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.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Region 5 "Dock Squawk" 2011
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.
Heard from a couple of people yesterday that the neosho river is the lowest they have seen it this time of year in a long time. one said it was as low as it was last summer. One person stated the reason was due to a search being conducted for a drowning victim. Until the river comes up snagging at chetopa will not be very good. Last I heard snagging in Miami had been poor also.
It is a tradegy whenever anyone drowns. My brother has been in on some body recoveries in mountain lakes of colorado and even in that cold water the bodies are not pleasant to recover. I hope they find them soon.
let this serve as a reminder that tragedy can strike anyone at anytime so please be safe during the upcoming boating and fishing season.
Youth Turkey season started April 1st please be aware of and curtious to any hunters you may encounter while out fishing.
Turkey hunters please use good hunting principles and positively identify your target and safe field of fire before shooting. There will be many people out fishing the pits with this nice weather.
Fish the areas with the most ripples/waves caused by the wind. Be extra quiet and walk around without kicking lose rocks, pop cans, etc. that cause unnesessary noise. If you are catching white bass while fishing walleye at spawn time you are sorta late but you might have a shot at a straggler walleye or two. Something to try is minnows at night for crappie and maybe walleye will hit on the outer fringe of the lantern/boat light. That will be a post spawn situation there. The thing to do now is check the water temperatures for lakes with the coolest up to date info. and try them at night. If that fails wait until next year and start during the 1st or 2nd week in March and learn some more. Right now I would be trying feeding/flats areas if there's no luck on the dam. You'll be surprised at what you can catch on a catfish rig with live bait.
Thanks. I had read where a couple lakes in the southeast region the walleye were spawning on the damn. I tried a couple times on 1 lake with out any success was just wondering if there was a technique or trick that I hadn't tried. I used minnows on a very long pole I have, so I was able to set the cork 6' down but all I caught were large-mouth bass, perch, and a channel. I'm going to try a new lake tomorrow evening might set one out right on the bottom. I was also surprised I didn't catch any crappie.
What is going on with MLWA #8 near Pittsburg???? I went there yesterday to fish and the road was blocked off. I walk back in there to see what's going on and there is a large amount of land just leveled. I'm talking several acres just bulldozed. First question is what the heck is going on? I sure hope none of the pits are being filled in like off of 20th street a few years back. 2nd (and 3rd) question is why is this being done and why now with the fishing season just beginning? That is one of the better areas to fish around Pittsburg and I love all the wild timber around. Removing all this wooded area cannot be good for wildlife habitat. Last question - Is there a website or link that lets people know when these public areas are being worked on or possible future projects coming up. This just appears to have happened so suddenly and it kinda sucks having such limited areas to fish around Pittsburg. If a fish & game officer can answer these questions for me, I would highly appreciate it.
Spike-Elk City Lake, fish the dam area at the outlet tower, that corner is very good at the right times, and then into the State Park area, just look for all the crappie fishermen. You can't miss them! Crappie are beginning to hit the banks there.
Baxter Bait, I was down by the dam this morning and noticed someone parked south of the pipe fishing. I know the last couple of years that access road had a locked gate at the north end of it. Have they done away with the gate, or was this maybe someone who has a key to the gate. See what you can find out on this. Thanks.
Just want to let you all know that Pomona is on FIRE! for wipers. Find a place that looks like the worst place to fish. Then get you some. WIND IS YOUR FRIEND!
Looking for info on the Spring River in Baxter. Is there a boat ramp down stream of the dam? Do you see many flatheads and blues come out of that river?
Anonymous-There is a boat ramp below the dam in the city park(West side of river). It's a little awkward, but a good boat ramp.This is shallow water at nomal stage, so take it easy. It averages 4-5 feet deep. A mile or so down river, there's an island, with out a jet pump, at normal level, you won't make it past this point. Shortly after this island, you're in Oklahoma. Lots of flatheads, and blues come from here. Lots of rock, some wood above the island. I've never been below the island, but have several friends that do good below it.
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
Holy Cow!! I just went to the link from above and read the article on baitfish, and the proposed changes. This is very scary. We need to start talking about this to whoever will listen and make this known. Part of catfishin', especially flathead fishin', is the fun my family has catchin' bait. My kids love going to catch bait, because they can catch lots of fish when we are perch jerkin'. I know I won't buy perch if it comes to it, so lot's of traditions like this for familys will be lost.
Sorry it has taken so long to answer you. Time just gets away from me sometimes.
The gate is open and people have been driving down to the pipe to catch shad and on down to the end to fish. I just talked to a county sheriff officer about this since I heard a rumor that you were still not suppose to drive down there. He was not sure one way or the other. If I get a chance will talk to a city officer to see if I can find out for sure what the rule is. If it is not marked as authrized vechicle only etc and there is no gate or wire I would think you could drive down there.
I agree with you about the fun of catching your own bait. I think there has to be a better solution to the problem then just outlawing it. I would think fishermen would know the difference between asian carp and green sunfish.
Just to correct one exaggeration I seen in the article (at least around here). I currently buy perch from my commercial bait supplier and he has papers of certification on them. These I in turn sell for $5.50 a dozen not the $20.00 a dozen the article states.
I hear that, if they are bringing $20 a dozen, I think I'll open a bait shop. We drove down the access road on the eastside of the river the other day. I didn't see any signs posting it from being traveled on, so I'm guessing it's ok. I was planning on heading down the Neosho and hittin' some brushpiles to try out my new T.C. braided line, but looks like mother nature has a different idea. I heard they were catching white bass below Baxter the other day in the high water.
Catman. have not heard to much about the white bass lately. I know that they closed the park down due to high water and heard that they were going to fine anyone caught fishing when the park was closed. I dont know of anyone that was fined but I decided not to chance it.
