Summary
The lake spans 109 acres and is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and camping. The lake is stocked with a variety of fish species, including channel catfish, crappie, and bass, making it a great spot for anglers. Some of the other activities that visitors can enjoy include hiking, biking, and birdwatching.
One of the main points of interest at Cowley State Fishing Lake is the scenic landscape that surrounds the lake. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the Flint Hills and the Kansas countryside from various points around the lake. There is also a small hiking trail that winds around the lake and offers visitors the chance to explore the area's natural beauty.
Interesting facts about Cowley State Fishing Lake include that the lake was created in the 1960s as part of a flood control project and that it is a popular spot for birdwatchers due to the variety of birds that can be found in the area. Additionally, the lake is home to a healthy population of white-tailed deer, and visitors may catch a glimpse of these animals while exploring the area.
The best time of year to visit Cowley State Fishing Lake is during the spring and fall months when the weather is mild and the fishing is good. Visitors can also enjoy the changing foliage and stunning views of the surrounding landscape during these seasons. Overall, Cowley State Fishing Lake is a great destination for those looking to enjoy the outdoors and explore the natural beauty of Kansas.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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