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Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Region 2 "Dock Squawk" (Northeastern, KS) 2011
Use this article to comment on any fishing issue in Region 2 or Northeastern Kansas. Keep discussions polite and appropriate. Any inappropriate comments will be deleted.
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70 comments:
Anonymous
said...
Question for KDWP staff who gets to work the Walleye spawn at Hillsdale lake. How is the harvest going ? I noticed the fish really came into the bank on Wednesday morning and Thursday morning. Can you give estimated completion of harvest ? Will this COLD front stop the females from coming in shallow...I havent caught any Females since 2 weeks ago now...Any information would be appreciated, thanks..
Since no response from KDWP on HILLSDALE...I will try to answer...The nets are still in the water which means they must having troubles getting the QUOTA...Fishing is TOUGH at best...Tried WEST end last night 3/28 with NO LUCK...some fishing moving around shallow...Lots of folks fishing EAST end of DAM..Hope the NETS disappear SOON..
The State met their demand in the egg taking project for walleye at Hillsdale and Cedar Bluff on Tuesday March 29th. The walleye egg demand was completed in only 9 days of fishing this season. Saugeye production was completed at Milford on March 31 in only 4 days of fishing. Thanks to cool water and weather pattern there are still good numbers of walleye in the spawning habitat at good walleye lakes in the State. Perry fishing has been good for channel cat in the upper reaches of the reservoir. While crappie harvest has been so so to ok in the deeper habitats. Perry also has a excellent population of white bass that should respond nicely in future warmer water temperatures.
The posted length limit for walleye, saugeye and sauger needs to be changed on the Perry lake 2011 fishing page. If you can do that, it will prevent starting trouble when the creel survey or game warden shows up this year assuming of course the fishermen are keeping 15 inchers which is currently posted for Perry.
If you have not heard about the proposed laws on baitfish you need to read this article. http://www.kansas.com/2011/04/24/1820577/commission-hears-criticism-of.html
Anonymous said... White bass fishing any good at perry or hillsdale? Any tips? Thanks.
Seams most these Kansas res. have a pretty good white bass population. We catch them mostly trolling diving lures like a silver shad rap. Watch for birds and drive around at idle speed and you'll find them. If there are wiper around wou can catch them the same way.
One tip is to try the face of the dam for white bass at this time of the year. Today,yesterday or tommorrow (the rest of this week) is crappie time for me. The whites can wait until the last week of May or first part of June when the winds pick up.
Looking for a little info about where to hit Milford for some nice size Smallmouth. I'm in a little online tournament kind of thing and want to find some chunks.
I've heard Milford is the place for big Smallmouths. But since I've never fished it I was looking for someone to point me in the right direction. I heard the south part of the lake and dam.
Can't say exactly where to try at Milford for smallmouth but I can mention here that there is a good hatch of mayflies taking place at several, if not all, northeastern Kansas lakes and reservoirs. You may start out fishing for smallmouth but might end up catching several different species of fish other than the species you're targeting.
Andy, A little more help, Milford huh. I think I remember that you fish from a kayak, correct. The dam has lot's of smallies, generally the future variety, but some nice fish occasionally. Try the breakwater at Thunderbird and expand from there. Rush Creek is protected and good smallies there. Once again, look for the chunk rock and there's always smallies around. Try these, post your profits and I'll feed some more info later.
hello anglers..skinny bait here. I have question for you old pros.. if we are not supposed sp? to cross contaminate waters should I not bring earth worms to the lake from home? and if so lake rules at clinton say you can't dig holes so how would I dig for a couple juicy earth worms. just wondering..skinny
By reading your comment it appears you live on Clinton lake. If you are the land owner or tenant you could dig for worms because the land wouldn't be state or federally owned. Worms are not an ANS species in Kansas and the easy way to get them is at night using a flashlight and a bucket, then add dirt after you're through searching. If you're that worried about contaminating lake water with worms then just fish with artificials or cut-bait. When you posted last month about what was splashing the shallows I mention those were spawning shad- I'm 90% sure of that. Now since you've posted again at this time those fish splashing now can be carp, flathead, channels and/or shad in that order. Some shad can push 2 to 2 1/2 pounds weight wise.
hey tahnks for advice...for some reason I thought shad were saltwater fish....I think I need a fish book...anyway thanks..just getting back to fishing now from childhood...I got my grandads tackle box and have become a fishing fanatic...although I have not even caught one fish yet..ha.ha. hope maybee to try some bluegill or other pan fish as the weather warms up..advice from ya'll pro's is great..happy fishing..skinny bait
The saltwater? species is called the american shad. In Kansas the species are called gizzard shad and threadfin shad. Most fish you try to catch eat these shad. If you can catch a shad use it for bait. If it's an oversized shad, cut it into smaller pieces for easier fishing. Inside your grandpa's tacklebox there may be lures in there that have colored feathers and small pieces of colored pipe cleaner material around a lead head hook. Those are for crappie. If there is an assortment of larger sized hooks chances are he catfished a lot. If the sinker selection consist of smaller lead weights he fished lakes and ponds. If there are bigger sinkers he hit the rivers too. Chicken livers or worms are a good way for you to start for catfish. Those smaller bluegill you'll be catching will work for bait too. The more you go fishing, the more you'll learn how to go about catching them. Don't be afraid to ask others for advice either. If you're really just starting out learning to fish it will take you a few years to learn it. Keep hacking away.
Went to Douglas County Lake last night. First cast hooked into a 5+ lb largemouth that i got a good look at before it went into a tree and broke the line. Must have got in there from a local farm pond since there should not be that size fish in there yet.Also caught alot of .75-1.25 lb bass. Bluegill are done spawning it appears. Lake 8 inches high but clear.
stink bait on sponge with treble hook and 1/2 oz weight. fished on bottom of channel. had some good fish at lone star last week....should be biting everywhere with all the high water and rain.