Catman I was in columbus the other day and seen that they were working on the city pond out on country road. Do you know what they are doing? looked like maybe going to be a dock or something.
Baxter Bait-they are making a handi-cap accecible dock. They really haven't been working on it very much, even though they started it a couple of months ago.
Question for all you setliners out there...does anyone use the big tru-turn catfish hooks? If so, do you like them? I seen an article in the KDWP magizine a couple of years back about some guys fishing for flatheads up at La Cyne lake and they were using them. For my limb lines and jig poles, I only use 16/0 Eagle Claw circle hooks, but when I set a trotline, I use 9/0 or 10/0 Eagle Claw "J" hooks. But man, they are getting expensive. I need to replace some, and like to have plenty on hand in case I lose a line to theives or high water. I can get the tru-turn hooks a whole lot cheaper. Anyone with imput I would really appreciate it. Thanks.
If you look at the Tru-turn when you're there to buy hooks say to yourself "can they straighten this one" if I use them. If they look like they'll hold, use them. J hooks are tried and true and the circle hooks work wonders on channel cat but I haven't used tru-turn or circle hooks for flathead. If it were me I would dance with the one who brought me when it comes time for hooks.
Thanks for the info. After sleeping on it, you're right, think I'll stick with my beloved Eagle Claws. When I use circle hooks, I use big ones. I've used smaller ones, but the big ones work lots better.
Catman thanks for the information. I am glad to see the improvements at city ponds be it in columbus or anywhere. It is a great asset for the community kids to have a place to fish. Some of these ponds hold large numbers of fish.
They have blocked off the access road on the east side of spring river in baxter springs. Also have a sign put up. Anyone that likes to fish the pipe will have to walk or use a boat.
Just came through Chetopa. The river is just about flush with the top of the dam. Lots of debris coming down, water still rising I believe. A few people bowfishing on the park side, 2 people rod and reel fishing on the city side.
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.
Good question. I know they stock a resevoir around Wichita with them and have restricted length on them. It be nice to have a place in SE Kansas in the next few years where we had a chance at a monster Blue. Grand Lake in OK has pretty good fishing for Blues, but we have to many local areas that I believe could support populations.
i agree i think we have several local resevoirs that would support a nice blue population, i catch them out of the neosho, verdigris and elk now but all those fihs have came from oklahonma and not our resevoirs, i fish oologah for blues but i just wish we had something locally
They stocked Blues in Eldorado Lake because of the introduction of Zebra Mussels. The length limit on them is 32 inches. They have been in the lake for a few years and they aren't anywhere close to that big yet. Our biologist tagged a bunch of them when they were stocked and somebody had caught one down river almost into Kaw Lake in Oklahoma. Thats a heck of a trip. I haven't caught any out here but I have in Toronto and in the Verdigras.
Why are the not more blue Catfish lakes in Kansas? Is a question that comes up pretty frequently so I decided to sit down and try to provide information and answer some of these questions. In the text below the numbers in parenthesis represent the surface acreage of the impoundment at conservation pool.
KDWP does not maintain a brook stock of blue catfish therefore all blue catfish fingerlings must be obtained from another state Arkansas has provided us fingerling and Oklahoma has allowed us to collect some adult blue catfish to jumpstart our populations. When dealing with fish trades some years are just better than others as you cannot bank on the production numbers of other states. There is a high demand for these limited fish and stocking request are prioritized as to where they can be the most successful.
When you look at the better blue catfish reservoirs in the nation you see one thing stands out, a large volume of water. As an example, in Oklahoma; Kaw (17,040), Oologah (29,460) and Grand (46,500) reservoirs all have good populations of blue catfish.
The amount of flow through is another factor on blue catfish populations since blue catfish have the propensity of going downstream during high release events. However, If the lake has a lot of shoreline contour there appears to be a positive effect on retaining these fish in the reservoir. Most of our reservoirs in Southeast Kansas are flood control based and high flow through in nature.
Milford (16,200), John Redmond(9,400), Tuttle Creek (12,500), Eldorado (8,000), Clinton (7,000), Perry (11,630), Melvern (7,000), Wilson (9,040), Cheney (9,550), and Kanopolis (3,550) Reservoirs have been stocked with blue catfish within the last 10 years. Milford is arguably the best blue catfish reservoir in Kansas. Cheney and Eldorado reservoirs, both very stable low flow through systems, have been stocked with blue catfish in an attempt to help the Aquatic Nuisance Species issues in those reservoirs, white perch and zebra mussels are found in both. The length limit on Blues in Cheney and Eldorado is 35”.
These are slow growing fish when compared to channel catfish, with female blue catfish not reaching maturity until 7 years. So there is a considerable amount of time required to determine if a stocking has been successful and natural recruitment is occurring.
In Southeast Kansas I have looked at Elk City (4,400) as a possibility but I feel that the size of reservoir and its high flow through nature does not make it a good choice for blue catfish. These conditions are common enough that it is highly likely the only benefit of a blue catfish stocking would be a fishery downstream of the dam in the spillway. This fishery already exists at Elk City. Big Hill (1,240) although more stable in terms of flow through is smaller yet.
I hope this helps explain some of the reasons why blue cats are where they are.
Sean T. Lynott Regional Fisheries Supervisor Chanute Regional Office 1500 W 7th St., P.O. Box 777 Chanute, KS 66720-0777
I was at Fall River this weekend and saw at least 10-12 game wardens huddled up at the South East Boat Ramp and was told there were at least 1 boat and two Jet Ski’s on the lake with game wardens checking boats. This was about at 5:00 PM on Saturday. At that point in time there might have been a total of 5 boats on the lake and 2 Jet Ski’s. Seems a bit over kill here. Anyone know what was going on? I was told that at least one person got a ticket for a fire extinguisher mal function. With the state in the financial burden it’s in I saw a huge waste of our money. I don’t mind paying the taxes and fee’s but lets use the money wisely…….
