Fishing

ASIAN CARP CAUGHT IN AUGUSTA CITY LAKE

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 21:14:22 GMT

Feb. 9, 2012
Strange-looking fish puzzles anglers
AUGUSTA — On Jan. 25, anglers were taking advantage of a fish salvage order as Augusta City Lake was being drained for renovation. During a fish salvage, anglers can take sportfish with equipment not ordinarily allowed, such as seines, snagging rigs, bow and arrow, and gigs. Most of the prizes hauled in were large flathead catfish, but one angler snagged a fish estimated to weigh about 55 pounds that no one could identify. Officials with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) became involved with the catch when a picture of the fish appeared on local television. It was immediately identified as an aquatic nuisance species (ANS), an Asian carp.

“This report supports our long-standing recommendation that fish should not be moved between waters,” said Jason Goeckler, KDWPT aquatic nuisance specialist. “Here is a case of a lake with Asian carp that we didn't even know about.”

Asian carp were imported to the U.S. in the 1970s for aquaculture purposes but escaped into Midwestern rivers and streams. Previously, they had been found only in the Kansas, Missouri, Big Blue, and Wakarusa rivers and Browning Oxbow Lake in northeastern Kansas. Officials believe that the fish was released into Augusta City Lake or waters above the lake.

Two species of Asian carp have been discovered in Kansas — bighead and silver carp. Both species have scaleless heads, and silver carp may grow to more than 60 pounds and as long as 4 feet. This fish, however, was a bighead carp, which may grow to more than 100 pounds. Both species have low-set eyes and a large upturned mouth without barbels (“whiskers”).

Asian carp directly compete with other fish for food resources, grow quickly, and feed voraciously. They can consume 40 percent of their body weight each day. Silver carp pose physical danger to boaters because of their leaping ability. Anyone boating in silver carp-infested waters should be aware that these large fish may jump into their boat.

Shortly after news reports of the Augusta City Lake Asian carp, KDWPT began receiving calls and emails.

“We want to thank the public for sending in reports,” Goeckler said. “Unfortunately we did not hear about this discovery prior to press-time. But the big news is that we received countless emails, calls, and online reports from the public. They shared our concern about the discovery, and their reports help us monitor these species.”

Anyone who catches an Asian carp should not release the fish back into any body of water. Anglers who catch Asian carp somewhere other than the Kansas, Missouri, Big Blue, and Wakarusa rivers should freeze the fish in a sealed plastic bag, note the date and location, and call the KDWPT Emporia Research Office at 620-342-0658 or email jason.goeckler@ksoutdoors.com.
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KDWPT FISHING FORECAST NOW ONLINE

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 20:35:22 GMT

Feb. 1, 2012
2012 statewide summary helps anglers find best spots to fish
PRATT — Each year, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) prepares the Kansas Fishing Forecast, an indispensable tool that forecasts fishing prospects in public waters throughout the state.

The 2012 Kansas Fishing Forecast, now online at www.kdwpt.state.ks.us (click Fishing/Fishing Forecast), assembles results of biologists' sampling efforts into a format that can help anglers select lakes that will most likely provide the best opportunity to catch the kind and size of fish they prefer. The information is formulated from data collected by fisheries management biologists through annual lake monitoring, which includes test netting and electroshocking.

Water bodies are separated into three categories — reservoirs (waters larger than 1,200 acres), lakes (waters from 10 to 1,200 acres), and ponds (waters smaller than 10 acres). This helps anglers understand that while a water body may have a high rating, if it is small, its overall opportunity may be limited.

Table categories have been created for popular species and include a Density Rating, Preferred Rating, Lunker Rating, Biggest Fish (the largest fish taken in sampling), Biologist’s Rating, and Three-Year Average. The Three-Year Average rating is included because not every lake can be survey every year.

The Density Rating is the number of high-quality size or larger fish per unit of sampling effort. High-quality size, listed in parentheses at the top of the Density Rating column, is the length of fish considered acceptable to most anglers and is different for each species. The higher the Density Rating, the more high-quality sized or larger fish per surface acre in the lake. Theoretically, a lake with a Density Rating of 30 has twice as many high-quality sized fish per acre as a lake with a Density Rating of 15.

The Preferred Rating identifies how many above-average-sized fish a water contains. For example, a lake may have a good density of crappie, but few fish over 10 inches. The Preferred Rating helps anglers select which lake to go to for a chance to catch bigger fish.

