Driving directions: Atkinson Lake is located on the Schell-Osage Conservation Area. Schell-Osage Conservation Area is six miles west of El Dorado Springs on Highway 54 to Route AA. Take Route AA north 12 miles to Route RA and follow Route RA one mile east.
Annual Prospects Report
Largemouth bass are abundant; most bass caught by angers will be 12 to 15 inches long, but some larger bass (over 3 pounds) are present. A daily limit of two bass is allowed with a length limit of 15 inches. Anglers should experience good angling for bluegill. Most bluegill are smaller than 8 inches, but are abundant and large numbers can be caught fishing from the bank near the dam, and SW 200 Rd to Schell-Osage headquarters, during May and June. Small spinners and small crankbaits, such as artificial crayfish, is a productive method to catch both bass and bluegill. During the hot summer months, worms and crickets with bobbers will be the most effective means to catch these fish.
Angling for crappie is good using minnows and jigs. Crappie fishing has been reportedly good, and anglers can experience good crappie fishing in April and May. Most reports of crappie angling are from boat anglers, concentrating on upright structures. Staff have also began construction and placement of artificial habitat structures near the bank to increase fishing success by bank anglers. Due to low water levels, crappie sampling was not performed. sampling data from Fall of 2021 shows a good spawn from spring of 2021 and that cohort of fish will likely be 9-10 inches in the Autumn of 2023. Fall trap-net samples will take place in 2023. Daily limit for crappie is 15. Channel catfish angling is good. Channel catfish were stocked in both 2014, 2017, 2020 and are reaching 18-24 inches. Catfish anglers should try using stink baits or chicken livers from shore and along the dam in the early morning and evening. Daily limit for catfish is 4. Common carp are abundant and can provide good action on pole and line and bowfishing. The shallower south and west sections of the lake will be the best areas to search for carp. The daily limit of non-game species, including carp and bluegill, is 20 in the aggregate.
Outboard motors larger than 10 horsepower may be used, but are required to be operated at no wake speed. Atkinson Lake is located on Schell-Osage Conservation Area and is a waterfowl refuge. The lake is closed to all activities from October 15-January 31.
From El Dorado Springs, take Highway 54 west 6 miles, then Route AA north 12 miles, then Route RA east 1 mile to SW 200 (Blair Rd, gravel). Take SW 200 1.5 miles. Atkinson Lake is on the south side of SW 200.
Best Bets
