Osage State Fishing Lake
The area is being used as a combination wildlife and fishing area. Construction of an earthen dam created a lake approximately 140 acres in size. The remaining 366 acres consist mainly of tall grass prairie with numerous wooded draws and slopes. Soils are thin with rock layers below much of the area. Much of the area consists of native tall grass with heavily wooded draws. Management of the area is a multi-species management including Bobwhite quail and White-tailed deer. The area is also ideal for bird watchers. On the east side of the lake, past the gate, it is foot traffic and bicycles only.
Manager: Brad Niemann
Phone: 620-699-3372
Lake News
- Off Road Vehicle and Horse use is prohibited.
- Camping is allowed only in designated areas.
- Swimming is prohibited.
- Shotgun and Archery ONLY hunting is allowed. No rifles
- Primitive Camping Only
- All alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
Special Features: The Santa Fe Trail crossed the northeast corner of the area. Several of the wagon ruts are still visible just east of the north entry road.
Here is a complete list of Public Land Regulations or you can download the regulation summary.
The Kansas Fish and Game Commission purchased 506 acres in 1955. The Santa Fe Trail did cross through the area in the days of westward expansion.
- Type of Facility: Pit Toilet
- This facility is ADA accessible
- Location of Facility: N38 45.795 W95 40.541
- Click for more information
- Type of Facility: Pit Toilet
- This facility is ADA accessible
- Location of Facility: N38 46.202 W95 40.908
- Click for more information
- Type of Facility: Boat Ramp
- Location of Facility: N38 45.785 W95 40.504
- Click for more information
Osage State Fishing Lake lies in a small, pleasant valley of the Osage Cuestas. Around the lake is a riparian woodland, and the upland is native bluestem prairie. The best wildlife habitat is on the east side of the lake.
In fall and spring the water attracts migrating waterfowl including snow geese, Canada geese, mallards, pintails, common mergansers, and common goldeneyes. On occasion a migrating osprey is seen plunging, talons first, into the lake for fish. Eastern screech-owls, great horned owls, northern flickers, hairy woodpeckers, eastern wood-pewees, and white-breasted nuthatches can be found in the woods.
In summer search the fields and prairies for eastern meadowlarks, mourning doves, northern bobwhite quail, grasshopper sparrows, scissor-tailed flycatchers, and both eastern and western kingbirds. In the nesting season listen for the boom of diving male nighthawks courting their mates. Common around the lake are muskrats and beavers. Watch for white-tailed deer and coyotes year-round.