This site exists to allow anglers to post current fishing reports for Kansas waters. Views and opinions expressed here are not necessarily those of the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. This is an Unofficial Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Fishing Report Blog.
Thursday, April 09, 2009
2009 - Region 5 "Dock Squawk" (Southeastern, KS)
Use this article to comment on any fishing issue in Region 5 or Southeastern Kansas. Keep discussions polite and appropriate. Any inappropriate comments will be deleted.
Ok, here's a few! When will Elk City State Park get boat and fishing docks fixed? We all pay our fee for permits but have no dock access. I know the high water took it's toll, but there has been time to fix them. Fishing season is here and boating season is right around the corner! What about the one at Card Creek? When can we see more improvements to the Montgomery State Lake? That thing gets choked up with moss every spring. Maybe another dock or two out there? How about some walleye or saugeye in there?
First off if someone has the determination to run a business as a second job on his free time and weekends, I say more power to him. That's what makes the USA the greatest country in the world. I would also think if this individual is running a guide service, he would have even more interest in keeping the lake fisheries in top shape! Am I a little jealous of a guy that might make some money fishing? Sure, but this is the USA!, no ones stopping any of us from doing the same thing. I would guess there is some financial risk involved in the guiding business (boats, equipment etc.) As well as weekends not spent at home with the wife & kids! LOL if he has any! GOOD LUCK TO HIM!
Hello I am the Fish Biologist in charge of Elk City and Montgomery SFL.
Montgomery is a very productive lake that produces a very good fishery however the down side is that these productive waters will typically experience Algal blooms Copper sulfate is the most commonly applied chemical to control algae but it is only a short term solution and can be costly when considering a lake the size of Montgomery. In short, there are no simple solutions to algae (moss).
Currently there are no additional docks planned for Montgomery SFL. There have been improvements to the fishing piers on the North side of the lake. After the dirt work settles a bit it is planned to come back in and place a layer of cap rock and then finer gravel on the piers.
Walleye were stocked in Montgomery, from 1984-1993 20,130 fingerlings were stocked. The results were no walleye were sampled during fall gill netting, no fish were harvested during out creel surveys and only 16 were caught and released. The largemouth bass and crappie population present at Montgomery make walley/saugeye introductions unfeasible.
The boat ramp at Card Creek is owned and operated by the Corps of Engineers; I will contact them as well as the state park manager at Elk City to see what we can do to possibly speed up these repairs.
why should i have to buy a set of spoonbill tags when i have a lifetime license that i bought almost 20 years ago? i think that as lifetime holders, we should be exempt from changing the rules in the middle of the game. isn't that one of the reasons that kdwp gave for the big cash outlay when you purchace one.
I totally agree!! I also have a lifetime combo license. A friend of mine from Oklahoma has his lifetime combo down there, the only permit of anykind he has to buy down there is his elk permit fee (and it isn't very much). That's no deer permits, turkey, or any kind of fishing permits/fees of anykind. And he paid a lot less down there than we do up here. Go figure. I guess Oklahoma wants to sell lifetime licenses!!
IIRC it is cheaper for a Kansas resident to go buy a NR lifetime fishing license in OK then it is for a Kansas resident to buy a resident liftime fishing license in KS.
If state agencies priced fishing licenses like a business, residents would have to pay more than nonresidents because residents have low opportunity costs while most non-residents have to travel further to fish out-of-state. Oklahoma actually does that with their nonresident lifetime license. It's cheap! I see they don't sell a non-resident hunting license anymore though.
Has anyone heard tell of the channel cat caught on the spring river over by Riverton that is a possible state record (46+ #'s)?? A guy I work with said he heard of the story in the Galena newspaper??
Here's a question. If a boat is registered to the state with the primary propulsion as electric, can you put a gas motor on it from time to time, as long as it's not left on it permanently??
I thought Lebo city lake was not enrolled in the CFAP program. Why are my tax dollars (region biologist hours, fish stockings, etc.) still going toward the management of this lake when I am not allowed to fish there without an extra permit? Perhaps someone could fill me in on the CFAP policies.
Snowman, I glad to see you're havin' a little competition. But beware, the state could possibly charge you for having these fun little tourney's. They even could have you fill out paperwork along the lines of the work of a biologist. Lenght, weights, water conditions, # of fish caught, etc. Several years ago, we were holding small tourney's such as this, (6-8 boats) for the guys on our shift at work, then the state brought this to our attention. Hmm, no fun, so no more competitions. Thought I would give you a heads up.
Just spent a weekend at Crawford SP. What a great facility. Had a big crowd, but not a lot of pleasure boat traffic yet, so we actually got to fish a lot during the day. However, we did notice a more shoreline trash than normal. Goes with the bigger crowds I guess. I ask that you remind people to pick up their trash if they visit a SP. It doesn't take any longer to pack it out than if did to pack it down to the water. If you find someones trash please pick it up, we really need to keep our parks clean!! I'd like to say the staff at Crawford is doing a great job once again!!
Well the Elk City Lake is down to normal now. Wonder if we are ever going to have any boat docks out there to use anymore. Sure don't see any activity on fixing them up yet. Sure are gonna miss them Toronto Boys!
Hey people! This is the Dock Squawk Board. Fishing reports should be put on Fishing Reports. Might read what the dock squawk means! This board should be for airing out other concerns of the sportsmen community. I'll get of my soapbox now! Ha! Ha!.
Here's something to ponder. Wouldn't it be nice if there was a fish cleaning station at Crawford SFL? I wonder if the state has considered this. Also, since it's a good lake for catfish, and crappie, and not the best for largemouth, wouldn't it be fun if there were wipers stocked in the lake?? Set the length limit hight, creel limit low, and create a trophy fishery. Weather these to issues are ever looked at by the state, my family will still continue to go to Crawford SFL, it's just a great place to go and relax.
Well, I guess I should have looked at some of my home waters before wishing the state would stock wipers at Crawford SFL. A friend tipped me off to a few pitts that the state recently stocked with wipers right in my own "back yard"!! Although, in my opinion, they be fun to fish for at Crawford SFL also. Thanks KDWP!!
I would like to complain about the USACE and their policy of releasing water from John Redmond dam.I tried to write them an email but it didnt work.For the last several years the river has been high all summer.Right now they could release a lot more water than they are and get the lake down quicker.They hold the Neosho river 6 to 8 ft high all summer and I think it is ruining the river.Let the water go!
I agree!!! I have a passion for fishin' the Neosho, but I'm not putting me or my family at risk. Release the water and get it over with!! Better yet, dredge the sediment from John Redmond so they could maybe, STORE some more water up there!!
Fall River Lake - Does anyone know if there are anyplans to fix the old metal bridge above Lad Bridge at fall river lake? My family and I like the river fishing but coming from the lake without that bridge makes for twice the drive.
Just checked the Army Corps. web site for John Redmond/lower Neosho River. Been watching it real close since yesterday, and getting excited about setlining. They just bursted my bubble with their new water release for today. I understand their priority is flood control, but give me a break. They are really jackin' up my fishin' plans. I guess I can look forward to fishin' it come fall if I'm lucky.
ASACE could double the release from John Redmond and not flood anyone and get the lake down faster.Last year the river never got down until fall and its going to be the same this year.I think they have some kind of agreement with GRDA to not release too much and thats wrong.
Please, anyone up at Redmond, please blog the instant they make any water release changes Monday, or Tuesday at the latest. I've got vacation scheduled, and trying to figure out where I want to go!!!
I made two phone calls this morning complaing about the discharge levels from John Redmond dam.If anyone would like to add their voice to mine the #918-669-7132.Maybe we can get their attention.
Does the state have any plans to stock bass in Woodson State Lake? It used to be very good. A few years ago it was lowered to work on the tower and it stayed low for a couple of years. The bass population has really went down since then. I would like to see them put some bass back into it.
Hey Sean, Fisheries Biologist, where you at? Some good questions on here but no response from you! That Jessica gal over on the Region 4 Dock Squawk board got her game on! Makin' you look bad!!!
I am here on a regular basis to see if there I questions I can provide information on. I manage the public waters in Montgomery, Wilson and Labette Counties. I won't comment on waters that I don't manage.
Sean, what's the latest on the Largemouth Bass Virus over at Big Hill Lake? Does that affect the crappie or channel cat I want to eat? What if I want to keep a big bass to eat? Also I've heard the average crappie size is improving the last few years over there. Used to I could catch hundreds of 5-6 inchers!
Largemouth Bass virus (lmbv) was first documented in Big Hill in Nov. 2008. I had suspected it for the past three years. To date no major die off of largemouth has been documented, although bass density had dropped noticeably in 2007-2008. All sunfish can be carriers of lmbv, the disease does not affect warm blooded animals and poses no health threats to humans. So enjoy your fish fry! In 2008 we conducted a creel survey on Big Hill an estimated 34,000 crappie were harvested with an average length of 10 inches. I am hopeful that this will be the norm rather than the exception.
