Hillsdale Lake

Hillsdale Lake

Size
4,855ac
Boat Launch
Yes
Carry-in Launch
No
Toilet
No
Boat Dock
No
Species in Hillsdale Lake
Crappie
Crappie
Walleye
Walleye
Flathead catfish
Flathead catfish
Channel catfish
Channel catfish
Bluegill
Bluegill
White bass
White bass
Largemouth bass
Largemouth bass
Smallmouth bass
Smallmouth bass

Overview

Boaters are cautioned that winds in excess of 25 mph can make the lake’s open water hazardous. No-wake buoys are placed near all of the accesses and no-boat buoys are located near the sailboard beach. Similar buoys will be positioned near the beach within Scott Branch upon completion of the campground. To help the developing trophy fishery, special length limits are in effect. Largemouth bass and walleye must be at least 18-inches. Crappie are limited to a 50-fish creel limit. Hillsdale Lake is located within a transition zone between hardwood forests to the east and prairie lands to the west. Wildlife that prefer either habitat can be found around the lake, including deer, beaver, coyote and bobcat.

Hillsdale Lake Map

Features

In eastern Kansas, about 40 miles southwest of Kansas City, south of Interstate 25 and north of Highway 68.

Forage

Gizzard shad comprise the bulk of the forage base. Over 95% of all shad are of a usable size, 5-inches or less. Other important forage species include fathead minnow, various shiners, bluegill and young-of-the-year of all species.

Seasonal Movements

During March, walleye make a spawning movement to the face of the dam.
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Top Fish Species

Crappie
fish
5-16 in
Length Range
9 in
Length Range
2025
Surveyed
Abundance (CPUE)
Understanding Abundance

Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.
Species Lengths
2025
Nov
2025
Nov