The Lunker Rating is similar to the Density Rating, but it indicates the relative density of lunker-sized fish in the lake. A lunker is a certain length of fish considered a trophy by most anglers. It also differs with each species and is listed in parentheses at the top of the Lunker Rating column. For example, most anglers consider a channel catfish longer than 28 inches a lunker. Many lakes may have a lunker rating of 0, but this does not mean there are no big fish in that lake. It just means that no lunker fish were caught during sampling, and they may be less abundant than in lakes with positive Lunker Ratings.

Anglers can use the Density Rating and Lunker Rating together. For those who want numbers, go with the highest Density Rating. For those who want only big fish, go with the Lunker Rating. Somewhere in the middle might be a better choice. A lake with a respectable rating in all three categories should provide the best overall fishing opportunities.

The Biggest Fish column lists the weight of the largest fish caught during sampling. A heavy fish listed here can give the lunker angler confidence that truly big fish are present.

The Biologist’s Rating adds a human touch to the forecast. Each district fisheries biologist reviews the data from annual sampling of their assigned lakes. This review considers environmental conditions that may have affected the sampling. They also consider previous years’ data. A rating of P (poor), F (fair), G (good), or E (excellent) will be in the last column. Sometimes the Density Rating may not agree with the Biologist’s Rating. This will happen occasionally and means the Density Rating may not accurately reflect the biologist’s opinion of the fishery.

Printed copies of the forecast will be available at KDWP offices by the end of February, and the March/April issue of Kansas Wildlife & Parks magazine will present the forecast as a full-color article. (For subscriptions, phone 1-800-288-8387.)

Whether the angler is after big fish or more fish, the forecast will help find them. Weekly reports on fishing conditions at waters throughout the state are also posted on the website and complement the forecast.
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2012 FISHING REGULATION SUMMARY NOW AVAILABLE

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 20:55:15 GMT

Jan. 12, 2012
Latest rules; how, where, and what to fish for; new bait restrictions included
PRATT — Printed copies of the 2012 Kansas Fishing Regulations Summary booklet are now available at Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) office and license vendors, the agency has announced. Among other things, the publication lists new regulations that took effect Jan. 1. From new regulations regarding bait fish to new lakes and ice fishing regulations, the booklet has everything the angler needs to begin the New Year right.

The following information details Kansas fishing regulation changes for 2012:
ANS-designated Waters

Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) waters are defined as waters containing the prohibited species Asian carp, white perch, and/or zebra mussels. Fish may not be transported alive from ANS-designated waters.

Zebra mussels were found in Council Grove, Kanopolis, and Melvern reservoirs, as well as both Jeffery Energy Center lakes last year, bringing the total number of infested lakes to 15.

Bait

Wild-caught bait fish shall only be used on the body of water where taken. If taken on a flowing stream or river, wild-caught bait fish shall not be transported upstream across any dam or natural barrier.

New regulations have been passed regarding what bait dealers may legally sell. Among the restrictions are that certain fish and crayfish and amphibians may no longer be sold for bait. For details, contact a local natural resource officer, fisheries biologist, or KDWPT?office.

New Lakes

Critzer Reservoir, near Mound City, was opened to fishing last spring. And ponds on the Grand Osage Wildlife Area, near Parsons, may be opened for fishing in 2012.

Transporting Fish/Bilges and Livewells

Stocking or releasing of wildlife on navigable publicly-owned rivers and federal reservoirs and department lands and waters is prohibited.

Livewells and bilges must be drained and drain plugs removed from all vessels prior to transport from any waters of the state on a public highway.

No person may possess any live fish upon departure from any designated aquatic nuisance body of water.

Trout

Opening day of trout season for 2012 will be Nov. 1. Colby Villa High Lake has been added to the Type 1 list of waters stocked with trout.

Ice Fishing

Motorized electric or gasoline-powered two-wheeled vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, work-site utility vehicles, golf carts, and snowmobiles may be operated on ice-covered department waters only for the purpose of ice fishing from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. These vehicles shall enter onto the ice only from boat ramps and points of entry as established by posted notice.

The 2012 booklet also features state park and cabin information and detailed regulations for each body of water managed by KDWPT.

In addition, a full-color fish identification guide lists all the state's sportfish, complete with text descriptions and detailed illustrations by renowned fish illustrator Joseph Tomelleri. Look-alike species are grouped together with complementary text to help the angler distinguish the difference between such closely-related species as white bass and wipers; blue catfish and channel catfish; the state's three black basses; black and white crappie; and pallid, shovelnose, and lake sturgeon.