Beware!!! Camped and fished over at Elmore Park at Chetopa this weekend, and ran into a few problems. The biggest, someone cut my nephews boat loose early on the fourth, and it washed down river, over the dam, and continued down river about another 1/2 mile, and got hung up capzized. With the help of several good men/boats we were able to recover it. It received some damage, hope the motor still runs. They also cut the rope on our livebox with 2 flatheads in it. Thanks to everyone who helped my 19 year old nephew. The punks who did this can consider this their warning!!You don't mess with river folk!
Just in from putting out some setlines on the lower Neosho River. I think someone from the Army Corps. of Engineers needs to take a boat ride and look at the extreme erosion of the river banks!! Yes, we've had some bad floods the last couple of years, but I truely believe alot of it is caused by the Corps. keeping the river high for such long periods of time.
I did not get a chance to call the usace, but I can imagine their response. You have to expect it from a govt. agency! I am planning on making a call though. How they're controlling the Neosho river is rediculous. The Neosho flows into Grand Lake in Oklahoma. Grand Lake is the only usace reserviour in the US that is developed. You can't build on any other usace lake, and Grand is highly developed. Looks like to me, there is some "BIG money" flowing up the Neosho river. They sure are changing it though!
The corps. has something to do with Grand Lake, they control the reservoirs above it that impound the Neosho/Grand River and the river and reservoirs below grand lake. It's my understanding the GRDA controls the Pennsicola dam, but I may be wrong.? I'm not trying to upset anyone, I among others are getting fed up with the flow rates of the Neosho River in KS!!!
Here is the explanation of exactly what the GRDA is from their own website:
Who Are We The Grand River Dam Authority is an agency of the state of Oklahoma, created by the Oklahoma Legislature in 1935 to be a "conservation and reclamation district for the waters of the Grand River." The legislation which created GRDA outlined its primary responsibilities this way:
(a) To control, store and preserve, within the boundaries of the District, the water of the Grand River and its tributaries for any useful purpose and to use, distribute and sell the same within the boundaries of the District.
(b) To develop and generate water power and electric energy within the boundaries of the District;
GRDA fulfills its responsibilities by operating three hydroelectric facilities, and managing two lakes, along the Grand River system. These facilities, along with the GRDA Coal-Fired Complex (thermal generation), combine for a total generation capability of 1,480 megawatts (MW). GRDA transmits and delivers this wholesale electricity across its 24-county service area in Northeast Oklahoma via a sophisticated energy delivery systems. GRDA sells electricity to three customer classes: municipals, electric cooperatives and industries.
To me, it has to somehow be connected to the USACE since they are the ones controlling the flow into the river from the reservoir.
Hey Catman. I was over at Chetopa on the 3rd. I too had a rough experience, but nowhere near yours. It was my first time fishing there, since we were not catching any cats at Big Hill or on the Verdigris, so we headed over there to give it a shot. We got there at 7am, and two of my buddies left around 6pm.I was bank-fishing as we had been all day, just up from the ramp probably a hundred yards, when the cops showed up and checked a boat that pulled in. I was being a little nosy, just peaking over to see what the commotion was but couldn't figure out what was going on so I went back to fishing. About 30 minutes later, an inebriated fellow comes walking over to me, asking if I called the cops on them for throwing beer cans in the water, and having a child on the boat while drinking. I told him no, and from where I was I couldn't tell one boat from another anyhow. He told me his name, shook my hand,apologized, and then walked off saying he would go ask others in the park,but I knew he still thought it was me. They had a whole bunch of people in their camping site, and there where quite a few of them giving me the evil eye. I wasn't intimidated, so I fished on. Then another cop pulls in, and goes over to them. This time I wasn't nosy because I thought maybe someone called for something else on them. Then they sent the cop to me, and the cop asked if I called the police to report someone hotrodding in the park. I told him no since I did not call. So, after my all day excursion of much disappointment, buddies who gave in too early, and being called a snitch because I was evidently the only person not joining their group of d-bags, I decided my first trip to Chetopa was over with three small catfish, and an anger about to cause me to do something stupid. As I pulled out of the park, I caught some glares from the rejects, and went to the gas station across the river. When I was backing out of the parking lot, one of their goons either followed me, or recognized my truck, and was giving me the stare down. So, I pulled back to the curb, and was ready to confront him, when he looked down and ran inside the store real fast. I left, since it was not worth it. I have a name, of the fellow who originally confronted me, and I wonder if he may have been trying to get back at people he thought called the cops. I realize, for some people, drinking has to go along with fishing and boating, but when a child is on-board, and you're the drunk who is driving the boat, you deserve whatever you get from the cops. I never called the cops on the guy, but if I would have known what was going on, I just might of. I just wonder if it could have been the same group of people maybe trying to get revenge on whoever called. Most fisherman, keep to themselves or occasionally talk to other fisherman when fishing. The recreational boater on the other hand, is a different breed, who seems to lack respect for others.I would be glad to email a name to you from the group that was over there. I don't like to snitch, but since I was called a snitch already, I would email the name to you if you want it. Maybe that can help you out, and hopefully that wasn't you I am talking about. If that was the case, this would be the opening of a can worms I guess.
On another note, where in the heck do I catch catfish at Big Hill?
You must mean Leonard J My district covers all the public lakes in Woodson, Anderson, Coffey and Osage county except Carbondale and Pomona lake. Yes the bass population in Woodson has taken a dive, largemouth bass virus was confirmed there last year. Stocking new bass would only infect them with them same diease. The population has to rebuild over several years from the fish still in the lake that become immune to diease. Yates Center lake just 4 miles to the east has an excellent bass population. Lebo City lake has an excellent population of largemouth bass and channel catfish, with some large crappie and a few big walleye. The fishing is limited in the summer by a heavy infestation of eurasin milfoil ( an invasive species of aquatic weeds) I think at times it also keeps oxygen levels down in late summer and the fish become less active. The City has been made aware of the problem and the treatment they can use. Yates Center is treating their lake for the same problem. It is very expensive ( about $30,000) with no guarantee that it won't come back. Right now I am waiting the results at Yates Center before making any more recommendations to Lebo. So far it looks like the treatment is quite effective.
To the post above about trouble over in Chetopa.First of all, I'm not the one your talking about, so don't worry. I'm not against having an adult beverage....at the end of the day. Never on the water, especially since most of the time my 2 young daughters are with me and my wife.Always, at the end of the day for me, and by chance I have one early, my day is considered done. We appreciate you offering a name for us, but I truly believe this is something we are just gonna have to let go. A police report was filed, we've gotten 3 names of young men and a vehicle discription. But it's still their word against ours. The police officer said it's a grey area, because Elmore Park is city property where my nephews boat was tied up, but the river is county jurisdiction, where the boat was floating. I don't know. I've also gotten and still do from time to time, a stare down from locals. I just go on about my business, just like you. I used to wonder if they thought I was an undercover game warden..?? Then I would speak to them from time to time and it seemed to have gotten better. Just don't give up on Chetopa, It's one of our favorite catfish spots. I just hope next time someone messes with our property down there, we catch them red handed, then we'll see just how tough they are!!
I visit with a lot of people on the river, my wife say to many sometimes. So would remember if it was me you talked to, I really like to visit! Good luck and thanks.
fishing hunting trapping we do it all. But where is the hunting blogs at like these for the fishing? Also anyone know of any Antelope spots? On a side note the USACE has lakes all over the country that are developed on BUT its determined by what year they were built as to determine if they could be developed on or not and yes most around here were built to late to be developed on which is a good thing b/c the lakes were built by tax dollars for the tax payers. Since the usace is for the most part flood reduction its the best interest to not build on them bc the will rise my buddy b/c of this there is some great public lands from water lines to high water buffer zones that is all public lands.
I understand the difference between a lake and reservoir, reservoirs are "flowing impoundments" where the water flucuates from water releases above and below a particular res. and/or rainfall over a watershed. I also know there are several great public lands created by the federal areas. I fish and hunt a lot on public lands and are greatful they exist in Kansas. My gripe along with several others in my area of the Neosho river is how the usace is controling the flow. I will only speak of the the Neosho because I haven't fished any Corps. controlled rivers west of it. Take for example the HEAVY rains we received in our area on Monday night/Tues. morning. They didn't get the amounts of rain up at Redmond like the lower basin did. So the lower Neosho had a big rise due to the run off, but the Corps. opened the gates at Redmond and started releasing 5000+cfs of water. The release before this was less than a 1000cfs because they had already reached their target level of 1037 as stated on their website and KDWP's department fishing reports. Now if they know the rivers rising below them and the inflow to John Redmond is minimal as which it was why on earth would you start releasing water?? I think our Department Sec., Gov., and State Leg. needs to check into the operators of dam at Redmond. In my opinion, they are ruining a lot of habitat and causing a lot of unnecessary property loss/ land erosion. I guess SE Ks still doesn't mean much to the higher ups in Topeka. I vote, I pay taxes, I have a LT combo license, and I buy my permits, so, I guess I've earned my right to gripe on this manner. Good day.
