Use this article to comment on any fishing issue in Region 4 or Southcentral Kansas. Keep discussions polite and appropriate. Any inappropriate comments will be deleted.
To view or add a fishing report, CLICK HERE.
Use this article to comment on any fishing issue in Region 4 or Southcentral Kansas. Keep discussions polite and appropriate. Any inappropriate comments will be deleted.
To view or add a fishing report, CLICK HERE.
104 comments:
i am very disappointed with the ramp at KDOT. Not only is it wearing away, its gated off half the time. I would like to see it repaired and left open to boaters.
John, Thanks for the comment about the ramp at the KDOT lake. I think you are talking about the KDOT West lake's ramp. You are correct, the ramp is gated off because motor boats are not permitted on the lake - at 12 acres, it's just not big enough to handle the kind of boat traffic that would result with unlimited access. As for the ramp wearing away, we have had some erosion problems there along the side - but I've been working with the KDOT crew to fill in the problem there as they're doing some other bank erosion work this spring.
Thanks again!
Jessica Mounts
Wichita District Fisheries Biologist
Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks
jessica this is ryan here i am going to ksu next year and was thinking about majoring in fishery biology and was wondering if you could maybe explain to me what you do and about your schooling sorry this is pretty...dumb i guess to ask you here but i would really appreciate your input. music_jays_15@hotmail.com
thanks ryan
Ryan, I'd be glad to answer your questions, but your email address didn't work. Give me a call sometime at 316-683-8069. Thanks!
Is there some way that you (KDWP) can clean the boat ramp at El Dorado on the North end West side by the rail road tracks there is alot of fine rock washed up there make it hard to put in there.
The boat ramps he is talking about is the fish and game ramps. Or as we call them: The Hacklery Ramp and Old Chelsea School ramp. The Hacklery ramp is the worst.
are boats allowed on any sedgwick county park lakes?
KDWP is trying a pilot project where we are creating a fishing newsletter that can be sent out to all that want it. This newsletter is only for fishing information for the El Dorado District (Cowley,Butler, Chase, & Morris counties). If this becomes a success, other districts will be added to the project. The first edition will be sent out around the first of May.
To subscribe, go to http://www.kdwp.state.ks.us/news/KDWP-Info/News/Newsletter-Request-Forms/Request-a-Newsletter-for-the-El-Dorado-Fishing-District or go to the Region 4 Fishing Reports on the KDWP page and click on the link included in the reports for El Dorado, Council Grove, Cowley SFL, Butler SFL, or Chase SFL.
Joe, I get that question a lot, and the answer straight from Sedgwick County Park is that they do not allow boating, swimming, or wading in any of the lakes at the park. The only exception to this is that they allow wading during trout season in the Slough Creek Stream on the west edge of the park.
However, most of the lakes in the City of Wichita located in city parks do allow carry-in watercraft, such as float tubes, kayaks, etc. for fishing. If you have a question about a specific lake, please let me know.
Jessica Mounts
Wichita District Fisheries Biologist
Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks
i saw a guy take a 16 inch largemouth home on an 18 inch minimum length limit lake today. When i confronted him, he insisted that it was long enough and practically ran away from me to leave. Is there any good way to report such infractions? I understand that there is no way to catch someone who has already left, but if i saw someone who had some shorts on their stringer and were staying?
call the game warden...idk the number but that's what i'd do....
anybody knows how to get from south wichita to cottonwood river in marion and walnut river in el dorado? is it any good fishing there?? thanks in advance....
Information about reporting poaching or illegal take of fish can be found at: http://www.kdwp.state.ks.us/news/Other-Services/Law-Enforcement/Operation-Game-Thief
You can call us toll-free within Kansas at 1-877-426-3843.
Jessica Mounts
Wichita District Fisheries Biologist
Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks
Hey, is there any way I can get those lake depth maps of Wellington and Winfield I've heard about ? Seems taht someone from the state was out mapping the lakes with a sonar unit. Anyone know about that ?
