Kansas Lakes

Photo by Ian Kluft 2009

Happy Fourth of July to all! Many Kansans will be headed out to various Kansas lakes and reservoirs to enjoy a day on the water and some quality fireworks. The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks teamed up with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to provide beautiful lakes across Kansas for water control, drinking, fishing, camping and pure entertainment. More than 150 lakes, 10,000 stream miles, and 55,000 ponds make the state attractive to boaters of many types. Most of the lakes are well-served by public access facilities and provide excellent opportunities for anglers, swimmers, skiers, sailboaters, powerboaters, canoeists and others. In addition to firework displays at many state parks, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) has planned a number of special park events. Fishing tournaments continue as a favorite summer pastime, while other events — including a veterans reunion at El Dorado State Park, a sand castle contest at Lovewell, boat races at Kanopolis, and a trail run at Perry — make state park visits a July treat.

See a calendar of scheduled events at:
http://www.kdwp.state.ks.us/news/State-Parks/JULY-PEAK-OF-SEASON-AT-KANSAS-STATE-PARKS and
http://kdwp.state.ks.us/news/State-Parks/This-Week's-Events

Find a map of state parks and contact information at:
http://www.kdwp.state.ks.us/news/State-Parks/Locations

Find a list of all lakes in Kansas and the US Army Corps of Engineers parks:
http://corpslakes.usace.army.mil/visitors/states.cfm?state=KS

Find a map of where you can put your boat in:
http://www.kdwp.state.ks.us/news/Boating/KS-State-Boating-Access

Going fishing this weekend? Find out the best fishing holes:
http://www.kdwp.state.ks.us/news/Fishing/Where-to-Fish-in-Kansas
http://www.takemefishing.org/

Check your catch against the record holders:
http://www.kdwp.state.ks.us/news/Fishing/State-Record-Fish

Make sure you're fishing in accordance with state regulations:
http://www.kdwp.state.ks.us/news/Fishing/Fishing-Regulations

Don't forget to bring a few dollars to pay park fees and/or permits:
http://www.kdwp.state.ks.us/news/State-Parks/Park-Fees

And don't forget to register your boat!
http://www.kdwp.state.ks.us/news/Boating/Registering-Your-Boat

On Monday, be sure to wash out your boats to prevent zebra mussels and other aquatic nuisance species from migrating:
http://www.protectyourwaters.net/
http://www.kdwp.state.ks.us/news/Fishing/Aquatic-Nuisance-Species

Lastly, please have a happy 4th and stay safe this weekend:
http://www.kdwp.state.ks.us/news/Boating/CAUTION-ADVISED-FOR-BOATERS-THIS-HOLIDAY-WEEKEND

Article contact: Kim Harp