On the water releases it would take a good 3 days to show up in sek from redmond. local rains would have already been downstream by then for the most part or have crested. the usace controls the water flow, they keep or try to keep all reservoirs in their district at the same flood pool percentage. that is all determined at the Tulsa district headquarters in the hydrology dept. yes it might not be the best interest of us fishermen but thats what they do.. lake comes up water goes out. i see the reservoirs being there to help flood reduction, water supply and recreation. when they do release water we know its for a short time usually and fishing is only good for so long. Could you really expect them to keep the reservoir up 15 feet so they can have a small flow coming out to provide fishing downstream all summer long?? NO the reservoirs not there for that. and 5000 cfs is nothing on the neosho.. river fishing in these necks of the woods is tough and hard to do, unless its raining or you know where the fish hind in low flow. they dont really manage the river flow they manage the reservoirs to keep flooding minimal downstream.
I don't expect the usace to keep there reservoirs 15 feet high all summer. But why not get the dam open and release the water as quickly as possible... so the river is not 12-15 feet high all summer like it has been the last 3 summers. River fishin' in this neck of the woods isn't that tough, it just takes lots of time on the water learning to read the river. Now that I have obviously offended some bloggers with my little tangent, I'll try to keep my frustations to my self. Has anyone been juglining on any of our "trial areas" within our region?? I've done it in OK, and it can be a blast. Has anyone heard whether the state will open the handfishin' season state wide at the end of it's trial period?
Catman, Saw some juggers at Toronto last weekend. Saw them catch a few. Looks like it would be a blast. I am going to try it on Redmond if I can come up with some Jugs. Dont really like paying more but that is how it goes.
Blackdog40-good luck on your juggin'. I agree, the extra fee is ridiculous, so I'll leave it at that...don't want to be offensive to anyone. Next summer, we're plannin' a few camping trips to Toronto, we probably do some jugin' our selves.Anyhow, is Redmond as choked up with log jams as much as I hear??Good luck!
Question. The fishing reports for region 5 are never current. Right now we have reports dating back into July. These are just about useless for someone wanting information on a trip. Other regions seem to do a better job. So what is the problem with region 5. I really do not expect and answer as no one has answered here from region 5 yet.
Is anyone in the Pratt office going to update the public fish images?? I enjoy see other anglers success! I know people have got to be sending in digital photos, heck I think we've sent in 2 or 3 this year.
Lebo City Lake refused to take the buyout from CFAP but it is still a very high quality public fishery. The managment program still has to be paid for and the city chose to continue to charge for a permit and provide the funding of the fishing program themselves. The programs have to be funded, be it from the state or city. They do receive lower priority when it comes to stocking or grants for capital improvements at their lake. Sorry I haven't answered sooner but I have been out of commission for a while. I just had double knee replacement a couple of weeks ago. Leonard
Hey Sean, why was the fish feeders taken off the Montgomery State Lake? Wilson, Woodson, and Neosho all have them on those lakes and have had for alot of years. Also why was the old marker bouy taken off the island out there? If someone not familiar with the lake passes over a certain spot depending on the lake level, they could sure do damage to their boat and motor! Just wondering!
Thanks for the question, as you probably know. Montgomery SFL is a very nutrient rich lake. In a study of catfish growth Montgomery had the fastest growth rate of the18 state fishing lakes studied.
In 1996-1999 feeders were in operation on Montgomery SFL. The over all condition of the channel catfish did not show an appreciable increase even though feeding rates were increased. Creel surveys did not show an increase in size of fish harvested or number of fish harvested.
During the same time period the feeding program at Wilson SFL was initiated resulting in the average weight of catfish harvested almost tripling. These results are not all due to the feeding program but a combination of change in length and creel limits, stocking regimes and the feeding program.
During early spring 2000 a large algae bloom occurred resulting in a fish kill in late March. I can’t attribute the bloom to the feeding program entirely as there were changes in land uses occurring in the drainage basin of the lake at the time. However, the feeding program was a potential source of nutrients I could control. I made a decision to stop the feeding program at that time and use that management tool at better suited locations.
A creel survey was completed on MGSL in 2007, final results showed that approximately 275 angling hrs/ac. were exerted resulting in an estimated harvest of 2,721 channel catfish, averaging 18” or approximately 2 pounds, there were an additional 2,084 catfish caught and released.
I will get with the Area Manger and see what the situation is with the marker buoy, if we have any buoys or if they need to be ordered.
I am going to oklahoma for a family reunion and was checking on buy a NR fishing license and all they offer is a 5 day. I checked and kansas also only offers a 5 day so the email I sent the oklahoma department of wildlife is approprate for my state of ks also. it is shown below.
To whom it may concern:
I have a suggestion that would possibly help your number license sales. you currently only offer a 5 day non resident license that has to run consecutive days. this means that for my weekend trips to oklahoma to camp that I do not buy a fishing license and just let my kids fish since they are under the age that needs to purchase licenses. If you had a 2 day license say for around 10.00 to 12.00 or so I would gladly purchase it. the other option is to make the 5 day where the days are not run consecutively have spaces to indicate what day they are good for and each day is to be filled in by a license agent but does not have to be filled in at time of purchase. That way it could cover 2 weekends of fishing. the way it is set up now almost seems like a shameless scam to require me to spend money for 3 days of fishing thta I will never get to use and in these trying economic times that is an expense I can easily do without. maybe offer a 2 and the current 5 day. I realize that license sales profits are needed to support the fishing department.
I would be willing to bet that there are numerous people that just fish with out a NR license especially on a overnight campout.
I agree with the post above about the license options.We are in trying times as is the KDWP. This is a perfect time for the saying, "you've got to give a little to get a little". Maybe the dept. needs to check into this. After all, a little revenue is better than none, and if people are not buying license's and permits the equals no revenue. People can only pay so much. On the other hand I live close to and spend quite a bit of time on a major wildlife area here in SEK, so I understand the expenses it takes to operate them. I guess we just need to put our heads together on this one, and figure out how to take care of our public programs the state has offered. For the most part the stated has done a terrific job on most fronts.
Hey Sean! Have a question. When the zebra mussels invade Big Hill Lake, just how will it affect the eco-system there? It's just a matter of time, sadly! I was wondering how other lakes are holding up after invasions. I hear they can really clear up the water, is that true? What would happen to Big Muddy? [ Elk City Lake ]? Are the fish populations holding up in those lakes? And what about the talk of the blue cats eating the zebra's for control. How would you eradicate completly? Drain the lake, seems to be the only answer! What is happening to the vegetation? Thanks, in advance.
You have a bunch of good questions there, but before providing some answers I feel I need to stress a point.
The fact that zebra mussles are found in some lakes in Kansas does not mean that all lakes in Kansas will eventually get them. I know it is hard at times to have faith in the other guy, but we are all in this together. Zebra mussels were first discovered in Minnesota in 1989 and since then only a dozen inland lakes have been added to the infected list. We will have to do a few extra chores (clean, drain and dry) at the end of the day to prevent the spread but we can make a difference.
Zebra mussels affect natural ecosystems both directly and indirectly. The greatest direct impact relates to the mussel’s feeding behavior. Zebra mussels are filter feeders and process up to 1 gallon of water per day/mussel. During this process, every particle in the water column is removed and either eaten by the mussels or wrapped in mucus and spit out. This feeding ability, in combination with high population densities, rapidly clears the water of even the largest lakes. Since zebra mussels became established in Lake Erie in 1988, water clarity has increased from 6 inches to 30 feet in some areas. In many cases, the increase in transparency and removal of “good” green algae resulted in blooms of “bad” Blue-green algae, which can pose a public health threat.
Unfortunately, the material removed from the water consists of other live animals and algae that supply food for larval fish and other invertebrates. In response to this changing food supply, populations of some animals have begun to decline. In Kansas the introduction has been relatively recent enough that impacts on the fish populations are not fully understood at this time.
