BOATERS BLOG

Kansas is one of the best Midwestern states for boating, with over 150 lakes, state parks, and reservoirs waiting to be explored and over 40 fully-stocked state fishing lakes. Whether you desire a recreational cruise with a scenic view, thrilling watersports, or a tranquil day of fishing and angling, Kansas has you covered. Here at the National Boat Owners Association, our boating experts are diving into the numerous waterways of Kansas, identifying which ones you should check out based on your personal preference and reviewing some important state-wide boating laws and guidelines to keep in mind. 

Where to Go Boating in Kansas

El Dorado Lake

Kansas is home to more than 40 state lakes that are well stocked with fish of all sorts, including trout, catfish, crappie, panfish, walleye, largemouth bass, white bass, wiper, saugers, and more. El Dorado Lake is among the best sportfishing lakes in Kansas and is conveniently located in El Dorado State Park, the largest state park in Kansas. There are four main access points to the 8,000-acre lake, Bluestem Point, Shady Creek, Boulder Bluff, and Walnut River, and a marina near Shady Creek where you can load up your fishing boat and enjoy a peaceful day surrounded by the scenic Flint Hills. 

Wilson Lake Reservoir

Ten miles north of Wilson city in Russell County, Kansas, is Wilson State Park, which surrounds the 9,000-acre Wilson Lake Reservoir. Visitors find Wilson Lake Reservoir an optimal place to unplug, fish, sail, cruise, and water ski. If the views of picturesque rocky outcrops, alluring rolling hills, and striking cliffs of the Smoky Hills aren’t enough to attract you, which anyone would find that hard to believe, perhaps the myriad of recreational and outdoor activities, like boating, swimming, and bass angling, will do the trick.  

Tuttle Creek Lake

Tuttle Creek Lake, the second largest lake in Kansas, is tucked among the gorgeous Flint Hills and provides visitors with the perfect water oasis for fishing, recreational cruising, water sports, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and paddle boating. Boating on this 12,500-acre lake is just as fun and beautiful as it is convenient, with swimming beaches, boat ramps, courtesy docks, a full-service marina, and campsites ready to be utilized for a complete weekend getaway. 

Cheney Reservoir

If sailing is your cup of tea, then Cheney Reservoir is calling your name. Located just six miles north of Cheney and approximately 20 miles west of Wichita, the Cheney Reservoir lies between three Kansas counties, Reno, Kingman, and Sedgwick. As one of the top sailing lakes in all of the United States, you can attend as a spectator or participant in several regatta events held by The Ninnescah Sailing Organization each year. Visitors of the Chenery Reservoir also enjoy relaxing, cruising, fishing, windsurfing, water skiing, and other watersports on the 9,500-acre lake.   

Pomona Lake 

The Water Sports Capital of Kansas, Osage County, is home to the 4,000-acre Pomona Lake. Of course, wake surfing, water skiing, wakeboarding, and other tow water sports are some of the most popular boating activities on Pomona Lake. The windy weather also provides exceptional conditions for wind sports, like kite surfing and sailing, and fishing for catfish, wiper, white bass, and crappie is also common. Boaters will have no problem finding services, including slip rentals, fuel, boat repairs, and fishing supplies, since there are two marinas, North Shore Marina and Lighthouse Bay Marine, on each side of the lake. 

Kansas Boating Rules & Guidelines 

Do I Need a Kansas Boating License?

Boating safely and legally in Kansas begins with obtaining a Kansas Boater Education Card, also known more simply as a boating license. Teens as young as 12 years old are legally allowed to operate a boat in Kansas, as long as they hold a valid Kansas boating license or are accompanied by an adult over the age of 20. Although all Kansas boaters are encouraged to stay up to date on boat safety education and obtain a boating license, anyone over the age of 20 does not need a boating license to operate a boat in Kansas legally. 

Do I Need Kansas Boat Insurance?

Although it is not a requirement by the state of Kansas that boat owners be equipped with proper boat insurance, it is highly encouraged. Boating can be unpredictable, in addition to undesirable weather like strong winds, lightning, and flooding that could cause damage to your watercraft. Having the right boat insurance ensures a wonderful and relaxing boating experience with peace of mind that you and your investment are covered. At NBOA, we work to find the ideal A-rated boat insurance carrier with a policy and rate to fit your lifestyle and budget.  

For more information about securing optimum boat insurance coverage or to begin your marine quote, visit NBOAT.com.

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