Is there a place to get topo maps of the local lakes?
http://www.kansaslakes.org/documents/Wellington_Lake_final_report.pdf
Thanks, that is very helpful and I use some of those lakes. Anymore lakes availible?
thanks!!
you guys are doing a great job maintaining KDOT. I've seen you guys there three times now. However, it would be nice to see the game warden a couple times. I have seen short bass on stringers three times now, only one of them was released after i told them. I don't know if you allow fires, but i saw one fire get out of control and burn ten yards of grass on the bank (you can still see the large burn mark near the NW corner). I don't know what your policies on alchol are either, but i have seen everything from beer to whisky consumed by lake goers (all of which is left on the bank). Given their general disregard for every other rule, i seriously doubt any of them have fishing licenses. One sweep of the lake on a warm afternoon would problably pay for all the food in the feeders for the year.
Other than that, you guys are doing a great job.
I agree, I would like to see a greater warden presence at all lakes. I too have seen many people taking shorts as I have frequented lakes in regions 4 and 5. The state has great stocking programs combined with length and creel limits to create a fully developed lake with many desirable fish, and when people break these laws they are knocking a hole in the bucket not allowing lakes to become full of legal fish for everyone to enjoy. “Today’s shorts are tomorrow’s keepers!” is a great slogan, but apparently some people need some assistance learning patients. I would suggest warnings for most and then attacking repeat offenders.
Game and Fish, please comment or your findings, theories and plans.
AS AN AVID HUNTER AND FISHERMAN IN KANSAS FOR THE LAST 15 YEARS I HAVE COME TO THE CONCLUSION THAT THERE ARE NO SPORTSMEN IN KANSAS.I HAVE NEVER SEEN SUCH A COMPLETE DISREGAURD FOR CREEL AND LENGTH LIMITS NOT TO MENTION HUNTING LAWS.YOU ARE ALL POACHERS AND CRIMINALS!GET SOME MORALS ,OKAY?
You are not in my books a true hunter or fisher person I was looking for fishing reports not a bunch of trash talk.
Thanks for the positive comments about our stocking and other efforts. As for folks breaking the law, please report violoations immediately by calling us toll free at 1-877-426-3843.
We are working on increasing our efforts in the Wichita area, especially at the 2 KDOT lakes, by removing graffitti and replacing signs immediately when they are damaged.
As always, please feel free to report any criminal activity you witness by calling 911. Thanks for your help!
Jessica Mounts
Wichita District Fisheries Biologist
Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks
Dear all caps person. I see you don't take the time to meet people. Most places I go I see responsible respectful fisherman. I have asked what they were using when they catch fish and they will tell me what and where. I don't see them intrude on your spot.
If you are going to judge everyone even more so the people that post on here that take the time out to post exactly what they catch including limits then I don't appreciate your negative posts. To finalize, you said there no sportsmen in KS then that means you included yourself in that grouping.
I agree there are lots of people that do what they want, but why don't you try and meet the people that don't.
Went fishing at Cheney Monday - Thursday at the marina on the East shore...Monday, Caught and released 1 Wiper 18in...Tues, missed a few fish...probably LMB...My friend caught 40lbs buffalo and 23in walleye...another friend caught 22in wiper and 24in walleye...Caught 1 LMB on Wed weighing in at 4lbs and 18in...Caught 1 LMB on Thurs weighing at 5lbs and 20in...Both were caught on Rat-L-Trap...pretty slow at the marina but fish still are still there...a lot of people are fishing for crappies at the marina and seem to do well...bait used are minnows under a bobber...If fishing for buffaloes, the marina holds a bunch!!! Went searching for the broken bridge area at Marion on Friday night...found it but found no fish...it was slow and windy...went to the dam and got nothing either...went looking for the river at Cheney yesterday (Saturday)...found it and found a lot of fish and threw everything but the kitchen sink and got nothing...did see some people caught some decent Wipers and white bass...Maybe my jigs are too big!!! 1/8 should be good...have fun and be safe fishing...if you see me fishing come say hi...I'll be the Asian guy wearing KU hat and holding St. Croix fishing pole!!
Looking to catch flatheads any suggestions around Wichita. I would like stream or river fishing where the water is clean enough to eat what I catch.
Try the dam at winfield on the walnut as son as the water goes down that is a great spot to catch big flats and blues
has anyone else tried to play the fishing info night presentations?many of them will not play on my computer (the ones for Marion, Council Grove, El Dorado etc. Some of the first ones up this season will play.
Are you allowed to put a boat on the KDOT lakes? I know the ramps are closed but if you have a boat you can carry in is it allowed? Also,if you can,what about a trolling motor? Thanks for any info.
yes
Boats are allowed at the KDOT lakes as long as the boat can be carried down to the water, even if it has a trolling motor on it. The usual boating regluations otherwise apply at the KDOT Lakes.