Blue catfish, redear sunfish and freshwater drum will eat zebra mussels but none will controll them. Once zebra mussels become established in a water body, they are impossible to eradicate with the technology currently available. Many chemicals kill zebra mussels, but these exotics are so tolerant and tough that everything in the water would have to be poisoned to destroy the mussel. Right now the only cost effective way to eradicate is to drain and dry the lake. That may be an option on smaller impoundments but is not feasable or likely on federal reservoirs.
I have included a link to our Department’s web page that addresses zebra mussels more in depth.
Sean are you in charge of the Big Hill Wildlife Area? I'm talking about the ponds over there. I've only been to two that I know of, one is south of the lake road, and the other is north. How is the fishing there? What species, cats, bass, redear, crappie? I have never heard reports nor have I met anybody that fishes them. Are there any others? Thanks.
The fishing reports posted are just about useless an either they should be more up to date and accurate or just stopped all together. Most are not updated except maybe every two weeks which useless if they are to be useful they need to be update daily with accurate information. I do not see why the local agents cannot do this at least every other day. Not that they are out there in the public. I fish almost every day and I never see a fish and game person. I fish on public lakes all the time.
The North and South Ponds are by far the best fishing opportunities on the Big Hill Wildlife area. You pretty much nailed the species down. They are stocked with channel catfish every other year. The South pond is typically turbid but is good for channel cat and produces some really nice crappie. The North Pond is clear with a rocky bottom and is good for redear and bluegill sunfish. The North pond gets more pressure due to its size and access. The ponds get the majority of their pressure in the early spring after that I will find few people there.
Hello, This is not a complaint more in the lines of information. I have opened a small fishing and hunting supply store in Baxter Springs. Limited inventory right now due to having to fund out of my own savings but will have live bait year round. located right beside wal-mart in baxter. stop in and say hello.
Sean, a couple of questions. On the west side of Elk Lake there is a small pond. I'm wondering if you guys do any stocking in these small ponds that are on the wildlife area? Any good fishing in them? Also, why has access to the south side of the lake been shut off? I'm talking about the roads coming off the south rim dike. There was some good places to unload a small boat for fishing along with duck hunting, and now we can't get to them. It seems we pay for our fees and licences, and yet have more and more access denied. Why?
Sorry for the late reply, been busy with fall sampling.
A good way to look at the ponds on Elk City is if I could get close with a pickup truck they were stocked with channel catfish on a semi-regular basis, typically every other year. Since the 2007 flood all ponds on the area were contaminated with rough fish from the reservoir. In addition several of the pond dams received damage during the flood. Catfish stockings will continue on most ponds.
I am assuming you are referring to Chetopa Creek Road. After the 2007 flood the county abandoned Chetopa Creek Road because of damage to the small bridges there. At the same time due to flood frequency the farmers that worked the agricultural fields in Chetopa bottoms made the decision to quit farming them. Engineers from KDWP conducted an onsite review and deemed the bridges unsafe and a liability.
All of these factors resulted in the decision to close the road to through traffic. The boat ramp you mention is still available for duck hunters. Access is still provided from the north. The northern access is to remain open during duck season, however may be closed during heavy rain/flooding events to prevent damage to the road bed.
Had a customer come in and tell me about a young boy that was down at the spring river fishing with a broken fishing pool. I will call the kid roy (not his real name). evidently Roy really likes to fish but he only had the broken fishing pole and was trying to catch him some crappie. Roy was loaned some bait by other people fishing on the river and he told the gentleman who relayed this story to me that he has to walk to the river to fish. roy lives on the West side of baxter. The gentleman gave roy a fishing pole and a small stringer. He also has some frozen shiners and worms. He needs a bike which I am hopeful to provide him in the next couple of weeks.
my question is: How many other young people want to fish and cannot due to the economy? Is there a fishing club locally or can we get one started. My store is very new and so far not making enough money to pay the bills. I want to be able to donate some fishing poles etc to deserving children that want to fish (and hunt to for that matter). Right now I do not have the funds. would like some feedback on this both pro and con.
Sean what is your take on this?
anyway those are just my thoughts. Not sure how to set it up so that it benefits the kids that truly need the equipment.
feel free to email me with thoughts at jws_bait@yahoo.com
Sean, do you know anything about Polk-Daniels lake at Howard? Like how is the bass fishing? Any big fish heard of? That lake has to be very old, I find it interesting to find out some history about these old lakes in Kansas. Like when was it built, who built it, etc. Do you know of the stocking regime? Also, on the gate it says you need city permits to fish, is that true? I don't mind paying, just want to be legal.
Polk-Daniels Lake is outside of my district so sorry to say I can’t provide a lot of information. However, the lake is the CFAP program and does not require a city permit to fish it. For more information contact Carson Cox at 620 342-0658, he is the managing biologist for that impoundment.
Now that the General firearms deer season is over, starting to think CRAPPIE!!! Although, I have one more deer tag to try and fill in Jan. Then I'll be completely ready to hit the water. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year all you sportsman!
New regs state you can bowfish for catfish this year where there is no size limit. Anglers can partake in this but noodling is extremely limited. Your opinion.?
Catman I had mentioned this to some of my customers. with Mixed reactions. Some were glad and some were indifferent. Have gotten good response from anglers that I mentioned the new catch and release for paddlefish at Chetopa.
Baxter Bait-Glad to chat with you.I used to snag for spoonies and enjoyed it greatly,had to give it up because of numerous back surgeries. The only thing I can see about catch and release for spoonies is the crowd. I totally understand the concept of c&r and conserving the resourse. As you know there can be quite a crowd over there when the run is going strong. If c&r is in effect, a person or two can fish in one spot and pretty much fish as long as they want. With limited space to fish over there, this creates a lot of people standing and waiting (or hoping)to just get a chance to fish. When I used to snag at Miami, OK, I seen this same thing happen when they went to c&r. It also seemed that the people got ruder too. Used to everyone helped out landing fish, now you better have a friend or you'll be on your own. I remember, when KS used a 34" min. length below Chetopa for a couple of seasons. Maybe they ought to try maybe a 45"-48" minimum.? I don't know. I see people of all ages buy their permits to fish, and maybe not even getting to because people don't have to quit fishing. Maybe one of these days there will be a better solution. Bring on warmer weather!!!
Catman my response to this either did not post or got deleted. suspect it was an issue on my end. Long story short is that I had not thought of the overcrowding and the increase in rudeness but that fits with what the customers said were the driving factors to not wanting to fish miami. As for the length limit. If C&R is in effect not sure a minimum would work but possibly think that have a minimum and anything over the minimum must be kept might work better.
whats up with the heated docks,[melvern, hillsdale, and the others i'm sure] raising the cost to fish on them? its getting to be just about like texas hunting, if you want to fish, you have to pay a pretty steep fee. i'm all for them making a buck, but this is starting to seem like they are taking advantage of the people who keep them in business in the winter. last time i looked, they are on public lakes
Yes they are public lakes but the Marinas are run by private individuals that pay the Corp a fee to operate the marinas.
I have fished the dock at Melvern for years the fee used to be 4.50 back in the 80's when I started fishing there. It is now 6.00 dollars. That is not a large increase over the years when you consider how much everything else has increased.
Of course a lot has changed it used to be open 24/7 now due to vandalism they close at night.
I just wish the fishing was as good now as it was back in the 80's at the dock.
KDWP just request. Can you go ahead and load the new sections for 2010. Region 5 has over 220 comments. If you get the new blog categories up while traffic is light then there will less confusion then if you do it when traffic picks up. seems like there is usually one or two posts that put on last years thread instead of the current year thread every new year.
I thought Lebo city lake was not enrolled in the CFAP program. Why are my tax dollars (region biologist hours, fish stockings, etc.) still going toward the management of this lake when I am not allowed to fish there without an extra permit? Perhaps someone could fill me in on the CFAP policies.
88 comments:
Ok, here's a few! When will Elk City State Park get boat and fishing docks fixed? We all pay our fee for permits but have no dock access. I know the high water took it's toll, but there has been time to fix them. Fishing season is here and boating season is right around the corner! What about the one at Card Creek? When can we see more improvements to the Montgomery State Lake? That thing gets choked up with moss every spring. Maybe another dock or two out there? How about some walleye or saugeye in there?
Here is a question. Why does the fisheries biologist get to run a guide service while also managing the lakes. Isnt that a conflict of interest?
First off if someone has the determination to run a business as a second job on his free time and weekends, I say more power to him. That's what makes the USA the greatest country in the world. I would also think if this individual is running a guide service, he would have even more interest in keeping the lake fisheries in top shape! Am I a little jealous of a guy that might make some money fishing? Sure, but this is the USA!, no ones stopping any of us from doing the same thing. I would guess there is some financial risk involved in the guiding business (boats, equipment etc.) As well as weekends not spent at home with the wife & kids! LOL if he has any! GOOD LUCK TO HIM!
if carbondale city lake had great access, it would be a great ishing location, but you need a boat to get out there. no bank fishing access!
