🎣 The Fishing Capital of Kansas — 15,700 Acres of Walleye, White Bass, and Wipers on the Biggest Lake in the State — Milford State Park on Milford Lake near Junction City, Kansas with 1,084-acre park, 15,700-acre reservoir (Kansas’s largest), walleye/crappie/white bass/wipers/catfish/smallmouth bass, 200+ campsites, cabins, full-service marina, swimming beach, 12+ miles trails (hike/bike/horse), Milford Nature Center, Milford Fish Hatchery, 19,000-acre Milford Wildlife Area, 160+ miles shoreline — Geary County, KS
Milford Lake is the largest lake in Kansas — 15,700 surface acres with over 160 miles of shoreline. Known as the “Fishing Capital of Kansas,” this reservoir has produced the state record smallmouth bass and hosts major fishing tournaments throughout the year.
The state park covers 1,084 acres on the southeast shore, offering 200+ campsites, a full-service marina, swimming beach, and 12 miles of multi-use trails. Surrounding the lake: the 19,000-acre Milford Wildlife Area, a nature center, and a working fish hatchery.
Fishing
| Species | Details |
|---|---|
| Walleye | Milford’s signature fish. Spring and fall best. Tournament-caliber population |
| Crappie | Excellent — particularly around brush piles and standing timber |
| White Bass | Spring run up the Republican River — fast action, large schools |
| Wipers | Hybrid striped bass — hard fighters. Summer surface feeding frenzies |
| Smallmouth Bass | State record came from Milford. Rocky points and rip-rap |
| Catfish | Blue and channel catfish — night fishing productive. Large fish possible |
Recreation & Facilities
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Camping | 200+ sites — primitive to full hookup. Modern cabin rentals |
| Marina | Full-service — gas, bait, supplies, pontoon rentals, food |
| Swimming | Sandy swimming beach with day-use area |
| Trails | 12+ miles — hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding |
| Nature Center | Milford Nature Center — exhibits on Kansas ecology, live animals |
| Fish Hatchery | Milford Fish Hatchery — tours available. See where Kansas stocks its lakes |
| Wildlife Area | 19,000-acre Milford WA — hunting, birding, wildlife viewing |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Best For |
|---|---|
| Spring (Apr–May) | 🎣 White bass run. Walleye active. Crappie spawn. Best fishing season |
| Fall (Sep–Oct) | Walleye feeding heavily. Cool camping. Fewer crowds |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Swimming beach, full marina, wiper surface action. Family camping |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Ice fishing possible. Eagle watching on the lake |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this really the biggest lake in Kansas?
Yes — Milford Lake is Kansas’s largest reservoir at 15,700 acres with 160+ miles of shoreline. It was created by damming the Republican River in 1967.
Why is it called the Fishing Capital of Kansas?
Milford consistently produces tournament-winning catches of walleye, crappie, white bass, and wipers. The state record smallmouth bass came from this lake.
Is there a marina?
Yes — full-service marina with fuel, bait, food, supplies, and pontoon boat rentals.
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Tuttle Creek State Park is within about an hour’s drive, and Kaw River State Park is elsewhere in the state.
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for Kansas state parks online at reserveamerica.com.
🎣 The Biggest Lake in Kansas
15,700 acres. 160+ miles of shoreline. Walleye, wipers, and the state record smallmouth bass — the undisputed Fishing Capital of Kansas.
Park Location
Plan your gear for Milford State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
