Lake News

Dam Maintenance:

Trees have been removed from the dam the past few years and more trees will continue to be removed until the dam is free of all brush.  Broad leaf herbicides have also been sprayed to reduce unwanted trees and brush on the dam itself.  The presence of brush on the dam negatively affects the integrity of the dam and we must remove the brush to stay in compliance with our dam maintenance guidelines.

Camping information:

Washington State Fishing Lake offers numerous camping areas along the east side of the lake. There are several picnic shelters, yard lights, fire rings, boat ramp and a vault toilet. There is no running/potable water or electrical outlets on the area. Camping is free of charge and no reservations are needed. There is a 14 day limit to camping on the area. A valid Kansas fishing license is needed to fish the lake and boats are allowed for fishing or hunting purposes only.

Dam Structure Has Been Repaired: March 2013

New slats have been installed on the water structure located on the dam. The water level in the lake will now be able raise approximately 4 feet from it's current level providing we receive adequate rainfall. Various fish species may be stocked in the future as they become available.

Campground Update: 

Fishing and hunting regulations are posted on the information kiosks. Lake maps and hunting/fishing regulation pamphlets are also available at the kiosks. The roads are graded at least twice a year, usually before Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends.

The main entrance sign and single vaulted pit toilet.

Wildlife Area:

Prescribed Fire

A growing season burn was conducted in late July 2018 on approximately 80 acres south of the main entrance.  Growing season burns are intended to help reduce woody encroachment, temporarily reduce grass competition and increase forbs (wildflowers) within the native grass stands.

A growing season burn was conducted in late August 2017 on approximately 27 acres north of the main entrance.

Woody Vegetation Removal

A small amount of tree shearing was done in the winter of 2019 on native grass areas near the dam to reduce some of the tree invasion in the native grass areas.  Some trees were also removed within and around the campground areas as well.  Other areas of brush were mulched and sprayed to provide more lake shore access.  More tree shearing will be conducted as time and budget permits.