct 21
Overcast
High 74°F / Low 48°F
Chance 4%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 12 mph
Thu, Oct 22
Overcast
High 77°F / Low 59°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 19 mph
Weather and rainfall are estimated for this river's coordinates. Local conditions can vary, especially in mountainous terrain and during isolated storms.
Recent rainfall can influence river flow, but the timing and magnitude depend on watershed size, soil conditions, upstream reservoirs, and dam releases.
Weather data: Open-Meteo
Historical Flow
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Fishing Overview
Channel catfish are in the mixed, regulated-flow fishery on the Kansas River at Topeka, along with flathead catfish.
Fishery Profile
Documented species you may encounter at Kansas River.
Species images are AI-generated illustrations for visual reference and may simplify natural variation. Fishery records are based on the cited agency sources. About fish illustrations
Target species
Channel Catfish
Ictalurus punctatus
- Expectation
- Primary
- Population
- Established
- Native status
- native
- Confidence
- High confidence
Flathead Catfish
Pylodictis olivaris
- Expectation
- Common
- Population
- Established
- Native status
- native
- Confidence
- High confidence
Blue Catfish
Ictalurus furcatus
- Expectation
- Present
- Population
- Established
- Native status
- native
- Confidence
- High confidence
Fishery characteristics
- Composition
- Mixed wild and stocked
- Great Lakes tributary
- No
- Flow regime
- Regulated flow
Best seasons
- Spring
- Summer
- Fall
Common techniques
- Boat fishing
- Shore fishing
- Spinning
Official sources
Hatch Match
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Location and Access
USGS monitoring location
Shawnee, Kansas
The map marker represents the cataloged waterbody or monitoring location and may not indicate legal parking or public access. Confirm access through the official information before visiting.
River Details
County
Shawnee
Management Category
Navigable prairie mainstem
Regulation Scope
Kansas River at Topeka.
Regulation Summary
Kansas River at Topeka: KDWP statewide inland fishing regulations on the navigable Kansas River. Confirm current official regulations.
Target Species
Channel Catfish, Flathead Catfish, Blue Catfish
Access, Parking, and Regulations
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