Herington runs a pair of city lakes on the western edge of the Flint Hills, and the bigger one – Herington Reservoir – is a genuinely good little fishing and camping lake. About 555 acres just west of the historic railroad town of Herington in Dickinson County, it offers bass, walleye and crappie fishing and three lakeside camping coves, all run by the city and easy on the wallet. Add the older Herington City Lake nearby and you’ve got two waters to fish on one trip, in some of the prettiest country in central Kansas.
This guide covers Herington Reservoir – the fishing, the camping coves, and what’s nearby. It’s part of our growing Kansas Lakes Database.
- Herington Reservoir at a glance
- Two city lakes on the edge of the Flint Hills
- Fishing Herington Reservoir
- Camping and day use
- Getting there and what’s nearby
- Frequently asked questions
- How big is Herington Reservoir?
- What fish can you catch at Herington Reservoir?
- Can you camp at Herington Reservoir?
- Is Herington Reservoir the same as Herington City Lake?
- Where is Herington Reservoir?
Herington Reservoir at a glance
- Size: about 555 acres, 2.5 miles west of Herington in Dickinson County; maximum depth ~40 feet
- Managed by: the City of Herington (fishery rated by KDWP)
- Top fish: white and largemouth bass, walleye, crappie, channel catfish
- Camping areas: three coves – Zeibell Cove, Schmidts Lookout and Kandts Point – with electric RV pedestals, swimming and picnicking
- Plus: the separate, smaller Herington City Lake nearby
- Known for: affordable lakeside camping and solid bass-and-walleye fishing on the edge of the Flint Hills
Two city lakes on the edge of the Flint Hills
The City of Herington owns and operates two waters: the 555-acre reservoir west of town and the older, smaller Herington City Lake. Both sit in the rolling country where the central Kansas farmland rises into the Flint Hills, and both are stocked and managed for good fishing. The reservoir is the main draw, with three developed coves spread around the shoreline that give campers a choice of settings – and enough water to spread out on a busy weekend.
Fishing Herington Reservoir
Herington fishes well for its size. The reservoir holds white and largemouth bass, walleye, crappie and channel catfish – crappie and catfish are stocked annually – and the city manages it as part of the KDWP community-lakes program. Work the points and dam for walleye and white bass, fish brush for crappie, and the flats for cats. Anglers 16 to 74 need a Kansas fishing license; check the latest KDWP report and city rules before you go.
Camping and day use
The three coves – Zeibell Cove, Schmidts Lookout and Kandts Point – offer lakeside campsites with electric RV pedestals, swimming areas, boat access and picnic spots, with online reservations through the city. It’s relaxed, affordable camping rather than a resort. Migratory-waterfowl hunting is allowed in season. As with any warm Kansas lake, watch for summer blue-green algae advisories and avoid visible scum.
Getting there and what’s nearby
Herington is in southeastern Dickinson County at the junction of U.S. 56 and U.S. 77, an easy drive from Salina, Abilene or Council Grove. The town itself has a strong railroad history worth a look, and the scenic Council Grove Lake and the Flint Hills lie just to the east, with Marion and Milford within day-trip range.
Frequently asked questions
How big is Herington Reservoir?
About 555 acres, 2.5 miles west of Herington in Dickinson County, up to about 40 feet deep.
What fish can you catch at Herington Reservoir?
White and largemouth bass, walleye, crappie and channel catfish – crappie and catfish are stocked annually.
Can you camp at Herington Reservoir?
Yes – three coves (Zeibell Cove, Schmidts Lookout and Kandts Point) offer lakeside campsites with electric RV pedestals, swimming and picnicking, reservable through the City of Herington.
Is Herington Reservoir the same as Herington City Lake?
No – the City of Herington runs two separate waters: the larger 555-acre reservoir west of town and the older, smaller Herington City Lake.
Where is Herington Reservoir?
In Dickinson County in central Kansas, about 2.5 miles west of the town of Herington near U.S. 56 and U.S. 77.
Related: explore more small lakes of Kansas, or nearby reservoirs like Council Grove and Marion – or head back to the Kansas Lakes Database.