The booklet also provides the latest information about aquatic nuisance species (ANS) in Kansas waters, including a complete listing of ANS waters by county. Three pages are dedicated to this subject, complete with detailed illustrations and tips on how to prevent the spread of ANS plants, mollusks, and fish.

Anglers who want to contact a district fisheries biologist will find a listing of names and phone numbers of the nearest biologist, as well as regional supervisors. A listing of natural resource officer contacts is also included.

For more information, contact the nearest KDWPT office, pick up a copy of the 2012 Kansas Fishing Regulations Summary wherever licenses are sold. Copies may also be downloaded from the KDWPT website, www.kdwpt.state.ks.us. Click the “Fishing” icon at the top of the page, then “Fishing Regulations” in the left-hand column.
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GREAT FISHING PREDICTED FOR 2012

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 20:25:10 GMT

Dec. 22, 2011
KDWPT biologists use data to predict fishing prospects, stocking needs
PRATT — “Statewide, I think we’re looking at a very good year for anglers in 2012,” says Doug Nygren, Fisheries Section chief for the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT). What leads Nygren to this conclusion? The results of fish biologists’ 2011 fall fish sampling.

To monitor the health of fisheries and help anglers find the best places to fish, KDWPT’s 16 district fisheries biologists spend the fall sampling Kansas lakes. In addition, the agency raises and stocks millions of fish throughout the state annually, providing anglers abundant opportunities to catch a wide variety of species. Sampling lakes is the best way to determine population health and stocking needs, and fall is the best time to sample fish because it’s the end of the growing season.

Although biologists can't sample every lake in the state every year, periodic sampling results are assembled to show trends and multi-year averages for some lakes. This information is compiled into the KDWPT Fishing Forecast, available on the agency’s website (www.kdwpt.state.ks.us) in January and published in the March/April issue of Kansas Wildlife & Parks magazine. The forecast is a valuable tool that can help anglers decide where to fish. Biologists also use sample and creel survey data to help them make stocking requests and length and creel limit recommendations for the 26 reservoirs, 40 state fishing lakes, and 230 community lakes the monitor and manage.

In the meantime, Nygren gives a brief preview of what anglers can expect:

“Our crappie populations look really good,” he says, “some of the best in years because of a resurgence of water levels in several reservoirs that flooded woody vegetation and created excellent fish habitat.” According to Nygren, fall fish sampling data indicates that a number of reservoirs will provide fine crappie fishing in 2012, including Lovewell, Hillsdale, Melvern, Big Hill, Perry, Elk City, Tuttle Creek, Milford, and Clinton.

“Next year should be one of our better years for largemouth bass, too,” Nygren adds. “Wilson, Sebelius, LaCygne, Webster, Perry, Hillsdale, and Big Hill reservoirs should all provide plenty of largemouth action.”

For those who prefer bigger fish, Nygren says this outlook is good, as well. “It’s going to be an outstanding year for wipers. Sebelius, Marion, Cheney, and Clinton will likely be our best reservoirs.

“But it’s not just these three species. Walleye fishing should better than most years, especially in Webster, Kirwin, Glen Elder, Milford, and Cedar Bluff reservoirs.”

Nygren adds that outstanding fishing can also be found in the smaller state fishing lakes and community lakes. Two relatively new lakes — Critzer Reservoir, near Mound City, and Horsethief Reservoir, near Jetmore — are just beginning to mature and will offer some great fishing.

In May, fisheries biologists may use electroshocking for bass, which temporarily stuns the fish, so they can be counted and then released. In October and November, gill-nets and trap nets are used to sample all sportfish. The nets are pulled onto a boat and the fish removed. Biologists then count, weigh, and measure each fish and record this information, taking care to get the fish back in the water quickly. Netting results are recorded on waterproof paper or a laptop computer.

With a laptop, biologists can enter data on the water, then enter it directly into the department's Aquatic Data Analysis System (ADAS) when they get back to the office, eliminating paperwork. ADAS also allows biologists to enter paper-recorded testing data into the system through a desktop computer. They can then compare results with past years' data, which lets them know the population dynamics of the lake tested and make management decisions, from stocking plans to length and creel limits.

Biologists also use Fisheries Analysis and Simulation Tools (FAST) software program, developed in conjunction with 20 other states. This computer application allows the field biologist to use data from the ADAS system and separate age and growth testing to predict what would happen if certain length or creel limits were imposed on a given lake. Tools such as this allow biologists to better manage fish populations and enhance angling opportunities.