Fished a couple of the Strip Pits at 69 hwy and 160 just north of Frontenac. Caught a couple 15-20" largemouth bass. Top water lures worked the best. Top water Pop'r and Jigs that resembled bugs sitting on the top of the water worked amazing for me.
When it gets really hot like,,,now,,,!topwater is the way to go for the bass. Fly fishing equipment works great right now. It's really HOT and DRY, and that is why the bugs are coming to the water.
Sean, I was told by Joe Kinder of parsons to contact you reference the following question. I have a pond that i would like to kill off and start over with, the pond is full of little bullheads and a few channel cat. would liek to tell u more details if u would liek to cal me at 620-3230-2247 when you have time. thank you LG Simmons
LG... Why would you want to kill off the excisting fish in the pond Is it to low and you want to dig it out? The rains will come again. If you want the bullheads gone put a flathead in there it will get rid of them.
I was wondering if anyone had some insight or tips on some good camping/ fishing spots at Fall River. I will be taking a trip there this weekend with some friends and have never been there. I keep hearing fishing the dam is usually good. Any other input would be greatly appreciated, thanks!
Wow this blog is pretty quiet considering what the upcoming changes to fishing regs are going into effect on the 1st of Jan...All fish must be dead before you leave a lake that is designated an aquatic nuisance body of water.That means all your crappie walleye catfish or whatever you decide to keep must be dead before you head home. Also they did pass the law that you are not allowed to catch your perch or bullheads from your favorite little cow pond or stream and use them wherever you decide to fish. I think they are calling us fisherman stupid for not knowing what kinds of fish we are catching. I would like some out put on this
Yeah, these are probably people that are in the postition they are in, and know absolutely nothing about the outdoors. I guess they'll have a lot of work comp claims from con. agents injuring their arms from writing so many tickets. Stupid stupid stupid!
Just read the results of the meeting Tuesday evening on the bait regulations changes. I don't agree with the changes, but that's my opinion. I will still fish in Kansas, but the majority of my catfishin' will be in Oklahoma now. It seems like you need to be a scientist to decipher the regulations the way they are worded. I know my girls really liked catching bait. So much for "Passing it On." I wonder ten years from now, IF the spread of ANS is statewide, are we going to change the regs back. I really hope their dicisions backfire on them!
It's posted on the news releases on the home page. I don't know how they'll prove it. In the past, I'd catch my bait a day or two before I'd need it, and keep it in a tank. Sometimes I'd travel around the strip pits for a couple of hours with a cooler and areator in the back of my truck while catching enough "good" bait before going home. That's an instance where they could write me a ticket. Although, they couldn't prove that I wasn't eating them I guess. Once at home, I guess I could lie and say I bought them or caught them from a farm pond. If you ask me, this is a joke. I remember a few years back, they changed the upland bird opener. There was enough of a stink raised that they ended up changing it back. I only hope this is what happens to these regulations!!!!
These really dont seem as bad as many were making them out to be.....The Commission listened to public comments and considered various options before taking action. Commissioners voted on regulations that will take effect Jan. 1, 2012 and will 1) allow anglers to use wild-caught live bait fish only in the pool of a lake or impoundment where taken; 2) prohibit anglers from transporting wild-caught bait fish taken from a flowing stream or river across any dam or natural barrier; 3) prohibit anglers from transporting any live fish upon departure from any ANS-designated body of water; 4) prohibit releasing any fish in department waters (unless the fish was caught from the water into which it is being released), navigable publicly-owned rivers, and federal reservoirs; and 4) require that vessels being removed from all waters of the state have livewells and bilges drained and drain plugs removed before transport on any public highway....
For the post above. The meeting was held on a Tuesday evening, in I believe Topeka. So many people couldn't travel 2-3 hours, and miss time from work, to attend the meeting. To one, they may not seem that bad. Although, to many, river fishing for catfish is a tradition handed down from generations. Any catfisherman will tell you, good lively bait is the best bait you can use for flatheads, and at different times of the year also for channels and blues. Many rivers in the state, just do not have the population of good wild sunfish. I can not tell you the last time I caught any type of sunfish from the Neosho River where I mainly fish. Therefore, my family and I would make trips catching bait with our kids in the strip pits and local farm ponds. The kids were tickled because lots of action. Well, those days are gone. I guess that when a river rises above the level of a dam, then that barrier no longer exist? Well, I like to keep my catch fresh until I get home for pictures and cleaning. I guess since I can't use the livewell in my boat anymore, I'll use the bait tank I used to keep in my truck for transporting my bait to the river. The regulations don't read anything about a tank in your truck needing to be drained. "Santa" brought me my Oklahoma fishing license, so I'll be doing more catfishing down on Grand Lake. At least down there, I'll be able to catch green sunfish, aka black perch to bait lines with as well as shad. I won't completely give up on Kansas, but Oklahoma is lookin' lots better. It's a shame that I have a lifetime license for Kansas, and my absolute favorite species to fish for I won't get to as much, because the state has tied our hands behind our backs. I stated in earlier post that the majority of the people that catfish, especially flathead fisherman, can correctly id baitfish. In Kansas, you take Hunters Ed., some have to take Bowhunters Ed., Boaters Ed, you have to take Furharvesting Ed, heck you even have to take an online test to hunt Sandhill Cranes. They couldn't have did a Baitfish Ed???? I've researched other areas with ANS and the inevitable happened. They couldn't stop the spread. Yes, I agree, we need to be educated about ANS, but when severaly of our waters, especially in the eastern portion of the state, are impoundments made by daming rivers and creeks, it'll be tough stoping the spread. In Cherokee County, the Neosho River flows to Oklahoma into Grand Lake. So any ANS that Grand Lake has, that travels upstream, guess where it's heading. As well as the Spring River, it flows from Missouri as well as into Grand Lake. So any ANS Missouri has in the Spring River, it flows through KS. I don't know, but I think there are many options that we could have examined before taking such drastic measures on this issue. Guess we will never know. THANK YOU SO MUCH COMMISSIONERS!!!!