If you really want catfish go to Lawrence dam and get to know it. Bring bug spray, decent tackle, extra line, food and water etc. With the water as high as it is these days anything that looks like a possibility for catfish is probably a go if you get out and fish. If you just drive and look without trying it won't happen fishin' wise. Are the spiders, mosquitoes, snakes and such worth it for some trophy catfish?
Clinton outlet is loaded with them. (asian variety). I doubt there are any other fish species present except them and Clinton is releasing 800 cfs. There are 1000's of carp present. It's pitiful.
Ok, i was reading on this page that meade hatchery is one of the best in the whole state, they send all kinds of species of fish all over the state. But what about their own lake??? on this hatchery they have channel catfish, hybrid sunfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye and grass carp but they dont stock lake meade but with catfish, we will like to have some action too, im serious if someone catches a largemouth bass feels like they won the kansas lottery, for real is that bad i mean check their fishing report, i think the best i have read on it is fair, we never have good on almost anything. I think that this lake deserve it, its always people trying to fish there, and i say trying because they never catch anything or something small. I was talking to one of the guys that works there and he said they havent stock with largemouth bass there for YEARS that got me desapointed bad i mean what do we need to do in order to get some fish on this lake???? If you want us to buy it, i know there is plenty of people that will, including me. I dont think that if you stock at least one LMB per acre at least twice a year (and im not asking for big fish, even just fingerling size) this lake will be great just like it used to be many years ago, plus i dont think it whould hurt your hatchery at all, so please people from the KDWP think and talk about it i mean that will bring more money to this park wich is really pretty, all we need and ask for is just FISH. What the rest of the people think about what i just said???? and the arkalon park i just dont even want to think about it every year looks worst, looks more like drainage water well to make it easier for you the seward county landfill looks way better then arkalon park and im not making fun of it this is serious i think the KDWP needs to put more attention on lake meade and arkalon park too no just on the bigger lakes please people make comments about it so we can get a good solution for this big problems.
Talk with the biologist, you might be surprised at what you find out. They have data that the avg. person doesn't take into account. Stocking that body of water could be like throwing gas on the fire. Maybe you two could figure out a habitat program that would be far more beneficial.
Went to Douglas County Lake tonight. A few decent bass and as always lots of sunfish. Though I has hooked into a monster bass on a dark green and orange minnow shaped jug, but it turned out to be a beatiful 5.5 lb channel cat! I couldn't believe it. Released it, but am wishing I had taken it home to eat now. This is alread a good lake, but in a couple more years it could be one of the best in the state for its size.
Anybody doing any good at Hillsdale ??? Might be only good at night from here on out... I tried for a few hours in the evening after 100 degree day and it was SLOWER than SLOW...
I haven't tried Hillsdale but I'm working on a trotline that I can use along riprap areas at Perry for the next few months. I will attempt this without the use of a boat. If I lived closer to Hillsdale I'd try this on the southside of the Little Bull arm rock areas where the bridge is at.
Clint about the bass you said was from a farm pond that you caught at Douglas. The state stocks them that size after renovation. We were catching largemouth up to 8 pounds in Leavenworth co. lake after renovation was complete and lake opened to fishing. I also read/heard reports of individual channel cats being caught with weights averaging in the middle teens (12-16 pounds). If you haven't seen those out of Douglas yet there may be some waiting if they were stocked big to begin with.
Something to try at Hillsdale- Use Catfish Charlie type A (cheese) for channel cat. The lake I fish at I'm using this stuff with surprising results. For a little more than 2 dollars and smelly hands I'm outta room for freezing catfish fillets and I still have half a tub left to go. The bigger fish (2 of them) measured 22" but most will be 14-15". This has taken less than 2 weeks and I'm just under 20 catfish. The words on the container say use #8-10 treble hooks. I've found using size 12-14 trebles will nab them better than the larger hooks. I fish shallow 1 ft. depth flats next to cover (weed/rock) or deep holes off the bank. I am shore fishing while doing this without a lantern. Paint about a foot of the tip section on the rod white. At night you'll see the fish pull better. Make sure there are some rocks in the vicinity for better results and if there's no action in 45 minutes move or try another day. I haven't done this type of fishing (doughbait) in 20 years. I'm glad I stumbled onto it again.
So far Milford and Tuttle have been lucky in avoiding a catastrophe, one big rain upstream and '93's a repeat for those two lakes. The heavy snows up north took place in Nov, Dec and it seems that some precautionary measures could've avoided this scenario. I'm curious about the COE's reasoning here, anybody else. As it stands now they'll be catching Milford walleyes in Topeka and KC. This is IMHO, but nobodies been ?? what's happening. And why is Glen Elder the only lake in the state thats releasing water? Could it be out-of-state sales? Curious George is a monkey, am I?
Where's the water gonna go? It won't make it to the Missouri River. The Kaw starts backing up when the MO river is up- which it is now. On the way home from work today (k.c.) I noticed the Kaw had a green tint throughout when I drove over it. Maybe I was just seeing things differently than I usually do, I hope.
Interesting, I heard today that they shut Milford off to the public due to and algal bloom. COE's report says 7/31 if things stay consistent they'll shut Gavin's Pt down to 150,000 and then start taking it down more on a daily basis. KC huh, do you walleye fish? haha I know here in Central KS the COE's dewater our lakes in anticipation of spring rains and the prevention of dam erosion. They held water this spring because the Mississippi was flooding in the south. But the record snows were early winter, plenty of time to prepare for snow melt. Not just as it melts along with spring rains, maybe a change of policy is in order? Just curious. They knew it was gonna melt.
