Atchison State Fishing Lake
The lake covers approximately 66 acres and has extensive shallow water in the west end. The rest of the lake in characterized by flats on the northwest side and gradual to steep drop offs to 15 to 30 feet over the rest of the area. There are 182 acres of land adjoining the lake. Of this, approximately 136 acres plus the lake are open to hunting. The wildlife area is comprised of native grass and timber. The east side of the lake from the shoreline to the east property line is closed to hunting.
Primitive camping is allowed on the south and east side of the lake. Picnic facilities and restrooms are available on site. Rural water is provided at the southeast entrance to the area.
All the 136 acres of land are open to hunting and provide opportunities for deer, upland game , rabbits and squirrels. The lake provides good opportunities for waterfowl hunting especially in the west end.
Lake News
Staff will lower the Atchison State Fishing Lake approximately 8 feet beginning the first part of August with the intent of keeping the lake lowered until work is completed in late spring of 2021, weather permitting.
The lake will be lowered for several maintenance/improvements.
- Superficial damage to the back side of the dam will be repaired. This construction requires lowing of the lake. The construction is needed before more serious problems develop.
- In an effort to better control sediment buildup in the boat ramp cove (Southeast corner of lake), we will remove preexisting sediment near the boat ramp. Silt remove will be the main emphases, but the work will be done in a manor so that it can be cleaned out more efficiently in the future, if needed. Protecting this cove and its facilities is extremely important for the future of the lake.
- Fish habitat construction and placement will take place during the drawdown. Different types of structures will be built, and brush piles will be placed during this time, to increase fish habitat and benefit anglers.
These improvements will help better protect the structural integrity of the lake, the area around the boat ramp and associated facilities, as well as fishing. The work will also increase the usability of Atchison State Fishing Lake.
Amid construction, fishing will be allowed, with all existing regulations including length and creel limits remaining in effect.
- East side of lake closed to hunting from shoreline to east property fence line.
- Off road vehicle, ATV and horse use is prohibited.
- Boating for hunting and fishing purposes only
- Special creel limits and length limits are in place
Here is a complete list of Public Land Regulations or you can download the regulation summary.
The land was purchased in 1955 and the lake was constructed in 1956.
- Type of Cabin: Modern Cabin
- This facility is ADA accessible
- Location of Facility: N39 38 24 W95 10 12
- This Facility is Reservable. Check availability and reserve Atchison State Fishing Lake Modern Cabin
- Click for more information
Important Cabin Information: Reservation Terms and Conditions, Cabin Reservation Information
Making a Cabin Reservation
- Persons 21 years of age or older may make reservation requests. Reservation can be made by telephone, internet, mail or in person one year in advance at the Regional Office. Phone or internet reservations can be made with a credit card. There is no entry fee for this area.
- Please contact the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, 300 SW Wanamaker Road, Topeka, Ks 66606, (785) 273-6740, or Reserve Online.
About Refunds and Cancellations
- The $13.75 cabin reservation fee cannot be refunded. Other refund and cancellation rules can be found in Terms and Conditions.
Dates Available
- Cabins are reservable year round. Prices are subject to change. Reservations will be handled on a first come first served basis.
Check In and Checkout Time
- Arrangements will be made at reservation to allow you access into the cabin. If reservation is made online you will be sent a confirmtion by email with instructions on checking in to the cabin. After you leave, staff will inspect the cabin and determine condition, damage and contact you about any additional charges.
- Check in time 2:00 pm
- Check out time 12:00 pm
Cabin rules
- Occupancy is limited to 6; exceptions for additional children may be approved by the manager. No more than 6 people my use the cabin at one time. No gatherings of more than 6 are allowed in the cabin.
- Absolutely NO Pets or Smoking in Cabin. All outside pets must comply with the pet regulation (KAR 115-8-10). Summary of KAR 115-8-10 - Pets shall be controlled at all times by using any of the following: Hand-held lead not more than 10 feet in length; tethered chain or leash not more than 10 feet in length. The pet shall be under the direct observation of and control by the owner; or confined to a cage (kennel), vehicle or trailer. The requirements of subsection shall not apply to dogs while being used during and as a part of any of the following acts or activities: Hunting during open hunting seasons on lands or waters open for hunting; However at no time are pets allowed in the cabin.
- Fires at cabin in approved fire ring only.
- No cooking on porch.
- No cleaning of fish or wildlife in cabin.
- No tents or campers at cabin without approval.
- Type of Cabin: Modern Cabin
- This facility is ADA accessible
- Location of Facility: N39 38 24 W95 10 12
- This Facility is Reservable. Check availability and reserve Atchison State Fishing Lake Modern Cabin
- Click for more information
Atchison State Fishing Lake (built in 1957 as Hetherington Lake) is nestled among rounded hills blanketed by oak-hickory woodlands and broad valleys planted in corn. The 2.5 miles of gravel road from K-7 to the Independence Creek valley, where the lake is located, are like a roller coaster and can be slick when wet. Elm, willow, silver maple, and locust compose the riparian woodland, where wildflowers are abundant from spring through fall.
Butterflies are commonly seen in the woodlands and along the lake edge during the summer. Both fox and gray squirrels scamper through the trees. Tracks of white-tailed deer and raccoons cover the banks of the creek and lake. Red-eyed and yellow-throated vireos, blue-gray gnatcatchers, and summer tanagers nest here. Summer evenings bring the clear, mellow song of the whip-poor-will and the loud whistling call of the chuck-will's-widow. During fall and spring migrations, the lake will host puddle ducks (such as mallards and pintails) and diving ducks, including goldeneyes and redheads. There is a resident population of Canada geese, and groups of goslings accompanied by their parents may be seen in springtime. Shorebirds are also present during migrations.