Now that sampling is complete, anglers across Kansas can look forward to the 2012 Kansas Fishing Forecast, which will be available on the KDWPT website early in the new year.
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KDWPT OFFERS LANDOWNERS $$$ FOR PUBLIC FISHING ACCESS

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 19:50:00 GMT

Nov. 3, 2011
KDWPT’s FISH program is currently enrolling ponds, streams, and river access for 2012
PRATT — Kansas landowners can make as much as $150 per acre on their farm ponds and $1,500 per mile on streams for allowing angler access eight months out of the year. Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) fisheries biologists are preparing for the 2012 fishing season by conducting fall lake samplings, stocking fish, and working with landowners to enroll their waters in the Fishing Impoundments and Stream Habitats (FISH) program.

The FISH program solicits willing Kansas landowners to allow public access to their ponds, streams, and rivers from March 1 to Oct. 31, providing supplemental income for landowners while increasing public fishing opportunities. The FISH program offers to lease ponds for $75 to $150 per acre, depending on location and boating access availability. Some areas of the state lack public fishing opportunities, so this year, signup bonuses are available.

Kansas’ streams also provide great fishing opportunities, and the FISH program leases these for public access, as well. Stream lease amounts vary depending on fisheries quality but range from $500 to $1,500 per mile for fishing access. A new initiative of FISH is to garner public access for paddle sports like canoeing and kayaking, and landowners who also allow paddle sports could receive annual leases of $1,500 to $2,250 per mile. Funding is limited, and longer stretches of stream are preferred. Interested landowners should discuss joining with up- and downstream neighbors to increase chances of enrollment.

Kansas’ navigable rivers — the Kansas, Missouri, and Arkansas — are public waters. However, the public must have access to use these resources. To increase this access, FISH leases access sites. Big river access site lease rates range from $1,500 to $2,000 per year, depending on location.

These partnerships provide the public with many high-quality angling opportunities. Landowners receive additional income from their land, some liability protection, and increased law enforcement patrols. Some landowners also receive supplemental fish stockings and habitat improvements. KDWPT wants to significantly increase enrollment in 2012, so landowner incentives to participate are greater than ever before.

The FISH program provides the opportunity for willing landowners to partner with KDWPT to help expand fishing opportunities in Kansas. Landowners are compensated; landowner rights are protected; property is respected; fishing resources are wisely used; and the future conservation of the state’s natural resources is supported. Enrolling in the FISH program is a win for all involved.

Anyone who owns a pond, stream reach, or big river access and is interested in joining KDWPT to preserve this great outdoors heritage should considering enrolling in this program. Details — including program contact form, rates, sign-on bonus maps, program rules, and detailed benefits for landowners and anglers — may be found online at FISH.KSoutdoors.com.
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FISH SALVAGE ORDER FOR EMPORIA’S JONES PARK WEST POND

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 19:40:42 GMT

Nov. 3, 2011
Pond undergoing renovation; fish may be taken by any means
EMPORIA — Jones Park West Pond in Emporia is undergoing renovation, and Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) Secretary Robin Jennison has issued a fish salvage order for the lake. The order will take effect when the lake is posted and remain in effect until the notices are removed.

During this time, it will be legal to take fish from this lake by any legal means, as well as snagging, seine, bow and arrow, gig, and hand.

“This is a 1.4-acre pond, and about 40 percent of the upper end is filled with silt,” area fisheries biologist Carson Cox said, explaining the reason for the renovation. “It has a history of fish kills due to filamentous algae, and it is overgrown with trees around the upper end, limiting shoreline angling. During renovation, we will construct a nutrient trap wetland like the one at Emporia Jones Park East Pond.”

Those 16 and older taking fish during this salvage order must have a fishing license. For more information, phone the KDWPT Emporia Research and Survey Office at 620-342-0658.
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KDHE UPDATES BLUE-GREEN ALGAE WARNINGS AND ADVISORIES

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 15:34:15 GMT

October 21, 2011

Blue-green algae persists in some waters despite cooling weather

TOPEKA — In a few remaining city and county lakes, blue-green algae populations are still above minimum public safety levels established by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). State and federal lakes are no longer under any warnings or advisories, thanks to cooler weather and shortened daylight hours.

Based upon the latest sampling results and established health risk levels, KDHE issues Warnings and Advisories. A “Warning” is issued when high levels of toxic blue-green algae have been detected and indicates that water conditions are unsafe, and direct water contact (wading, skiing, and swimming) should not occur. An “Advisory” is issued when harmful blue-green algae have been detected and indicates that a hazardous condition exists, but water activities such as boating and fishing may be safe. However, direct contact with water (wading, swimming) is strongly discouraged for people and pets.

