Leavenworth State Fishing Lake
The Leavenworth Wildlife Area is 341 acres consisting primarily of timber with some open grassland areas. These grassland areas exemplify the historic native prairie that once dominated this area. Management techniques employed on the wildlife area include prescribed burning, timber encroachment control, and control of invasive plant species.
Deer and turkey commonly use the wildlife area. Squirrels and rabbits are also found on the area in good numbers. Other wildlife that may be seen at Leavenworth State Lake includes furbearers, waterfowl, amphibians, reptiles, and both resident and migrating songbirds. Upland birds may also potentially be found on the area. Hunters and trappers are reminded to be considerate of other public users as well as surrounding neighbors with domestic pets.
Primitive camping is allowed in designated areas. No electricity or running water is available. There are two open shelter houses that can be reserved by contacting the area manager. Please carry out all garbage.
Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks
Public Lands Manager: Justin Hamilton
Phone: (785) 887-6882
Area News
- New brush piles have been set to attract and improve fisheries along the east shoreline.
- The native prairie plot is undergoing intensive management to reduce woody vegetation growth.
- There is a Refuge area at this property. The primary goal is to allow hunting in safe areas while still accommodating boat anglers and shore anglers and campers. All of the area west of the main road on the west side of the lake and west of the lake spillway is now open to hunting. Check posted boundaries on the area. Special firearm restrictions are in place. Bow and shotgun only will be permitted as there is a high number of visitors and many neighbors in the surrounding areas.
On December 27, 2011
Work begun at the Leavenworth State Fishing Lake Dam where efforts to repair a slide on the east end were undertaken. A small slide had occurred that was approximately 15 feet x 30 feet. We have been required to drain some of the water from the lake to remove pressure during this repair. The Lake is currently 8 feet below spillway mark.
Traffic on Parallel Road was minimally impeded the duration and restabilization plans went quickly and as planned.
Fishing use is still encouraged and Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Fisheries Biologists are enthusiastic about the response crowding on fish species will have on future fisheries possibilities. Efforts have been taken to increase fish habitat using Eastern Red Cedar piles and Osage Orange Hedge piles. These were be placed along the perimeter as so many have been placed before, between and around the fishing jetties and along the banks.
Also work will be done on existing boat ramps to refill areas that have been cleared due to prop-wash from boats loading and unloading. We will also be taking advantage of the low water levels to reach areas previously inaccessible to cleaning crews.
Work was finished Jan. 4 and we hope to see near normal lake levels by late spring, or fall this 2012 year.
Thank you and we appreciate your continued patronage and support.
- Special firearms restrictions exist on the Wildlife Area. No centerfire rifles are allowed and deer hunting is by shotgun and archery only.
- Alcohol beverages, including cereal malt, are prohibited
- Motorized boating allowed for hunting and fishing purposes only
- Camping and campfires in designated areas only
- Campfires allowed in provided metal rings only
- Target shooting, off-road vehicle use, and horse riding are prohibited
- Area users are encouraged to visit information boards for all area-specific regulations
- A refuge includes the south half of the lake and surrounding areas. - No hunting is allowed at any time in this area.
Structural work on the Dam is complete, and the Lake is slowly filling back up.
Here is a complete list of Public Land Regulations or you can download the regulation summary.
The Forestry, Fish and Game Commission of Kansas purchased original portions of the land in 1929. Another land purchase in 1930 completed the property to its current size. Construction of the lake began in 1930, and the area was opened to fishing and hunting in 1932.
Leavenworth State Fishing Lake in the Glaciated Region is surrounded oak-hickory forest. Bur, chinquapin, white, red, and black oaks cover the hills, plus bitternut and shagbark hickory. Willow, elm, locust, box elder, and silver maple line the lakeshore. The uplands have some native tallgrassprairie glades. This forest-prairie mosaic, along with the lake and an area of wetlands a short distance south of the west entrance, supports a multitude of wildlife.
As you approach the lake, survey the grasslands for prairie birds. In fall and spring scan the open waters for common goldeneyes, buffleheads, canvasbacks, mallards, northern pintails, and northern shovelers. In winter, many geese use this lake. Blue-gray gnatcatchers, yellow-throated vireos, Kentucky warbIers, yellow warblers, and northern orioles nest in the area. Listen at night for chuck-will's-widows, whip-poor-wills, barred owls, and great horned owls. In the dim light of dusk and dawn, white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, opossums, raccoons, and beaver are active. By mid-morning gray and fox squirrels can be seen scampering through the trees.