Jessica Mounts
Wichita District Fisheries Biologist
Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks
Thank you for the information on KDOT Jessica.
I had a question about creel limits. I went to McLaughlin Pond in Valley Center the other day and the sign posted at the pond said the creel limit for channel cats was two (2), but the website says the creel limit is five (5). Could you please clarify this for me and also advise on discrepencies like this, what should the average fishing enthusiast abide by? Thank you.
Anytime there is a discrepancy in regulations for a lake, ALWAYS follow what is posted on signage at the lake. Thanks for letting me know, I'll get our website page corrected ASAP.
Jessica Mounts
Wichita District Fisheries Biologist
Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks
Is there a way (legally) for a landowner to build an overflow dam on his/her property? If the body of water being dammed is not a major river or creek?
could someone please explain why eldorado is releasig water at such a slow rate. last month all month long a slow release this month every day with the exception of two days when there was heavy rainfall and flooding was a issue. flooding is not a concern now and still a slow release. the lake has only went down half a foot for the past five days, yet the lake remains three and a half feet high. with one of the biggest holidays coming this weekend for people to go to lakes i would think the corp of enginneers would be allowing a higher release rate to get to normal. at this rate the lake will remain high all year long.keeping camping areas flooded as well as anyone wishing to fish the rivers feeding from the lake. the majority of lakes in this region are at or near normal pool or releasing a higher amount of water and all lakes south of here as well are releasing a greater amount. i am sure there is a logical reason why. please someone explain.
i hope they keep it high all year, i love flipping flooded trees.
yea me to love fliiping but watch out when your going 70mph the flooded trees dont get out of the way.
LOL
Kaw Reservoir is 19 feet high, Keystone Reservoir is 17 feet high. All water from both El Dorado and Cheney Reservoirs must go through the reservoirs in OK. If those lakes are high and can't get down to their normal pools then the lakes in Kansas will have a slower release. After all, these reservoirs are flood control reservoirs so they are doing their jobs. Just because it quit raining here doesn't mean that it has quit raining everywhere!
hey jim i understand the facts of flood controlled lakes. i also know that the lakes you refer to in oklahoma are high as well. they are at 44% capacity. they also hold much more than the the lake i was was referring to. they also can dump more than eldorado does and currently are. it may be raining in florida but that has no effect in the corp of engineers tulsa district decisions on what lakes are to release and what rates . i was hoping to get info from possibly kdwp if they had info on what the corp had in mind in the near future on releases from eldorado. maybe i should have been more specific on my question. by the way south of here has not had any signifacant rainfall in the past week. and if you had done some more research as i have you would see there are other lakes in kansas with higher flood contolled pools than south of here john redmond , toronto, fall river etc. there is also no flood watches or warnings in any of the rivers lakes or streams here or south.
To all you fisherman that want to fish the flooded timber for the little bass that are left in Eldorado definition of little is size and amounts thanks to all the jackpot tournaments . also, to Jim moron who knows so much about what the flood stages and release times and amounts. Close the gates at eldorado so that Oklahoma can get there lakes to normal and the bass fisherman can continue to fish in flooded timber in a lake that is nothing but flooded timber, roads etc. That will also make us happy so we can fish the rivers below it and catch BIG FLATHEAD !!!!
Jason, I think your question about building a dam on your property could be best answered by someone in our Environmental Services Section. They are well-versed on the laws concerning this. They can be reached at 620-972-5911.
Jessica Mounts
Wichita District Fisheries Biologist
Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks
you just think that because you suck at bass fishing. if your good, than you can still catch them at el dorado. grand lake has 100 times more tournaments than el dorado ever has and its still great. guntersville has a lot more than grand and 5 pros crossed the century mark in the 4 day elite series tournament.
i think that because i suck at bass fishing. no i dont suck at bass fishing i just think that the little bass you call a decent size bass here are not worth going after. if i want to catch bass like i have in california and by the way 10# is very common when here #10 would be a trophy. i dont think there would be any pro tournaments coming anytime soon to eldorado. why? because the bass you chase after are so small that the 3 day tornament weight would be no more than 15#s total. so mr wanna be pro fisherman suck on that worm!!!!!!
thats a horrible argument. just because the fishing is better in california doesnt mean you are a better fisherman. Good fisherman can catch fish anywhere. The classic once only took ten pounds to win. you obviously suck at fishing because you don't understand it at all. 15 lbs is alot in kansas and only a farm pond fisherman would turn his nose up at that.
do you know what kansas and california lakes have in common? they both have a lot of bass in them that you can't catch because you suck at fishing.