About walleye fishing around K.C.- there ain't any. Leavenworth has a few if they can be found. Walleye at Perry are a rare sight. The state hasn't stocked my favorite lake with walleye since 2001. But about 10 years or more before then we would get bags of walleye fry every year. There were supposedly millions in each bag. They grew and walleye fishing took place on a regular basis. Except at this time of the year they would take a 6 week vacation. They wouldn't hit until after dove season or when the lake would fog up because of cooler air temps. Long story short- I got burned out catching them (walleye). If there's a chance of a residual population of walleye left here where I fish, they'll be big, smart and wary. I think they (the fish) recognize the sounds of certain boats and autos. The Kaw holds a few walleye too around spawn time but you gotta be tough and find the time to be dedicated to go after them but it can be done.
Just responding to previous post...Aint any Walleye around K.C ?? Interesting ...Might want to go fishing more often...Try during the spawn period or from May - June...Plenty of lakes have plenty of walleye. KDWP information is very good about telling you which lakes are good or average.
Well you're cordially invited to try what you say to do for walleye here in the k.c. area. Plenty of lakes have plenty of walleye...... What are you reading? Fishing up in the great lakes or Canada? Save the trip here for walleye- there aren't any.
I wouldnt normally respond to these types of blogs but in reality the KDWP is by far has the best stocking program in the U.S.A. Ive fished Upper Minnesota and Lake Erie which is totally different type of fishing and environment. But for Quality of Walleye Kansas is very hard to beat. You must witness the spawn to get a good appreciation of the numbers. Also if you do have a boat then the spring feeding run is best time to catch numbers of fish. If your fishing during the heat of the summer then it can seem like not a single walleye exists. But if you spend the time to figure out where and when to catch Walleyes in the summer you can catch the fish of a lifetime without much trouble at all. Dont let hearsay dictate but let your own experience tell you whats good and whats not.
Could it be we're the only state that's needs to stock walleye because there's no suitable habitat for spawning? I do like having lots of catfish here in KS to do battle with though.
There are many different factors involving walleye recruitment and most lakes have minimal production at least, some are even somewhat self-sustaining. One good thing is their growth rate here vs up north. But in saying so, it's also their demise. Nobody has it all, but we here in KS sure come close. I don't know how far Hillsdale is from you but I've spoken with some anglers that do very well there, others not. THEY'RE HERE it just takes a little effort.
There was also a newspaper article on Smithville Walleyes which is also a very good lake...If you live further north of K.C. But if you live south of K.C. then you have Hillsdale, Clinton , Melvern which are all excellent Walleye lakes. Your looking for Good brush piles on flats mostly from 10 - 15 ft of water....later in the summer they will move shallow again at times...Ive heard folks catching them deeper in 22 ft...it just depends on the day..the wind..and some luck...
Can I use fried chicken bones for bait for fishing in Kansas. I have tied on a few in the last few weeks using surf casting equipment and drew some attention gettin' strikes. Do the bones qualify as a "prepared bait" as listed under the legal bait section of the regulations?
No problem using bones or other food items. KDWPT does not have rules against chumming for fish. Therefore, fermented beans and other food items are legal bait. I would say that there are a few potential locations around the State that prohibit chumming or another word would be baiting. These locations prohibiting baiting are in addition to KDWPT regulations. These prohibited locations could be an isolated City/County park, but I do not have a listing of these locations.
Thanks KDWP and Army Corp. I called Milford state park at 400 August 26, was told lake went into a warning and could still fish using a boat and that the fish were really biting. Showed up and all boat ramps were roped off and closed the lake. Really appreciate allowing me to spend over $100 in fuel driving down and turning around. I was fishing the last time lake was in warning and the ramps were closed off.
Same here. I checked the website Friday night. I drove 2 hours Saturday morning to arrive at 7 am to fish Milford just in time to learn the news. You would think a decision could be made before the weekend and actually post it on the website. Very poor management. How many people have made Labor Day plans at Milford?
It's on there now,several dogs dieing and quite a few people getting sick. But we appreciate your tax dollars spent getting there, sorry about your luck, at least your well enough to post, some aren't. After all recreation is not the lakes primary responsibility, it's flood control. Oops! The good thing is you didn't hit any of the sick wildlife on your way there. In the mornings it's like driving on bubble wrap.
Flood control is not what the post was about, it was about the poor management of the KDWP and Corp. Corp posted it on the web on TUESDAY it went into effect on Friday night. I am glad they are being safe but would like to know why they are closing lake this time and not before or at other lakes that have it.
yes, but that's the answer you'll get, if at all. Oh well, guess I'm hungry for cookies. The wheels of gov't more very slowly as servants. Then the speed of light as law enforcement. Take a walk thru Geary Co hospital and ask your questions. JC just spent how many thousands of dollars on TV commercials on net skills. Mission control we are clear for take-off. Storm the office demand an explanation. It's just bad
It was very unfortunate that last week's blue-green algae events at Milford culminated in such a late day upgrade in the warnings and access closures. We understand the frustrations of the many many loyal recreational constituents of Milford Reservoir. In reality, the KDHE testing for blue-green toxins levels revealed previously uncharted high numbers that can pose a threat to lake users. The tedious lab results were not completed until Friday afternoon. At this time, KDHE recommended, to the Milford Reservoir Property Managers, that all water contact and access to the water be discouraged in an effort to protect public health. This was a tough decision to restrict access to Milford. Thankfully, Kansas has many other quality locations to enjoy the great outdoors. I encourage you to visit another one of these fine locations for another adventure. It is our hope that environmental and weather conditions will soon alter to improve water quality at Milford and other blue-green algae affected impoundments in Kansas.