Okay here we go again in the latest issue of the Kansas Wildlife and parks mag. KDWP commissioner states the legislative agenda for his department is to do away with the Senior exemption for hunting and fishing licenses.
Here again a government agency wanting more money to waste and will do it on the backs of folks who can least afford it.
Yes I know that some retired folks fish a lot but most just fish on a weekend or two maybe with a grandchild. This change will certainly effect those folks.
If you want to have a say in this and prevent this action please contact your Kansas legislature member and let them know how you feel.
I would also recommend that you put this out on you facebook account so more people will be knowledgeable about this money grab.
Sounds like someone with a bait shop lobbied for the new bait regs as store bought bait is allowed. Tell you what Catman I will buy bait from you and you can buy bait from me that way we are using store bought bait and are legal.
What is up with the state? The bait regulations. Now I hear they are want to take away the free hunting/fishing licenses for residents 65 yrs and older. Come on. Most of these people worked their entire lives, and bought licenses the whole lives, why not give them a perk.? Most by this point in their lives, only fish or hunt a few times a season. usually with kids or grandkids, as the point with my own father. At least if they have their free license, that's one less thing they have to worry about. The big push now is the recruitment of young people to learn and enjoy the outdoor sports, and I am a big supporter of this idea. I think that KDWPT needs to reevaluate their agenda. Yes, for the most part I beleive they still offer a lot of good, but it seems like since Gov. Brownback took office and we got a new Sec. of the Department, things are drastically plumeting. I understand the COST of operatoring the KDWPT, and that very little funding actually comes from the general fund. I beleive they need to follow suit of other states, meaning they pass the buck onto nonresidents. Other states have higher nonresident fees, and yet still have plenty of nonresidents come to hunt/fish. If they want to participate, they will "shell" out the added expenses. I'm really surprised they haven't decided to take a way the lifetime licenses that have been sold. I often wonder why they even offer them anymore. I'm sure not many are sold each year as expensive as they are. I don't know, but it seems like they want to "nickle and dime" the sportsman to death. Any little thing, you have to have some type of permit to do it. Hopefully over the bait changes, there will be enough stink raised that something will change. although, then they'd probably make you buy a permit to catch and keep bait. I'm surprised you don't have to have a permit to possess bait from your local bait shop. It seems that the KDWPT is worried more of the financal aspect of the department, I know that that's the lifeblood also of the department. But residents 65 yrs and over have earned the right to a break. If the residents of the state can afford to pursue the outdoors, then our recruitment efforts are tossed out the window, Then there won't be much of a need for a lot of the things KDWPT provides. Just heard this about the 65 and over license and just didn't sit well with me. Sorry about the rant.
Them wanting to make anyone over 65 pay for a fishing or hunting license is total crap (and thats the nicest way I can put it) My parents only get out to fish once or twice a year and are already strained enough haviing to live on social security. We use to go fishing down by Hartford in the neosho river and creeks in the wildlife area and they have let them go to S___ so we don't go there anymore. use to be nice to go to. so where is all the money going????
I agree. Although, here in Cherokee County, we have quite a bit of KDWPT lands, and they are kept up really good. Since Dave Jenkins and his team started managing the areas, they have made tons of improvements. My family also uses Crawford SFL/SP a lot and that area is kept up great. I won't complain about these areas. One thing the state spends money on that I've alway questioned was SOME of the acres enrolled in the Walk In Hunting Program. Now don't get me wrong, this is a great program, and I use it a lot when I go pheasant hunting. But I often wondered when we pulled up to a WIHA and it was a green winter wheat field(which I've seen on numerous occasions) why the state leased it.? Or you pull up to another WIHA and it was a cow pasture. Now is this a wise way to spend money. I think these areas need to provide the right habitat in order to sustain a huntable population in order to be enrolled. We don't have to many of the STREAM areas close to me, so I don't have an opinion on these. I know the money the public provides isn't going to new manpower, because I agree we are greatly under powered with the low number of CO's and other area staff. I would just really like to know how many of our state politicians and KDWPT commissioners partake in the outdoors. Do they really have the outdoors in their best interest? I would really like to know who you have to know the be appointed a commissioner?
ill use whatever bait i so choose..your job is just to manage what my great grandparents and all the following generations have built for you to have a job.dont abuse your power or it will bite you in the ass and hard.
I agree Catman there seems to be a lot of apathy about this. I would expect to see a lot more comment on taxing the seniors more for the little recreation they can have.
72 comments:
Heard from a couple of people yesterday that the neosho river is the lowest they have seen it this time of year in a long time. one said it was as low as it was last summer. One person stated the reason was due to a search being conducted for a drowning victim. Until the river comes up snagging at chetopa will not be very good. Last I heard snagging in Miami had been poor also.
There was a news release back in early winter on KDWP's website that they were searching then for a drowning victim on John Redmon from last fall.
It is a tradegy whenever anyone drowns. My brother has been in on some body recoveries in mountain lakes of colorado and even in that cold water the bodies are not pleasant to recover. I hope they find them soon.
let this serve as a reminder that tragedy can strike anyone at anytime so please be safe during the upcoming boating and fishing season.
Youth Turkey season started April 1st please be aware of and curtious to any hunters you may encounter while out fishing.
Turkey hunters please use good hunting principles and positively identify your target and safe field of fire before shooting. There will be many people out fishing the pits with this nice weather.
Can someone give me some advice on how to catch walleys from the bank when they are on the dam trying to spawn.
