Fishing Fun: 8 Kansas State Parks to Reel in the Big One

Sandy Allen

Sandy Allen

— 4 min read
Fishing Fun: 8 Kansas State Parks to Reel in the Big One
Photo: Elk City State Park - Kansas Wildlife and Parks (Facebook)

Kansas — bordered by Nebraska, Colorado, Oklahoma and Missouri — may be known for wide-open prairies, but its lakes and reservoirs are some of the best freshwater fishing spots in the Midwest. From trophy catfish to slab crappie, here are the top state parks where anglers can cruise out from a private boat slip rental, cast a line and reel in a great catch.

1. Milford State Park 

Photo: Milford State Park - Kansas Wildlife and Parks (Facebook)

Home to Milford Lake, the largest lake in Kansas, Milford State Park has a full-service marina, excellent boat ramps and tons of shoreline. Anglers reel in walleye, crappie, bass and record-breaking blue catfish on the lake’s 15,700 surface acres of water and some 160+ miles of shoreline.

  • Water: Fresh
  • Fishing Type: Boat, shore
  • Key Species: Crappie, bass, walleye, blue catfish

2. Cedar Bluff State Park 

Photo: Cedar Bluff - Cedar Bluff State Park - Kansas Wildlife and Parks (Facebook)

With stunning limestone cliffs and fewer crowds, Cedar Bluff State Park in Ellis is a wonderful spot to enjoy a mix of relaxation and great fishing conditions. Cast for walleye, wipers, white bass and crappie. There’s a great mix of boat and shoreline access from a private boat lift for rent. Water levels can fluctuate, so check conditions before your trip.

  • Water: Fresh
  • Fishing Type: Shore, boat
  • Key Species: White bass, walleye, wipers, crappie

3. Glen Elder State Park

Photo: Glen Elder State Park - Kansas Wildlife and Parks (Facebook)

Glen Elder State Park, in Glen Elder, is located on Waconda Lake and offers big water and the Chautauqua Fishing Pond, which is designed for kids and anglers with disabilities. Crappie, walleye, white bass and channel catfish are popular varieties to target from shore or a boat. The reservoir spans more than 12,500 surface acres with nearly 100 miles of shoreline, giving lots of room to explore. Ice fishing is popular in the winter months. 

  • Water: Fresh
  • Fishing Type: Boat, shore
  • Key Species: Channel catfish, white bass, walleye

4. El Dorado State Park 

Photo: El Dorado State Park - Kansas Wildlife and Parks (Facebook)

El Dorado State Park is known for structure-filled waters and great multi-species action, such as crappie, walleye, blue catfish and largemouth bass. The reservoir spans about 8,000 acres, with depths up to 60 feet, and features a mix of steep rocky shoreline, mudflats, timber and submerged structures, making perfect habitats for fish to hide.

  • Water: Fresh
  • Fishing Type: Boat, shore
  • Key Species: Largemouth bass, walleye, crappie

5. Hillsdale State Park 

Photo: Hillsdale State Park - Kansas Wildlife and Parks (Facebook)

With easy access from the KC metro area, Hillsdale State Park (in Paola) is an excellent spot to reel in largemouth bass, walleye, catfish and bluegill. There’s plenty of standing timber for crappie fishing. The lake covers about 4,580 acres, has a maximum depth of 57 feet and has more than 51 miles of shoreline. This park gets busy on weekends, so go early or fish on weekdays for more space.  

  • Water: Fresh 
  • Fishing Type: Boat, shore
  • Key Species: Walleye, bluegill, catfish, crappie

6. Elk City State Park 

Photo: Elk City State Park - Kansas Wildlife and Parks (Facebook)

Elk City State Park is a beautiful southeast Kansas park with a big 4,450-acre reservoir that has a maximum depth of about 24 feet. Situated near Independence, you’ll find a scenic shoreline, wildlife viewing and strong catfish action. You’ll also find saugeye, crappie, white bass and largemouth bass.  

  • Water: Fresh
  • Fishing Type: Boat, shore
  • Key Species: Channel catfish, saugeye, crappie, white bass, largemouth bass

7. Cheney State Park

Photo: Cheney State Park - Kansas Wildlife and Parks (Facebook)

Popular with locals and competitive anglers alike, Cheney State Park has a full-service marina, boat ramps and excellent year-round fishing. This Cheney state park is a great spot to cast for walleye, crappie, white bass and catfish, whether you’re trailering from a private boat dock rental or a marina. 

  • Water: Fresh
  • Fishing Type: Boat, shore
  • Key Species: White bass, walleye, crappie, catfish

8. Meade State Park 

Photo: Meade State Park - Kansas Wildlife and Parks (Facebook)

If you’re looking for a relaxed atmosphere, easy shore access and a quiet lakefront, Meade State Park is an excellent choice for beginners or anyone wanting a peaceful day on the water. Cast for trout (seasonal), saugeye, catfish, crappie, bass and bluegill on the 80-acre lake. Fishing is allowed year-round, but boats are permitted only for fishing and must be at no-wake speeds.

  • Water: Fresh
  • Fishing Type: Boat, shore
  • Key Species: Catfish, saugeye, bass, bluegill, trout

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