Hello I am the Fish Biologist in charge of Elk City and Montgomery SFL.
Montgomery is a very productive lake that produces a very good fishery however the down side is that these productive waters will typically experience Algal blooms Copper sulfate is the most commonly applied chemical to control algae but it is only a short term solution and can be costly when considering a lake the size of Montgomery. In short, there are no simple solutions to algae (moss).
Currently there are no additional docks planned for Montgomery SFL. There have been improvements to the fishing piers on the North side of the lake. After the dirt work settles a bit it is planned to come back in and place a layer of cap rock and then finer gravel on the piers.
Walleye were stocked in Montgomery, from 1984-1993 20,130 fingerlings were stocked. The results were no walleye were sampled during fall gill netting, no fish were harvested during out creel surveys and only 16 were caught and released. The largemouth bass and crappie population present at Montgomery make walley/saugeye introductions unfeasible.
The boat ramp at Card Creek is owned and operated by the Corps of Engineers; I will contact them as well as the state park manager at Elk City to see what we can do to possibly speed up these repairs.
Sean Lynott
District Fisheries Biologist
Thanks for your reply Sean. Good to hear from ya!
why should i have to buy a set of spoonbill tags when i have a lifetime license that i bought almost 20 years ago? i think that as lifetime holders, we should be exempt from changing the rules in the middle of the game. isn't that one of the reasons that kdwp gave for the big cash outlay when you purchace one.
I totally agree!! I also have a lifetime combo license. A friend of mine from Oklahoma has his lifetime combo down there, the only permit of anykind he has to buy down there is his elk permit fee (and it isn't very much). That's no deer permits, turkey, or any kind of fishing permits/fees of anykind. And he paid a lot less down there than we do up here. Go figure. I guess Oklahoma wants to sell lifetime licenses!!
IIRC it is cheaper for a Kansas resident to go buy a NR lifetime fishing license in OK then it is for a Kansas resident to buy a resident liftime fishing license in KS.
Makes ya wonder.
If state agencies priced fishing licenses like a business, residents would have to pay more than nonresidents because residents have low opportunity costs while most non-residents have to travel further to fish out-of-state. Oklahoma actually does that with their nonresident lifetime license. It's cheap! I see they don't sell a non-resident hunting license anymore though.
Has anyone heard tell of the channel cat caught on the spring river over by Riverton that is a possible state record (46+ #'s)?? A guy I work with said he heard of the story in the Galena newspaper??
Well, the powers back on, the clean up is started, maybe it won't be long before I'm fishin' again. Hope everyone's safe after the the storm on 5-8!!
Here's a question. If a boat is registered to the state with the primary propulsion as electric, can you put a gas motor on it from time to time, as long as it's not left on it permanently??
I thought Lebo city lake was not enrolled in the CFAP program. Why are my tax dollars (region biologist hours, fish stockings, etc.) still going toward the management of this lake when I am not allowed to fish there without an extra permit? Perhaps someone could fill me in on the CFAP policies.
Snowman, I glad to see you're havin' a little competition. But beware, the state could possibly charge you for having these fun little tourney's. They even could have you fill out paperwork along the lines of the work of a biologist. Lenght, weights, water conditions, # of fish caught, etc. Several years ago, we were holding small tourney's such as this, (6-8 boats) for the guys on our shift at work, then the state brought this to our attention. Hmm, no fun, so no more competitions. Thought I would give you a heads up.
It would be nice if they updated the fishing report more than every 2 weeks. The only thing its good for is to see what I missed.
Just spent a weekend at Crawford SP. What a great facility. Had a big crowd, but not a lot of pleasure boat traffic yet, so we actually got to fish a lot during the day. However, we did notice a more shoreline trash than normal. Goes with the bigger crowds I guess. I ask that you remind people to pick up their trash if they visit a SP. It doesn't take any longer to pack it out than if did to pack it down to the water. If you find someones trash please pick it up, we really need to keep our parks clean!! I'd like to say the staff at Crawford is doing a great job once again!!
Well the Elk City Lake is down to normal now. Wonder if we are ever going to have any boat docks out there to use anymore. Sure don't see any activity on fixing them up yet. Sure are gonna miss them Toronto Boys!
Crappie have really been biting at Cedar Creek. 5 trips and limits every time.Caught a 17inch white just under 3lbs.
Hey people! This is the Dock Squawk Board. Fishing reports should be put on Fishing Reports. Might read what the dock squawk means! This board should be for airing out other concerns of the sportsmen community. I'll get of my soapbox now! Ha! Ha!.
Here's something to ponder. Wouldn't it be nice if there was a fish cleaning station at Crawford SFL? I wonder if the state has considered this. Also, since it's a good lake for catfish, and crappie, and not the best for largemouth, wouldn't it be fun if there were wipers stocked in the lake?? Set the length limit hight, creel limit low, and create a trophy fishery. Weather these to issues are ever looked at by the state, my family will still continue to go to Crawford SFL, it's just a great place to go and relax.
Well, I guess I should have looked at some of my home waters before wishing the state would stock wipers at Crawford SFL. A friend tipped me off to a few pitts that the state recently stocked with wipers right in my own "back yard"!! Although, in my opinion, they be fun to fish for at Crawford SFL also. Thanks KDWP!!
I would like to complain about the USACE and their policy of releasing water from John Redmond dam.I tried to write them an email but it didnt work.For the last several years the river has been high all summer.Right now they could release a lot more water than they are and get the lake down quicker.They hold the Neosho river 6 to 8 ft high all summer and I think it is ruining the river.Let the water go!
I agree!!! I have a passion for fishin' the Neosho, but I'm not putting me or my family at risk. Release the water and get it over with!! Better yet, dredge the sediment from John Redmond so they could maybe, STORE some more water up there!!
Fall River Lake - Does anyone know if there are anyplans to fix the old metal bridge above Lad Bridge at fall river lake? My family and I like the river fishing but coming from the lake without that bridge makes for twice the drive.
I have a ? Why are the fishing reports for Fall River and Toronto still showing fall netting? Has no one caught any fish there?
Just checked the Army Corps. web site for John Redmond/lower Neosho River. Been watching it real close since yesterday, and getting excited about setlining. They just bursted my bubble with their new water release for today. I understand their priority is flood control, but give me a break. They are really jackin' up my fishin' plans. I guess I can look forward to fishin' it come fall if I'm lucky.
ASACE could double the release from John Redmond and not flood anyone and get the lake down faster.Last year the river never got down until fall and its going to be the same this year.I think they have some kind of agreement with GRDA to not release too much and thats wrong.
Please, anyone up at Redmond, please blog the instant they make any water release changes Monday, or Tuesday at the latest. I've got vacation scheduled, and trying to figure out where I want to go!!!
Monday 7020 cfs lake 12 above normal.
I made two phone calls this morning complaing about the discharge levels from John Redmond dam.If anyone would like to add their voice to mine the #918-669-7132.Maybe we can get their attention.
Thanks for the phone #, first thing Tues. morning, they'll be hearing from me!!
Does the state have any plans to stock bass in Woodson State Lake? It used to be very good. A few years ago it was lowered to work on the tower and it stayed low for a couple of years. The bass population has really went down since then. I would like to see them put some bass back into it.
Hey Sean, Fisheries Biologist, where you at? Some good questions on here but no response from you! That Jessica gal over on the Region 4 Dock Squawk board got her game on! Makin' you look bad!!!
Corps of Engineers has got the new dock put in the river at Card Creek, Elk City Lake. Very NICE!!
Hello Friends,
I am here on a regular basis to see if there I questions I can provide information on. I manage the public waters in Montgomery, Wilson and Labette Counties. I won't comment on waters that I don't manage.
I do agree Jessica has her game on!
Sean Lynott
District Fisheries Biologist
Sean, what's the latest on the Largemouth Bass Virus over at Big Hill Lake? Does that affect the crappie or channel cat I want to eat? What if I want to keep a big bass to eat? Also I've heard the average crappie size is improving the last few years over there. Used to I could catch hundreds of 5-6 inchers!
Thanks for the interest,
Largemouth Bass virus (lmbv) was first documented in Big Hill in Nov. 2008. I had suspected it for the past three years. To date no major die off of largemouth has been documented, although bass density had dropped noticeably in 2007-2008. All sunfish can be carriers of lmbv, the disease does not affect warm blooded animals and poses no health threats to humans. So enjoy your fish fry!
In 2008 we conducted a creel survey on Big Hill an estimated 34,000 crappie were harvested with an average length of 10 inches. I am hopeful that this will be the norm rather than the exception.