KDHE samples recreational bodies of water for blue-green algae when the agency is alerted to a potential algae bloom. When harmful algae blooms are present, KDHE, in cooperation with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, responds by informing the public of these conditions.

Health effects from exposure to blue-green algae can vary. The most common complaints after recreational exposure include vomiting, diarrhea, skin rashes, eye irritation and respiratory symptoms. These toxins also cause deaths in pets.

Current concentrations of algae in the following waters exceeded the KDHE recommended level of less than 100,000 cells/ml for recreational water use and are currently under Warning:

Memorial/Veterans Park Lake — Great Bend, Barton County.

When a Warning is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

do not drink lake water;
do not swim, wade, or do anything with full-body contact with lake water;
clean fish well, consume only the fillet portion, and discard all other parts; and
keep pets from having contact with or drinking lake water.

KDHE has issued an Advisory for the following Kansas public waters:

Augusta City Lake — Augusta, Butler County;
Logan City Lake — Phillips County;
Harvey County West Lake — Harvey County;
Harvey County East Lake, Harvey County; and
Warnock Lake, Atchison County.

When a Advisory is issued, KDHE recommends the following precautions be taken:

do not drink lake water;
avoid swimming, wading, or other activities with full body contact with lake water;
clean fish well, consume only the fillet portion, and discard all other parts; and
keep pets from having contact with or drinking lake water.

KDHE will continue to monitor these public waters and will update statements as conditions warrant. More information on algae and algae blooms, including up-to-date Advisories and Warnings, can be found at online at www.kdheks.gov/algae-illness/index.htm.

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ANGLERS TACKLE FALL FISHING

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 20:24:56 GMT

Oct. 20, 2011
Lull between hunting seasons a great time to be on the water
PRATT — Before long, the Kansas hunting seasons will be in full swing, but there’s still time to enjoy some excellent fishing. There’s a lull after the fast action of the opening dove, early teal, and youth deer and duck seasons, but avid outdoorsman are still itching to get out. This is a time of year when many take advantage of hungry fish, feeding continually in preparation for a long winter. Fall is a great time to be outdoors.

In the state’s larger lakes and reservoirs, gizzard shad are the preferred prey of most sport fish. In the fall, young-of-the-year shad are about 2-3 inches long, and a white or chrome, fat-bodied crankbait is the perfect imitation of a gizzard shad. Cast a deep- or medium-diving crankbait along rocky points and rip-rapped shorelines, and retrieve it quickly, so it gets near the bottom and bounces off the rocks. A deep-diving crankbait may be the best choice even when fishing relatively shallow water. The lure’s long lip deflects off rocks and other snags, and this action can trigger strikes. If the lure does hang up, give it some slack, and it will often float free. Using light monofilament or a small-diameter braided line will allow a crankbait to dive deeper.

Later in fall, when water temperatures cool to the low 50s or high 40s, it’s time to catch Kansas crappie. Reservoir crappie congregate in large schools over deep brushpiles and creek channel dropoffs at this time. Jigs or jigging spoons fished vertically in 12-25 feet of water are most effective. If too many small crappie are biting, try a larger jig with a 2- or 2 1/2-inch shad-type plastic body. The larger bait will more closely resemble shad and may discourage smaller fish. When concentrations of crappie and white bass are found, use landmarks or GPS to mark their location. If the state experiences a frigid winter and safe ice forms, you can return to the spots that held fish before freeze-up and catch them through the ice.

Even though autumn weather may be mild, always wear more layers of clothing than you think necessary when fall fishing. No matter how warm it feels on land, it will be much cooler on the water, especially if the wind blows. And don’t forget to wear a life jacket; it will keep you warm and may save your life.
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KANOPOLIS SEEP STREAM OPEN FOR FISHING

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 19:43:10 GMT

September 13, 2011
Trout stocking delayed until early November
PRATT — On Oct. 12, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism announced the Oct. 15 opening of trout season with a news release outlining the rules, regulations, and areas that will be stocked with trout, including those waters where stocking will be delayed.

However, there was information indicating that the Kanopolis Seep Stream was closed to all fishing due to water-quality problems. This was in error. The Kanopolis Seep Stream is open to fishing although it won’t be stocked with trout until early November.

