ATCHISON STATE FISHING LAKE AND WIDLIFE AREA
ATCHISON STATE FISHING LAKE AND WIDLIFE AREA
Acquisition: The land was purchased in 1955 and the lake was constructed in 1956. Fish were stocked in 1957 and opened to fishing for the first time in 1959.
Area Description: The lake covers approximately 66 acres and has extensive shallow water in the west end. The rest of the lake in characterized by flats on the northwest side and gradual to steep drop offs to 15 to 30 feet over the rest of the area. There is an 182 acre wildlife area adjoining the lake. Of this, approximately 136 acres plus the lake are open to hunting.
Primitive camping is allowed on the south and east side of the lake. Fishing piers, fish feeders, boat ramp and dock, picnic facilities and restrooms are available on site. Rural water is provided at the southeast entrance to the area.
Channel cat and bluegill are the most popular fish, but good numbers of largemouth bass, black crappie, redear sunfish, and walleye can be found. Brushpiles have been placed in the lake for fish habitat. All but a few of these brushpiles are accessible to shoreline anglers. Special creel limits and length limits are in place to ensure quality fishing.
Impoundment Type: State Fishing LakeSurface Acres: 66 acresMaximum Depth: 32 feetNormal Lake Level: FullThe lake has Motor Boat Access
Fishing Population:Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Crappie, Flathead Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Redear Sunfish, Walleye
It was 10:00 in the morning, 80 degrees, about five feet from shore. I was using a #2 mepps spinner when I hooked into a 10# channel cat that would put any largemouth bass to shame. The more people tell me that all catfish are are bottom feeding sluggards, the more I catch on spinner baits and other lures. I know I have a cat instead of a bass because the former slug it out at the bottom and the latter go for the surface in order to shake the hook.
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