Enders is the introvert of the Southwest Reservoirs. Part of the lake’s western reach is a designated wildlife refuge in fall and winter, so the facilities were never built out like the other three — and that’s exactly why people who know it love it. Fewer crowds, 26 miles of scenic shoreline, and solid fishing for white bass, crappie, walleye, and wipers.
In fall and winter the refuge holds big flocks of mallards and geese on open water, and the whole place feels wilder than its acreage suggests. There’s a swimming beach on the northeast side, a fish cleaning station, and camping with electrical hookups.
Fair warning from Game and Parks: irrigation drawdowns can swing the lake level, so check conditions before you haul the boat. When the water’s up, the rocky south shore is beautiful and fishes well.