Fish the areas with the most ripples/waves caused by the wind. Be extra quiet and walk around without kicking lose rocks, pop cans, etc. that cause unnesessary noise. If you are catching white bass while fishing walleye at spawn time you are sorta late but you might have a shot at a straggler walleye or two. Something to try is minnows at night for crappie and maybe walleye will hit on the outer fringe of the lantern/boat light. That will be a post spawn situation there. The thing to do now is check the water temperatures for lakes with the coolest up to date info. and try them at night. If that fails wait until next year and start during the 1st or 2nd week in March and learn some more. Right now I would be trying feeding/flats areas if there's no luck on the dam. You'll be surprised at what you can catch on a catfish rig with live bait.
Thanks. I had read where a couple lakes in the southeast region the walleye were spawning on the damn. I tried a couple times on 1 lake with out any success was just wondering if there was a technique or trick that I hadn't tried. I used minnows on a very long pole I have, so I was able to set the cork 6' down but all I caught were large-mouth bass, perch, and a channel. I'm going to try a new lake tomorrow evening might set one out right on the bottom. I was also surprised I didn't catch any crappie.
What is going on with MLWA #8 near Pittsburg???? I went there yesterday to fish and the road was blocked off. I walk back in there to see what's going on and there is a large amount of land just leveled. I'm talking several acres just bulldozed. First question is what the heck is going on? I sure hope none of the pits are being filled in like off of 20th street a few years back. 2nd (and 3rd) question is why is this being done and why now with the fishing season just beginning? That is one of the better areas to fish around Pittsburg and I love all the wild timber around. Removing all this wooded area cannot be good for wildlife habitat. Last question - Is there a website or link that lets people know when these public areas are being worked on or possible future projects coming up. This just appears to have happened so suddenly and it kinda sucks having such limited areas to fish around Pittsburg. If a fish & game officer can answer these questions for me, I would highly appreciate it.
I have been wanting to hit Elk City for crappie. Can anybody give me tips where to fish from the bank there. Thanks
Spike-Elk City Lake, fish the dam area at the outlet tower, that corner is very good at the right times, and then into the State Park area, just look for all the crappie fishermen. You can't miss them! Crappie are beginning to hit the banks there.
Baxter Bait, I was down by the dam this morning and noticed someone parked south of the pipe fishing. I know the last couple of years that access road had a locked gate at the north end of it. Have they done away with the gate, or was this maybe someone who has a key to the gate. See what you can find out on this. Thanks.
Just want to let you all know that Pomona is on FIRE! for wipers. Find a place that looks like the worst place to fish. Then get you some. WIND IS YOUR FRIEND!
Looking for info on the Spring River in Baxter. Is there a boat ramp down stream of the dam? Do you see many flatheads and blues come out of that river?
Thanks
Anonymous-There is a boat ramp below the dam in the city park(West side of river). It's a little awkward, but a good boat ramp.This is shallow water at nomal stage, so take it easy. It averages 4-5 feet deep. A mile or so down river, there's an island, with out a jet pump, at normal level, you won't make it past this point. Shortly after this island, you're in Oklahoma. Lots of flatheads, and blues come from here. Lots of rock, some wood above the island. I've never been below the island, but have several friends that do good below it.
Catman, Thanks a lot. Gotta jet so we will be good.
Good luck to ya. Maybe I'll see ya down there, you'll know, my trailer has a tag that says "CATMAN".
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
Holy Cow!! I just went to the link from above and read the article on baitfish, and the proposed changes. This is very scary. We need to start talking about this to whoever will listen and make this known. Part of catfishin', especially flathead fishin', is the fun my family has catchin' bait. My kids love going to catch bait, because they can catch lots of fish when we are perch jerkin'. I know I won't buy perch if it comes to it, so lot's of traditions like this for familys will be lost.
Catman,
Sorry it has taken so long to answer you. Time just gets away from me sometimes.
The gate is open and people have been driving down to the pipe to catch shad and on down to the end to fish. I just talked to a county sheriff officer about this since I heard a rumor that you were still not suppose to drive down there. He was not sure one way or the other. If I get a chance will talk to a city officer to see if I can find out for sure what the rule is. If it is not marked as authrized vechicle only etc and there is no gate or wire I would think you could drive down there.
Catman,
I agree with you about the fun of catching your own bait. I think there has to be a better solution to the problem then just outlawing it. I would think fishermen would know the difference between asian carp and green sunfish.
Just to correct one exaggeration I seen in the article (at least around here). I currently buy perch from my commercial bait supplier and he has papers of certification on them. These I in turn sell for $5.50 a dozen not the $20.00 a dozen the article states.
I hear that, if they are bringing $20 a dozen, I think I'll open a bait shop. We drove down the access road on the eastside of the river the other day. I didn't see any signs posting it from being traveled on, so I'm guessing it's ok. I was planning on heading down the Neosho and hittin' some brushpiles to try out my new T.C. braided line, but looks like mother nature has a different idea. I heard they were catching white bass below Baxter the other day in the high water.
Catman. have not heard to much about the white bass lately. I know that they closed the park down due to high water and heard that they were going to fine anyone caught fishing when the park was closed. I dont know of anyone that was fined but I decided not to chance it.
Catman I was in columbus the other day and seen that they were working on the city pond out on country road. Do you know what they are doing? looked like maybe going to be a dock or something.
Baxter Bait-they are making a handi-cap accecible dock. They really haven't been working on it very much, even though they started it a couple of months ago.
Question for all you setliners out there...does anyone use the big tru-turn catfish hooks? If so, do you like them? I seen an article in the KDWP magizine a couple of years back about some guys fishing for flatheads up at La Cyne lake and they were using them. For my limb lines and jig poles, I only use 16/0 Eagle Claw circle hooks, but when I set a trotline, I use 9/0 or 10/0 Eagle Claw "J" hooks. But man, they are getting expensive. I need to replace some, and like to have plenty on hand in case I lose a line to theives or high water. I can get the tru-turn hooks a whole lot cheaper. Anyone with imput I would really appreciate it. Thanks.
