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Half Day Catfish Trip Milford Lake Blue Catters
- Published Date: January 14, 2026
- Fishing
- Milford Lake
- Updated Date: January 15, 2026
Summary
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Catfish and Walleye Action
Half Day Catfish and Walleye Trip on Milford Lake
Looking for a solid day on Kansas waters? Captain Merlyn's got you covered with a top-rated 4-hour fishing experience on Milford Lake that's perfect for families, first-timers, and seasoned anglers wanting to dial in their catfish and walleye game. This private freshwater trip puts you in prime position to hook into blue cats, flatheads, and white catfish while learning proven techniques from a guide who knows these waters inside and out. You'll fish from a spacious SeaArk Pro Cat 240 that keeps everyone comfortable, whether you choose the 8 AM or 1 PM launch. All gear, tackle, and bait are provided – just bring your snacks, drinks, and a valid Kansas fishing license.
What to Expect on the Water
Milford Lake serves up some of the best catfish action in Kansas, and Captain Merlyn knows exactly where to find them. Your 4-hour adventure starts with a quick rundown of the day's game plan and safety briefing before heading to productive spots around the lake. The SeaArk Pro Cat 240 gives everyone plenty of room to spread out and fish comfortably, with enough space for up to 2 guests to work different techniques without getting tangled up. The captain's patient instruction style makes this trip shine for beginners – you'll learn proper bait presentation, how to read your rod tip for subtle bites, and when to set the hook. Experienced anglers appreciate picking up local knowledge about seasonal patterns, productive depths, and which baits work best in different conditions. The relaxed atmosphere means kids stay engaged, and adults can focus on improving their skills without feeling rushed.
Techniques and Tackle
Captain Merlyn runs a full-service operation, so you don't need to worry about bringing anything except your enthusiasm. The boat comes equipped with quality rods and reels matched to the target species, plus a variety of tackle setups for different fishing situations. For catfish, you'll work with circle hooks, slip sinkers, and fresh bait that these whiskered fighters can't resist. Walleye tactics shift depending on the season and conditions – sometimes that means working jigs near structure, other times trolling crankbaits over deeper water. The captain adjusts techniques based on what's working best during your trip, whether that's anchoring over productive holes or drifting along drop-offs. You'll learn to feel the difference between a catfish pickup and a walleye bite, plus how to fight each species effectively. The gear stays organized and ready to go, so you spend more time with lines in the water and less time retying rigs.
Top Catches This Season
White catfish provide steady action throughout the day and make excellent table fare for families looking to take dinner home. These scrappy fighters typically run 2-5 pounds in Milford Lake, with occasional larger specimens pushing into double digits. They're active year-round but really turn on during warmer months when they move into shallower water to feed. White cats hit a variety of baits and fight harder than their size suggests, making them perfect for keeping kids engaged and building confidence for new anglers. Blue catfish represent the lake's trophy potential, with fish regularly caught in the 10-20 pound range and occasional giants topping 30 pounds. These powerful fish prefer deeper water and structure, where they ambush prey with surprising speed for their size. Blues are most active during cooler parts of the day, making both morning and afternoon trips productive. Their strong runs and bulldogging fights test your tackle and technique. Flathead catfish bring a different challenge entirely – these solitary predators can exceed 40 pounds and prefer live bait near cover. Flatheads are primarily nocturnal but can be caught during daylight hours, especially in deeper holes and around submerged timber. They're known for their distinctive flat heads and mottled coloration, plus they put up an impressive fight that combines power with stubborn determination.
Time to Book Your Spot
This customer favorite trip delivers exactly what Kansas anglers are looking for – quality fishing time with a knowledgeable guide who's genuinely invested in your success on the water. Whether you're a family wanting to create lasting memories, a beginner ready to learn proper techniques, or an experienced angler looking to unlock Milford Lake's secrets, Captain Merlyn's half-day trip hits all the right notes. The combination of comfortable boat, quality gear, patient instruction, and productive fishing spots makes this a world-class value for your fishing dollar. With morning and afternoon launch times available, you can easily fit this trip into your schedule and still have time for other activities. Don't wait to experience some of Kansas's best catfish and walleye action – book your spot today and get ready for a memorable day on Milford Lake.
Learn more about the species
Blue Catfish
Blues are the giants of Milford Lake - we're talking fish that average 25-46 inches and can push past 80 pounds. These monsters lurk in the deepest holes and channels, especially near creek mouths and drop-offs. They're opportunistic hunters that'll eat anything, but fresh cut herring or shad works magic. What guests love most is the fight - these fish have serious power and will test your drag. The meat quality is outstanding too. They feed year-round but really turn on during warmer months when baitfish are active. Here's my go-to tip: let your bait hit bottom and stay put. Blues won't chase moving baits like some fish. They're scavengers at heart, so patience pays off. Bring good gloves - they're slimy and strong when you get them boatside.
Flathead Catfish
Flatheads are the second-largest catfish in North America, commonly hitting 3-4 feet and 100+ pounds here on Milford. Unlike other cats, these predators want live bait - bluegill, perch, or small channel cats work great. They hide in deep timber, rock piles, and undercut banks during the day, then prowl shallow flats at night. What makes them special is the meat quality - hands down the best-tasting catfish you'll ever eat. Their flat head and olive coloring with black spots make them easy to identify. The fight is something else too - pure bulldogging power. My local trick is targeting them right at sunset when they start moving to feed. Use live bait on a strong 50+ pound setup and fish it near structure in 15-25 feet. They're territorial, so once you find one spot, it often produces again.
White Catfish
White catfish are the smallest of our North American cats, usually running half a pound to 2 pounds, though we occasionally see 10-pounders that really get folks excited. They're more active during daylight than other catfish, making them perfect for our morning and afternoon trips. You'll find them cruising muddy bottoms in 8-15 feet, feeding on insects, small fish, and crustaceans. What makes them special is their rarity - most anglers have never caught one. They're excellent table fare with sweet, firm meat. The key trick here on Milford is using smaller baits like nightcrawlers or small cut shad near structure. Their white chin barbels give them away, and that slightly forked tail with rounded edges is distinctive. They taste their world through those whiskers, so fresh bait works best.
About the SeaArk Pro Cat 240
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 7
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 45
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 200
