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Lake
Conditions!!
Like most lakes in Colorado, the Great
Plains Reservoirs water levels are lower than normal. However, each
of
the lakes does have at least one of it's
boat ramps that is fully functional and the lakes are open for
recreational use!
Fishing conditions are excellent! |
New Boat Ramp Open Now
Photo courtesy of Jeanne Sorensen |
The presence of 7 lakes within Kiowa County with
a combined surface water area of 23 square miles presents a wealth of opportunity for
boaters, water skiers, and all water craft enthusiasts. These 7 lakes make Kiowa
County one of the most prolific areas in the state to enjoy life "on the water". |
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Six of the seven lakes are grouped
in a cluster located just 12 miles south of Eads, the county seat of Kiowa County.
Known as the Great Plains Reservoirs, or simply "The Lakes" to local residents,
these bodies of water offer the sportsman prime warm water fishing, boating,
water skiing, and ample space to enjoy any type of water craft pleasure. |
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The 7th large lake in
Kiowa County is Adobe Creek Reservoir, more commonly known as "Blue Lake".
Blue Lake is located 15 miles south of the town of Haswell in the
southwestern part of Kiowa County. |
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fisherman, wiper, saugeye, walleye, crappie, channel catfish, largemouth
bass, bullhead, drum, and carp are abundant in the Kiowa County lake system
with fish weighing 5 pounds and up being very common. There is public
access available on Blue Lake south of Haswell, and on 4 of the 6 lakes in
the Great Plains Reservoir group. |
Photo courtesy of Ethel Richards
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NeeGronda, Neenoshe, and both the Upper and Lower Queens Lakes offer public
access with boat ramps available. There is unlimited public access at
all times except during waterfowl hunting season. |
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Unimproved, or "dry" camping is available without charge around all lakes
with public access. Cottonwood Park, a private campground located on
the north side of NeeGronda Reservoir, offers fresh water, showers, and a
limited number of electrical hookups. Cottonwood Park may be reached
by calling (719) 438-5544. The Country Manor Motel, located in Eads,
also offers accommodations for visitors. The Country Manor Motel may
be reached at (719) 438-5451. |
Photo courtesy of Ethel Richards |
In
addition to the availability of water sport fishing, Kiowa County and the
lake system offers opportunity for viewing wild fowl such as least tern,
piping plover, mountain plover, snowy plover, ducks, geese, and owls.
Bald and Golden Eagles inhabit the area as well as lesser sandhill cranes,
which are spring and fall visitors. |
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ground based wildlife are also frequently seen in Kiowa County. Deer
are often observed in the lakes area and antelope roam freely across vast
prairies of the county, often seen mingling with herds of cattle.
The population of Kiowa County numbers approximately one person per square
mile, making the area a haven for wildlife averse to large crowds of people. |
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burgeoning population growth in Colorado has made it difficult to find a
relaxed, uncrowded, pleasurable area to enjoy the uncluttered life of
yesteryear. Kiowa County is the answer for those folks who desire a
taste of "the way it was", and the opportunity to enjoy water
based recreation and the wide open spaces like nowhere else in Colorado. |
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