Chuck, We have been going to Milford for almost 10 years now, leave our camper at Wakefield. My only question on this was why at 400 when I was told the results were back and went into a warning, we could still use the lake. Then at 600 lake access was closed. We will continue to come down hoping the water releases that started today will help. Just hoping the fishing stays as good as it has been when we can come back down.
The problem isn't why you closed the lake. It's the wishy washy way you went about it. If your going to close it then inform the public and not keep it a secret. You have to do more than go down to Clem's at 7 am, get your morning cup of coffee and let them know the lake is closed . You have an excellent website. Inform the public on your decision. There are a lot of regular customers that check the website or call before they come to the lake. If you were thinking closing the lake on Friday you should've put something on the website to the fact that due to increasing algea levels we may decide the close the lake anytime. Then we would decide to go to another fine lake in Kansas. We don't need to drive 2 hrs to find a rope across the boat ramp. Your mission is flood control. What happened this year? Two years of high water at Milford. Why can't you let more water out during the off season to avoid these problems?
By looking at the water level of the Kaw here in k.c., I'd recommend no more than 1000 cfs releases into river. Doesn't matter if it's 400 cfs from Milford, Tuttle and Perry combined or just a release from one of the above. The level here has only went down a foot, if even that much, from where the level was during high releases up north. But if Kansas can hold water for another month and a half we'll have good fishing in the spillways until Christmas. I know from previous seasons. Tough luck on that $100.00 bill- that hurts just thinking about it.
Since I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed can someone please explain to me why KDWPT and the COE's have closed off so many areas around the lakes. There are numerous areas at almost every lake I fish. Most of these "roads" were simply pasture paths that I've fished for 40 years, and now all of the sudden they are closed. It can't be maintenance, because the gates that have been installed cost more than any upkeep. It seems so strange that NOW we pay farmers to fish their ponds through various programs, yet we close off area after area at the lakes. The Curtis Crk wildlife area sure comes to mind and now across the lake east the COE's are doing the same. Instead of a free fishing or park entrance day, why not a "patch a pothole" day. This catering to tax dollar boats/gas is becoming a tyranny. 1 in 7 KS's live in poverty and many more can't afford your taxation fishing, and this restricting areas from usage is a growing problem. Us older fisherman aren't able to walk the distances from your gates to the areas we want to fish or hunt. KDWPT promotes take a kid fishing, and kids want to catch something, everybody does. But shoving everyone into certain areas or fee involved parks doesn't usually provide the means to accomplish this. Which is hurting the future. Now, I get the feeling take a kid fishing, just don't bring them to the lake or take them somewhere else. Those tax dollars will come through recruitment to the sports, not by displacing the public from areas they pay taxes on. IMHO
Chuck or whomever else may of stocked Wyandotte with smallmouth awhile back. They are almost everywhere at the lake. When were smallmouth stocked here last? Not that the lake needs anymore but I'm thinking what do I really have here. Is it really self sustaining for smallmouth bass or what? I know the lake is not managed anymore but some information would help some.
I believe that smallmouth bass were established at WY Co. Lake about 10 years ago. The smallmouth have taken advantage of the available habitat and are well established. Yes, this is a self sustaining population and there is no need for additional stocking. Apparently, this species has found the varied sloped shoreline with adequate amount of rocky substrate with good visibility to their liking. The lake also has plenty of available food source in the form of sunfish, shad and crayfish. I would assume these bronze fighters are going to be part of the fishery for some time to come. Good Luck!
It is my understanding that areas are being fenced off to prevent off roading and litter. Although the extra walk is irritating, I must admit that places you can drive direct for fishing, especially in the remote sections of Milford, are usually filled with trash.
^ and your point is what? Both are illegal, and if caught some hefty fines also. Maybe Comm. Service involving a little clean-up. But, in all honesty, you missed the true point here. This had been ongoing for decades, it's not like the place was a dump or 4-wheeler course. I guess you'll surrender even more of your liberties in the future based upon these reasons. I Don't like to. All of the above agencies employ more people today than they did in years past. The control issue overwhelming, this is not a matter of national security. It's happening at lakes through out the state. Trash can be picked up, ruts can be graded. But history proves that once liberties are surrendered, they're gone forever. Your answer isn't valid to me. Live FREE
Put the finesse equipment to the side for a bit. Put on a minnowbait or crankbait and hit the windy rocky areas during peak solunar times (daytime). When the wind dies down resort to the finesse tactics again.
Here's my 2 cents worth about Willow lake- If there are 10 trout fishermen there leaving with a legal limit EVERYDAY from opening day to the last day in spring the total of trout caught from there would be 9000 fish. That leaves 3900 trout left after the season closes in spring. For a 10 acre lake that figures to 390 trout per acre AFTER the season closes- entirely to many leftovers. I doubt there's 10 fishermen there everyday during the season limiting out so the number is probably higher for trout per acre of water after the season closes. My point here- is this a wasted effort and/or could all of those fish lead to unsafe water conditions in the future? OR- do all 12900 trout actually get caught?
What happened to all the 2012 comments? KDWP SHUT US DOWN!!!!That's Nice! I got on here tonight and all I see is one post from 2012 about Willow lake and I might have to chime in on this one. I catch my limet every time out and they eat great. There are no other fish in the stupid lake so what does it matter if they stock it with 500000 trout? Just go catch some trout and enjoy!Oh and I am a ROBOT!!!!!!How much more outdated can this site get?
70 comments:
Question for KDWP staff who gets to work the Walleye spawn at Hillsdale lake. How is the harvest going ? I noticed the fish really came into the bank on Wednesday morning and Thursday morning. Can you give estimated completion of harvest ? Will this COLD front stop the females from coming in shallow...I havent caught any Females since 2 weeks ago now...Any information would be appreciated, thanks..