I have received numerous questions from anglers on the recent water levels and releases at El Dorado Reservoir. I contacted Rick Sellers with the Corps of Engineers. He supplied the following information.
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Water Release Information for El Dorado Lake for 10:00am 21 May 2009,
Please look at this web site http://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/upperark.html to understand more of what the Corps of Engineers is doing on the water releases at El Dorado Lake. We all must remember that El Dorado Lake is one part of a system and that all parts are dependent on each other. Click on the pie chart called "Flood Control Pools". In looking at the pie chart you can see the percentage of flood pool used for the Upper Arkansas River. Looking at the pie chart for the Upper Arkansas currently - El Dorado is at 35% of flood storage, Kaw is 40%, Chaney 40% and Keystone 41%. For a while there, El Dorado's percentage was higher than the other lakes and we were releasing 2500 and 3000 cfs (cubic feet per second). As El Dorado’s elevation fell below the other lakes based on percentage, El Dorado's release was slowed down and Kaw and Keystone’s release was increased. The Corps is trying balance the system and bring the lakes down as a group by percentage of flood pool storage used.
Another way to look at it is - El Dorado is up a little over 3 feet, Kaw Lake is up 17 feet - so Kaw and Keystone are getting the nod to release more. Releases are still based on percentage of flood pool used because the amount of flood pool storage is different for each lake so percentages are used.
In the bigger picture, during a flood event that has affected several watersheds (besides the Upper Arkansas River Watershed) - the Corps must balance the Upper and Lower Arkansas, the Verdigris, and the Neosho/Grand River systems because they all feed to the same place on the Arkansas River at Van Buren, Arkansas. Currently, the Arkansas River is running at 1/2' below flood stage at Van Buren or 148,000cfs. If too much is released then there is flooding there.
With all that being said there still are many variables that affect releases, such as weather of course, power generation requirements, drownings, and other special situations that may arise.
Rick Sellers
Lake Manager
Council Grove and El Dorado Lakes
Marion and John Redmond Reservoirs
Thanks for the post Craig. It reminds us all if the lake name is followed by a "reservoir" it's not about the fishing. And if the Lakes name is not followed by a "reservoir" it is not about the fishing.
It is only about the fishing when it comes to cleaning up after a flood, paying for the wardens, campsites, fish stocking, and determining what kind of bait you can use, how many fish, what size etc. etc. etc...............
it sure is funny how that mr.sellers lake manager of council grove his home office can dump that lake to normal pool in time for the holiday. but not the other two lakes he manages. maybe thats because he only intends to fish or keep happy the fisherman in that particular lake. oh by the way only cheney is higer now in the area according to the charts you refer to.
Yes, it sure is funny that the lake manager for council grove can release over five and a half feet in just 14 days. From May 3rd to May 17th five and half feet released from that lake. He even had it down to just over a foot in one week time. Simply put that is amazing that he can justify releasing all that water from there. But, the other lakes / reservoirs have to be released in a overall view that he sees fit. I guess that council grove doesnt fit in the criteria that the rest of the lakse/ reservoirs do in the as he puts .THE BIG PICTURE. As for the many variables i guess that was a special situation.
if a lake has a length limit and creel limit for a species, does that mean that the lake is stocked with that species.
Lots of short walleye at Marion this past weekend more would be legal if all of the tails weren't cut off.
I am curious to know what actions the KDWP are taking to control the spread of Zebra Mussels? It seems that every year there is a new lake that has been added to a long list of infestations. I am specifically asking if KDWP has thought of introducing these infested lakes with Round Goby's (Neogobius melanostomus)? The Zebra Mussel is a primary food source for Round Goby's (one Goby will eat up to 100 Zebra Mussels a day).
The Great Lakes region, specifically Lake Erie, have found that many native predatory fish such as smallmouth bass, largemouth bass and walleye have begun to prey on round gobies. These game fish feed so heavily on the abundant gobies that a bait company, called Culprit, has created a soft plastic bait called the "Great Lakes Goby" to exploit this behavior. (http://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.asp?speciesID=713)
ya thats why the great lakes are still infested with zebra mussels. I think that the last thing we need is one more exotic nuisance. it sounds like another white perch to me.
