Hodgeman State Fishing Lake

Lake News
Facilities
Hodgeman Alert

10/5/18 The Hazardous blue green algae bloom at Hodgman continues.  This past week the microcystin levels were the highest of the year.  Limit your contact with the water and wash hands thouroughly if you do.  DO NOT LET YOUR PETS NEAR THE WATER!  This is very important with the upcoming duck season that starts October 13.

Hodgeman State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area is a 501 acre public hunting and fishing area. The property is located in Hodgeman County two miles south and three miles east of Jetmore, Kansas. Approximately 366 acres of the area is native grass with timber along the drainage and lake edge,48 acres of cropland, and intermittent lake covers approximately 87 acres when full. In 2005 money was allocated to the area to help seal the property due to a fault line in the northwest part of the lake. A heavy plastic linear was placed at the bottom of the lake, along the dam and outlet structure. The liner covers approximately 4 acres of the lake bottom.

Fishing:

Although the drainage has an excellent history of supplying water to the lake, the lake has a history of losing this water within a year or two after filling. Numerous studies have been carried out in an attempt to identify the leak. Results have been less than decisive. It is believed that the lake bottom may be porous enough to allow widespread loss. In the future, a sealing process may be developed that could be used. When water is available, all attempts are made to stock the area with channel catfish, largemouth bass, bluegill, and redear sunfish. If possible, catchable size fish are stocked to supply immediate opportunities. The lake is currently 1/3 full (10/28/2014).

Hunting:

Hunting is allowed on all portions of the property. Species available include white-tailed and mule deer, pheasant, dove, rabbit, and waterfowl when water is present. A parking lot is available at the main entrance for visitor convenience.  This area serves as a handicapped hunting area.  Individuals that qualify for and receive a handicapped hunting permit will be allowed special vehicle access.  For more information contact the area manager.

Phone:
County/Counties:

Manager: Brent Clark 620-276-8886

Lake News - Updated: 12/21/2006

Hodgeman Lake News

Lake is Dry.

General Information
Phone:
County/Counties:

Manager: Brent Clark 620-276-8886


Special Regulations
  • Please check current written regulations and posted information at the entrance for creel and size limits
  • Vehicles should stay on established trails. Off trail driving is prohibited.
  • Open fires are not allowed on the area.
  • A no trash policy is in effect. Please take your trash with you.
  • Consult area information boards or the area manager for additional information concerning rules and regulations.

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

History

The original 254 acres was purchased in 1956 with Federal DJ funds. An additional 247 acres was purchased by the department from Judy Delaney in 2014.

In 2014, KDWP acquired an additional 247 acres to add to Hodgeman Wildlife Area.  With the added land we will no longer be closing the west entrance gate prior to hunting season.  This has been a practice for many years due to the smaller size of the area and the road accessed the middle of the property.  This area still serves as a handicapped hunting area and those that get handicapped hunting permits can contact the area manager to better access the area.

Hodgeman Facilities
Boat Ramp
  • Type of Facility: Boat Ramp
  • Location of Facility: N38 02 58.37 W99 49 36.85
  • Click for more information

    This boat ramp is located on the area for hunting and fishing only.