The wetlands are managed primarily for waterfowl and other hunting during the season and wildlife viewing the rest of the year. Public hunting is allowed on most of this almost 4,000 acre area. Sportsmen should check with the wildlife manager for possible changes in areas open to hunting.

This series of wetlands occurs in three main sections northwest of Hutchinson: the Big Basin, two miles west of the city of McPherson, the Little Basin adjoining the north shore of the Big Basin, and the Chain of Lakes, which run from one mile south of the Big Basin south of the McPherson County line. These three areas are spread over approximately 126 square miles. At more than 100 acres, Inman Lake is the largest natural lake in Kansas.