Relax and enjoy a peaceful day fishing camping in Kansas. The Sunflower State is home to various first-rate fishing locations, offering numerous fishing opportunities. Here, there are many acres of public waters suitable for fishing. You can cast your line in one of the state’s 40 frequently stocked fishing lakes, 24 reservoirs, or over 200 local lakes and ponds. No matter the kind of fishing you prefer, you can rest assured you will find something that appeals to you. If you are a non-resident aged 16 and above, you need a valid non-resident fishing license to fish in public areas. On the other hand, residents aged 16 through 74 should have a resident hunting or fishing license to cast a line in Kansas.
Fishing Spots in Kansas
Glen Elder Reservoir
Locally known as Waconda Lake, Glen Elder Reservoir sits 12 miles west of Beloit, straddling Osborn County and Mitchell County. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation initially constructed this 12,586-acre reservoir to control floods and support irrigation. The reservoir has a depth of 55 feet, so ensure you have the right equipment to fish in deep waters. Crappie, white bass, walleye, black bass, and catfish are some of the fish species you will find here.
Severy City Lake
Severy City Lake is situated in the southern part of Severy town, about 64 miles east of Wichita. The surrounding areas are well-kept, and you will have access to numerous picnic shelters and a boat ramp. Although gas-powered motors are not allowed, the lake is suitable for shore fishing, kayaks, and canoes. Here, you will encounter numerous fish species, including channel catfish, redear sunfish, largemouth bass, and bluegill. Toot’s Drive-In, Howard, a quaint burger joint serving great dinners and breakfasts, is just 15 minutes south on Highway 99.
Scott State Lake
Scott State Lake is another top-rated fishing spot in Kansas. This 115-acre lake sits close to Scott City within Lake Scott State Park, and it ranks as the best bluegill lake throughout Kansas for anglers who want action. Try fishing the little bays and coves or directly in front of the dam in the morning or evening. For better results, try casting a piece of worm beneath a small bobber. Besides bluegill, you will find other species like saugeye, which can weigh up to 7 pounds.
Chase State Lake
Chase State Lake is a 109-acre water body located 75 miles northeast of Wichita in a stunning Flint Hills Valley near Cottonwood Falls. There are zebra mussels at this lake, which means that you cannot transport live fish or water from here to another water body. The super-clear water and the rock shoreline provide above-average angling for largemouth bass. Other fish species found here include bluegill, saugeye, and channel catfish.
Cowley State Lake
Cowley State Lake is an 84-acre water body located 75 miles south of Wichita and about 16 miles east of Arkansas City. It’s a beautiful public property with a perfect blend of grasslands and timber. Cowley State Lake is ranked third-best in Kansas among bass anglers, with average catches weighing more than 5 pounds. Some of the species you will catch here include bluegill, channel catfish, redear sunfish, crappie, and walleye.
Eureka City Lake
If you are wondering where to fish in Kansas, Eureka City Lake is a unique destination for you. This 259-acre lake sits approximately four miles north of Eureka, near the small airport. White crappie, green sunfish, bluegill, bass, and saugeye are among the fish species found in this lake. Anglers have rated the lake as Kansas’s best lake for white crappie. When you get tired of fishing, you can unwind and enjoy boating and swimming on the public beach, and there are picnic areas, restrooms, and campgrounds near the lake.
Lake Olathe
Lake Olathe is among the good fishing spots in Kansas. It’s a 172-acre water body that sits one mile west of Olathe in Jackson County. The lake features a big park area for children to play in if they get tired of fishing. It’s home to a wide variety of fish species, including panfish, largemouth bass, wipers, bluegill, flathead catfish, white crappie, and saugeye.
Where to Fish in Kansas
When planning your fishing camping in Kansas, start with Wichita. The city features more than 30 publicly accessible fishing destinations, which are well-stocked by the state. This makes it easy and convenient to cast a line and make a great catch. Besides, some of the good fishing spots in Wichita are conveniently in parks with modern amenities like playgrounds and restrooms, making them ideal for families with young kids.
Camping and Fishing in Kansas
Before you head out on your fishing trip in Kansas, look over your rig and ensure you have everything you need. Check to ensure your fridge or freezer is functional, and make sure you carry a cooler and ice to transport your catch home if you catch more fish than your freezer or fridge can hold. Besides those items, pack the right fishing gear, including sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, rain gear and warm clothing, and a life jacket.
The state of Kansas offers exceptional spots for anglers who like freshwater fishing. Whether you are after teasing trout, fishing for predators on the water or from the shore, or you want to teach your children how to fish, Kansas has everything you want. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about fishing.
With an RV rental, your fishing trip will be a little more comfortable! After you’ve spent a long day fishing, grill up your catch right at your campsite. Then, retire inside to enjoy all the comforts of home onboard your RV. Plan your perfect fishing getaway with an RV rental from RVshare.
