Brown State Fishing Lake is a small, old-school northeast-Kansas fishing lake with a long history – built in 1953 as part of the former Brown County State Park. The 62-acre lake sits about eight miles east of Hiawatha in Brown County, ringed by a 188-acre wildlife area, and it’s an easy, uncrowded spot for catfish, bass and panfish, with free primitive camping on the bank. Bring your own gear and settle in for a quiet day on the water.
This guide covers Brown State Fishing Lake – the fishing, the camping and wildlife area, and what’s nearby. It’s part of our growing Kansas Lakes Database.
- Brown State Fishing Lake at a glance
- Fishing Brown State Fishing Lake
- Camping, wildlife area and access
- Getting there and what’s nearby
- Frequently asked questions
- How big is Brown State Fishing Lake?
- What fish can you catch at Brown State Fishing Lake?
- Can you camp at Brown State Fishing Lake?
- Where is Brown State Fishing Lake?
Brown State Fishing Lake at a glance
- Size: about 62 acres, up to ~13 feet deep, 8 miles east of Hiawatha in Brown County, northeast Kansas
- Managed by: Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP)
- Top fish: channel catfish, plus largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish and walleye
- Camping: free primitive camping around the lake
- Facilities: fishing piers, fish feeders, boat ramp and dock, picnic areas and restrooms
- Plus: a 188-acre wildlife area adjoining the lake; built 1953, formerly Brown County State Park
Fishing Brown State Fishing Lake
Channel catfish are the headline fish here, but the lake also holds largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish and some walleye. It’s a shallow lake – around 13 feet at its deepest – so it warms early and fishes well in spring and fall: work the shoreline cover for bass and panfish, and the deeper water and feeders for catfish. Anglers 16 to 74 need a Kansas fishing license; check the current KDWP report and any posted creel or length limits before you go.
Camping, wildlife area and access
Brown offers free primitive camping around the lake, with fishing piers, fish feeders, a boat ramp and dock, picnic areas and restrooms. The adjoining 188-acre wildlife area adds room for walking, wildlife watching and seasonal hunting. It’s a simple, peaceful place rather than a developed resort – a good pick if you want to fish and camp without a crowd. As with any warm Kansas lake, watch for summer blue-green algae advisories and avoid visible scum.
Getting there and what’s nearby
The lake is about eight miles east of Hiawatha, in the rolling farm country of northeast Kansas near the Nebraska and Missouri lines. Atchison State Fishing Lake is another quiet option to the south, and the big reservoirs Perry and Tuttle Creek are within day-trip range.
Frequently asked questions
How big is Brown State Fishing Lake?
About 62 acres and up to roughly 13 feet deep, 8 miles east of Hiawatha in Brown County, northeast Kansas.
What fish can you catch at Brown State Fishing Lake?
Channel catfish are most popular, along with largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish and walleye.
Can you camp at Brown State Fishing Lake?
Yes – free primitive camping is allowed around the lake, with fishing piers, a boat ramp, picnic areas and restrooms, plus an adjoining 188-acre wildlife area.
Where is Brown State Fishing Lake?
In Brown County in northeast Kansas, about 8 miles east of the town of Hiawatha.
Related: explore more small lakes of Kansas, or nearby reservoirs like Perry and Tuttle Creek – or head back to the Kansas Lakes Database.