"if a lake has a length limit and creel limit for a species, does that mean that the lake is stocked with that species?"
The short answer is "Yes."
Some exceptions are always possible, and other species may be present and subject to statewide length and creel limits - but regulations are posted for species that are or have historically been documented for that body of water.
Jessica Mounts
Wichita District Fisheries Biologist
Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks
Jason, to answer your questions about the Round Goby and Zebra Mussles: The ecosystem in the great lakes is much different from that of the lakes in Kansas, and it would be impossible to compare managment strategies for biological populations in these two systems. That said, because the Round Goby is listed in Kansas as an Aquatic Nusiance Species due to its invasive nature in similar ecosystems in neighboring states, it would certianly cause additional and extensive problems with the existing sportfish populations in Kansas, compounding those caused by the zebra mussels.
Additionally, predation by fishes has never been shown to control zebra mussel populations large scale.
Sadly, there is simply no good answer at this point for the control of the zebra mussel - our best chance is through our educational efforts and the awareness and personal responsiblity of every citizen, angler, and boater in Kansas to prevent their spread.
Here's a link to the Kansas Aquatic Nuisance Species Management Plan for more information: http://www.kdwp.state.ks.us/news/Fishing/Aquatic-Nuisance-Species/KS-Nuisance-Species-Plan
Jessica Mounts
District Fisheries Biologist
Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks
What times are the fish feeders set for??and are all the feeders at different lakes set for the same time???Thaks
Fish Feeders are set at different intervals and times depending on the amount of food dispersed and the goals of feeding at that particular lake. In Wichita, they are set to go off approximately every 4-5 hours.
Jessica Mounts
Wichita District Fisheries Biologist
Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks
what lakes have fish feeders in wichita?
KDOT East Lake and KDOT West Lake are the two lakes in the Wichita area with fish feeders. They are both located near 45th North and Hydraulic.
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Jessica Mounts
Wichita District Fisheries Biologist
Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks
i fished kdot every day during spring at different times of the day. sometimes realy early and sometimes until dark and i never saw a feeder go off. Do they just go off at night?
If you were fishing the KDOT lakes in early spring, it's likely that the feeders weren't turned on yet. They were turned on mid-May.
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Jessica Mounts
Wichita District Fisheries Biologist
Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks
Are there carp in the kdot lakes?
Thanks
Is it legal to keep non sport fish like carp,buffalo and drum if u accidentally foul them while fishing?
RE: Carp
Yes, carp are present at the KDOT lakes. Nearly every body of water in the state has an established carp population.
Carp, drum and buffalo are listed as both Nonsport and Bait Fish in the Kansas Fishing Regulations.
The following is taken directly from the Kansas Fishing Regulations Summary:
Except where snagging paddlefish and nonsport fish is permitted, fish may be hooked only in the mouth to be considered legally caught by hook and line. If hooked elsewhere, the fish shall be returned, unrestrained, to the water immediately. (THIS INCLUDES NONSPORTFISH) Nonsportfish may be taken by gig.
Bait fish may be taken for noncommercial purposes by the following methods: seine not larger than 15 feet long and four feet deep, with mesh not larger than one-fourth inch; fish trap with mesh not larger than one-fourth inch and throat no larger than one inch in diameter (must be tagged with fisherman's name and address); fishing line; or a dip or cast net with mesh no larger than three-eighths of an inch. Bait fish may not exceed 12 inches, and the possession limit is 500 per person. The taking of bait fish is allowed statewide, except that seining is prohibited on department-owned waters. Unless exempt by law, a fishing license is required.
Which is more common in Kansas, small mouth or large mouth Buffalo?
Thanks
I think it is the Bison
to the jackhole cutting the walleye tails at marion .you do not own the lake and just because you believe too many fish are being taken so you decide to shorten hundreds of fish ,maybe you would like to pay for everyones liscenses and fuel wasted this year !keep your black lund and dog off kansas waters if you cant follow regulations like everyone
else! signed wanton waste
its no more against the rules than actualy taking the fish out of the lake. Quite frankly, its better for the lake for someone to cut tails than actualy take the fish. I fish 200 days a year and have witnessed just how many people follow the rules. Theres one person in the state of kansas cutting tails and hundreds keeping short fish. Why isn't anyone making those people pay? Go to dillons and spend a couple dollars for fish instead of taking fish from the lake. until you do that, you're no better than the tail cutter.
