Crankbait (Shallow) Fishing on Cheney Reservoir
Cheney Reservoir · Kansas · Midwest
Cheney Reservoir spans over 9,500 acres in southwestern Kansas, making it one of the state's premier bass fishing destinations. The lake features numerous creek channels, submerged timber, and rocky points that create ideal habitats for both largemouth and smallmouth bass. Known for producing quality fish throughout the year, Cheney offers excellent sight-fishing opportunities in clear water and reliable topwater action during prime feeding periods.
Square-bill and shallow-diving crankbaits (0–6 feet) deflect off wood and rock, triggering reaction strikes. The erratic wobble on contact is the strike trigger. Best fished fast around hard cover — laydowns, stumps, rip-rap, and dock pilings where bass are ambushing.
Crankbait (Shallow) Setup for Cheney Reservoir
| Rod | 7'–7'6" medium casting rod, moderate action (critical — absorbs hooksets and keeps fish pinned) |
| Reel | 5.4:1–6.4:1 baitcaster (slower retrieve for more action) |
| Line | 12–17 lb fluorocarbon (sinks lure slightly, adds action) |
| Weight | Square bill 3/8–1/2 oz; shallow diver 1/4–3/8 oz |
Seasonal Tactics on Cheney Reservoir
Lake: Spring brings aggressive bass as they move into shallow spawning zones around creek channels and timber. Spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and topwater plugs are highly effective as water temperatures warm from 55-70°F.
Crankbait (Shallow): Pre-spawn best season. Deflect off stumps and wood in 2–6 feet. Crawfish colors (red/orange) dominate.
Lake: Summer bass retreat to deeper structure, channel ledges, and around submerged timber. Early morning and evening topwater sessions produce best, while daytime fishing focuses on deep-diving crankbaits and soft plastics around main lake points.
Crankbait (Shallow): Early morning and evening only in shallow. Fish shaded wood. Shad colors midday.
Lake: Fall cooling water triggers excellent bite periods as bass move to mid-depth areas and prepare for winter. Creek channels and transition zones produce consistent catches on shad-pattern baits and crankbaits as baitfish congregate.
Crankbait (Shallow): Cover water along banks and points fast. Shad patterns — white, ghost, and natural baitfish colors.
Lake: Winter bass move to the deepest holes and stay relatively inactive, but patient anglers can find fish around deep structure using slow presentations like drop-shots and jigging near channel ledges in 25-35 feet of water.
Crankbait (Shallow): Switch to suspending crankbait with slower retrieve. Minnow-style baits outperform wide wobble in cold water.
Best Conditions
Stained water, wood and rock cover, spring pre-spawn, windy days, post-spawn, fall feeding
Use a moderate-action rod, not fast. A fast rod causes you to rip the bait away from fish on the strike — the rod needs to load and bend.
More Techniques for Cheney Reservoir
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