Council Grove Wildlife Area

Area News
Brochures
Facilities
Council Grove ADA Compliant
Council Grove Waterfowl Report

The reservoir has a combination of steep rocky shoreline and shallow mudflats. Two good fishing streams, Munkers Creek on the east and the Neosho River on the west, feed the lake. Two boat ramps and handicap accessible sidewalks provide access to these streams. Fair to excellent populations of crappie, channel catfish, saugeye, white bass, wiper, and largemouth bass are found in the lake. Wildlife area lands primarily consist of woodlands, cropland, and small native grass tracts. Hunting is allowed and hunters may find fair to excellent populations of white-tailed deer, wild turkey, quail, squirrel, rabbit, dove, and waterfowl. Frequent flooding events however, may limit upland wildlife populations in some years.

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Phone:
Address:
1130 Lake Road,
Council Grove,KS    66846
County/Counties:

Manager: Brent Konen

Phone: 620-767-5900

Council Grove Reservoir is located in east-central Morris County, on the Neosho River, 1.5 miles northwest of Council Grove.

Area News - Updated: 08/17/2023

Area News

Want Current Lake Condition Information?  It’s Just a Click Away!

It can be argued that technology is not always a good thing.  But for outdoor recreationists wanting to know current information about Council Grove Lake, technology can be good because the information is available and can be accessed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, by visiting the internet on your computer or smart phone.

For those interested in learning more about current or historic lake levels, precipitation amounts, lake inflow, or lake releases, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers operates a convenient web site providing this information.  Whether you are an angler interested in lake conditions to determine if it might be right for pursuing your favorite species of fish or are a boater or camper wondering how lake conditions have been impacted by recent drought or rains, the website can be a valuable trip planning tool.  To access this information simply visit:

http://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/COUN.lakepage.html

General Information
Phone:
Address:
1130 Lake Road,
 
Council Grove, KS    66846
County/Counties:

Manager: Brent Konen

Phone: 620-767-5900

Council Grove Reservoir is located in east-central Morris County, on the Neosho River, 1.5 miles northwest of Council Grove.


Special Regulations
  • Special length and creel limits may apply for some fish species at Council Grove Reservoir. Please consult the Council Grove Fishing Information Page.
  • Vehicles are restricted to established maintained roads.
  • Off-road vehicle use is prohibited.
  • Camping is not allowed on the wildlife area. Excellent camping facilities can be found at area Corps of Engineer parks. Contact (620) 767-5195 for more information.

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

History

The 3,310 acre reservoir was constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1964. In 1965, a license agreement was granted from the Corps of Engineers to establish the wildlife area. The wildlife area consists of 2,638 acres of land and water at the upper ends of the reservoir, and is primarily managed to provide public hunting and fishing opportunities.

Council Grove Facilities
Neosho River Boat Ramp and Handicap Accessible Fishing
  • Type of Facility: Boat Ramp
  • This facility is ADA accessible
  • Location of Facility: N38 43 08.0 W096 33 32.6
  • Click for more information
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    Handicap Accessible Fishing


Gilmore Creek Parking Area and Information Kiosk
  • Type of Facility: Parking Lot
  • Location of Facility: N38 42 58.9 W096 34 04.1
  • Click for more information
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Kelso Church Parking Area and Information Kiosk
  • Type of Facility: Parking Lot
  • Location of Facility: N38 43 55.5 W096 34 15.4
  • Click for more information
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East Angle Road Parking Area
  • Type of Facility: Parking Lot
  • Location of Facility: N38 43 02.1 W096 32 52.0
  • Click for more information
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West Angle Road Parking Area
  • Type of Facility: Parking Lot
  • Location of Facility: N38 43 25.7 W096 33 20.0
  • Click for more information
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Slough Creek Parking Area and Information Kiosk
  • Type of Facility: Parking Lot
  • Location of Facility: N38 43 54.2 W096 32 55.1
  • Click for more information
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Short Creek Parking Area
  • Type of Facility: Parking Lot
  • Location of Facility: N38 43 41.6 W096 30 37.8
  • Click for more information
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850 Road Parking Area
  • Type of Facility: Parking Lot
  • Location of Facility: N38 44 46.3 W096 29 30.9
  • Click for more information
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Munkers Creek Boat Ramp & Handicap Accessible Fishing
  • Type of Facility: Boat Ramp
  • This facility is ADA accessible
  • Location of Facility: N38 43 54.9 W096 29 47.1
  • Click for more information
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    Handicap Accessible Fishing


North Munkers Creek Parking Area
  • Type of Facility: Parking Lot
  • Location of Facility: N38 44 27.5 W096 29 15.6
  • Click for more information
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Munkers Creek Information Kiosk
  • Type of Facility: Information Center
  • Location of Facility: N38 44 21.0 W096 30 03.0
  • Click for more information
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South Munkers Creek Parking Area
  • Type of Facility: Parking Lot
  • Location of Facility: N38 44 25.6 W096 29 11.9
  • Click for more information
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Office and Information Kiosk
  • Type of Facility: Office
  • Location of Facility: N38 41 57.6 W096 32 22.8
  • Click for more information
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Council Grove Waterfowl Report - 02/27/2024
Waterfowl numbers No snow geese observed.  Waterfowl viewing opportunities are good in shallow water habitats near the upper ends of the reservoir.                              
Water levels 1.7 feet below conservation elevation (1,274') on 2/27/24.    
Hunting conditions Lake levels have increased with recent snow melt and rainfall.  Lake was 0% ice covered on 2/27/24.  The lake remained relatively full during summer months until hot and dry conditions persisted in late July and August.  Lake levels then declined, pulling water away from cover edges within some portions of the lake, particularly on both upper ends.  As lake levels receded some moist soil vegetation became established within upper fringes of the lake but is mostly above the lake water level.  Some moist soil vegetation now contains sheet water providing enhanced feeding opportunities for some duck species.          
Expected hunting success Poor for snow geese.           
Comments Low Plains Late Zone Duck Season and Dark Goose seasons are CLOSED.  Light Goose Spring Conservation Order is open through April 30.                                  
Wildlife Viewing

Scenic Council Grove Lake has a rocky shoreline and an abundance of picnic, camping, boating, and hiking areas. During spring and fall, the reservoir attracts flocks of migrating ducks, geese, cormorants, and gulls. In winter bald eagles are frequently seen perched in the trees surrounding the lake. The Canada geese are quite tame and often allow vehicles to approach. The Canning Creek Cove area has a trail of eastern bluebird nest boxes along the entrance drive. Watch for the bluebirds in the spring.  The shady picnic and campground areas have nesting robins, kingbirds, and orioles. Bat houses have been erected here and at several other places around the lake.

To look for wildlife in a different habitat visit the Council Grove Wildlife Area along Munkers Creek along the northeast arm of the lake just off K-177 highway (red dot on map). Watch for deer and squirrels. The narrow, wooded lane also provides visitors the opportunity to view winter sparrows, towhees, cardinals, and woodpeckers from the comfort of a car.  During spring migration the woods along this creek may be alive with warblers, vireos, flycatchers, and other songbirds.  NOTE: This is a dead-end road.   The low-water crossing at the east end can only be reached by foot.