Happy 4th of July
Sean Lynott
KDWP
Fisheries Biologist
I too an curious how the Lebo Lake situation works. I notice nobody fishes it anymore. I quit last year. Not worth the $15 even if it is close.
Beware!!! Camped and fished over at Elmore Park at Chetopa this weekend, and ran into a few problems. The biggest, someone cut my nephews boat loose early on the fourth, and it washed down river, over the dam, and continued down river about another 1/2 mile, and got hung up capzized. With the help of several good men/boats we were able to recover it. It received some damage, hope the motor still runs. They also cut the rope on our livebox with 2 flatheads in it. Thanks to everyone who helped my 19 year old nephew. The punks who did this can consider this their warning!!You don't mess with river folk!
Why don't more Fish Biologist answer question here Looks like Sean in the only one that cares. How about it Leonard Y.
Just in from putting out some setlines on the lower Neosho River. I think someone from the Army Corps. of Engineers needs to take a boat ride and look at the extreme erosion of the river banks!! Yes, we've had some bad floods the last couple of years, but I truely believe alot of it is caused by the Corps. keeping the river high for such long periods of time.
Where's LeonardY?
Catman did you call USACE and get run around like I did?
Leonard Y is a who not a place. He A KDWP biologiwt
I did not get a chance to call the usace, but I can imagine their response. You have to expect it from a govt. agency! I am planning on making a call though. How they're controlling the Neosho river is rediculous. The Neosho flows into Grand Lake in Oklahoma. Grand Lake is the only usace reserviour in the US that is developed. You can't build on any other usace lake, and Grand is highly developed. Looks like to me, there is some "BIG money" flowing up the Neosho river. They sure are changing it though!
Where's Leonard Y? Speak up! What lakes are you in charge of? Have heard good things about your management in the past. Especially for the kitties!
Grand lake isn't a corps lake its a private company GRDA.
The corps. has something to do with Grand Lake, they control the reservoirs above it that impound the Neosho/Grand River and the river and reservoirs below grand lake. It's my understanding the GRDA controls the Pennsicola dam, but I may be wrong.? I'm not trying to upset anyone, I among others are getting fed up with the flow rates of the Neosho River in KS!!!
Here is the explanation of exactly what the GRDA is from their own website:
Who Are We
The Grand River Dam Authority is an agency of the state of Oklahoma, created by the Oklahoma Legislature in 1935 to be a "conservation and reclamation district for the waters of the Grand River." The legislation which created GRDA outlined its primary responsibilities this way:
(a) To control, store and preserve, within the boundaries of the District, the water of the Grand River and its tributaries for any useful purpose and to use, distribute and sell the same within the boundaries of the District.
(b) To develop and generate water power and electric energy within the boundaries of the District;
GRDA fulfills its responsibilities by operating three hydroelectric facilities, and managing two lakes, along the Grand River system. These facilities, along with the GRDA Coal-Fired Complex (thermal generation), combine for a total generation capability of 1,480 megawatts (MW). GRDA transmits and delivers this wholesale electricity across its 24-county service area in Northeast Oklahoma via a sophisticated energy delivery systems. GRDA sells electricity to three customer classes: municipals, electric cooperatives and industries.
To me, it has to somehow be connected to the USACE since they are the ones controlling the flow into the river from the reservoir.
Hey Catman. I was over at Chetopa on the 3rd. I too had a rough experience, but nowhere near yours. It was my first time fishing there, since we were not catching any cats at Big Hill or on the Verdigris, so we headed over there to give it a shot. We got there at 7am, and two of my buddies left around 6pm.I was bank-fishing as we had been all day, just up from the ramp probably a hundred yards, when the cops showed up and checked a boat that pulled in. I was being a little nosy, just peaking over to see what the commotion was but couldn't figure out what was going on so I went back to fishing. About 30 minutes later, an inebriated fellow comes walking over to me, asking if I called the cops on them for throwing beer cans in the water, and having a child on the boat while drinking. I told him no, and from where I was I couldn't tell one boat from another anyhow. He told me his name, shook my hand,apologized, and then walked off saying he would go ask others in the park,but I knew he still thought it was me. They had a whole bunch of people in their camping site, and there where quite a few of them giving me the evil eye. I wasn't intimidated, so I fished on. Then another cop pulls in, and goes over to them. This time I wasn't nosy because I thought maybe someone called for something else on them. Then they sent the cop to me, and the cop asked if I called the police to report someone hotrodding in the park. I told him no since I did not call. So, after my all day excursion of much disappointment, buddies who gave in too early, and being called a snitch because I was evidently the only person not joining their group of d-bags, I decided my first trip to Chetopa was over with three small catfish, and an anger about to cause me to do something stupid. As I pulled out of the park, I caught some glares from the rejects, and went to the gas station across the river. When I was backing out of the parking lot, one of their goons either followed me, or recognized my truck, and was giving me the stare down. So, I pulled back to the curb, and was ready to confront him, when he looked down and ran inside the store real fast. I left, since it was not worth it. I have a name, of the fellow who originally confronted me, and I wonder if he may have been trying to get back at people he thought called the cops. I realize, for some people, drinking has to go along with fishing and boating, but when a child is on-board, and you're the drunk who is driving the boat, you deserve whatever you get from the cops. I never called the cops on the guy, but if I would have known what was going on, I just might of. I just wonder if it could have been the same group of people maybe trying to get revenge on whoever called. Most fisherman, keep to themselves or occasionally talk to other fisherman when fishing. The recreational boater on the other hand, is a different breed, who seems to lack respect for others.I would be glad to email a name to you from the group that was over there. I don't like to snitch, but since I was called a snitch already, I would email the name to you if you want it. Maybe that can help you out, and hopefully that wasn't you I am talking about. If that was the case, this would be the opening of a can worms I guess.
On another note, where in the heck do I catch catfish at Big Hill?
You must mean Leonard J
My district covers all the public lakes in Woodson, Anderson, Coffey and Osage county except Carbondale and Pomona lake.
Yes the bass population in Woodson has taken a dive, largemouth bass virus was confirmed there last year. Stocking new bass would only infect them with them same diease. The population has to rebuild over several years from the fish still in the lake that become immune to diease. Yates Center lake just 4 miles to the east has an excellent bass population.
Lebo City lake has an excellent population of largemouth bass and channel catfish, with some large crappie and a few big walleye.
The fishing is limited in the summer by a heavy infestation of eurasin milfoil ( an invasive species of aquatic weeds) I think at times it also keeps oxygen levels down in late summer and the fish become less active. The City has been made aware of the problem and the treatment they can use. Yates Center is treating their lake for the same problem. It is very expensive ( about $30,000) with no guarantee that it won't come back. Right now I am waiting the results at Yates Center before making any more recommendations to Lebo. So far it looks like the treatment is quite effective.
Leonard Jirak
Fisheries Biologist
Hartford KS
To the post above about trouble over in Chetopa.First of all, I'm not the one your talking about, so don't worry. I'm not against having an adult beverage....at the end of the day. Never on the water, especially since most of the time my 2 young daughters are with me and my wife.Always, at the end of the day for me, and by chance I have one early, my day is considered done. We appreciate you offering a name for us, but I truly believe this is something we are just gonna have to let go. A police report was filed, we've gotten 3 names of young men and a vehicle discription. But it's still their word against ours. The police officer said it's a grey area, because Elmore Park is city property where my nephews boat was tied up, but the river is county jurisdiction, where the boat was floating. I don't know. I've also gotten and still do from time to time, a stare down from locals. I just go on about my business, just like you. I used to wonder if they thought I was an undercover game warden..?? Then I would speak to them from time to time and it seemed to have gotten better. Just don't give up on Chetopa, It's one of our favorite catfish spots. I just hope next time someone messes with our property down there, we catch them red handed, then we'll see just how tough they are!!
I visit with a lot of people on the river, my wife say to many sometimes. So would remember if it was me you talked to, I really like to visit! Good luck and thanks.
fishing hunting trapping we do it all. But where is the hunting blogs at like these for the fishing? Also anyone know of any Antelope spots?
On a side note the USACE has lakes all over the country that are developed on BUT its determined by what year they were built as to determine if they could be developed on or not and yes most around here were built to late to be developed on which is a good thing b/c the lakes were built by tax dollars for the tax payers. Since the usace is for the most part flood reduction its the best interest to not build on them bc the will rise my buddy b/c of this there is some great public lands from water lines to high water buffer zones that is all public lands.