Since no response from KDWP on HILLSDALE...I will try to answer...The nets are still in the water which means they must having troubles getting the QUOTA...Fishing is TOUGH at best...Tried WEST end last night 3/28 with NO LUCK...some fishing moving around shallow...Lots of folks fishing EAST end of DAM..Hope the NETS disappear SOON..
Anyone been bass fishing at Perry Lately? Am planing a weekend trip soon and was wanting some information. Thanks in advance.
Any information on the Walleye spawn at Milford?
The State met their demand in the egg taking project for walleye at Hillsdale and Cedar Bluff on Tuesday March 29th. The walleye egg demand was completed in only 9 days of fishing this season. Saugeye production was completed at Milford on March 31 in only 4 days of fishing. Thanks to cool water and weather pattern there are still good numbers of walleye in the spawning habitat at good walleye lakes in the State.
Perry fishing has been good for channel cat in the upper reaches of the reservoir. While crappie harvest has been so so to ok in the deeper habitats. Perry also has a excellent population of white bass that should respond nicely in future warmer water temperatures.
past three 3 weeks ive caught over 60 bass between pot 1 and 2.also a crappie that was close to the state record...great fishing year so far
White bass fishing any good at perry or hillsdale? Any tips? Thanks.
The posted length limit for walleye, saugeye and sauger needs to be changed on the Perry lake 2011 fishing page. If you can do that, it will prevent starting trouble when the creel survey or game warden shows up this year assuming of course the fishermen are keeping 15 inchers which is currently posted for Perry.
If you have not heard about the proposed laws on baitfish you need to read this article. http://www.kansas.com/2011/04/24/1820577/commission-hears-criticism-of.html
Saw two Bullfrogs at about noon today.. spring is here
Anonymous said...
White bass fishing any good at perry or hillsdale? Any tips? Thanks.
Seams most these Kansas res. have a pretty good white bass population. We catch them mostly trolling diving lures like a silver shad rap. Watch for birds and drive around at idle speed and you'll find them. If there are wiper around wou can catch them the same way.
One tip is to try the face of the dam for white bass at this time of the year. Today,yesterday or tommorrow (the rest of this week) is crappie time for me. The whites can wait until the last week of May or first part of June when the winds pick up.
has anyone been fishing at lake leavenworth?
Was their last night caught lots of small channel. Caught a real nice about 15.
Looking for a little info about where to hit Milford for some nice size Smallmouth. I'm in a little online tournament kind of thing and want to find some chunks.
I've heard Milford is the place for big Smallmouths. But since I've never fished it I was looking for someone to point me in the right direction. I heard the south part of the lake and dam.
Can't say exactly where to try at Milford for smallmouth but I can mention here that there is a good hatch of mayflies taking place at several, if not all, northeastern Kansas lakes and reservoirs. You may start out fishing for smallmouth but might end up catching several different species of fish other than the species you're targeting.
Andy,
A little more help, Milford huh. I think I remember that you fish from a kayak, correct. The dam has lot's of smallies, generally the future variety, but some nice fish occasionally. Try the breakwater at Thunderbird and expand from there. Rush Creek is protected and good smallies there. Once again, look for the chunk rock and there's always smallies around. Try these, post your profits and I'll feed some more info later.
Are the crappie still hitting at Clinton Lake? Memorial Weekend trip planned; any tips on where to try on Clinton.
hello anglers..skinny bait here. I have question for you old pros.. if we are not supposed sp? to cross contaminate waters should I not bring earth worms to the lake from home? and if so lake rules at clinton say you can't dig holes so how would I dig for a couple juicy earth worms. just wondering..skinny
skinny bait again..I was also wondering about what might have been jumping out of water at saunders mound last week....
By reading your comment it appears you live on Clinton lake. If you are the land owner or tenant you could dig for worms because the land wouldn't be state or federally owned. Worms are not an ANS species in Kansas and the easy way to get them is at night using a flashlight and a bucket, then add dirt after you're through searching. If you're that worried about contaminating lake water with worms then just fish with artificials or cut-bait. When you posted last month about what was splashing the shallows I mention those were spawning shad- I'm 90% sure of that. Now since you've posted again at this time those fish splashing now can be carp, flathead, channels and/or shad in that order. Some shad can push 2 to 2 1/2 pounds weight wise.
hey tahnks for advice...for some reason I thought shad were saltwater fish....I think I need a fish book...anyway thanks..just getting back to fishing now from childhood...I got my grandads tackle box and have become a fishing fanatic...although I have not even caught one fish yet..ha.ha. hope maybee to try some bluegill or other pan fish as the weather warms up..advice from ya'll pro's is great..happy fishing..skinny bait
The saltwater? species is called the american shad. In Kansas the species are called gizzard shad and threadfin shad. Most fish you try to catch eat these shad. If you can catch a shad use it for bait. If it's an oversized shad, cut it into smaller pieces for easier fishing. Inside your grandpa's tacklebox there may be lures in there that have colored feathers and small pieces of colored pipe cleaner material around a lead head hook. Those are for crappie. If there is an assortment of larger sized hooks chances are he catfished a lot. If the sinker selection consist of smaller lead weights he fished lakes and ponds. If there are bigger sinkers he hit the rivers too. Chicken livers or worms are a good way for you to start for catfish. Those smaller bluegill you'll be catching will work for bait too. The more you go fishing, the more you'll learn how to go about catching them. Don't be afraid to ask others for advice either. If you're really just starting out learning to fish it will take you a few years to learn it. Keep hacking away.
Went to Douglas County Lake last night. First cast hooked into a 5+ lb largemouth that i got a good look at before it went into a tree and broke the line. Must have got in there from a local farm pond since there should not be that size fish in there yet.Also caught alot of .75-1.25 lb bass. Bluegill are done spawning it appears. Lake 8 inches high but clear.