Anyone planning to fish Kanopolis Seep Stream for species other than trout before trout are stocked are free to do so with the proper licenses and permits. Kanopolis Seep Stream is a Type 1 water, so a trout permit is required of anglers 16 and older whether fishing for trout or not.
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TROUT SEASON OPEN, SOME STOCKINGS DELAYED

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 19:51:48 GMT

Oct. 13, 2011
Weather stalls cold-water species stocking
PRATT — From Oct. 15 through April 15, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) stocks rainbow trout in select waters across the state. During this time, some waters stocked with trout require a $12.50 trout permit for all anglers 16 or older, whether they are fishing for trout or not (Type 1 Waters). Other waters require a trout permit only for anglers fishing for or possessing trout (Type 2 Waters).

Type 1 trout waters are Cedar Bluff Stilling Basin, Dodge City Lake Charles, Ft. Scott Gun Park Lake, Garnett Crystal Lake, Glen Elder State Park (SP) Pond, Kanopolis Seep Stream, KDOT East Lake in Wichita, Lake Henry in Clinton SP, Mined Land WA Unit No. 30, Pratt Centennial Pond, Sandsage Bison Range and WA Sandpits, Vic’s Lake and Slough Creek in Sedgwick County Park, Topeka Auburndale Park, Walnut River Area in El Dorado SP, Willow Lake at Tuttle Creek SP, and Webster Stilling Basin.

Type 2 trout waters are Atchison City Lake No. 1, Belleville City Lake (Rocky Pond), Cimarron Grasslands Pits, Ft. Riley Cameron Springs, Ft. Riley Moon Lake, Great Bend Veterans Memorial Park Lake, Holton-Elkhorn Lake, Hutchinson Dillon Nature Center Pond, Lake Shawnee, Salina Lakewood Lake, Scott State Fishing Lake, Scott State Park Pond, Sherman County Smoky Gardens Lake, and Solomon River between Webster Reservoir and Rooks County No. 2 Road, and Syracuse-Sam’s Pond.

Trout fishing at Mined Land Wildlife Area Unit No. 30 requires a trout permit year-round. Trout permits are valid for the calendar year, so permits purchased last January or later are valid through Dec. 31. All residents 16-64 years old and all nonresidents 16 and older must also have a valid fishing license.

The daily creel limit is five trout unless otherwise posted (two trout for anglers 15 and younger who do not have a trout permit). The possession limit is three times the daily creel.

While most designated trout waters in the state will be stocked with trout in time for opening day, the following waters will be delayed (see following text for details):

Cedar Bluff Reservoir Stilling Basin;
Cimarron Grasslands Fishing Pits;
Lake Charles in Dodge City;
Glen Elder Park Pond — second week in November;
Great Bend Veteran’s Park;
Kanopolis Reservoir Seep Stream;
Pratt Centennial Pond;
Rocky Pond in Belleville — second week in November;
Scott State Fishing Lake; and
Sedgwick County Park Slough Creek — low water.

Other areas may have to delay stocking, as well. Before a trout fishing expedition, anglers are encouraged to check for updated information on stocking of trout waters by visiting the KDWPT website, www.kdwpt.state.ks.us. Type "trout stocking schedule" in the search box.

As of Oct. 10, the Cedar Bluff Stilling Basin had yet to experience fall turnover, which occurs as surface water cools. When this happens, dissolved oxygen levels in the water can drop, and it takes time for the system to recover and provide conditions safe for trout. Rather than risk a fish kill for newly stocked trout, biologists have decided to delay the stocking. Conditions will be monitored, and if the basin is ready, trout will be stocked in late October.

Trout stocking at Cimarron Grasslands Fishing Pits, Dodge City-Lake Charles, Great Bend Veteran’s Park, Pratt Centennial Pond, and Scott State Fishing Lake will be delayed, but the recent cool weather should allow stocking early during the week of October 17.

The Kanopolis Reservoir Seep Stream is currently laden with duckweed and filamentous algae, creating water-quality problems. The seep stream is closed to all fishing, with plans to stock trout in early November, provided conditions have improved.

Smoky Gardens and the Sand Sage Bison Range Pond are currently dry. Both will need precipitation before trout can be stocked.

The Solomon River above Webster Reservoir is not stocked in the fall, nor is it stocked each year. Stocking is dependent upon flows. In years when flows are adequate, stocking generally occurs in January, February, and March.

The Glen Elder Park Pond is not stocked in October. The first stocking of the season is scheduled for mid-November each year in order to allow time for the water to cool.

Trout permits are available at the KDWPT website, at KDWPT offices, and license vendors.
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