Legally taking fish is well... legal. Not only is it legal but it is totally necessary... If you witness someone taking short fish it is your responsibility to report them!
I am thinking about trying Marion for walleye. Can anyone point me in the right direction? I have never fished this lake before. Any help is appreciated. Thanks.
selective harvest might be necisary on lakes with lots of fish but your kidding yourself if you think that theres any public reserviors in kansas that benefit from the public taking fish home. You're a hypocrit if you eat your fish and complain about someone tail cutting (also legal). Go to dillons and spend five dollars.
Can someone explain to me the benefits of this tail cutting practice? This is the first I have heard of it.
i think the idea is to take length off the fish and make them less than the legal length limit. The fish still live and there is no conclusive evidence that it negatively impacts their life. It problably does, but right now all the claims are assumptions. In my opinion, id rather catch a fish with a cut tail than not catch a fish at all because people take them home.
RE: Smallmouth and Bigmouth Buffalo
It depends on where you're fishing on how commonly each type of buffalo is found. We actually have a third type, the black buffalo, in Kansas as well. All three of them are found mostly in the eastern half of the state.
Smallmouth are found in big rivers with rocky bottoms, Bigmouth are in the large rivers but are most commonly found in large lakes and reservoirs, and the black buffalo are found in most rivers and streams in the eastern 1/2 of the state, in the deep and fast riffles where the river channel narrows.
Jessica
I believe cutting tails should not be allowed no matter what it does to fish populations. The arguement that cutting tails off is good or better than actually keeping that fish is the same as cutting off someones pinkie toe or finger because we don't really need them, it's a rediculous arguement. It IS considered a "taken" fish if it is harassed,harmed or wounded, thus goes towards that person's daily creel limit whether they release it or not. Take the person's boat ID numbers and report them along with the people taking shorts. Kansas spends tons of money, which is why we buy permits, to supplement stocking to allow for fish harvest and to keep lake populations up of walleye along with other popular species. We don't have enough natural reproduction of walleye in a lot of our reservoirs to keep populations healthy without it. Thus by buying the permits it allows you to take & keep fish, as long as people don't abuse the right. Sure you can buy a package of fish from a market, but it's not the same as eating what you catch. I think Wildlife & Parks does a pretty tremendous job of providing ample opportunity for each angler to have a wonderful day of catching fish if they cooperate and if can find what can trigger them to bite when others aren't catching. That why it's called fishing and not catching. I probably keep anywhere from 20-120 walleye a year from various lakes around middle Kansas and fish between 20-60 times a year, and can still go out to each of those lakes and have a good chance at catching fish at any one of them, always have a good time catching or not. Overharvest?
its absolutely not illegal to cut tails.
bad idea dont cut tails off the fish ,... fishin pal jer
Does anyone know what happened to all those cat tails that used to be on the north side of the pond at Emery park?
high water killed them off
if you realy think selective harvest is a good idea, then explain to me why south lake, which is a sand pit located in an area of wichita with a lot of sand pits (most of which rival lake amistad in producing monster bass) produced 1 bass over 12 inches per acre when kdwp shocked it? The only difference is people harvesting the fish. The lake problably gets stocked more than any of the lakes around it but people like you, who are so offended by the concept of tail cutting, take every fish they catch home because they like the idea of eating what they catch and are too cheap to buy fish from dillons. The same people leave their broken laun chairs and stink bank containers behind and start fires in no burn zones and end up burning half the bank. If every angler in kansas cut every tail off of every fish they caught, they still wouldnt do as much damage as you. You are all hypocrits and are a drain on kansas fisheries.
Jessica, on the fishing forcast, do you guys divide the number of fish by all the surface acres or is it just literal acres (16 ft or less)?
Joe, the data on the fishing forecast is expressed in a Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE). Because it would be impossible to sample every acre of water at every lake, we take standardized samples and express data in CPUE rather than the acreage. Also, samples are taken annually at the same time of year, in the same locations, with the same gear (i.e. electrofisher, trap nets, gill nets) to standardize the data. CPUE provides us with an index of population density - that is, it allows us to follow population trends from year to year. Changes (either decreasing or increasing) in the CPUE show us changes in the abundance or popluation density of a fish species.