Any word on catfish spawn and how/where to catch them?
stink bait on sponge with treble hook and 1/2 oz weight. fished on bottom of channel. had some good fish at lone star last week....should be biting everywhere with all the high water and rain.
If you really want catfish go to Lawrence dam and get to know it. Bring bug spray, decent tackle, extra line, food and water etc. With the water as high as it is these days anything that looks like a possibility for catfish is probably a go if you get out and fish. If you just drive and look without trying it won't happen fishin' wise. Are the spiders, mosquitoes, snakes and such worth it for some trophy catfish?
Are the carp going over the dam with this high water? Has the nightmare begun?
Clinton outlet is loaded with them. (asian variety). I doubt there are any other fish species present except them and Clinton is releasing 800 cfs. There are 1000's of carp present. It's pitiful.
Ok, i was reading on this page that meade hatchery is one of the best in the whole state, they send all kinds of species of fish all over the state. But what about their own lake??? on this hatchery they have channel catfish, hybrid sunfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye and grass carp but they dont stock lake meade but with catfish, we will like to have some action too, im serious if someone catches a largemouth bass feels like they won the kansas lottery, for real is that bad i mean check their fishing report, i think the best i have read on it is fair, we never have good on almost anything. I think that this lake deserve it, its always people trying to fish there, and i say trying because they never catch anything or something small. I was talking to one of the guys that works there and he said they havent stock with largemouth bass there for YEARS that got me desapointed bad i mean what do we need to do in order to get some fish on this lake???? If you want us to buy it, i know there is plenty of people that will, including me. I dont think that if you stock at least one LMB per acre at least twice a year (and im not asking for big fish, even just fingerling size) this lake will be great just like it used to be many years ago, plus i dont think it whould hurt your hatchery at all, so please people from the KDWP think and talk about it i mean that will bring more money to this park wich is really pretty, all we need and ask for is just FISH. What the rest of the people think about what i just said???? and the arkalon park i just dont even want to think about it every year looks worst, looks more like drainage water well to make it easier for you the seward county landfill looks way better then arkalon park and im not making fun of it this is serious i think the KDWP needs to put more attention on lake meade and arkalon park too no just on the bigger lakes please people make comments about it so we can get a good solution for this big problems.
Talk with the biologist, you might be surprised at what you find out. They have data that the avg. person doesn't take into account. Stocking that body of water could be like throwing gas on the fire. Maybe you two could figure out a habitat program that would be far more beneficial.
Went to Douglas County Lake tonight. A few decent bass and as always lots of sunfish. Though I has hooked into a monster bass on a dark green and orange minnow shaped jug, but it turned out to be a beatiful 5.5 lb channel cat! I couldn't believe it. Released it, but am wishing I had taken it home to eat now. This is alread a good lake, but in a couple more years it could be one of the best in the state for its size.
Anybody doing any good at Hillsdale ??? Might be only good at night from here on out... I tried for a few hours in the evening after 100 degree day and it was SLOWER than SLOW...
I haven't tried Hillsdale but I'm working on a trotline that I can use along riprap areas at Perry for the next few months. I will attempt this without the use of a boat. If I lived closer to Hillsdale I'd try this on the southside of the Little Bull arm rock areas where the bridge is at.
I would like to send you some pictures of litter I took this morning at Cheney State Park. I need an e-mail address rather than this form, though.
Clint about the bass you said was from a farm pond that you caught at Douglas. The state stocks them that size after renovation. We were catching largemouth up to 8 pounds in Leavenworth co. lake after renovation was complete and lake opened to fishing. I also read/heard reports of individual channel cats being caught with weights averaging in the middle teens (12-16 pounds). If you haven't seen those out of Douglas yet there may be some waiting if they were stocked big to begin with.
Something to try at Hillsdale- Use Catfish Charlie type A (cheese) for channel cat. The lake I fish at I'm using this stuff with surprising results. For a little more than 2 dollars and smelly hands I'm outta room for freezing catfish fillets and I still have half a tub left to go. The bigger fish (2 of them) measured 22" but most will be 14-15". This has taken less than 2 weeks and I'm just under 20 catfish. The words on the container say use #8-10 treble hooks. I've found using size 12-14 trebles will nab them better than the larger hooks. I fish shallow 1 ft. depth flats next to cover (weed/rock) or deep holes off the bank. I am shore fishing while doing this without a lantern. Paint about a foot of the tip section on the rod white. At night you'll see the fish pull better. Make sure there are some rocks in the vicinity for better results and if there's no action in 45 minutes move or try another day. I haven't done this type of fishing (doughbait) in 20 years. I'm glad I stumbled onto it again.
So far Milford and Tuttle have been lucky in avoiding a catastrophe, one big rain upstream and '93's a repeat for those two lakes. The heavy snows up north took place in Nov, Dec and it seems that some precautionary measures could've avoided this scenario. I'm curious about the COE's reasoning here, anybody else. As it stands now they'll be catching Milford walleyes in Topeka and KC. This is IMHO, but nobodies been ?? what's happening. And why is Glen Elder the only lake in the state thats releasing water? Could it be out-of-state sales? Curious George is a monkey, am I?
Where's the water gonna go? It won't make it to the Missouri River. The Kaw starts backing up when the MO river is up- which it is now. On the way home from work today (k.c.) I noticed the Kaw had a green tint throughout when I drove over it. Maybe I was just seeing things differently than I usually do, I hope.
Interesting, I heard today that they shut Milford off to the public due to and algal bloom. COE's report says 7/31 if things stay consistent they'll shut Gavin's Pt down to 150,000 and then start taking it down more on a daily basis. KC huh, do you walleye fish? haha I know here in Central KS the COE's dewater our lakes in anticipation of spring rains and the prevention of dam erosion. They held water this spring because the Mississippi was flooding in the south. But the record snows were early winter, plenty of time to prepare for snow melt. Not just as it melts along with spring rains, maybe a change of policy is in order? Just curious. They knew it was gonna melt.