If you look at the Tru-turn when you're there to buy hooks say to yourself "can they straighten this one" if I use them. If they look like they'll hold, use them. J hooks are tried and true and the circle hooks work wonders on channel cat but I haven't used tru-turn or circle hooks for flathead. If it were me I would dance with the one who brought me when it comes time for hooks.
Thanks for the info. After sleeping on it, you're right, think I'll stick with my beloved Eagle Claws. When I use circle hooks, I use big ones. I've used smaller ones, but the big ones work lots better.
Catman thanks for the information. I am glad to see the improvements at city ponds be it in columbus or anywhere. It is a great asset for the community kids to have a place to fish. Some of these ponds hold large numbers of fish.
can anyone tell me agood place to fish off the banks at melvern lake i would like to go there thanks
They have blocked off the access road on the east side of spring river in baxter springs. Also have a sign put up. Anyone that likes to fish the pipe will have to walk or use a boat.
Just came through Chetopa. The river is just about flush with the top of the dam. Lots of debris coming down, water still rising I believe. A few people bowfishing on the park side, 2 people rod and reel fishing on the city side.
I was told that the creek that dumps into Fall River above Ladd Bridge has smallmouth bass. Is this true?
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.
Is there a boat ramp on the Neosho in Chetopa?
Yes there are 3 2 at dam and one above. why dont kdwp stock blues in our local resevoirs like elk city bighill john redmond and etc?
Good question. I know they stock a resevoir around Wichita with them and have restricted length on them. It be nice to have a place in SE Kansas in the next few years where we had a chance at a monster Blue. Grand Lake in OK has pretty good fishing for Blues, but we have to many local areas that I believe could support populations.
i agree i think we have several local resevoirs that would support a nice blue population, i catch them out of the neosho, verdigris and elk now but all those fihs have came from oklahonma and not our resevoirs, i fish oologah for blues but i just wish we had something locally
They stocked Blues in Eldorado Lake because of the introduction of Zebra Mussels. The length limit on them is 32 inches. They have been in the lake for a few years and they aren't anywhere close to that big yet. Our biologist tagged a bunch of them when they were stocked and somebody had caught one down river almost into Kaw Lake in Oklahoma. Thats a heck of a trip. I haven't caught any out here but I have in Toronto and in the Verdigras.
Friends,
Why are the not more blue Catfish lakes in Kansas? Is a question that comes up pretty frequently so I decided to sit down and try to provide information and answer some of these questions. In the text below the numbers in parenthesis represent the surface acreage of the impoundment at conservation pool.
KDWP does not maintain a brook stock of blue catfish therefore all blue catfish fingerlings must be obtained from another state Arkansas has provided us fingerling and Oklahoma has allowed us to collect some adult blue catfish to jumpstart our populations. When dealing with fish trades some years are just better than others as you cannot bank on the production numbers of other states. There is a high demand for these limited fish and stocking request are prioritized as to where they can be the most successful.
When you look at the better blue catfish reservoirs in the nation you see one thing stands out, a large volume of water. As an example, in Oklahoma; Kaw (17,040), Oologah (29,460) and Grand (46,500) reservoirs all have good populations of blue catfish.
The amount of flow through is another factor on blue catfish populations since blue catfish have the propensity of going downstream during high release events. However, If the lake has a lot of shoreline contour there appears to be a positive effect on retaining these fish in the reservoir. Most of our reservoirs in Southeast Kansas are flood control based and high flow through in nature.
Milford (16,200), John Redmond(9,400), Tuttle Creek (12,500), Eldorado (8,000), Clinton (7,000), Perry (11,630), Melvern (7,000), Wilson (9,040), Cheney (9,550), and Kanopolis (3,550) Reservoirs have been stocked with blue catfish within the last 10 years. Milford is arguably the best blue catfish reservoir in Kansas. Cheney and Eldorado reservoirs, both very stable low flow through systems, have been stocked with blue catfish in an attempt to help the Aquatic Nuisance Species issues in those reservoirs, white perch and zebra mussels are found in both. The length limit on Blues in Cheney and Eldorado is 35”.
These are slow growing fish when compared to channel catfish, with female blue catfish not reaching maturity until 7 years. So there is a considerable amount of time required to determine if a stocking has been successful and natural recruitment is occurring.
In Southeast Kansas I have looked at Elk City (4,400) as a possibility but I feel that the size of reservoir and its high flow through nature does not make it a good choice for blue catfish. These conditions are common enough that it is highly likely the only benefit of a blue catfish stocking would be a fishery downstream of the dam in the spillway. This fishery already exists at Elk City. Big Hill (1,240) although more stable in terms of flow through is smaller yet.
I hope this helps explain some of the reasons why blue cats are where they are.
Sean T. Lynott
Regional Fisheries Supervisor
Chanute Regional Office
1500 W 7th St., P.O. Box 777
Chanute, KS 66720-0777
Thank you for the explanation Sean.
I was at Fall River this weekend and saw at least 10-12 game wardens huddled up at the South East Boat Ramp and was told there were at least 1 boat and two Jet Ski’s on the lake with game wardens checking boats. This was about at 5:00 PM on Saturday. At that point in time there might have been a total of 5 boats on the lake and 2 Jet Ski’s. Seems a bit over kill here. Anyone know what was going on? I was told that at least one person got a ticket for a fire extinguisher mal function. With the state in the financial burden it’s in I saw a huge waste of our money. I don’t mind paying the taxes and fee’s but lets use the money wisely…….
