Outdoor Adventures

Lyon State Fishing Lake is a 135-acre public lake near Reading, Kansas, where unusually clear water meets native Flint Hills prairie. Fishing piers, one boat ramp, primitive camping and a short nature trail make it a practical destination for both shore anglers and small-boat visitors.

Lyon State Fishing Lake at a glance

• Official address: 2272 Road 250, Reading, KS 66868
• Lake size: 135 acres
• Public land: 442 acres of state-owned wildlife area around the lake
• Water: KDWP reports an average clarity of 66 inches, supported by a 1,400-acre native tallgrass-prairie drainage basin
• Shore access: Fishing piers and open shoreline areas
• Boat access: One official ramp at 38.54725, -96.06130
• Facilities: Primitive camping, a shelter house and an ADA-accessible pit toilet
• Trail: The 0.5-mile Clinton Eubank Memorial Trail

Getting there, parking and access

KDWP directs visitors 13 miles north of Emporia on Kansas Highway 99 and then two miles east on County Road 270. The agency also lists the destination address as 2272 Road 250, Reading, KS 66868. Save that address and the map below before leaving Emporia because rural data service can be inconsistent.

The official record identifies fishing piers, a shelter area, two iron-ranger locations and a single boat ramp, but it does not publish parking-space counts or trailer-turning dimensions. Use established parking and pull-off areas, keep the ramp clear and avoid driving onto unmowed prairie. Boaters with a large trailer or visitors who need a particular access surface can call the area manager at 620-699-3372 before traveling.

Shore fishing in clear prairie water

The lake’s fishing piers provide the most obvious starting points for bank anglers. Clear water changes the approach: fish can see anglers and heavy tackle more easily, especially on bright, calm days. Begin quietly, make longer casts where practical and work shade, rock, weed edges and any visible depth change before moving to the next pier or shoreline point.

Early morning, evening and breezy periods can be more forgiving than midday sun. A light chop breaks up surface visibility, while the pier rocks create edges that can attract small fish and predators. Bring polarized glasses to read the water, but never assume clear water means a firm bottom—shoreline mud and algae can still be slippery.

Fish species and the 2026 forecast

KDWP’s 2026 species forecasts rate Lyon State Fishing Lake “good” for largemouth bass, saugeye, bluegill and redear sunfish. Forecast tables are based on fisheries sampling, not a guarantee of what will bite on a particular day, but they are useful for choosing tackle and deciding where to start.

• Largemouth bass: Probe rock, vegetation edges, points and shoreline cover with presentations suited to clear water.
• Saugeye: Concentrate on rock, the dam area and depth changes, especially in lower light.
• Bluegill and redear sunfish: Use small jigs, worms or other legal baits around pier edges, cover and protected shallows.
• Channel catfish: Work bottom baits along windblown banks, deeper edges and transitions after checking current limits.

Review the current KDWP largemouth-bass forecast, saugeye forecast and bluegill forecast before the trip. Conditions can change faster than annual sampling.

Boat ramp and on-water planning

KDWP lists one ramp on the lake at 38.54725, -96.06130. Because the agency does not publish current ramp grade, dock status, water depth at the ramp or trailer-parking capacity, check recent conditions or call the manager before towing a large boat. Kayaks and small craft still require proper life jackets and attention to fast-changing Flint Hills wind.

Use the current Kansas boating information for registration and equipment rules. KDWP’s current designated-waters list identifies Lyon State Fishing Lake and its outflow as zebra-mussel waters. Before leaving, remove plants and mud, drain water from boats and gear, and dry equipment to reduce the spread of aquatic invasive species.

Primitive camping and facilities

Primitive camping is available, but Lyon’s special rules allow it only in designated areas. KDWP’s statewide public-land rules limit stays at state fishing lakes and wildlife areas to no more than seven consecutive days unless a posted notice or written permit establishes something different. Campsites are first come and cannot be reserved.

The site has a stone shelter house and a pit toilet that KDWP identifies as ADA accessible. The public listing does not promise potable water, showers, electricity, a dump station or trash service, so arrive ready for a primitive stay. Check the iron ranger and posted notices for current fees or instructions rather than relying on an older third-party listing.

Clinton Eubank Memorial Trail

The 0.5-mile Clinton Eubank Memorial Trail begins near the shelter-house camping area on the southeast side of the lake. It loops from shoreline woodland into native tallgrass prairie and is open year-round for walking. The short route adds an easy wildlife-viewing option, but trail conditions and mowing can vary with weather and season.

Rules, accessibility and safety

• No swimming: KDWP prohibits swimming at Lyon State Fishing Lake.
• No alcohol: Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
• No off-road vehicles or horses: Both uses are prohibited on the area.
• Hunting area: Hunting and trapping are legal on designated portions of the surrounding wildlife area; visitors walking away from developed access should check seasons and wear visible clothing.
• Weather: Watch the full horizon for lightning and sudden strong wind. There is little shelter on open prairie.
• Heat and ticks: Carry water, use sun protection and check for ticks after walking grass or wooded edges.
• Accessible facility: The pit toilet is identified as ADA accessible; call ahead if you need confirmation of accessible routes, parking or pier surfaces.

Fishing licenses, length limits, creel limits and legal methods can change. Read the current KDWP regulations page and all posted notices before fishing or keeping a catch.

Pair it with more Flint Hills stops

For another pier-focused fishing day, compare this lake with our Chase State Fishing Lake guide. Visitors who want a broader prairie walk can also use our Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve guide to build a longer Flint Hills route.

Plan with the official lake record

Use the official KDWP Lyon State Fishing Lake page for the verified address, directions, facilities, trail, current special rules and manager contact. Recheck it shortly before departure for any operational updates.