Spinnerbait 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.
A wire-arm lure with one or two rotating blades and a skirted jig head. The blades produce flash and vibration that triggers reaction strikes from bass that may not be actively feeding. Exceptional in low-visibility water, around grass edges, over submerged structure, and during cloudy or windy conditions.
Spinnerbait Setup for Cheney Reservoir
| Rod | 7'–7'3" medium-heavy casting rod, moderate-fast action |
| Reel | 6.4:1–7.1:1 baitcaster |
| Line | 15–17 lb fluorocarbon or 30 lb braid |
| Weight | 3/8–3/4 oz (lighter in shallow, heavier for deeper retrieves) |
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.
Spinnerbait: Best season for spinnerbaits. Slow-roll a 1/2 oz through shallow grass and over submerged timber in pre-spawn.
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.
Spinnerbait: Slow-roll deep along grass edges and main lake points at first light. Night fishing with black spinnerbait is excellent.
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.
Spinnerbait: Match shad patterns — white/chartreuse with willow blades. Cover water fast along shoreline transitions.
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.
Spinnerbait: Slow-roll a heavy (3/4 oz) spinnerbait along steep banks and points at the slowest possible retrieve.
Best Conditions
Stained to muddy water, wind, overcast skies, grass edges, spring pre-spawn, post-cold-front recovery, shallow flats
Trailer hook is not optional in open water — bass swipe at spinnerbaits and miss the main hook constantly. Add a #4 trailer hook always.
More Techniques for Cheney Reservoir
Ready to fish Cheney Reservoir?
Ask Hank about current conditions, water temp, and exactly what to throw today.
Ask Hank →