The Best Fishing Holes in Kansas
While Kansas might be home to the fictitious characters of "The Wizard of Oz" and "Superman," there are other legendary dwellers of the Sunflower State whose existence is as real as it gets: massive fish.
The next time you find yourself in the great plains of Kansas, make sure to cast a line at one of these great fishing holes.
Buy your license online.
Wilson State Park
Nestled in Kansas' Smoky Hills, this scenic state park on the shore of the 9,000-acre Wilson Reservoir attracts thousands of anglers annually for its striped bass, smallmouth bass and walleye.
Surrounded by beautiful rock cliffs that will make an impressive backdrop for your victory pictures, this fishing hole is also populated with bluegill, channel catfish, crappie, largemouth bass and six other species of fish.
Milford State Park
The largest lake in the state, Milford Lake is a popular destination for anglers looking to reel in big walleye, monster blue catfish, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, crappie and more. The park is also home to one of the state's four fish hatcheries, offers 120 campsites with utility hookups and is motorboat accessible.
Cedar Bluff State Park
This reservoir, clad with 100-foot limestone cliffs and cedar bluffs, is known for its crappie, walleye, white bass and wiper fishing.
Want to take a break from reeling in the day's catch? The park, located on the shores of the reservoir, also includes some of the state's best hiking and biking trails.
Glen Elder
Honored as one of the nation's top state parks by Field & Stream Magazine in 2004, Glen Elder, located on the shores of Waconda Lake, provides excellent opportunities to catch crappie, white bass, channel catfish, walleye and smallmouth bass. Don't leave before checking out the Chautaqua Fishing Pond -- it's convenient access is perfect for kids and anglers with disabilities and it's stocked with trout in the winter, giving anglers year-round opportunities to perfect their skills.
Perry State Park
The third largest lake in Kansas, Perry Lake is the perfect place to cast a line if you're in the hunt for crappie, catfish or bass. But the park's recreation opportunities don't stop at fishing. Perry State Park is also home to over 40 miles of hiking trails, 15 miles of biking trails and 25 miles of horse trails, so even the non-fishers in your family will be pleased.
Cheney State Park
Twenty-two boat launching lanes makes the 9,500-acre Cheney Reservoir one of the most accessible fishing holes in the state. While out on the water, you'll enjoy casting your line for a healthy, diversified population of fish, including crappie, channel catfish, walleye, white bass, wiper and white perch.
Crawford State Park
Lying near the edge of the beautiful Ozark Mountains, this 500-acre state park gives anglers plenty of fishing opportunities and views to boot. Crawford Lake's mere 150 acres offers dense populations of crappie, channel catfish and largemouth bass. You can even rent one of five lakefront cabins -- open year-round -- to make the most of your fishing experience.
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Whether you go camping just to fish, or enjoy fishing as a relaxing hobby, you have to find a campground that's ripe for the casting. If you're ready to take it easy, with fishing pole in hand, be sure to choose from our list of fishing campgrounds that are perfect for anglers of all kinds.
More: Purchase your fishing license online