Nestled in the rolling prairie and cropland covered hills of western Kansas, Sheridan State Fishing Lake provides a serene getaway for camping, fishing, and picnicking or just simply relaxing.

The area is located 12 miles east of Hoxie, just one mile north of Highway 24. The lake covers 50 acres and is surrounded by a 216-acre timber and native grass wildlife area.

The area is open to archery and shotgun hunting only. Waterfowl hunting is not allowed.

There is no charge for camping. Designated sites provide primitive camping near the shoreline with plenty of trees for shade. Picnic tables and fire rings are located at many of the sites. The Department asks that any fires be contained in the provided metal fire rings and to never leave a fire unsupervised. Modern vault toilets are centrally located on both the east and west sides of the lake.

UPDATED July 30, 2025

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks today shared plans for a large-scale renovation at Sheridan State Fishing Lake in Sheridan County. 

The Sheridan State Fishing Lake property spans 316 acres, and it is visited annually by 22,750 people who come to fish, camp, and picnic. The lake was constructed in 1959 to provide fishing opportunities. Over time, the lakebed filled in with sediment. KDWP staff also struggled to maintain healthy fish populations at the lake, despite attempting multiple management approaches. The agency began draining the lake in early 2024 in anticipation of renovations, and the work is expected to continue through Spring 2027, with an anticipated lake reopening in Summer 2027.

Renovation Highlights

• Complete draining and dredging of the lake and subsequent reshaping of the lakebed
• Construction of earthen fishing piers
• Shoreline reinforcement with rocks and boulders to prevent erosion
• Improved fish habitat and stocking with sportfish and the smaller fish they feed on
• Campsite upgrades, including picnic tables, fire rings, and road maintenance
• Invasive tree control

Visitor Impacts

The property remains open for camping and other visitation. Fishing and boating opportunities will remain unavailable for at least two more years, though the nearby Antelope Lake in Graham County is open for fishing. Visitors should anticipate intermittent closures of portions of the property as the renovations progress.