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Kansas · Fishing
Richfield sits in the far southwest corner of Kansas, deep in Morton County, where the Cimarron River corridor and the surrounding shortgrass prairie define the landscape.
3 spotsUpdated dailyFree to access
View on mapFishing · 3 spots
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Richfield sits in the far southwest corner of Kansas, deep in Morton County, where the Cimarron River corridor and the surrounding shortgrass prairie define the landscape. Fishing here is quiet and unhurried — this is not a destination with boat ramps and bait shops on every corner, but that's part of the appeal. The three spots in and around Richfield all fall under the lake fishing category: the Cimarron Recreation Area, the ponds at Point of Rocks, and waters within the Cimarron National Grassland. The Grassland is managed by the U.S. Forest Service, which means access rules and any permit requirements follow federal guidelines in addition to a standard Kansas fishing license. Point of Rocks Ponds offer a more contained, walk-up experience and are a reasonable option for anglers who want to keep things simple. Expect warm-water species typical of western Kansas impoundments and ponds — think channel catfish and bass rather than trout. Summer mornings and evenings are your best windows when temperatures climb. If you're driving out here specifically to fish, plan to be self-sufficient: the nearest full-service towns are a significant drive away, and amenities in Richfield itself are limited.
A valid Kansas fishing license is required, and because the Grassland is federal land managed by the U.S. Forest Service, you should check with the Cimarron National Grassland office in Elkhart for any additional access or use requirements before your trip. Rules can change seasonally, and it's worth a quick call rather than assuming standard state-only rules apply.
The lakes and ponds in this part of Morton County are warm-water fisheries, so channel catfish, largemouth bass, and sunfish are the most realistic targets. None of the listed waters are designated gold medal or wild trout waters, so don't plan a trip around trout.
Cimarron Recreation Area
~2 min drive
A worthwhile stop near KS.
Cimarron National Grassland
~5 min drive
A worthwhile stop near KS.
Point of Rocks Ponds
~7 min drive
A worthwhile stop near KS.
R R Rutherford Reservoir
~1h 6m drive
A worthwhile stop near CO.
Ulysses City Lake
~1h 10m drive
A worthwhile stop near KS.
Also worth it near here
Early morning and the hour or two before sunset are your best bets from late May through August. Midday temperatures in southwest Kansas can be brutal and push fish into deeper, less active zones. If you're fishing the Point of Rocks Ponds, which are shallower and more exposed, this timing matters even more.
Point of Rocks Ponds is the most approachable spot for beginners and families — it's a walk-up pond fishery with no boat required and a manageable setting. The Cimarron Recreation Area is also accessible and doesn't demand advanced skills. Bring your own gear, snacks, and sun protection, since there are no on-site facilities to rely on.
A medium-action rod with 10-12 lb monofilament, a basic tackle selection of hooks, sinkers, and soft plastics or live bait like nightcrawlers and chicken liver will cover most situations at these pond and lake fisheries. Pack more water than you think you need, sunscreen, and a hat — shade is scarce on the Kansas prairie. There are no bait shops in Richfield, so stock up in Liberal or Elkhart before you head out.
