BOATING

October 30, 2024

A Boater's Guide to the Best Lakes & Reservoirs in Kanasas

By NBOA

El Dorado Lake

01.

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.

Wilson Lake Reservoir

02.

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.

Tuttle Creek Lake

03.

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.

Cheney Reservoir

04.

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.

Pomona Lake

05.

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.

Kansas 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.

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.