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.
be sure to check out the information about the blue green algae blooms in local reservoirs before going swimming etc. Big hill is under an advisory.
I pasted the link below but you can find it from the KDWP homepage also if the link dont work.
http://www.kdheks.gov/news/web_archives/2011/07152011.htm
Fished a couple of the Strip Pits at 69 hwy and 160 just north of Frontenac. Caught a couple 15-20" largemouth bass. Top water lures worked the best. Top water Pop'r and Jigs that resembled bugs sitting on the top of the water worked amazing for me.
When it gets really hot like,,,now,,,!topwater is the way to go for the bass. Fly fishing equipment works great right now. It's really HOT and DRY, and that is why the bugs are coming to the water.
the walleye fishing at melvern lake hot very good this morning!!!
I was boat fishing with minnow before sunrise
Noticed a big jon boat with what appeared to be gill nets at Toronto. What going on there?
Toronto Lake - The state hired commercial fishermen to help clean out some of the trash fish (carp,buffalo,etc.).
Sean,
I was told by Joe Kinder of parsons to contact you reference the following question. I have a pond that i would like to kill off and start over with, the pond is full of little bullheads and a few channel cat. would liek to tell u more details if u would liek to cal me at 620-3230-2247 when you have time. thank you LG Simmons
LG... Why would you want to kill off the excisting fish in the pond Is it to low and you want to dig it out? The rains will come again. If you want the bullheads gone put a flathead in there it will get rid of them.
Hello everyone,
I was wondering if anyone had some insight or tips on some good camping/ fishing spots at Fall River. I will be taking a trip there this weekend with some friends and have never been there. I keep hearing fishing the dam is usually good. Any other input would be greatly appreciated, thanks!
Wow this blog is pretty quiet considering what the upcoming changes to fishing regs are going into effect on the 1st of Jan...All fish must be dead before you leave a lake that is designated an aquatic nuisance body of water.That means all your crappie walleye catfish or whatever you decide to keep must be dead before you head home. Also they did pass the law that you are not allowed to catch your perch or bullheads from your favorite little cow pond or stream and use them wherever you decide to fish. I think they are calling us fisherman stupid for not knowing what kinds of fish we are catching. I would like some out put on this
i guess they can write me a ticket for using my favorite cowpond bait then, stupid lawmakers...
Yeah, these are probably people that are in the postition they are in, and know absolutely nothing about the outdoors. I guess they'll have a lot of work comp claims from con. agents injuring their arms from writing so many tickets. Stupid stupid stupid!
Throw your catch on ice... they'll be dead enough when you head home. As for bait caught in another body of water... makes sence to me.
Just read the results of the meeting Tuesday evening on the bait regulations changes. I don't agree with the changes, but that's my opinion. I will still fish in Kansas, but the majority of my catfishin' will be in Oklahoma now. It seems like you need to be a scientist to decipher the regulations the way they are worded. I know my girls really liked catching bait. So much for "Passing it On." I wonder ten years from now, IF the spread of ANS is statewide, are we going to change the regs back. I really hope their dicisions backfire on them!
I have to agree with you Catman
where did u read this stuff at about new regs? and how wil they prove u didnt catch your perch from where u r fishing at?
It's posted on the news releases on the home page. I don't know how they'll prove it. In the past, I'd catch my bait a day or two before I'd need it, and keep it in a tank. Sometimes I'd travel around the strip pits for a couple of hours with a cooler and areator in the back of my truck while catching enough "good" bait before going home. That's an instance where they could write me a ticket. Although, they couldn't prove that I wasn't eating them I guess. Once at home, I guess I could lie and say I bought them or caught them from a farm pond. If you ask me, this is a joke. I remember a few years back, they changed the upland bird opener. There was enough of a stink raised that they ended up changing it back. I only hope this is what happens to these regulations!!!!
These really dont seem as bad as many were making them out to be.....The Commission listened to public comments and considered various options before taking action. Commissioners voted on regulations that will take effect Jan. 1, 2012 and will 1) allow anglers to use wild-caught live bait fish only in the pool of a lake or impoundment where taken; 2) prohibit anglers from transporting wild-caught bait fish taken from a flowing stream or river across any dam or natural barrier; 3) prohibit anglers from transporting any live fish upon departure from any ANS-designated body of water; 4) prohibit releasing any fish in department waters (unless the fish was caught from the water into which it is being released), navigable publicly-owned rivers, and federal reservoirs; and 4) require that vessels being removed from all waters of the state have livewells and bilges drained and drain plugs removed before transport on any public highway....
For the post above. The meeting was held on a Tuesday evening, in I believe Topeka. So many people couldn't travel 2-3 hours, and miss time from work, to attend the meeting. To one, they may not seem that bad. Although, to many, river fishing for catfish is a tradition handed down from generations. Any catfisherman will tell you, good lively bait is the best bait you can use for flatheads, and at different times of the year also for channels and blues. Many rivers in the state, just do not have the population of good wild sunfish. I can not tell you the last time I caught any type of sunfish from the Neosho River where I mainly fish. Therefore, my family and I would make trips catching bait with our kids in the strip pits and local farm ponds. The kids were tickled because lots of action. Well, those days are gone. I guess that when a river rises above the level of a dam, then that barrier no longer exist? Well, I like to keep my catch fresh until I get home for pictures and cleaning. I guess since I can't use the livewell in my boat anymore, I'll use the bait tank I used to keep in my truck for transporting my bait to the river. The regulations don't read anything about a tank in your truck needing to be drained. "Santa" brought me my Oklahoma fishing license, so I'll be doing more catfishing down on Grand Lake. At least down there, I'll be able to catch green sunfish, aka black perch to bait lines with as well as shad. I won't completely give up on Kansas, but Oklahoma is lookin' lots better. It's a shame that I have a lifetime license for Kansas, and my absolute favorite species to fish for I won't get to as much, because the state has tied our hands behind our backs. I stated in earlier post that the majority of the people that catfish, especially flathead fisherman, can correctly id baitfish. In Kansas, you take Hunters Ed., some have to take Bowhunters Ed., Boaters Ed, you have to take Furharvesting Ed, heck you even have to take an online test to hunt Sandhill Cranes. They couldn't have did a Baitfish Ed???? I've researched other areas with ANS and the inevitable happened. They couldn't stop the spread. Yes, I agree, we need to be educated about ANS, but when severaly of our waters, especially in the eastern portion of the state, are impoundments made by daming rivers and creeks, it'll be tough stoping the spread. In Cherokee County, the Neosho River flows to Oklahoma into Grand Lake. So any ANS that Grand Lake has, that travels upstream, guess where it's heading. As well as the Spring River, it flows from Missouri as well as into Grand Lake. So any ANS Missouri has in the Spring River, it flows through KS. I don't know, but I think there are many options that we could have examined before taking such drastic measures on this issue. Guess we will never know. THANK YOU SO MUCH COMMISSIONERS!!!!
