Webster Reservoir
Webster Wildlife Area encompasses 8,018 acres of public hunting surrounding 1,481 surface acres of water. A variety of wildlife habitats are developed and maintained to enhance wildlife. Situated along the shores of Webster Reservoir, the area offers hunting, fishing, limited camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing opportunities. The Reservoir is located 9 miles west of Stockton, just off highway 24.
2024 maps for managed dove fields can be found in the "Area News."
FISHING
Primary sportfish include walleye, wipers, largemouth bass, crappie, channel catfish, and flathead catfish. Smallmouth bass, white bass, and bluegill also provide fine angling opportunities at times.
Seasonal rainbow trout fisheries are maintained in the stilling basin below the dam and in the river directly above the reservoir. Trout are stocked in the stilling basin several times each trout season and are stocked in the river in March of each year when flows are adequate.
Special facilities include an electric fish cleaning station on the north shore of the state park, floating fishing docks in Marina Cove and the Rock Point Cove (when water levels are adequate), and an easy access ramp and pier in the stilling basin.
Length Limits:
- Black bass - 15 inch minimum (reservoir)
- Walleye - 15 inch minimum
Catch and Release: A major factor affecting fish populations is angler harvest. Fishing success continues to improve with better knowledge and equipment. As a result, more restrictive regulations are needed. Voluntary catch and release also extends a limited fish resource. Reduced harvest of small fish allows more fish to reach a larger, more desirable size. Releasing larger fish increases their recreational use and keeps them in the water to help control undesirable fish by predation. A fish released properly is an investment in future fishing opportunities.
HUNTING
Hunting pressure can be heavy on the wildlife area. Hunts after November and during mid-week may be less crowded. Primary game species include pheasants, quail, deer, turkey, and waterfowl. Hunter-use surveys are conducted to evaluate management practices. Hunter participation in these surveys is important.
An area is open to vehicle access for the disabled persons through a special permit. Contact the Webster Area Office for details.
The waterfowl refuge is closed to all activities between November 1 and January 31.
Special hunts, intended to provide a quality opportunity, are available at Webster. To learn more about and to apply for these and other special hunts offered throughout the state, see the Special Hunts Brochure available in June HERE. Applications must be submitted by July 1 each year.
CAMPING
The adjacent State Park offers modern and primitive camping sites the year-round. Camping with vehicle access on the wildlife area is limited to four designated areas. The areas are free, and you must take your trash with you.
BOATING
Four boat ramps provide access for area users; three in the state park and one in the Wildlife Area. At low water levels, only the boat ramp in Rock Point Campground in the State Park is usable.
WATCHABLE WILDLIFE
The area offers excellent opportunities to view and photograph deer, bald eagles, pheasants, ducks, and more.
Hunters can find a map of 2024 managed dove fields at the following link.
https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/1d6b4f5586bc4cc2a30cf412205a7607
Hunters and their dogs should avoid coming in contact with blue-green algae. If contact occurs, make sure to rinse thoroughly with clean, fresh water. Visit the Kansas Department of Health and Environment website to learn more about blue-green algae and to stay updated on the latest blue-green algae watches and warnings.
You can find more information about harmful algal blooms at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment here.
- Many furbearers inhabit the area. When the season is open, trapping and running is allowed in areas open to hunting.
- Hiking is permitted throughout the area (except for in areas posted "Closed to All Activities”).
- Riding of horses is only permitted on established roads.
- Turn in polluters, poachers, unsafe boaters and public land vandals. Call: 1 (800) 228-4263
Here is a complete list of Public Land Regulations or you can download the regulation summary.
Webster Wildlife Area and Reservoir is located 9 miles west and 1/4 mile south miles of Stockton on US Highway 24. Webster Wildlife Area is primarily a Bureau of Reclamation property that is managed by the Ks. Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism and comprises 1,481 acres of water and 8,018 acres of land. Of the 8,018 acres of land, 1,960 acres are owned by the State. The lake dates back to 1957, when the area was purchased and built by the Bureau of Reclamation. The State land was also purchased in 1957.
- Camping Available: Yes
- ADA Camping Available: No
- Reservable Sites: No
- Primitive Camping: 1
- Click for more information
- Camping Available: Yes
- ADA Camping Available: No
- Reservable Sites: No
- Primitive Camping: 1
- Click for more information
- Camping Available: Yes
- ADA Camping Available: No
- Reservable Sites: No
- Primitive Camping: 1
- Click for more information
- Camping Available: Yes
- ADA Camping Available: No
- Reservable Sites: No
- Primitive Camping: 1
- Click for more information
- Camping Available: Yes
- ADA Camping Available: No
- Reservable Sites: No
- Primitive Camping: 1
- Click for more information
Waterfowl numbers | Waterfowl numbers are low at Webster as of 10/31. Ducks that are here are mostly Teal but we have picked up a few more big ducks this week, especially Pintails. There are a few divers out in the main body of the lake as well. Dark goose numbers are low but there are some birds loafing near and on some of the mudflats and shoreline. There have been some Sandhill Cranes at Webster during the last week. The Central crane season is 11/6/2024- 1/2/2025 |
Water level | 1866.8'; 25.7' below conservation pool. |
Hunting conditions | Irrigation resulted in drastically lower lake levels again in 2024. There are vast mudflats or bare ground surrounding the entire reservoir. The West end of the reservoir has a very silty, soft bottom. Some spots the mud in knee deep. |
Expected hunting success | Poor Boaters: Please be aware of shallow water if using a boat for waterfowl hunting. Many areas near shorelines are very shallow. There are also some humps and high spots that are just out of visibility right below the surface. |
Comments | Refuge and non-motorized boat area dates: Nov. 1 through Jan. 31. Morel boat ramp is currently dry. The Rockpoint boat ramp within the State Park is accessible. Hunters need a park pass to access boat ramps in the state park. Hunting in or from the shoreline inside the State Park or along the face of the dam is prohibited. Please see the attached PDF and Google Earth file to see updated refuge boundaries and dates. Closed areas will be marked with buoys. REMINDER: Camping is not permitted on the wildlife area, including in parking lots, except for in designated campgrounds. Ground fires are also not permitted except in provided fire rings within campgrounds. Blue/Green Algae There are currently no blue-green algae advisories for the lake. Webster Reservoir currently does not have zebra mussels. Please be sure equipment is cleaned and dry before coming to Webster from other places. Teal Season - Low Plains September 14, 2024- September 29, 2024 Duck Season on Webster Reservoir - Low Plains Late Zone October 26, 2024 - December 29, 2024 and January 18-26, 2025 Youth Weekend, Duck and Goose October 19-20, 2024 Goose Season on Webster Reservoir CANADA GEESE October 26-27, 2024 and November 6, 2024 - February 16, 2025 WHITE-FRONTED October 26, 2024 - December 29, 2024 and January 25 - February 16, 2025 LIGHT GEESE October 26-27, 2024 and November 6, 2024 - February 16, 2025 Sandhill Crane Season on Webster Reservoir - Central Crane Zone November 6, 2024 - January 2, 2025 LIGHT GOOSE CONSERVATION ORDER February 17 - April 30, 2025
Webster Wildlife Area and Refuge Map |