Half-Day Blue Catfish Trip on Tuttle Creek
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Halfday blue catfish trip on Tuttle Creek ReservoirMorning or afternoon departures with experienced local guideCatch and release fishing from fully equipped boat
Guide Greg Hirschey has been putting anglers on trophy blue catfish at Tuttle Creek Reservoir for years, and he knows exactly where these powerful fish hang out. This top-rated 4-hour catch-and-release trip gives you the perfect taste of Kansas catfishing without eating up your entire day. Whether you pick the morning or afternoon slot, you'll launch from Stockdale Boat Ramp aboard Greg's well-equipped Lund Tyee 20 and head straight to the most productive blue cat water in the reservoir. The scenic Flint Hills provide a beautiful backdrop, but trust me – once you feel that first blue cat slam your bait, the scenery becomes secondary. This trip works great for families wanting to introduce kids to serious catfishing, beginners who want to learn proper techniques, and experienced anglers looking for fast action on their schedule.
Greg runs a relaxed but focused operation that's all about putting fish in the boat. You'll meet him at Stockdale Boat Ramp in Manhattan, where he'll get you rigged up and brief you on the day's game plan. The Lund Tyee 20 is spacious enough for two anglers to fish comfortably while giving Greg room to work his magic with positioning and bait presentation. Tuttle Creek's diverse structure – from timber and creek channels to rocky points and mud flats – means Greg can adjust tactics based on conditions and what the fish are telling him. The reservoir covers over 12,000 acres, but Greg's local knowledge narrows it down to the spots that consistently produce. You'll spend your time actually fishing rather than running around looking for fish. The catch-and-release format means you're focused purely on the fight and the experience – no worrying about cleaning fish or coolers, just pure catfishing action.
Greg employs time-tested catfishing methods that work consistently on Tuttle Creek's blues. Expect to fish with circle hooks and fresh cut bait – usually shad or skipjack – presented on bottom rigs designed to let these fish pick up the bait naturally. The key is getting your offering in the strike zone and keeping it there, which means understanding current, structure, and seasonal patterns. Greg uses quality rods and reels that can handle the fight these fish deliver, and he'll walk you through proper hookset technique with circle hooks. Blues often hunt in schools, so when you find one, there are usually more around. Greg positions the boat to work these schools methodically, and his fish-finding electronics help locate structure and baitfish concentrations that attract feeding catfish. The beauty of this approach is that it works for complete beginners – Greg handles the technical stuff while you focus on feeling for bites and enjoying the battles.
Blue catfish are the ultimate freshwater fighters, and Tuttle Creek's population is known for producing some serious fish. These prehistoric-looking predators can live over 20 years and grow well past 40 pounds, though most of your action will come from fish in the 5-15 pound range – which still provides world-class fights. Blues are most active during low-light periods, making early morning and late afternoon prime time, which is exactly when Greg schedules these trips. Unlike channel cats, blues prefer moving water and actively hunt schools of shad and other baitfish. They're incredibly strong fish that make long, powerful runs and aren't afraid to jump when hooked. What makes them special is their willingness to bite year-round, though spring and fall typically offer the best action. Kansas blues are particularly aggressive because they have abundant forage in Tuttle Creek, and the reservoir's structure provides perfect habitat. When you hook into a double-digit blue cat, you'll understand why catfish anglers get addicted – these fish fight dirty and never give up easily.
This customer favorite fills up fast, especially during peak catfishing seasons in spring and fall. Greg's reputation for putting clients on fish, combined with the convenient half-day format, makes this trip perfect for anyone wanting to experience Kansas catfishing at its best. The morning trips often produce aggressive feeding activity as blues hunt shallow water, while afternoon slots can be phenomenal as fish move up to feed before dark. With space for just two anglers, you get personalized attention and maximum fishing time. Whether you're a local angler wanting to learn Tuttle Creek's secrets or a visitor looking for authentic Kansas fishing, this trip delivers the goods. Don't miss your chance to tangle with some of the Midwest's hardest-fighting freshwater fish – contact Fish n Tales Go today and secure your spot on this renowned blue catfish adventure.
Hit the waters of Tuttle Creek Reservoir aboard this sharp 2026 Lund Tyee 20, your ticket to some serious blue catfish action in the Kansas Flint Hills. This 20-footer packs a Mercury 225 HP punch that'll cruise you to the hot spots at 52 mph, so you spend more time with lines in the water and less time getting there. The boat's built for serious fishing with a fish finder to locate those trophy blues lurking in the depths, plus GPS navigation and VHF radio for safe, smart fishing. With room for you and a buddy, the Tyee's stable platform gives you the confidence to battle those powerful cats when they hit. Guide Greg knows exactly where these fish hang out on Tuttle Creek, and this well-equipped Lund puts you right in the action zone. Whether you're chasing your first blue cat or looking to hook into a real bruiser, this boat delivers the comfort and capability to make it happen on one of Kansas' premier catfish waters.
Kansas