Cedar Bluff Wildlife Area
Location/Address:
32001 HWY 147
Ellis, KS 67637
County/Counties: Trego
GPS: N38 48 43.00 N99 43 58.50
Area Manager: Kent Hensley
Phone: (785) 726-3212
ATTENTION: Daily Hunt Permits Required of ALL HUNTERS on Cedar Bluff Wildlife Area - See story (click Area News button above)
The Cedar Bluff Property is owned by the Bureau of Reclamation and through MOU is managed by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks for outdoor recreation. The construction of the Cedar Bluff Dam began in 1949 and was completed in 1952 The reservoir initially filled in the same year the dam was completed. The reservoir has been in constant fluctuation since it initially filled and was at an all time low of 998 surface acres in 1992. The reservoir refilled in 1998 and has declined since. The wildlife area is well known for deer hunting and premier waterfowl hunting at higher reservoir elevations. Upland bird fluctuates with weather conditions but is generally good.
Cedar Bluff Wildlife Area varies in size with the fluctuating reservoir. The Smoky Hill River which originates in Eastern Colorado intermittently flows into the reservoir. At full pool the Reservoir is 6,800 surface acre and the surrounding Wildlife Area lands encompassing approximately 7,000 acres. The reservoir is currently only 4,000 surface acres and the surrounding Wildlife Area is 9,800 acres. The area lies in the mixed grass prairie and chalk bluff region. Cedar Bluff derives it's name from a 1/2 mile of 100 foot chalk bluffs located on the SW portion of the property that is scenic attraction to visit.
Watchable Wildlife
You can see and photograph a diversity of wildlife species. In winter, bald and golden eagles visit. Deer, turkey, and pheasant roam freely. Waterfowl stop on their migrations, and a small Canada goose flock make the area home. The bluff overlook is a scenic stop to visit.
Hunting
Public hunting areas are limited in Kansas, so demand is high. Management continually seeks to enhance hunting quality.
- Big Game: In the past archery and firearm hunters have recorded one of the highest public land success rates. Most deer are whitetails with a few mule deer on the area. Turkey numbers are low.
- Upland Game: Pheasant populations fluctuate with the most hunting pressure during the season opener. Diverse habitats with grass, crops, weeds produce the best results. Quail numbers vary.
- Migratory Birds: Doves are plentiful until cold weather moves in. Geese and ducks use the area during migration, numbers vary with habitat conditions. Most goose hunting occurs when the geese leave the area to feed.
- Special Hunts: A special goose hunt and various youth hunts are available by application. Contact the area office for more information.
Refuges
From Sept. 10 to Mar. 1, 1,000 acres of land and 100 acres water are closed to all activities. A reservoir refuge area is also closed to hunting from Sept. 10 to March 1. A 320 acre refuge below the dam is in effect year-round.
Fishing
Resurgence of the lake since 1993 has created a fish explosion that will provide unprecedented angling opportunities for the next several years. Black bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish have benefitted the most from the water level rises. Walleye, white bass, and wiper fishing will improve as the forage conditions stabilize in response to water quality improvement.
Length Limits
Walleye - 18 inch minimum
Black bass - 15 inch minimum
Catch and Release: Voluntary catch and release extends fish resources which are becoming more limited. Reduced harvest of small fish allows more fish to reach a larger, more desirable size. Releasing larger fish increases their recreational use and keeps them in the water to help control undesirable fish by predation. A fish released properly is an investment in future fishing opportunities.
Other Opportunities
- Boating: Six boat ramps are located on the reservoir. A “no wake” policy is enforced near boat ramps and at the west end of the reservoir.
- Camping: Campers are encouraged to use the State Park where modern and primitive camping sites and rental cabins are available the year round. Camping on the Wildlife Area is primitive and limited to six designated areas. These areas have no fees for camping, so all we ask is to leave your site cleaner than you found it.
- Special Hunts are available by drawing through the Headquarters in Pratt.
- Free Daily Hunt Permits are required of all Hunters. Available at 12 strategic locations around the Wildlife Area.
- Off Road Driving or ATV use is NOT allowed.
- Camping is allowed in designated sites.
- Land Refuge Areas are Closed Sept. 10 - March 1 Water Refuge is Closed November 1 - February 1. and other areas are Closed Year Round.
- Contact the Area Office for more information.
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