Saline State Fishing Lake is a small, close-to-town lake just outside Salina in central Kansas – handy for a quick bank-fishing trip when you don’t want to drive far. At about 39 acres it’s one of the more compact state fishing lakes, with largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and channel catfish, a boat ramp and fishing piers, and free primitive camping. It’s a simple, local fishing hole rather than a big destination – but a welcome one in this part of the state.
This guide covers Saline State Fishing Lake – the fishing, the camping, and what’s nearby. It’s part of our growing Kansas Lakes Database.
- Saline State Fishing Lake at a glance
- Fishing Saline State Fishing Lake
- Camping, access and a note on water levels
- Getting there and what’s nearby
- Frequently asked questions
- How big is Saline State Fishing Lake?
- What fish can you catch at Saline State Fishing Lake?
- Can you camp at Saline State Fishing Lake?
- Is Saline State Fishing Lake always open?
Saline State Fishing Lake at a glance
- Size: about 39 acres of water (when full) within 39 acres of land, near Salina in Saline County, central Kansas
- Managed by: Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP)
- Top fish: largemouth bass, white and black crappie, bluegill and channel catfish
- Facilities: a boat ramp, fishing piers, a vault toilet and several shoreline access points
- Camping: free primitive camping, though space is limited by the lake’s small size
- Good to know: the channel-catfish creel limit is five per day
Fishing Saline State Fishing Lake
Small but serviceable, Saline holds largemouth bass, both white and black crappie, bluegill and channel catfish. Its compact size makes it easy to fish thoroughly from the bank or a small boat, and the fishing piers give good shoreline access. Work the shoreline cover for bass and panfish, and the deeper water for catfish (five-fish daily limit). Anglers 16 to 74 need a Kansas fishing license; check the current KDWP report before you go.
Camping, access and a note on water levels
Free primitive camping is allowed around the lake, but the small footprint means space is limited – it’s best for a quick overnight rather than a big group. One important note: during stretches of low water in recent years, the lake has at times been closed to vehicle access and fishing, so it’s worth checking current conditions with KDWP before making the trip. 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 just outside Salina in Saline County, central Kansas, right off I-70 and I-135. For much bigger water nearby, scenic Kanopolis Lake – the oldest federal reservoir in Kansas – is a short drive south, and Wilson Lake, famous for its clear water, lies to the west.
Frequently asked questions
How big is Saline State Fishing Lake?
About 39 acres of water when full, plus 39 acres of land, near Salina in Saline County, central Kansas.
What fish can you catch at Saline State Fishing Lake?
Largemouth bass, white and black crappie, bluegill and channel catfish (five-fish channel-catfish daily limit).
Can you camp at Saline State Fishing Lake?
Yes – free primitive camping is allowed, though space is limited by the lake’s small size.
Is Saline State Fishing Lake always open?
Not always – during periods of low water it has at times been closed to vehicle access and fishing, so check current conditions with KDWP before visiting.
Related: explore more small lakes of Kansas, or nearby reservoirs like Kanopolis and Wilson – or head back to the Kansas Lakes Database.