About walleye fishing around K.C.- there ain't any. Leavenworth has a few if they can be found. Walleye at Perry are a rare sight. The state hasn't stocked my favorite lake with walleye since 2001. But about 10 years or more before then we would get bags of walleye fry every year. There were supposedly millions in each bag. They grew and walleye fishing took place on a regular basis. Except at this time of the year they would take a 6 week vacation. They wouldn't hit until after dove season or when the lake would fog up because of cooler air temps. Long story short- I got burned out catching them (walleye). If there's a chance of a residual population of walleye left here where I fish, they'll be big, smart and wary. I think they (the fish) recognize the sounds of certain boats and autos. The Kaw holds a few walleye too around spawn time but you gotta be tough and find the time to be dedicated to go after them but it can be done.
Yep, no doubt about it, the Kaw turned green.
Just responding to previous post...Aint any Walleye around K.C ?? Interesting ...Might want to go fishing more often...Try during the spawn period or from May - June...Plenty of lakes have plenty of walleye. KDWP information is very good about telling you which lakes are good or average.
Well you're cordially invited to try what you say to do for walleye here in the k.c. area. Plenty of lakes have plenty of walleye...... What are you reading? Fishing up in the great lakes or Canada? Save the trip here for walleye- there aren't any.
I wouldnt normally respond to these types of blogs but in reality the KDWP is by far has the best stocking program in the U.S.A. Ive fished Upper Minnesota and Lake Erie which is totally different type of fishing and environment. But for Quality of Walleye Kansas is very hard to beat. You must witness the spawn to get a good appreciation of the numbers. Also if you do have a boat then the spring feeding run is best time to catch numbers of fish. If your fishing during the heat of the summer then it can seem like not a single walleye exists. But if you spend the time to figure out where and when to catch Walleyes in the summer you can catch the fish of a lifetime without much trouble at all. Dont let hearsay dictate but let your own experience tell you whats good and whats not.
Could it be we're the only state that's needs to stock walleye because there's no suitable habitat for spawning? I do like having lots of catfish here in KS to do battle with though.
There are many different factors involving walleye recruitment and most lakes have minimal production at least, some are even somewhat self-sustaining. One good thing is their growth rate here vs up north. But in saying so, it's also their demise. Nobody has it all, but we here in KS sure come close. I don't know how far Hillsdale is from you but I've spoken with some anglers that do very well there, others not. THEY'RE HERE it just takes a little effort.
There was also a newspaper article on Smithville Walleyes which is also a very good lake...If you live further north of K.C. But if you live south of K.C. then you have Hillsdale, Clinton , Melvern which are all excellent Walleye lakes. Your looking for Good brush piles on flats mostly from 10 - 15 ft of water....later in the summer they will move shallow again at times...Ive heard folks catching them deeper in 22 ft...it just depends on the day..the wind..and some luck...
Can I use fried chicken bones for bait for fishing in Kansas. I have tied on a few in the last few weeks using surf casting equipment and drew some attention gettin' strikes. Do the bones qualify as a "prepared bait" as listed under the legal bait section of the regulations?
No problem using bones or other food items. KDWPT does not have rules against chumming for fish. Therefore, fermented beans and other food items are legal bait. I would say that there are a few potential locations around the State that prohibit chumming or another word would be baiting. These locations prohibiting baiting are in addition to KDWPT regulations. These prohibited locations could be an isolated City/County park, but I do not have a listing of these locations.
Thanks KDWP and Army Corp. I called Milford state park at 400 August 26, was told lake went into a warning and could still fish using a boat and that the fish were really biting. Showed up and all boat ramps were roped off and closed the lake. Really appreciate allowing me to spend over $100 in fuel driving down and turning around. I was fishing the last time lake was in warning and the ramps were closed off.
At least someone answered the phone, I've called the State park office over a dozen times and never even had anyone answer or return my emails.
Same here. I checked the website Friday night. I drove 2 hours Saturday morning to arrive at 7 am to fish Milford just in time to learn the news. You would think a decision could be made before the weekend and actually post it on the website. Very poor management. How many people have made Labor Day plans at Milford?
It's on there now,several dogs dieing and quite a few people getting sick. But we appreciate your tax dollars spent getting there, sorry about your luck, at least your well enough to post, some aren't. After all recreation is not the lakes primary responsibility, it's flood control. Oops! The good thing is you didn't hit any of the sick wildlife on your way there. In the mornings it's like driving on bubble wrap.
Flood control is not what the post was about, it was about the poor management of the KDWP and Corp. Corp posted it on the web on TUESDAY it went into effect on Friday night. I am glad they are being safe but would like to know why they are closing lake this time and not before or at other lakes that have it.
yes, but that's the answer you'll get, if at all. Oh well, guess I'm hungry for cookies. The wheels of gov't more very slowly as servants. Then the speed of light as law enforcement. Take a walk thru Geary Co hospital and ask your questions. JC just spent how many thousands of dollars on TV commercials on net skills. Mission control we are clear for take-off. Storm the office demand an explanation. It's just bad
It was very unfortunate that last week's blue-green algae events at Milford culminated in such a late day upgrade in the warnings and access closures. We understand the frustrations of the many many loyal recreational constituents of Milford Reservoir. In reality, the KDHE testing for blue-green toxins levels revealed previously uncharted high numbers that can pose a threat to lake users. The tedious lab results were not completed until Friday afternoon. At this time, KDHE recommended, to the Milford Reservoir Property Managers, that all water contact and access to the water be discouraged in an effort to protect public health. This was a tough decision to restrict access to Milford. Thankfully, Kansas has many other quality locations to enjoy the great outdoors. I encourage you to visit another one of these fine locations for another adventure. It is our hope that environmental and weather conditions will soon alter to improve water quality at Milford and other blue-green algae affected impoundments in Kansas.
