Full-Day Blue Catfish Adventure on Tuttle Creek
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Fullday guided trip targeting trophy blue catfish on Tuttle Creek.Expert guide Greg Hirschey provides local knowledge and proven techniques.Catchandrelease fishing from fully equipped Lund Tyee boat.
If you're serious about hooking into some monster blue catfish, this full-day guided trip on Tuttle Creek Reservoir is exactly what you've been looking for. Captain Greg Hirschey knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's got the track record to prove it. You'll spend eight solid hours targeting trophy blues in one of Kansas' most productive catfish destinations, all while soaking up the beautiful Flint Hills scenery. This isn't just another fishing trip – it's a masterclass in catfishing with a guide who lives and breathes these waters. Whether you're a weekend warrior or a seasoned angler, Greg's approach focuses on finding the big fish and giving you the best shot at landing them.
Your day kicks off at Stockdale Boat Ramp near Manhattan, where you'll meet Greg and get oriented with his setup. He runs a well-equipped Lund Tyee 20 that's built for comfort and functionality – no cramped quarters or sketchy equipment here. The boat's got everything you need for a productive day chasing cats, from quality electronics to proper tackle storage. Greg's been guiding on Tuttle Creek for years, so he knows where the fish stack up during different seasons and conditions. You'll cover serious water throughout the day, moving between his proven honey holes and adjusting tactics based on what the fish are telling you. The catch-and-release focus means you're targeting quality over quantity, and Greg's got the patience and expertise to put you on fish that'll make your arms burn. With just two anglers max, you get personalized attention and plenty of room to work. The Flint Hills backdrop makes for a pretty sweet office too – rolling prairie as far as you can see.
Greg's approach to blue catfish is all about reading the water and adapting to what's working. He uses a combination of drift fishing, anchored presentations, and strategic bait placement to target these powerful predators. The electronics on his Lund help locate structure and baitfish concentrations where blues like to hunt. You'll work with quality circle hooks and appropriate tackle that can handle the serious pulling power these fish bring to the table. Greg provides all the rods, reels, and terminal tackle, so you don't need to worry about having the right gear. Fresh cut bait is typically the go-to, though he'll adjust based on current conditions and what's producing. The key is patience and proper presentation – blues can be finicky, but when they commit, you'll know it. Greg's also big on teaching proper fish handling techniques, especially since this is a catch-and-release focused trip. You'll learn how to safely land, photograph, and release these impressive fish so they can grow even bigger for the next angler.
Blue catfish are the crown jewel of Tuttle Creek Reservoir, and for good reason. These fish are absolute bruisers that can easily push 20, 30, even 40 pounds or more in these waters. Blues are known for their incredible fighting ability – they'll make long, powerful runs that'll test your drag and your arms. What makes them so special is their combination of size and attitude. Unlike their channel cat cousins, blues prefer deeper, cleaner water and tend to school up around structure and drop-offs. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, with fish moving into shallower areas to feed as water temperatures rise. Summer nights can be particularly productive when these fish cruise the flats hunting for baitfish. The population in Tuttle Creek has been building for years, creating some truly world-class fishing opportunities. What really gets anglers fired up is the potential – you never know when the next fish might be a personal best or even a potential state record contender. The reservoir's healthy forage base keeps these cats fat and happy, which translates to some serious fights when you hook up.
This full-day blue catfish adventure represents some of the finest guided angling Kansas has to offer. Greg's combination of local knowledge, quality equipment, and genuine passion for the sport creates an experience that keeps anglers coming back season after season. The catch-and-release focus ensures these fisheries stay strong while giving you shots at truly memorable fish. At eight hours on the water with a maximum of just two anglers, you're getting the kind of personalized attention that makes the difference between a good day and an amazing day. Tuttle Creek's reputation as a blue catfish factory isn't going anywhere, but Greg's calendar fills up quick during prime season. Whether you're looking to learn new techniques, chase a personal best, or just spend a quality day on the water with a top-notch guide, this trip delivers. Don't let another season slip by wondering what might have been – book your spot and get ready to tangle with some Kansas blues that'll give you stories worth telling for years to come.
The 2026 Lund Tyee 20 cuts through Tuttle Creek's waters with authority, powered by a Mercury 225 HP engine that gets you to the productive catfish holes fast. This 20-foot fishing machine handles Kansas winds with confidence while keeping you and one other angler comfortable during those long battles with trophy blues. Captain Greg relies on the boat's fish finder to locate schools and structure where big catfish lurk in the reservoir's depths. The GPS keeps you on productive spots, while the VHF radio ensures safe communication on the water. Built for serious catfishing, this Lund provides stable casting platforms and plenty of room to work heavyweight blues to the boat. Whether you're fighting a 40-pounder near the dam or working timber along creek channels, this boat delivers the performance needed for successful catch-and-release catfishing on one of Kansas' premier blue catfish waters.
Kansas