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Woodson State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area
Upland bluestem prairie is prevalent in the adjacent Woodson Wildlife Area. On the east side of the lake the cool, wooded ravines are great for exploring. Ferns and mosses grow around the rocky outcroppings and clear pools formed by the dripping stream.
In March and April watch for lesser scaup, goldeneyes, and buffleheads on the lake. Survey the shallows for great blue herons and the mudflats for least sandpipers and lesser and greater yellowlegs. The woodlands and thickets are inhabited by a variety of woodpeckers and songbirds. In early spring, you may hear the song of western chorus frogs coming from the lake's edge. From May into summer, listen for northern cricket frogs and bullfrogs calling from the lake and gray treefrogs from the prairie and woodland edge. Examine rocky sites for lizards, skinks, and snakes. Be alert for copperheads! Painted turtles and sliders may bask on logs in the water. Tracks of opossum, raccoon, and deer are frequently seen on the mudflats. Watch for these secretive mammals in the twilight hours. Listen at night for the barred owl, chuck-will's-widow, and the "yip yip yeowww" of the coyote. A variety of damselflies and dragonflies frequent the lake, and butterflies are found in the woods and grasslands. In the woodland edge and open prairie you may see raptors, mourning doves, and upland plovers. Blinds are available for spring viewing of greater prairie chickens. Call the Toronto/Fall River Unit Office at Toronto State Park (620-637-2213) for arrangements.
Ownership:
The entity responsible for management of Woodson Lake
is the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks.
Contact them at (620) 431-0380 if you have
specific questions about use or management of this site. 2,850 acres
Questions or comments about Natural Kansas may be directed to Jim Mason
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30 camping pads and
primitive camping.
No developed
trails.
