Geary State Fishing Lake
A summer burn was conducted at Geary State Fishing Lake on July 24th. The purpose of this burn was to reduce encroachment of woody vegetation, reduce noxious weeds and aide in clearing brush off of the dam. KDOT had large brush piles within the burn area as well from clearing the trees along the roadside of Highway 77. The growing season was deemed a safer time to burn these piles then a spring burn.
Geary State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area is 10 miles south of Junction City. The 99-acre lake is surrounded by 180 acres of public hunting land which harbors good numbers of quail, pheasant, doves, squirrels, rabbits, white-tailed deer, beaver, muskrats, raccoons, coyotes, bobcats and numerous nongame birds and animals. The lake also serves as a stopover area for migrating waterfowl in the fall and spring. Several food plots are maintained each year to provide winter food for birds and other wildlife. The lake is an excellent clear lake. The lake has been stocked with largemouth bass, walleye, saugeye, channel catfish, flathead catfish, bluegill and crappie. The lake and public hunting area are open year round. Picnic tables, fireplace grills and camping areas are available for public use.
This waterfall is actually the spillway of Geary State Fishing Lake. Only in times of excess rain fall does it flow this well.
There are many shelters with picnic tables thoughout the camping area. Several of these shelters also have fire rings with grills on them.
Manager: Justin Wren
Phone:(785) 461-5402
Assistant Manager:
The designated primitive camping area is free of charge and no reservations are needed. Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days on the property. There are several picnic shelters, fire rings and yard lights, one 2-stall vault toilet, and one boat ramp. There is no running water and no electrical outlets are available. There is a SAFETY ZONE posted from the east bluff above the campgrounds down to the lake edge. The remaining area is open to public hunting, fishing and trapping.
Waterfall Information: This is the spillway of the lake and is located on the west side of the dam. Heavy flows are dependent on run off caused by rainfall events. This area is open to viewing only, a well worn path can be followed on foot across the dam to the waterfall. No swimming or climbing on rocks is allowed. Please help us keep everyone safe by staying out of the water and off the slippery rocks.
Several new fire rings and picnic tables were installed in the fall of 2018. A few large trees were taken out of the campground due to being too close to the power lines and some elms that were already dead. New trees may be planted to help provide more shade in the coming years.
Fishing regulations are posted on the kiosks by the main entrance, the upper east road and next to the boat ramp. Lake maps and fishing regulation pamphlets are available at the kiosks at the main entrance, west side and east side.
The west side of the lake was burned in August 2019 in an attempt to reduce some of the woody invasion in that area. Future mowing and herbicide applications will be needed.
The east side of the lake including the dam was burned in late July 2018. The primary objective of conducting a burn this time of the year was to reduce woody invasion of trees and shrubs in the native grasslands. Large brush piles were burned on the dam from recent tree removal work. More trees and brush will continue to be removed from the dam and spillway when time and budget allow.
- Off Road Vehicle and Horse use is prohibited.
- Trotlines and setlines are not allowed on state fishing lakes.
- Motor boats may be used only for fishing and hunting purposes on state fishing lakes.
- There is a safety zone area posted above the campground area along the bluff where no hunting is allowed.
Special Features: Special provisions are available for handicapped persons. Please call the Milford Wildlife Area at (785) 461-5402 for more information.
Here is a complete list of Public Land Regulations or you can download the regulation summary.
The lake was initially constructed and stocked in 1959. The lake was rehabilitated in 1987.
- Type of Facility: Parking Area
- Location of Facility: N38 54.349 W96 51.784
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- Type of Facility: Information Center
- Location of Facility: N38 53.653 W96 51.240
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- Type of Facility: Vault Toilet
- This facility is ADA accessible
- Location of Facility: N38 523.878 W96 51.347
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- Type of Facility: Boat Ramp
- Location of Facility: N38 53.868 W96 51.342
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