Chase State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area

The Chase State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area is located 1.5 miles west of Cottonwood Falls, Kansas off Lake Road. The wildlife area is 383 acres in size. Chase Lake is 109 acres and has a maximum depth of 45 feet. Chase Lake was created in 1954 by the damming of Prather Creek Falls. The uplands in the wildlife area are primarily a native grass prairie habitat. This wildlife area is primarily used by visitors for fishing and camping.

The lake has a rocky shoreline and shallow mudflats on the upper end. The fish species found in the lake include Channel Catfish, Flathead Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Saugeye, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass, Walleye, Bluegill, Crappie, Green Sunfish, and White Bass. The park has a boat launch and there are eight rocky fishing jetties that provide fishing opportunities from the shore. Fishing at Chase Lake can be quite good.

Camping at the Chase State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area is first come first served and there is no charge for camping at the sites. There are about a dozen spots to camp near the north shore of the lake. There are fire rings and picnic tables for campers, there is no drinking water or electricity available, but there is a vault toilet. The park also has a covered picnic shelter.

There is a waterfall in the park that can be explored. Prather Creek Falls (or Chase Lake Falls) can be found below the dam. The water flow can vary greatly depending on the water levels.

Hunting is allowed in the wildlife area but game populations are limited. Species that may be found in the wildlife area include turkey, quail, ducks, white-tailed deer, squirrels, waterfowl, and prairie chicken.