Leavenworth State Fishing Lake
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Leavenworth State Fishing Lake is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts and outdoor recreation lovers in Kansas.
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Summary
The lake covers an area of 160 acres and offers a variety of fish species, including largemouth bass, channel catfish, and crappie. The lake is also surrounded by beautiful scenery and wildlife, making it a great place for hiking, camping, and birdwatching.
One of the main reasons to visit Leavenworth State Fishing Lake is for fishing. The lake is stocked regularly with fish, and there are several fishing piers and boat ramps available for visitors. In addition to fishing, visitors can also hike along the lake's nature trails, relax at the picnic areas, or camp at the nearby campgrounds.
Some of the points of interest to see at Leavenworth State Fishing Lake include the historic stone shelter, which was built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, and the Bald Eagle Nesting Area, which is a popular spot for birdwatching. Visitors can also explore the nearby Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge, which offers even more opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Interesting facts about the area include that the lake was originally built in 1938 for flood control and irrigation purposes, and it was later converted into a fishing lake. The lake is also home to several species of turtles, including the common snapping turtle and the painted turtle.
The best time of year to visit Leavenworth State Fishing Lake depends on the activity you're interested in. Spring and fall are popular times for fishing, as the weather is cooler and the fish are more active. Summer is a good time for camping and hiking, although it can be hot and humid. Winter is a good time for birdwatching, as the Bald Eagles migrate to the area during this time.
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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.
Related References
Wildlife Area Leavenworth
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