Cowley State Fishing Lake is a small, strikingly clear lake in the wooded hills of south-central Kansas, just east of the little town of Dexter. At 84 acres with some of the cleanest water of any lake in the state, it’s a quiet, scenic spot for bass, walleye, crappie and catfish, with free primitive camping on the north shore and a small waterfall on nearby Grouse Creek. It’s a no-wake, fishing-only lake – exactly the kind of peaceful water that rewards a patient angler.
This guide covers Cowley State Fishing Lake – the fishing, the camping, and what’s nearby. It’s part of our growing Kansas Lakes Database.
- Cowley State Fishing Lake at a glance
- Fishing Cowley State Fishing Lake
- Camping, hunting and access
- Getting there and what’s nearby
- Frequently asked questions
- How big is Cowley State Fishing Lake?
- What fish can you catch at Cowley State Fishing Lake?
- Can you camp at Cowley State Fishing Lake?
- Where is Cowley State Fishing Lake?
Cowley State Fishing Lake at a glance
- Size: 84-acre lake within 113 acres of wildlife area, 16 miles east of Arkansas City along Highway 166, near Dexter in Cowley County, south-central Kansas
- Water: excellent quality and extremely clear
- Managed by: Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP)
- Top fish: channel catfish, largemouth bass, walleye, crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish and flathead catfish
- Rules: no-wake lake, boats for fishing only
- Camping: free primitive camping along the north shore (picnic tables and pit toilets; no potable water)
Fishing Cowley State Fishing Lake
The lake’s clear water makes for genuinely fun, visual fishing. It holds channel catfish, largemouth bass, walleye, crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish and even some flathead catfish. Because it’s a no-wake, fishing-only lake, it stays calm and quiet – ideal for a kayak or jon boat. Work the clear shallows and points for bass and walleye, brush for crappie, and the deeper basin for cats. Anglers 16 to 74 need a Kansas fishing license; check the current KDWP report before you go.
Camping, hunting and access
Cowley offers free primitive camping along the north shore, with picnic tables and pit toilets but no drinking water, so pack your own. The surrounding 113-acre wildlife area is open to seasonal hunting for quail, rabbit and squirrel. Just up the road, the small Dexter-area waterfall on Grouse Creek is a scenic local stop. 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 sits right off Highway 166 about 16 miles east of Arkansas City, near Dexter in Cowley County. It pairs naturally with Winfield City Lake just to the northwest – another excellent Cowley County fishery – and the big reservoir El Dorado is within day-trip range to the north.
Frequently asked questions
How big is Cowley State Fishing Lake?
About 84 acres, within 113 acres of wildlife area, 16 miles east of Arkansas City near Dexter in Cowley County.
What fish can you catch at Cowley State Fishing Lake?
Channel catfish, largemouth bass, walleye, crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish and flathead catfish, in unusually clear water.
Can you camp at Cowley State Fishing Lake?
Yes – free primitive camping is allowed along the north shore, with picnic tables and pit toilets, but no potable water.
Where is Cowley State Fishing Lake?
In Cowley County in south-central Kansas, 16 miles east of Arkansas City along Highway 166, near Dexter.
Related: explore more small lakes of Kansas, or nearby waters like Winfield City Lake and El Dorado – or head back to the Kansas Lakes Database.
