Brown State Fishing Lake
The lake impounds approximately 60 acres and is characterized by gradual sloping shoreline with average depth of 8 feet. There is an 188 acre wildlife area adjoining the lake.
Primitive camping is allowed around the lake. Fishing piers, fish feeders, boat ramp and dock, picnic facilities and restrooms are available on site. No water is provided at this area.
Channel cat are the most popular fish, but good numbers of largemouth bass, black crappie and bluegill can be found. Brushpiles have been placed in the lake for fish habitat. All but a few of these brushpiles are accessible to shoreline anglers. Special creel limits and length limits are in place to ensure quality fishing.
Lake News
The lake has thawed and it's time to think about getting out and enjoy the outdoors. The roads around the lake will be open on March 18th or 19th. As the warmer weather moves in and the grass starts to grow, there will be some changes in how the State Fishing Lake will be managed. This year due to cuts in number of employees for the summer, we will mow very little of the camping area. The mowing effort will be concentrated along the shoreline for fishing access. Please bear with us as we work through these cuts and hopefully things will be better soon.
As the hot weather returns please remember that swimming is not allowed at the lake. Also please watch for the blue green algae alerts latter in the summer. For more information if the lake is put under another advisory call the Kansas Department of Health & Environment for further information. 866-865-3233
- The area is only open to hunting on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from September 10 through March 15, closed to hunting all other days and time of the year.
- Off road vehicle, ATV's and horse use are prohibited.
- Boating for hunting and fishing purposes only
- Special creel limits and length limits are in place
Here is a complete list of Public Land Regulations or you can download the regulation summary.
The lake was constructed in 1953, and fish were stocked in 1956.
Brown State Fishing Lake is set in the Glaciated Region of Kansas. Surrounding fields of winter wheat and corn stubble help feed thousands of snow geese from November through January.
Brown State Fishing Lake is set in the Glaciated Region of Kansas. Surrounding fields of winter wheat and corn stubble help feed thousands of snow geese from November through January.
Controlled burning of the native bluestem prairie helps optimize the balance of brush and grass necessary for bobwhite quail and ring-necked pheasant. Post-burn wildflowers are spectacular, as are the butterflies they attract. Signs of beaver and muskrat can be found around the lake and the three streams feeding it. In spring and fall, waterfowl and shorebirds are common on the lake and on the mudflats of shallow coves. Migrant songbirds are numerous. Tracks of white-tailed deer, bobcats, mink, skunks, and opossums can be found in the mud along the shores.