Chuck,
We have been going to Milford for almost 10 years now, leave our camper at Wakefield. My only question on this was why at 400 when I was told the results were back and went into a warning, we could still use the lake. Then at 600 lake access was closed. We will continue to come down hoping the water releases that started today will help. Just hoping the fishing stays as good as it has been when we can come back down.
The problem isn't why you closed the lake. It's the wishy washy way you went about it. If your going to close it then inform the public and not keep it a secret. You have to do more than go down to Clem's at 7 am, get your morning cup of coffee and let them know the lake is closed . You have an excellent website. Inform the public on your decision. There are a lot of regular customers that check the website or call before they come to the lake. If you were thinking closing the lake on Friday you should've put something on the website to the fact that due to increasing algea levels we may decide the close the lake anytime. Then we would decide to go to another fine lake in Kansas. We don't need to drive 2 hrs to find a rope across the boat ramp. Your mission is flood control. What happened this year? Two years of high water at Milford. Why can't you let more water out during the off season to avoid these problems?
By looking at the water level of the Kaw here in k.c., I'd recommend no more than 1000 cfs releases into river. Doesn't matter if it's 400 cfs from Milford, Tuttle and Perry combined or just a release from one of the above. The level here has only went down a foot, if even that much, from where the level was during high releases up north. But if Kansas can hold water for another month and a half we'll have good fishing in the spillways until Christmas. I know from previous seasons. Tough luck on that $100.00 bill- that hurts just thinking about it.
Since I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed can someone please explain to me why KDWPT and the COE's have closed off so many areas around the lakes. There are numerous areas at almost every lake I fish. Most of these "roads" were simply pasture paths that I've fished for 40 years, and now all of the sudden they are closed. It can't be maintenance, because the gates that have been installed cost more than any upkeep. It seems so strange that NOW we pay farmers to fish their ponds through various programs, yet we close off area after area at the lakes. The Curtis Crk wildlife area sure comes to mind and now across the lake east the COE's are doing the same. Instead of a free fishing or park entrance day, why not a "patch a pothole" day. This catering to tax dollar boats/gas is becoming a tyranny. 1 in 7 KS's live in poverty and many more can't afford your taxation fishing, and this restricting areas from usage is a growing problem. Us older fisherman aren't able to walk the distances from your gates to the areas we want to fish or hunt. KDWPT promotes take a kid fishing, and kids want to catch something, everybody does. But shoving everyone into certain areas or fee involved parks doesn't usually provide the means to accomplish this. Which is hurting the future. Now, I get the feeling take a kid fishing, just don't bring them to the lake or take them somewhere else. Those tax dollars will come through recruitment to the sports, not by displacing the public from areas they pay taxes on. IMHO
Chuck or whomever else may of stocked Wyandotte with smallmouth awhile back. They are almost everywhere at the lake. When were smallmouth stocked here last? Not that the lake needs anymore but I'm thinking what do I really have here. Is it really self sustaining for smallmouth bass or what? I know the lake is not managed anymore but some information would help some.
I believe that smallmouth bass were established at WY Co. Lake about 10 years ago. The smallmouth have taken advantage of the available habitat and are well established. Yes, this is a self sustaining population and there is no need for additional stocking. Apparently, this species has found the varied sloped shoreline with adequate amount of rocky substrate with good visibility to their liking. The lake also has plenty of available food source in the form of sunfish, shad and crayfish. I would assume these bronze fighters are going to be part of the fishery for some time to come. Good Luck!
It is my understanding that areas are being fenced off to prevent off roading and litter. Although the extra walk is irritating, I must admit that places you can drive direct for fishing, especially in the remote sections of Milford, are usually filled with trash.
^ and your point is what? Both are illegal, and if caught some hefty fines also. Maybe Comm. Service involving a little clean-up. But, in all honesty, you missed the true point here. This had been ongoing for decades, it's not like the place was a dump or 4-wheeler course. I guess you'll surrender even more of your liberties in the future based upon these reasons. I Don't like to. All of the above agencies employ more people today than they did in years past. The control issue overwhelming, this is not a matter of national security. It's happening at lakes through out the state. Trash can be picked up, ruts can be graded. But history proves that once liberties are surrendered, they're gone forever. Your answer isn't valid to me. Live FREE
Put the finesse equipment to the side for a bit. Put on a minnowbait or crankbait and hit the windy rocky areas during peak solunar times (daytime). When the wind dies down resort to the finesse tactics again.
Great info here - I cant wait until the spring to get back out there and at it :)
Here's my 2 cents worth about Willow lake- If there are 10 trout fishermen there leaving with a legal limit EVERYDAY from opening day to the last day in spring the total of trout caught from there would be 9000 fish. That leaves 3900 trout left after the season closes in spring. For a 10 acre lake that figures to 390 trout per acre AFTER the season closes- entirely to many leftovers. I doubt there's 10 fishermen there everyday during the season limiting out so the number is probably higher for trout per acre of water after the season closes. My point here- is this a wasted effort and/or could all of those fish lead to unsafe water conditions in the future? OR- do all 12900 trout actually get caught?
What happened to all the 2012 comments? KDWP SHUT US DOWN!!!!That's Nice! I got on here tonight and all I see is one post from 2012 about Willow lake and I might have to chime in on this one. I catch my limet every time out and they eat great. There are no other fish in the stupid lake so what does it matter if they stock it with 500000 trout? Just go catch some trout and enjoy!Oh and I am a ROBOT!!!!!!How much more outdated can this site get?
where's the fishing report?
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