Topographic Maps of Kansas Lakes--General Info

New maps of several of the state's reservoirs are now available from the Kansas Geological Survey, based at the University of Kansas.

The maps don't guarantee successful fishing, but they do pinpoint some of the places that fish are most likely to be found.

The maps show the topography--or changes in elevation--of the land's surface around the reservoirs, along with roads, quarries, houses, and other man-made features. The maps also depict the river channels that existed before the lakes were built. Those old river channels, which are now under water but generally still exist as places where water is slightly deeper, often harbor fish and make good places for fishing.

Each map shows the entire lake and the area surrounding it. Previous topographic maps generally included only parts of each lake; to produce a topographic map of an entire lake, customers had to purchase several maps and splice them together.

Using computerized mapping methods, the Survey has done that splicing for customers. The newly produced maps are drawn at a scale of 1:36,000, so that one inch on the map equals about 3,000 feet of actual distance. The maps are also printed on water-resistant paper.

Copies of the maps are available for $15 each, plus $4.00 for postage and handling, from the Kansas Geological Survey, 1930 Constant Ave., Lawrence, KS 66047, or phone 785-864-3965. Kansas residents should add 6.9% sales tax.

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