Washington State Fishing Lake is a tidy, well-managed lake tucked into the rolling farm country of north-central Kansas, just a short hop from the Nebraska line. The 65-acre lake is wrapped by 352 acres of public hunting ground, and KDWP keeps the fishery healthy with annual test-netting and supplemental stocking. With a diverse fish list, abundant game and free primitive camping, it’s a quiet all-rounder for anglers and hunters alike.
This guide covers Washington State Fishing Lake – the fishing, the hunting, the camping, and what’s nearby. It’s part of our growing Kansas Lakes Database.
- Washington State Fishing Lake at a glance
- Fishing Washington State Fishing Lake
- Hunting, camping and access
- Getting there and what’s nearby
- Frequently asked questions
- How big is Washington State Fishing Lake?
- What fish can you catch at Washington State Fishing Lake?
- Can you hunt and camp at Washington State Fishing Lake?
- Where is Washington State Fishing Lake?
Washington State Fishing Lake at a glance
- Size: 65 acres (maximum depth ~25 feet), surrounded by 352 acres of public hunting land, about 12 miles northwest of Washington in Washington County, north-central Kansas – near the Nebraska border
- Managed by: Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP)
- Top fish: largemouth bass, walleye, saugeye, channel and flathead catfish, bluegill and crappie
- Management: annual test-netting with supplemental stocking as needed
- Hunting: quail, pheasant, dove, deer, turkey and small game across the wildlife area
- Camping: free primitive camping with picnic tables and fireplace grills; 14-day limit
Fishing Washington State Fishing Lake
For a small lake, Washington carries a notably diverse fishery: largemouth bass, walleye, saugeye, channel and flathead catfish, bluegill and crappie. KDWP nets the lake each year and tops up stockings when needed, which keeps the fishing dependable. Work the points and dam for walleye and saugeye, the coves for bass and crappie, and the deeper water for catfish. Boats are allowed for fishing or hunting only. Anglers 16 to 74 need a Kansas fishing license; check the current KDWP report before you go.
Hunting, camping and access
The surrounding 352-acre wildlife area is excellent for upland and big-game hunting – quail, pheasant, dove, deer and turkey all use the cover – making this a true fish-and-hunt destination in season. Camping is free and primitive, with picnic tables and fireplace grills and a 14-day limit. 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 12 miles northwest of Washington in Washington County, near the Nebraska border. For much bigger water to the south, Tuttle Creek Lake near Manhattan and Milford Lake near Junction City are both within day-trip range.
Frequently asked questions
How big is Washington State Fishing Lake?
About 65 acres, up to roughly 25 feet deep, surrounded by 352 acres of public hunting land, 12 miles northwest of Washington in north-central Kansas.
What fish can you catch at Washington State Fishing Lake?
Largemouth bass, walleye, saugeye, channel and flathead catfish, bluegill and crappie – the lake is netted and stocked annually.
Can you hunt and camp at Washington State Fishing Lake?
Yes – the 352-acre wildlife area holds quail, pheasant, dove, deer and turkey, and free primitive camping (14-day limit) is available with picnic tables and grills.
Where is Washington State Fishing Lake?
In Washington County in north-central Kansas, about 12 miles northwest of the town of Washington, near the Nebraska border.
Related: explore more small lakes of Kansas, or nearby reservoirs like Tuttle Creek and Milford – or head back to the Kansas Lakes Database.
