Kansas residents and visitors have long been drawn to the state’s public lands and the variety of family-friendly activities they provide. Fishing in Kansas is a time-honored tradition that brings family and friends together to relax and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors.
And if you’re looking for something a little more competitive, check out the Calendar of Events on the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism site to learn about upcoming fishing tournaments and how you can get in on the action.
As you’re looking to plan your next fishing trip, here are some Kansas State Parks where you can cast your next line!
Historic Lake Scott State Park
Historic Lake Scott, a stunning 115-acre lake set between steep canyons, is a must-visit fishing destination in Kansas. Explore the park’s many bays and coves to find bluegill, then set off for saugeye and catfish near the dam. The whole family can find fun here, with hiking trails, natural hot springs, birdwatching and wildlife sightings. The campground primarily offers 96 primitive sites for a rustic camping experience, in addition to a limited number of cabins and RV sites with full hook-ups.
Wilson State Park
Nestled in Kansas’ Smoky Hills, this scenic state park on the shore of the 9,000-acre Wilson Reservoir attracts thousands of anglers annually for its striped bass, smallmouth bass and walleye.
Surrounded by beautiful rock cliffs that will make an impressive backdrop for your victory pictures, this fishing hole is also populated with bluegill, channel catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, and six other species of fish.
Milford State Park
The largest lake in the state, Milford Lake is a popular destination for anglers looking to reel in big walleye, monster blue catfish, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, crappie and more. The park is also home to one of the state’s four fish hatcheries, offers 143 campsites with utility hookups and is motorboat accessible.
Cedar Bluff State Park
This reservoir, clad with 100-foot limestone cliffs and cedar bluffs, is known for its crappie, walleye, white bass and wiper fishing.
Want to take a break from reeling in the day’s catch? The park, located on the shores of the reservoir, also includes some of the state’s best hiking and biking trails.
Glen Elder State Park
Honored as one of the nation’s top state parks by Field & Stream Magazine in 2004, Glen Elder, located on the shores of Waconda Lake, provides excellent opportunities to catch crappie, white bass, channel catfish, walleye and smallmouth bass. Don’t leave before checking out the Chautaqua Fishing Pond — it’s convenient access is perfect for kids and anglers with disabilities and it’s stocked with trout in the winter, giving anglers year-round opportunities to perfect their skills.
Perry State Park
The third largest lake in Kansas, Perry Lake is the perfect place to cast a line if you’re in the hunt for crappie, catfish or bass. But the park’s recreation opportunities don’t stop at fishing. Perry State Park is also home to over 40 miles of hiking trails, 15 miles of biking trails and 25 miles of horse trails, so even the non-fishers in your family will be pleased.
Cheney State Park
Twenty-two boat launching lanes makes the 9,500-acre Cheney Reservoir one of the most accessible fishing holes in the state. While out on the water, you’ll enjoy casting your line for a healthy, diversified population of fish, including crappie, channel catfish, walleye, white bass, wiper and white perch.
Crawford State Park
Lying near the edge of the beautiful Ozark Mountains, this 500-acre state park gives anglers plenty of fishing opportunities and views to boot. Crawford Lake’s mere 150 acres offers dense populations of crappie, channel catfish and largemouth bass. You can even rent one of five lakefront cabins — open year-round — to make the most of your fishing experience.
Are you ready for an outdoor adventure? Plan your camping trip!
Check with your Local Government Organization
Many policies have been established to counter and control the coronavirus outbreak. State and local officials have been taking decisive action to stop the spread. The policies vary by state, sometimes to a great degree. When you book a reservation, make sure to review the park and state’s latest rules and regulations prior to your visit.
For COVID-19 updates, please visit our Impacted Park List and Reservation Guide for the latest information.