I understand the difference between a lake and reservoir, reservoirs are "flowing impoundments" where the water flucuates from water releases above and below a particular res. and/or rainfall over a watershed. I also know there are several great public lands created by the federal areas. I fish and hunt a lot on public lands and are greatful they exist in Kansas. My gripe along with several others in my area of the Neosho river is how the usace is controling the flow. I will only speak of the the Neosho because I haven't fished any Corps. controlled rivers west of it. Take for example the HEAVY rains we received in our area on Monday night/Tues. morning. They didn't get the amounts of rain up at Redmond like the lower basin did. So the lower Neosho had a big rise due to the run off, but the Corps. opened the gates at Redmond and started releasing 5000+cfs of water. The release before this was less than a 1000cfs because they had already reached their target level of 1037 as stated on their website and KDWP's department fishing reports. Now if they know the rivers rising below them and the inflow to John Redmond is minimal as which it was why on earth would you start releasing water?? I think our Department Sec., Gov., and State Leg. needs to check into the operators of dam at Redmond. In my opinion, they are ruining a lot of habitat and causing a lot of unnecessary property loss/ land erosion. I guess SE Ks still doesn't mean much to the higher ups in Topeka. I vote, I pay taxes, I have a LT combo license, and I buy my permits, so, I guess I've earned my right to gripe on this manner. Good day.
On the water releases it would take a good 3 days to show up in sek from redmond. local rains would have already been downstream by then for the most part or have crested. the usace controls the water flow, they keep or try to keep all reservoirs in their district at the same flood pool percentage. that is all determined at the Tulsa district headquarters in the hydrology dept. yes it might not be the best interest of us fishermen but thats what they do.. lake comes up water goes out. i see the reservoirs being there to help flood reduction, water supply and recreation. when they do release water we know its for a short time usually and fishing is only good for so long. Could you really expect them to keep the reservoir up 15 feet so they can have a small flow coming out to provide fishing downstream all summer long?? NO the reservoirs not there for that. and 5000 cfs is nothing on the neosho.. river fishing in these necks of the woods is tough and hard to do, unless its raining or you know where the fish hind in low flow. they dont really manage the river flow they manage the reservoirs to keep flooding minimal downstream.
I don't expect the usace to keep there reservoirs 15 feet high all summer. But why not get the dam open and release the water as quickly as possible... so the river is not 12-15 feet high all summer like it has been the last 3 summers. River fishin' in this neck of the woods isn't that tough, it just takes lots of time on the water learning to read the river. Now that I have obviously offended some bloggers with my little tangent, I'll try to keep my frustations to my self. Has anyone been juglining on any of our "trial areas" within our region?? I've done it in OK, and it can be a blast. Has anyone heard whether the state will open the handfishin' season state wide at the end of it's trial period?
Catman, Saw some juggers at Toronto last weekend. Saw them catch a few. Looks like it would be a blast. I am going to try it on Redmond if I can come up with some Jugs. Dont really like paying more but that is how it goes.
Blackdog40-good luck on your juggin'. I agree, the extra fee is ridiculous, so I'll leave it at that...don't want to be offensive to anyone. Next summer, we're plannin' a few camping trips to Toronto, we probably do some jugin' our selves.Anyhow, is Redmond as choked up with log jams as much as I hear??Good luck!
Again, why is Leonard J managing Lebo City lake? I thought they severed ties to state help when they refused to enroll in the CFAP program?
Question. The fishing reports for region 5 are never current. Right now we have reports dating back into July. These are just about useless for someone wanting information on a trip. Other regions seem to do a better job. So what is the problem with region 5. I really do not expect and answer as no one has answered here from region 5 yet.
Is anyone in the Pratt office going to update the public fish images?? I enjoy see other anglers success! I know people have got to be sending in digital photos, heck I think we've sent in 2 or 3 this year.
Lebo City Lake refused to take the buyout from CFAP but it is still a very high quality public fishery. The managment program still has to be paid for and the city chose to continue to charge for a permit and provide the funding of the fishing program themselves. The programs have to be funded, be it from the state or city. They do receive lower priority when it comes to stocking or grants for capital improvements at their lake. Sorry I haven't answered sooner but I have been out of commission for a while. I just had double knee replacement a couple of weeks ago.
Leonard
Hope everything went all right Leonard.
Hey Sean, why was the fish feeders taken off the Montgomery State Lake? Wilson, Woodson, and Neosho all have them on those lakes and have had for alot of years. Also why was the old marker bouy taken off the island out there? If someone not familiar with the lake passes over a certain spot depending on the lake level, they could sure do damage to their boat and motor! Just wondering!
Thanks for the question, as you probably know. Montgomery SFL is a very nutrient rich lake. In a study of catfish growth Montgomery had the fastest growth rate of the18 state fishing lakes studied.
In 1996-1999 feeders were in operation on Montgomery SFL. The over all condition of the channel catfish did not show an appreciable increase even though feeding rates were increased. Creel surveys did not show an increase in size of fish harvested or number of fish harvested.
During the same time period the feeding program at Wilson SFL was initiated resulting in the average weight of catfish harvested almost tripling. These results are not all due to the feeding program but a combination of change in length and creel limits, stocking regimes and the feeding program.
During early spring 2000 a large algae bloom occurred resulting in a fish kill in late March. I can’t attribute the bloom to the feeding program entirely as there were changes in land uses occurring in the drainage basin of the lake at the time. However, the feeding program was a potential source of nutrients I could control. I made a decision to stop the feeding program at that time and use that management tool at better suited locations.
A creel survey was completed on MGSL in 2007, final results showed that approximately 275 angling hrs/ac. were exerted resulting in an estimated harvest of 2,721 channel catfish, averaging 18” or approximately 2 pounds, there were an additional 2,084 catfish caught and released.
I will get with the Area Manger and see what the situation is with the marker buoy, if we have any buoys or if they need to be ordered.
Sean Lynott
District Fisheries Biologist
I am going to oklahoma for a family reunion and was checking on buy a NR fishing license and all they offer is a 5 day. I checked and kansas also only offers a 5 day so the email I sent the oklahoma department of wildlife is approprate for my state of ks also. it is shown below.
To whom it may concern:
I have a suggestion that would possibly help your number license sales. you currently only offer a 5 day non resident license that has to run consecutive days. this means that for my weekend trips to oklahoma to camp that I do not buy a fishing license and just let my kids fish since they are under the age that needs to purchase licenses. If you had a 2 day license say for around 10.00 to 12.00 or so I would gladly purchase it. the other option is to make the 5 day where the days are not run consecutively have spaces to indicate what day they are good for and each day is to be filled in by a license agent but does not have to be filled in at time of purchase. That way it could cover 2 weekends of fishing. the way it is set up now almost seems like a shameless scam to require me to spend money for 3 days of fishing thta I will never get to use and in these trying economic times that is an expense I can easily do without. maybe offer a 2 and the current 5 day. I realize that license sales profits are needed to support the fishing department.
I would be willing to bet that there are numerous people that just fish with out a NR license especially on a overnight campout.
I agree with the post above about the license options.We are in trying times as is the KDWP. This is a perfect time for the saying, "you've got to give a little to get a little". Maybe the dept. needs to check into this. After all, a little revenue is better than none, and if people are not buying license's and permits the equals no revenue. People can only pay so much. On the other hand I live close to and spend quite a bit of time on a major wildlife area here in SEK, so I understand the expenses it takes to operate them. I guess we just need to put our heads together on this one, and figure out how to take care of our public programs the state has offered. For the most part the stated has done a terrific job on most fronts.
Hey Sean! Have a question. When the zebra mussels invade Big Hill Lake, just how will it affect the eco-system there? It's just a matter of time, sadly! I was wondering how other lakes are holding up after invasions. I hear they can really clear up the water, is that true? What would happen to Big Muddy? [ Elk City Lake ]? Are the fish populations holding up in those lakes? And what about the talk of the blue cats eating the zebra's for control. How would you eradicate completly? Drain the lake, seems to be the only answer! What is happening to the vegetation? Thanks, in advance.
Hello,
You have a bunch of good questions there, but before providing some answers I feel I need to stress a point.
The fact that zebra mussles are found in some lakes in Kansas does not mean that all lakes in Kansas will eventually get them. I know it is hard at times to have faith in the other guy, but we are all in this together. Zebra mussels were first discovered in Minnesota in 1989 and since then only a dozen inland lakes have been added to the infected list. We will have to do a few extra chores (clean, drain and dry) at the end of the day to prevent the spread but we can make a difference.
Zebra mussels affect natural ecosystems both directly and indirectly. The greatest direct impact relates to the mussel’s feeding behavior. Zebra mussels are filter feeders and process up to 1 gallon of water per day/mussel. During this process, every particle in the water column is removed and either eaten by the mussels or wrapped in mucus and spit out. This feeding ability, in combination with high population densities, rapidly clears the water of even the largest lakes. Since zebra mussels became established in Lake Erie in 1988, water clarity has increased from 6 inches to 30 feet in some areas. In many cases, the increase in transparency and removal of “good” green algae resulted in blooms of “bad” Blue-green algae, which can pose a public health threat.
