Land Acquisition: In 1933 320 acres of property was donated to the Forestry Fish and Game Commission by J.C. Fegan on which to build a state lake. In 1974 the purchase of an adjoining 2,245 additional acres was completed from Robert Blair. Another parcel of 320 acres was purchased in 1976, which was the last parcel added to the area. This brings the total acreage of the Woodson Area to 2,885 acres.

Area Description:The oak covered Chautauqua Hills lie along the east and south side of the lake, along with the native grass covered rolling terrain to the west and north, provide a beautiful setting for Woodson State Fishing Lake. The lake itself is 180 surface acres and is located on a tributary of Big Sandy Creek. About 75% of public use on the area centers around the lake. Primary use is by anglers; however, the beautiful setting of the lake draws many campers and day users. Facilities provided for public use include two information kiosks, one shelter house, four vault toilets, 40 primitive camping sites, one boat ramp, one handicap accessible boat/fishing dock, five earthen fishing piers and seven miles of gravel roads.

The management of Woodson State Lake continues to focus on providing the public with a quality fishing experience. There are seven solar powered fish feeders located across the lake. This supplemental feeding program increases the average size of channel cat, wiper and bluegill in the lake. Catching a trophy size channel cat is a good possibility. Fish populations managed for at Woodson State Lake include Channel Cat, Wiper, Large and Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, Black Crappie, and Panfish (bluegill and redear sunfish).

Woodson Wildlife Area is situated around the Woodson State Lake.The oak covered Chautauqua Hills which lie along the east and south side of the lake, along with the native grass covered rolling terrain to the west and north, provide diversified habitat for several species of wildlife. Primitive camping is available around Woodson State Lake, there are also two information kiosks, one shelter house, and four vault toilets available to users.

Area management will focus on providing the public with a quality outdoor experience, while managing wildlife and wildlife habitat with and ecological based approach in mind. Species managed for at Woodson Wildlife Area are deer , quail, turkey, squirrels, and doves. Waterfowl hunting is allowed in the upper end of Woodson State Lake.