Okay here we go again in the latest issue of the Kansas Wildlife and parks mag. KDWP commissioner states the legislative agenda for his department is to do away with the Senior exemption for hunting and fishing licenses.
Here again a government agency wanting more money to waste and will do it on the backs of folks who can least afford it.
Yes I know that some retired folks fish a lot but most just fish on a weekend or two maybe with a grandchild. This change will certainly effect those folks.
If you want to have a say in this and prevent this action please contact your Kansas legislature member and let them know how you feel.
I would also recommend that you put this out on you facebook account so more people will be knowledgeable about this money grab.
Sounds like someone with a bait shop lobbied for the new bait regs as store bought bait is allowed. Tell you what Catman I will buy bait from you and you can buy bait from me that way we are using store bought bait and are legal.
Blackdog40, I like the way you think!! I definitly believe someone is in cahoots with someone.
What is up with the state? The bait regulations. Now I hear they are want to take away the free hunting/fishing licenses for residents 65 yrs and older. Come on. Most of these people worked their entire lives, and bought licenses the whole lives, why not give them a perk.? Most by this point in their lives, only fish or hunt a few times a season. usually with kids or grandkids, as the point with my own father. At least if they have their free license, that's one less thing they have to worry about. The big push now is the recruitment of young people to learn and enjoy the outdoor sports, and I am a big supporter of this idea. I think that KDWPT needs to reevaluate their agenda. Yes, for the most part I beleive they still offer a lot of good, but it seems like since Gov. Brownback took office and we got a new Sec. of the Department, things are drastically plumeting. I understand the COST of operatoring the KDWPT, and that very little funding actually comes from the general fund. I beleive they need to follow suit of other states, meaning they pass the buck onto nonresidents. Other states have higher nonresident fees, and yet still have plenty of nonresidents come to hunt/fish. If they want to participate, they will "shell" out the added expenses. I'm really surprised they haven't decided to take a way the lifetime licenses that have been sold. I often wonder why they even offer them anymore. I'm sure not many are sold each year as expensive as they are. I don't know, but it seems like they want to "nickle and dime" the sportsman to death. Any little thing, you have to have some type of permit to do it. Hopefully over the bait changes, there will be enough stink raised that something will change. although, then they'd probably make you buy a permit to catch and keep bait. I'm surprised you don't have to have a permit to possess bait from your local bait shop. It seems that the KDWPT is worried more of the financal aspect of the department, I know that that's the lifeblood also of the department. But residents 65 yrs and over have earned the right to a break. If the residents of the state can afford to pursue the outdoors, then our recruitment efforts are tossed out the window, Then there won't be much of a need for a lot of the things KDWPT provides. Just heard this about the 65 and over license and just didn't sit well with me. Sorry about the rant.
Them wanting to make anyone over 65 pay for a fishing or hunting license is total crap (and thats the nicest way I can put it) My parents only get out to fish once or twice a year and are already strained enough haviing to live on social security. We use to go fishing down by Hartford in the neosho river and creeks in the wildlife area and they have let them go to S___ so we don't go there anymore. use to be nice to go to. so where is all the money going????
I agree. Although, here in Cherokee County, we have quite a bit of KDWPT lands, and they are kept up really good. Since Dave Jenkins and his team started managing the areas, they have made tons of improvements. My family also uses Crawford SFL/SP a lot and that area is kept up great. I won't complain about these areas. One thing the state spends money on that I've alway questioned was SOME of the acres enrolled in the Walk In Hunting Program. Now don't get me wrong, this is a great program, and I use it a lot when I go pheasant hunting. But I often wondered when we pulled up to a WIHA and it was a green winter wheat field(which I've seen on numerous occasions) why the state leased it.? Or you pull up to another WIHA and it was a cow pasture. Now is this a wise way to spend money. I think these areas need to provide the right habitat in order to sustain a huntable population in order to be enrolled. We don't have to many of the STREAM areas close to me, so I don't have an opinion on these. I know the money the public provides isn't going to new manpower, because I agree we are greatly under powered with the low number of CO's and other area staff. I would just really like to know how many of our state politicians and KDWPT commissioners partake in the outdoors. Do they really have the outdoors in their best interest? I would really like to know who you have to know the be appointed a commissioner?
ill use whatever bait i so choose..your job is just to manage what my great grandparents and all the following generations have built for you to have a job.dont abuse your power or it will bite you in the ass and hard.
Nice last post.I hope more of us get "vocal" about the policies and changes the "Department" is implementing. Let's all speak up fellow outdoorsman!
I agree Catman there seems to be a lot of apathy about this. I would expect to see a lot more comment on taxing the seniors more for the little recreation they can have.
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