Webster Reservoir

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Webster Wildlife Area encompasses 8,018 acres of public hunting surrounding 1,481 surface acres of water. A variety of wildlife habitats are developed and maintained to enhance wildlife. Situated along the shores of Webster Reservoir, the area offers hunting, fishing, limited camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing opportunities. The Reservoir is located 9 miles west of Stockton, just off highway 24.

FISHING
Primary sportfish include walleye, wipers, largemouth bass, crappie, channel catfish, and flathead catfish. Smallmouth bass, white bass, and bluegill also provide fine angling opportunities at times.

Seasonal rainbow trout fisheries are maintained in the stilling basin below the dam and in the river directly above the reservoir. Trout are stocked in the stilling basin several times each trout season and are stocked in the river in March of each year when flows are adequate.

Special facilities include an electric fish cleaning station on the north shore of the state park, floating fishing docks in Marina Cove and the Rock Point Cove (when water levels are adequate), and an easy access ramp and pier in the stilling basin.

Length Limits:

  • Black bass - 15 inch minimum (reservoir)
  • Walleye - 15 inch minimum

Catch and Release: A major factor affecting fish populations is angler harvest. Fishing success continues to improve with better knowledge and equipment. As a result, more restrictive regulations are needed. Voluntary catch and release also extends a limited fish resource. Reduced harvest of small fish allows more fish to reach a larger, more desirable size. Releasing larger fish increases their recreational use and keeps them in the water to help control undesirable fish by predation. A fish released properly is an investment in future fishing opportunities.

HUNTING
Hunting pressure can be heavy on the wildlife area. Hunts after November and during mid-week may be less crowded. Primary game species include pheasants, quail, deer, turkey, and waterfowl. Hunter-use surveys are conducted to evaluate management practices. Hunter participation in these surveys is important.

An area is open to vehicle access for the disabled persons through a special permit. Contact the Webster Area Office for details.

The waterfowl refuge is closed to all activities between November 1 and January 31.

Special hunts, intended to provide a quality opportunity, are available at Webster. To learn more about and to apply for these and other special hunts offered throughout the state, see the Special Hunts Brochure available in June HERE. Applications must be submitted by July 1 each year.

CAMPING
The adjacent State Park offers modern and primitive camping sites the year-round. Camping with vehicle access on the wildlife area is limited to four designated areas. The areas are free, and you must take your trash with you.

BOATING
Four boat ramps provide access for area users; three in the state park and one in the Wildlife Area. At low water levels, only the boat ramp in Rock Point Campground in the State Park is usable.

WATCHABLE WILDLIFE
The area offers excellent opportunities to view and photograph deer, bald eagles, pheasants, ducks, and more.

Address:
1140 10 Road
Stockton,KS    67669
County/Counties:
Area News - Updated: 09/08/2023

Webster Reservoir currently does not have any blue-green algae.

Hunters and their dogs should avoid coming in contact with blue-green algae. If contact occurs, make sure to rinse thoroughly with clean, fresh water. Visit the Kansas Department of Health and Environment website to learn more about blue-green algae and to stay updated on the latest blue-green algae watches and warnings.

You can find more information about harmful algal blooms at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment here.

General Information
Address:
1140 10 Road
 
Stockton, KS    67669
County/Counties:

Area Manager: Cale Hedges

Fish Biologist: Mark Shaw

District Biologist: Eric Wiens

State Park Manager: Zach Kesler

Area located 9 miles West and 1/4 mile South of Stockton, KS on US Highway 24.

Webster Reservoir & WA (PDF 255.65 kB)
Special Regulations
  • Many furbearers inhabit the area. When the season is open, trapping and running is allowed in areas open to hunting.
  • Hiking is permitted throughout the area (except for in areas posted "Closed to All Activities”).
  • Riding of horses is only permitted on established roads.
  • Turn in polluters, poachers, unsafe boaters and public land vandals. Call: 1 (800) 228-4263

Here is a complete list of Public Land Regulations or you can download the regulation summary.

History

Webster Wildlife Area and Reservoir is located 9 miles west and 1/4 mile south miles of Stockton on US Highway 24. Webster Wildlife Area is primarily a Bureau of Reclamation property that is managed by the Ks. Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism and comprises 1,481 acres of water and 8,018 acres of land. Of the 8,018 acres of land, 1,960 acres are owned by the State. The lake dates back to 1957, when the area was purchased and built by the Bureau of Reclamation. The State land was also purchased in 1957.

Webster Areas

Morel Campground



Brown's Lot

Webster Waterfowl Report - 02/23/2024
Waterfowl numbers

Snow goose numbers have been highly variable on Webster throughout the week. There was a small group loafing on the reservoir throughout the week but for the most part birds are migrating through quickly.

We sent in samples of suspected sick geese on 12/12. Snow geese sent in were all confirmed positive for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza.

Water level 1876.7'; 16' below conservation pool.
Hunting conditions Irrigation season resulted in drastically lower lake levels. Portions of the west end of the reservoir are dry while the lake has receded in many areas. Most of the reservoir is surrounded by bare shoreline.
Expected hunting success Poor
Comments

Refuge and non-motorized boat area dates: Nov. 1 through Jan. 31. Morel boat ramp is currently dry. The Goose Flats, and Rockpoint boat ramps within the State Park are accessible. Hunters need a park pass to access boat ramps in the state park.

There is a non-motorized boat area at Webster that is walk-in only that is intended for shore hunters. The area starts at the southeast corner of the reservoir and goes west to Morel boat ramp. This regulation is in effect from Nov. 1 through Jan. 31. 

Hunting in or from the shoreline inside the State Park or along the face of the dam is prohibited. Please see the attached PDF and Google Earth file to see updated refuge boundaries and dates. Closed areas will be marked with buoys.

REMINDER: Camping is not permitted on the wildlife area, including in parking lots, except for in designated campgrounds. Ground fires are also not permitted except in provided fire rings within campgrounds.

Blue/Green Algae

There are currently no blue-green algae advisories for the lake.

Webster Reservoir currently does not have zebra mussels. Please be sure equipment is cleaned and dry before coming to Webster from other places.

Teal Season

September 9, 2023- September 24, 2023

Duck Season on Webster Reservoir - Low Plains Late Zone    

October 28, 2023 - December 31, 2023 and January 20-28, 2024

Youth Weekend, Duck and Goose

October 21-23, 2023

Goose Season on Webster Reservoir

CANADA GEESE  October 28-29, 2023 and November 1, 2023 - February 11, 2024

WHITE-FRONTED   October 28, 2023 - December 31, 2023 and January 20 - February 11, 2024

LIGHT GEESE  October 28-29, 2023 and November 1, 2023 - February 11, 2024

Sandhill Crane Season on Webster Reservoir - Central Crane Zone

November 8, 2023 - January 4, 2024

LIGHT GOOSE CONSERVATION ORDER

February 12 - April 30, 2024

 

 Webster Wildlife Area and Refuge Map

 Click here for PDF

Click here for Google Earth KMZ