Unfortunately, the material removed from the water consists of other live animals and algae that supply food for larval fish and other invertebrates. In response to this changing food supply, populations of some animals have begun to decline. In Kansas the introduction has been relatively recent enough that impacts on the fish populations are not fully understood at this time.
Blue catfish, redear sunfish and freshwater drum will eat zebra mussels but none will controll them. Once zebra mussels become established in a water body, they are impossible to eradicate with the technology currently available. Many chemicals kill zebra mussels, but these exotics are so tolerant and tough that everything in the water would have to be poisoned to destroy the mussel. Right now the only cost effective way to eradicate is to drain and dry the lake. That may be an option on smaller impoundments but is not feasable or likely on federal reservoirs.
I have included a link to our Department’s web page that addresses zebra mussels more in depth.
http://www.kdwp.state.ks.us/news/Fishing/Aquatic-Nuisance-Species/Aquatic-Nuisance-Species-List/Zebra-Mussels
I sincerely thank you for your interest on this matter.
Sean Lynott
District Fisheries Biologist
Sean are you in charge of the Big Hill Wildlife Area? I'm talking about the ponds over there. I've only been to two that I know of, one is south of the lake road, and the other is north. How is the fishing there? What species, cats, bass, redear, crappie? I have never heard reports nor have I met anybody that fishes them. Are there any others? Thanks.
The fishing reports posted are just about useless an either they should be more up to date and accurate or just stopped all together. Most are not updated except maybe every two weeks which useless if they are to be useful they need to be update daily with accurate information. I do not see why the local agents cannot do this at least every other day. Not that they are out there in the public. I fish almost every day and I never see a fish and game person. I fish on public lakes all the time.
The North and South Ponds are by far the best fishing opportunities on the Big Hill Wildlife area. You pretty much nailed the species down. They are stocked with channel catfish every other year. The South pond is typically turbid but is good for channel cat and produces some really nice crappie. The North Pond is clear with a rocky bottom and is good for redear and bluegill sunfish. The North pond gets more pressure due to its size and access. The ponds get the majority of their pressure in the early spring after that I will find few people there.
Sean Lynott
District Fisheries Biologist
Hello, This is not a complaint more in the lines of information. I have opened a small fishing and hunting supply store in Baxter Springs. Limited inventory right now due to having to fund out of my own savings but will have live bait year round. located right beside wal-mart in baxter. stop in and say hello.
Sean, a couple of questions. On the west side of Elk Lake there is a small pond. I'm wondering if you guys do any stocking in these small ponds that are on the wildlife area? Any good fishing in them? Also, why has access to the south side of the lake been shut off? I'm talking about the roads coming off the south rim dike. There was some good places to unload a small boat for fishing along with duck hunting, and now we can't get to them. It seems we pay for our fees and licences, and yet have more and more access denied. Why?
Sorry for the late reply, been busy with fall sampling.
A good way to look at the ponds on Elk City is if I could get close with a pickup truck they were stocked with channel catfish on a semi-regular basis, typically every other year. Since the 2007 flood all ponds on the area were contaminated with rough fish from the reservoir. In addition several of the pond dams received damage during the flood. Catfish stockings will continue on most ponds.
I am assuming you are referring to Chetopa Creek Road. After the 2007 flood the county abandoned Chetopa Creek Road because of damage to the small bridges there. At the same time due to flood frequency the farmers that worked the agricultural fields in Chetopa bottoms made the decision to quit farming them. Engineers from KDWP conducted an onsite review and deemed the bridges unsafe and a liability.
All of these factors resulted in the decision to close the road to through traffic. The boat ramp you mention is still available for duck hunters. Access is still provided from the north. The northern access is to remain open during duck season, however may be closed during heavy rain/flooding events to prevent damage to the road bed.
Thanks
Sean Lynott
District Fisheries Biologist
Hello,
Had a customer come in and tell me about a young boy that was down at the spring river fishing with a broken fishing pool. I will call the kid roy (not his real name). evidently Roy really likes to fish but he only had the broken fishing pole and was trying to catch him some crappie. Roy was loaned some bait by other people fishing on the river and he told the gentleman who relayed this story to me that he has to walk to the river to fish. roy lives on the West side of baxter. The gentleman gave roy a fishing pole and a small stringer. He also has some frozen shiners and worms. He needs a bike which I am hopeful to provide him in the next couple of weeks.
my question is: How many other young people want to fish and cannot due to the economy? Is there a fishing club locally or can we get one started. My store is very new and so far not making enough money to pay the bills. I want to be able to donate some fishing poles etc to deserving children that want to fish (and hunt to for that matter). Right now I do not have the funds. would like some feedback on this both pro and con.
Sean what is your take on this?
anyway those are just my thoughts. Not sure how to set it up so that it benefits the kids that truly need the equipment.
feel free to email me with thoughts at jws_bait@yahoo.com
Sean, do you know anything about Polk-Daniels lake at Howard? Like how is the bass fishing? Any big fish heard of? That lake has to be very old, I find it interesting to find out some history about these old lakes in Kansas. Like when was it built, who built it, etc. Do you know of the stocking regime? Also, on the gate it says you need city permits to fish, is that true? I don't mind paying, just want to be legal.
Hello,
Polk-Daniels Lake is outside of my district so sorry to say I can’t provide a lot of information. However, the lake is the CFAP program and does not require a city permit to fish it. For more information contact Carson Cox at 620 342-0658, he is the managing biologist for that impoundment.
Thanks Sean Lynott
District Fisheries Biologist
Now that the General firearms deer season is over, starting to think CRAPPIE!!! Although, I have one more deer tag to try and fill in Jan. Then I'll be completely ready to hit the water. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year all you sportsman!
New regs state you can bowfish for catfish this year where there is no size limit. Anglers can partake in this but noodling is extremely limited. Your opinion.?
Catman I had mentioned this to some of my customers. with Mixed reactions. Some were glad and some were indifferent. Have gotten good response from anglers that I mentioned the new catch and release for paddlefish at Chetopa.
Baxter Bait-Glad to chat with you.I used to snag for spoonies and enjoyed it greatly,had to give it up because of numerous back surgeries. The only thing I can see about catch and release for spoonies is the crowd. I totally understand the concept of c&r and conserving the resourse. As you know there can be quite a crowd over there when the run is going strong. If c&r is in effect, a person or two can fish in one spot and pretty much fish as long as they want. With limited space to fish over there, this creates a lot of people standing and waiting (or hoping)to just get a chance to fish. When I used to snag at Miami, OK, I seen this same thing happen when they went to c&r. It also seemed that the people got ruder too. Used to everyone helped out landing fish, now you better have a friend or you'll be on your own. I remember, when KS used a
34" min. length below Chetopa for a couple of seasons. Maybe they ought to try maybe a 45"-48" minimum.? I don't know. I see people of all ages buy their permits to fish, and maybe not even getting to because people don't have to quit fishing. Maybe one of these days there will be a better solution. Bring on warmer weather!!!
Catman my response to this either did not post or got deleted. suspect it was an issue on my end. Long story short is that I had not thought of the overcrowding and the increase in rudeness but that fits with what the customers said were the driving factors to not wanting to fish miami. As for the length limit. If C&R is in effect not sure a minimum would work but possibly think that have a minimum and anything over the minimum must be kept might work better.
whats up with the heated docks,[melvern, hillsdale, and the others i'm sure] raising the cost to fish on them? its getting to be just about like texas hunting, if you want to fish, you have to pay a pretty steep fee. i'm all for them making a buck, but this is starting to seem like they are taking advantage of the people who keep them in business in the winter. last time i looked, they are on public lakes
Yes they are public lakes but the Marinas are run by private individuals that pay the Corp a fee to operate the marinas.
I have fished the dock at Melvern for years the fee used to be 4.50 back in the 80's when I started fishing there. It is now 6.00 dollars. That is not a large increase over the years when you consider how much everything else has increased.
Of course a lot has changed it used to be open 24/7 now due to vandalism they close at night.
I just wish the fishing was as good now as it was back in the 80's at the dock.
KDWP just request. Can you go ahead and load the new sections for 2010. Region 5 has over 220 comments. If you get the new blog categories up while traffic is light then there will less confusion then if you do it when traffic picks up. seems like there is usually one or two posts that put on last years thread instead of the current year thread every new year.
I thought Lebo city lake was not enrolled in the CFAP program. Why are my tax dollars (region biologist hours, fish stockings, etc.) still going toward the management of this lake when I am not allowed to fish there without an extra permit? Perhaps someone could fill me in on the CFAP policies.
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