Lyon State Fishing Lake

Lyon State Fishing Lake is situated on the eastern fringe of the scenic Flint Hills of Kansas. The lake is located 5 miles west of Reading on Highway K-170, then 1 mile north. The 140-acre lake is surrounded by 442 acres of state-owned and managed property. Native tallgrass prairie comprises most of this property, as well as the surrounding privately owned lands.

The State of Kansas acquired the lake property in 1931. Much of the construction work was accomplished by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). Their work is most visible today in the native limestone guard posts on the dam and the inlaid riprap on the face of the dam and spillway. A native stone shelter-house was constructed in 1951.

Camping

Ample space is available for both camping and picnicking. Such activities; however, are restricted to those areas maintained through mowing. Regulations limit camping to stays of no more than 14 consecutive days. A NO TRASH POLICY is in effect, and all visitors are asked to remove their own trash. Some picnic tables and grills are available. Drinking water is not available.

Alcoholic beverages are prohibited at Lyon State Fishing Lake.

Fishing & Boating

Numerous points are found around Lyon State Lake for fishing from the shoreline. Seven rock fishing piers provide shoreline access to deeper waters. Channel catfish, largemouth bass, bluegill, and white crappie are among the species stocked in the lake. Brushpiles for fish habitat have been placed in the lake over the years.

Special regulations such as creel limits and length limits may be in effect for some fish species. Check the Kansas Fishing Regulations Summary and all posted notices before fishing. Trotlines and setlines are prohibited at Lyon State Fishing Lake unless authorized by local posted notice.

Boating is allowed on the lake for fishing and hunting only. Pleasure boating is strictly prohibited.

Wildlife

Habitat for a variety of wildlife exists in the tallgrass prairie and bushy ravines of Lyon State Fishing Lake. Management activities conducted to enhance the quality of the habitat includes controlled burns, brush piles, and wildlife food plots. Prairie chicken, bobwhite quail, squirrels, waterfowl, rabbits, and white-tailed deer are common to the lake area. Hunting is legal at Lyon State Fishing Lake except in those areas maintained by mowing.

Those areas open to hunting are also open to furbearer hunting and trapping. common furbearers include coyotes, bobcats, beavers, skunks, and opossums.

Target practice of any kind is strictly prohibited.