Sep 10, 2021
Hand holding up a fishing bait in front of a scene of open waters.

Located just a few miles away from some of the largest freshwater reservoirs in the entire state, Junction City, KS is the seat of Geary County and has a population of almost 23,000. For anglers, the city’s location makes it a perfect base to check out the best fishing spots in the region. Invite your friends, get your gear ready, and hit the road to these fantastic and nearby fishing destinations.

1. Milford Lake State Park

Considered one of the best fishing destinations in all of Kansas, Milford Lake State Park is located just about 10 miles northwest of downtown Junction City. Boasting the largest artificial lake in the state, it covers a surface area of over 33,000 acres and is a popular recreational destination among visitors from all over the region. Some of the fish species that can be found in this artificial reservoir include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, blue catfish, channel catfish, and walleye.

Driving from downtown Junction City to Milford Lake State Park takes about 15 minutes by car, following route US-77. This body of water was constructed in the 1950s with the original purpose of providing flood control and water supply to the area. Since then, it has also become a top-rated weekend destination, welcoming thousands of visitors each year with a plethora of activities including not only fishing, but boating, kayaking, picnicking, hiking, biking, and camping.

2. Tuttle Creek Reservoir

Located just a few miles north of the town of Manhattan and about 35 miles from downtown Junction City, Tuttle Creek Reservoir is another great fishing destination that can be reached in about 40 minutes by car. This body of water features a surface area of more than 12,000 acres and a maximum depth of about 50 feet. Bordered by Tuttle Creek State Park, it offers visitors numerous outdoor and water activities including fishing, boating, hiking, biking, and picnicking.

Some of the best spots for fishing in Tuttle Creek Reservoir are located along the McIntyre Cove and Carnahan Cove areas, where anglers can easily catch excellent specimens of saugeye, white bass, trout, channel catfish, green sunfish, flathead catfish, bluegill, walleye, largemouth bass, and crappie. While this lake is certainly a popular weekend spot for visitors from the area, it is still a quiet destination where you can enjoy some quality fishing without driving too far from the city center.

3. Marion Reservoir

Located 55 miles south of Junction City, Marion Reservoir is a freshwater body boasting a surface area of a little over 6,000 acres. Surrounded by four different parks, it is an excellent destination for numerous sports and outdoor activities, including camping, hiking, boating, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. For anglers, some of the most commonly found fish species in this reservoir include walleye, crappie, white bass, channel catfish, largemouth bass, and flathead catfish.

While on your way to any of these excellent fishing destinations near Junction City, stop by Valor CDJR. We have an extensive inventory of new and used cars, as well as convenient financing plans that adjust to the needs and budget of our individual customers.

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