For example: If I electrofished for 5 hours and caught 5 18-inch largemouth bass, it would be the same CPUE as if I electrofished for 1 hour and caught 1 18-inch largemouth bass - both times, I caught 1 18-inch largemouth bass per hour, so my CPUE for that sample was 1 18-inch largemouth bass.
I hope this helps!
Jessica Mounts
Wichita District Fisheries Biologist
Jessica
Jessica
If you have them handy, what are the saugeye stocking records for Harvey County East Lake for the last 5 years? Late last fall and again early this spring I’ve caught a couple cigar size saugeye so it made me wonder what the potential fishing will like for this lake.
Best Regards
RE: Saugeye stockings at Harvey County East
2004: 10,000 fingerlings
2005: 425,000 fry
2006: 187,000 fry
2007: no saugeye stocked
2008: 13,100 fingerlings
2009: 24,000 fingerlings
(Fry are tiny fish, usually about a centimeter in size when they're stocked. Fingerlings are about the size of your pinky finger when they're stocked)
Those cigar-sized saugeye you're catching are the fingerlings that were stocked earlier this year. I'll be setting nets this fall to continue to check on the saugeye populations, as well as the other species in the lakes.
Good question! Thanks!
Jessica
i believe cutting tails is a great idea ! i am going to cut every tail of every fish i catch. i was alarmed to find out that such a wonderful idea was in place . why isnt everyone doing this?it is also wonderful to know every lake in kansas is catch cut and release.no need to purchase a fishing permit any longer 'go to dillons and stop supporting kansas with revenue which is notneeded or the state would make a ruling.
I wrote about the tail cutting and every person has the right to feel how they want about taking fish. I won't deny that if a ton of the large fish are taken out of one particular lake size of that type can be affected. The KDWP does a good job of accounting for fishing pressure and stocking especially for larger lakes/reservoirs to account for this. I am an avid outdorsman and practice both catch and release and taking of fish. I don't keep anything over limits, size or number, set by the state or what I can personally consume. I don't purposely fish for catfish and have never used stink bait. I don't cut tails off, I catch my own worms and don't throw away those styrofoam boxes on the bank. I pick up my trash (I don’t usually let it hit the ground, saves picking it up) and I don't use a lawn chair, I stand most of the time. I don't smoke or carry a lighter with me ever. I would rather catch my own fish than to buy it, and one trip to the lake with the boat is definitely more expensive than buying the fish from any market. So I'm not sure who the hypocrite is, but the fact of the matter is intentionally cutting any fish and releasing it is not legal, except in the case of white perch or non-game fish if I'm not mistaken. Jessica, I would like you to voice what would happen if KDWP would catch someone doing cutting tails of of fish.
I too am fisherman that does strange things, like obey the laws and respect the land and waters. I mostly practice catch and release, but do occasionaly keep a few fish for our own consumption. I have no respect for anyone that throws trash, as I am one of the people that tend to pick up after others. The idea of cutting the tails of fish is doing nothing but injuring the fish. What happened to common decency and respect for other living things. How crude!!
The practice of “tail cutting” of fish has been an admittedly controversial issue recently. As we discuss the legality of it, let us be reminded that while many activities are legal, the definition of legal is not synonymous with the definition of ethical. Sorting this out can be difficult as our personal ethics stem from many different backgrounds, situations and beliefs.
Some may argue that cutting the tail of a fish does not harm the fish, while others may believe that a fish losing a significant portion of its tail could have disastrous effects on spawning and reproduction, mobility, and could even cause a slow death by introducing fungus and bacteria into the wound. In this case, some would believe, for one fish to be affected in this way would likely be insignificant; however if many fish were harmed it could affect the entire population of that species lakewide.
As fisheries managers, it is impossible to please everyone all of the time. As we make our management decisions ranging from stocking plans to length and creel limits, we must consider the ecological, sociological and economical effects of every decision. We must take into account the ecology and fish populations at that individual lake, the ability of that lake to support certain populations, and the desires of the anglers who fish it. We must also consider the availability of funding, and where the fishery fits into the opportunities and fisheries management goals statewide.
All of that said, under current regulations, it is not illegal to cut the tails of walleye or any other fish. The current Kansas Regulation (115-25-14) reads "All fish... shall be released unrestrained to the water immediately". In the past, the wording of the regulation also prohibited intentional injury to the fish prior to release.
Presently, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks is taking the specific wording of the regulation into consideration.
