Miami State Fishing Lake, courtesy of Travel Kansas.
Miami State Fishing Lake & Wildlife Area includes 101 acres of water bounded by 149 acres of timbered hillsides in a scenic valley along the Marais des Cygnes River.
This quiet lake offers excellent fishing, including Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Crappie, and White Bass.
Free primitive camping is available on the earthen piers, offering basic amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. However, there are no electric hookups, showers, or potable water sources available on-site. Campers should come prepared with their own supplies, including drinking water.
Reservations are not accepted for this campground, as it operates on a first-come, first-served basis. The camping area is open year-round, allowing visitors to enjoy a range of outdoor activities, including fishing, boating, hiking, camping, and picnicking.
Swimming, alcoholic liquor, and cereal malt beverages are prohibited. Fires are authorized only in the provided metal fire rings and grills. A No Trash policy is enforced, so visitors must take their trash with them when they leave.
Marais des Cygnes River.
Miami State Lake dates back to 1931, when a private sportsman group was managing it as a 90-acre duck marsh. Kansas Wildlife and Parks purchased the lake in 1941 to be managed as a state fishing lake. A dam was constructed in the late 1930s as part of the Works Progress Administration. Today, the dam is a popular spot for fishing and offers excellent views of the lake.
The lake has undergone several major renovations. In 1972, the lake was drained and rebuilt to impound 118 acres of water with a boat ramp and 14 fishing piers. In 2000, the lake underwent major repairs to the dike. In 2001, renovations included the removal of the existing fishery, habitat construction, fish stockings, and the addition of a parking area. A boat ramp, courtesy dock, 14 earthen piers, and a vault toilet are available for lake users.
Wildlife using the lake and adjacent timbered hillsides include a variety of waterfowl, song birds, great blue herons, turkey, furbearers, squirrels, white tailed deer, bobcats, coyotes, and quail. Hunting is permitted by legal means during set seasons. Steel shot is required for all waterfowl hunting. The steep timbered hillsides are a mix of hickory, oaks, maple, ash, and elm. Eagles frequently perch on the tall sycamores along the Marais des Cygnes River.
The lake and wildlife area are about six miles northwest of La Cygne, Kansas.
Miami State Fishing Lake Area Map.
©Kathy Alexander/Legends of Kansas, updated September 2025.
Also See:
Sources:
Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks
Kansas Travel
Roadnotes
Snoflo
State Parks