Pottawatomie State Fishing Lake No. 1 is a small, peaceful lake in the rolling country of northeast Kansas, north of Westmoreland and within easy reach of Manhattan. At just 24 acres it’s one of the more intimate state fishing lakes – ideal for a quiet morning of bass, catfish and panfish from the bank or a small boat – with free primitive camping and a short hiking trail. It’s one of two Pottawatomie state lakes in the area, both worth a look.
This guide covers Pottawatomie State Fishing Lake No. 1 – the fishing, the camping, and what’s nearby. It’s part of our growing Kansas Lakes Database.
- Pottawatomie State Fishing Lake No. 1 at a glance
- Fishing Pottawatomie State Fishing Lake No. 1
- Camping and access
- Getting there and what’s nearby
- Frequently asked questions
- How big is Pottawatomie State Fishing Lake No. 1?
- What fish can you catch at Pottawatomie State Fishing Lake No. 1?
- Can you camp at Pottawatomie State Fishing Lake No. 1?
- Is there more than one Pottawatomie state lake?
Pottawatomie State Fishing Lake No. 1 at a glance
- Size: a 24-acre lake within about 190 acres of public land, 5 miles north of Westmoreland (2 miles south of Blaine) on K-99 in Pottawatomie County, northeast Kansas
- Depth: up to 17 feet, averaging 6 to 8 feet
- Managed by: Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP)
- Top fish: channel catfish, black bass, crappie and bluegill
- Camping: free primitive camping on the north and west sides (one restroom; no potable water)
- Plus: a short hiking trail on the property
Fishing Pottawatomie State Fishing Lake No. 1
Small as it is, “Pott 1” is a pleasant little fishery. It holds channel catfish, black bass, crappie and bluegill, and its compact size and 17-foot maximum depth make it easy to learn and fish thoroughly. It’s well suited to bank anglers, kids and anyone with a kayak or jon boat. Work the shoreline cover for bass and panfish, and the deeper water for catfish. Anglers 16 to 74 need a Kansas fishing license; check the current KDWP report before you go.
Camping and access
There are several free primitive campsites on the north and west sides of the property, with one restroom but no drinking water, so pack your own. A short hiking trail offers a chance to stretch your legs and enjoy the prairie. It’s quiet and uncrowded – a good pick when you want simplicity over amenities. 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 5 miles north of Westmoreland on K-99, an easy drive north of Manhattan and K-State. Its sister lake, Pottawatomie State Fishing Lake No. 2, lies nearby to the east. For much bigger water, Tuttle Creek Lake – one of the largest reservoirs in Kansas – is just south near Manhattan, and the excellent Centralia Lake is a short drive north.
Frequently asked questions
How big is Pottawatomie State Fishing Lake No. 1?
About 24 acres, up to 17 feet deep, 5 miles north of Westmoreland on K-99 in Pottawatomie County, northeast Kansas.
What fish can you catch at Pottawatomie State Fishing Lake No. 1?
Channel catfish, black bass, crappie and bluegill.
Can you camp at Pottawatomie State Fishing Lake No. 1?
Yes – free primitive camping is allowed on the north and west sides, with one restroom but no potable water, plus a short hiking trail.
Is there more than one Pottawatomie state lake?
Yes – there are two: Pottawatomie State Fishing Lake No. 1 (24 acres) north of Westmoreland, and its larger sister lake, Pottawatomie State Fishing Lake No. 2, nearby.
Related: explore more small lakes of Kansas, or nearby waters like Tuttle Creek and Centralia Lake – or head back to the Kansas Lakes Database.