Are the fish in the Slough at SG CO Park able to get out of the Slough under the 13th St bridge? Is there more to it than just the orange snow fence? Keep up the great efforts at the park.
Patfish,
If a trout really wanted to get past that snowfence, it probably could - however, most of the trout are too big to easily pass through the holes in the fence. When fish encounter a barrier, they are most likely to turn around and go the other way. Also, trout prefer moving water with high oxygen content, which would mean that they're more likely to be found closer to where the stream is rolling over the rocks above where the fence is located.
The short answer is that yes, fish could get past the snow fence, but it keeps quite a few more fish from getting out than if there were no fence there at all.
Jessica Mounts
Wichita District Fisheries Biologist
With the trout being stock at El Dorado will they survive with no water running in to the trout area. We were by there this weekend and the bend were the water run into the trout area was not running. An with all the trees that have fallen into the trout area, it has filled in part way and not as deep as it use to be. Are they going to clean out the tout area to make the area more Fishing fiendly. We have watch the trout area fill up with fallen trees and other trash and nothing has been done over the years to clean out the stuff.
Big die off-- the trout at Vic's lake at Sedgwick Co. Park have died off. Dead trout below the surface can be seen at Zoo park. The water doesnt look good either.
Thanks for your comment about the Vic's Lake Trout issue. The County Park staff noticed it right away and we're working on a solution to have the fish replaced. There are many factors that could have affected the fish, as trout are highly susceptible to stress during transport.
Jessica
I was wondering why trout are not stocked at Watson park? Living in South Wichita, it would be more convenient to have a trout pond/lake/stream here. I enjoy Sedgwick County Park, K-dot, and El Dorado very much, but was simply wondering if there was ever any thought of stocking trout at Watson Park or any other South Wichita pond, thanks!
What is the status of the trout program at Vic's lake and Slough creek? No fishing report updates on KDWP site since end of September. There was mention of a fish kill after first stocking? If something is going on, please update the public what happened and how it was resolved!
Rainbow trout were stocked today at Vic's Lake and the Slough Creek at Sedgwick County Park and at the KDOT East Lake.
Some trout were lost in the initial stocking at Vic's Lake only. This was most likely due to the stress on the trout of being transported.
The trout that went into Vic's lake today looked great, and were doing very well when I checked on them about 1.5 hours later.
Thanks for your concern,
Jessica
Joel,
Thanks for asking about the possibility of stocking trout at Watson Park in Wichita.
Because trout are not native to Kansas, they tend to me more "sensitive" to environmental factors than native fish are. For example, they prefer (and are native to) clear running streams that are very high in oxygen. Unfortunately, Watson Park lake does not provide the ideal situation available for stocking trout in the Wichita area. The closest thing we have in Wichita to their native habitat is the Slough Creek Stream - but not wanting to limit anglers like yourself to only that stream, we chose 2 other locations in the City to provide a more equal opportunity to everyone. If the opportunity arises to expand the trout stocking program in Wichita, and there were a good location to which we could expand, we would certainly consider it.
Jessica
Also, for those of you wondering - the trout that didn't make it after the stocking last week were replaced today.
The fishing report for Sedgiwck County Park will be updated today and will indicate this.
Jessica
Just curious any trout fishing tips. I have lived here 3 years and in that time only caught 5 trout. I have tried Powerbait, minnows, small spinners, etc... Maybe I have a bad set up. I am not asking for your honey hole, just a few tips that might make purchasing a fishing license worth it.
Thanks
currdog7@hotmail.com
I have noticed that the report for KDOT East has not been updated since 09/28/09. If it has been stocked with trout, they are few and far between..
BJ
I use colorful crappie plugs with grub tails and catch alot of trout that way. I have also used corn and velveeta cheese with good success. good luck.
RE: Fishing Reports. Thanks for the comments, guys. I'm not sure what's happening to the fishing reports but I'm checking with our IT department today. They're apparently getting lost in cyberspace between me hitting "update" and them actually getting posted.
Jessica
We've fixed the fishing reports, and they're updating correctly now.
Also, you can now follow me @fishwichita on www.twitter.com for up-to-the-minute fishing reports and stockings in the WICHITA area, as well as other small bits of seasonal fishing information. You can also tweet fishing info back to me (including pictures)!
Thanks,
Jessica
CHENEY WIPERS have slowed down this last weekend, but after 2pm is usually your best feeding time to catch these 6-9 pounders near the river. good luck.
Terry
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