Red Willow Reservoir State Recreation Area

Some of the finest fishing and hunting in the state are found at Red Willow, and the are has excellent facilities for camping and water-oriented recreation. Dedicated bass fishermen are well-acquainted with its brushy shores (35 miles of them), submerged trees, and underwater structures. Red Willow is a haven for both largemouth and smallmouth bass. Summer and winter crappie fishing is generally excellent in its tree-filled bays, and the state hook-and-line records for both white and black crappie came from Red Willow. White bass, northern pike, and walleye are favorites from spring through fall, and night fishing with lights is common along the face of the dam and in the narrow bays. Camping and recreational facilities are new and modern. Near the concession and Kiwanis Point, there are two boat ramps, mooring docks, a designated swimming beach, and modern restrooms. A third boat ramp is located south of the dam. The area concession is located on the Spring Creek access road and offers a restaurant, camping supplies, groceries, gas, bait, tackle, boat rentals, and has fishing, hunting and park entry permits available. Pheasant, rabbit and deer hunters like Red Willow's tall native grasses, brushy canyons, and shrub and tree plantings for wildlife. The area has good populations of pheasants and both whitetails and mule deer. Pheasant hunters will also put up an occasional covey of quail, and cottontails are plentiful in the draws and plum thickets.