An Overview of Kansas's Rivers and Lakes

Largest and Most Notable Rivers & Lakes

Kansas straddles two major basins. In the north and east, the Kansas River (Kaw) — formed by the Republican and Smoky Hill at Junction City — flows to the Missouri River. Key tributaries include the Saline, Solomon (North & South Forks), Big Blue, Delaware, Wakarusa, Vermillion, and Stranger. Central and southern Kansas drain to the Arkansas River via the Ninnescah, Little Arkansas, Walnut, Medicine Lodge, and Chikaskia. Southeast Kansas is shaped by the Neosho, Verdigris, and Marais des Cygnes (Osage); the far southwest touches the Cimarron. Nearly all large lakes are reservoirs: Milford, Tuttle Creek, Perry, Clinton, Cheney, Wilson, Hillsdale, El Dorado, Melvern, Pomona, John Redmond, Kanopolis, Glen Elder (Waconda), Kirwin, Webster, Cedar Bluff, Lovewell, Norton, Fall River, Toronto, Elk City, and Big Hill.

Water Sources & Flow

Flows are rain‑ and snowmelt‑driven across High Plains and Flint Hills. The Republican–Smoky Hill unite to form the Kaw eastward; most southern basins trend southeast to the Arkansas. USACE reservoirs moderate flooding and support water supply and recreation.

River & Lake Types

Kansas features:

• Prairie streams with flashy hydrographs and broad floodplains (Arkansas, Neosho).
• Multipurpose reservoirs (Milford, Tuttle Creek, Perry, Clinton, Cheney, Wilson, etc.) for flood control, water supply, and recreation.
• Clear, rocky reservoirs in the Flint Hills and Smoky Hill country (notably Wilson Lake).

Navigation & Recreation

Large‑vessel navigation is limited; most activity is recreational: sailing on Cheney, cliffs and clear water at Wilson, and fishing/boating on Milford, Tuttle Creek, El Dorado, Hillsdale, Melvern, Perry, and Clinton.

Flooding & Water‑Quality

Flash and backwater flooding occur along the Kaw, Neosho, and Arkansas systems. Sediment and nutrient management, plus occasional HABs (algal blooms) in warm months, are ongoing priorities.

Kansas Rivers, Lakes, Streams and Water Features