Wilson State Fishing Lake
Numerous species of native plants and wildlife use the upland prairies surrounding Wilson State Fishing Lake. The area is a good example of semi arid habitat due to the very thin soils which cover alternating layer of limestone and shale. This makes the area a favorite site for those interested in the geology of Kansas. Deer, quail, rabbits, numerous song birds and a variety of other terrestrial wildlife find the areas habitat suitable.
Lake News
Fishing expectations for the coming year look good with Channel Cat and Black Bass (largemouth and spotted) being excellent. Crappie, Walleye, Bluegill, and redear sunfish being good. Water levels stable.
- All Channel Cat taken must be 15 “ in length and there is a 5 fish per day limit.
- The only other special regulation pertains to Walleye, all Walleye taken must be 18 “ or more with the standard statewide creel limit of 5 per day.
- Statewide length and creel limits apply to all other species.
- Off Road Vehicle and Horse use is prohibited, including ATV’s.
Here is a complete list of Public Land Regulations or you can download the regulation summary.
Wilson State Fishing Lake is the culmination of a joint venture between the Kansas Department of Transportation and the Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks. In 1955 an agreement was made between the two agencies to undertake this cooperative effort. The Department of Transportation’s responsibilities laid with the construction of a dam on Woodruff Creek, the construction of the lake spillway, and the construction of the roadway over the dam (U.S. 75). Wildlife & Parks secured all right of ways for the construction of the dam, lake, and park area. The area was purchased by the Kansas Fish and Game Commission from twelve individual landowners on January 21, 1955, at a total purchase price of $20,406.79. It is located in four different sections, section 8, 9, 16, and 17 of township 27, range 16 of Wilson County, Kansas.
Since dam completion in 1956, the 119 acre impoundment has been managed as a state fishing lake for the recreational angler. The remaining 171.9 acres have been managed as a small but viable wildlife area.