This site exists to allow anglers to post current fishing reports for Kansas waters. Views and opinions expressed here are not necessarily those of the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. This is an Unofficial Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Fishing Report Blog.
Thursday, February 02, 2012
Region 1 "Dock Squawk" (Northwestern, KS) 2012
Use this article to comment on any fishing issue in Region 1 or Northwestern Kansas. Keep discussions polite and appropriate. Any inappropriate comments will be deleted.
67 comments:
Anonymous
said...
These new rules about emptying all your water before you leave the lake are forgetting one thing, the geese don't follow the rules.
Geese and other fowl carry eggs on there feet, why couldn't they carry a mussel that holds on? I know they'll say that I don't have a degree like they do, but not letting people take their fish home in water is the craziest idea ever. Are they trying to make us all quit fishing and set up camps for illegals at our public lakes or what? The American Sportsman
I am interested in knowing how you guys are feeling about the bait law that has been implimented this year? I know us that love to fish for big cats in Region 5 are ticked off at this stupid rule. If you want to get the scoop on it read Region 5 Dock Squawk. We need to raise our voices on this.
Trout fishing is great at seep stream. We had a blast, the only downfall was the wind. Between poles 9-16 is for fly fishing only. The bank is littered with worm,corn and power bait containers. The slobs that are breaking the law can't even pick up their trash. This kind of non sportsmanship ruins it for real sportsman.
After searching the fishing forcast for 2012 in regards to possibly shutting down walleye fishing at the spawning areas of reservior dams and putting the found information with my 2 cents of what I think I know about walleye fishing I came up with this. Searching for reservior forcasts for certain predator species that could be detrimental to a walleye spawn and have minimal numbers (white, smallmouth, largemouth and wiper) and have a decent population of black crappie to go along with minimal predators, Webster is the most likely candidate to shut down the dam during spawning to see what happens the following season. As long as the tubes aren't flushed regularly, El Dorado or Hillsdale would be my next two choices. First off, pick a reservior that will sustain walleye. After reading other posts I thought it wouldn't be a good idea to close dams to fishing at first but after looking at the other side of this discussion experimenting with one lake wouldn't hurt for a year or two.
OK, we'll let you tell them why there lake and not another lake was chosen. Then couple it up with $4 gas and the story the drive isn't to far.
By the way, it wasn't to awful long ago KDWP did this very study if I remember correctly. Seems they dyed some fingerlings in hopes of being able to see survival rates between stocked and naturally reproduced yoy in the fall netting survey. Guess what, it worked better than anticipated because the yoy were all glowing in the black light, there was no natural production.
So, in light of this new info you've received, should we once again waste opportunity and tax money to satisfy your hankerings. In more reality than can be accepted, the ANS problem is going to move the stocking programs from the hatchery to each individual lake, whatever will we do then? Drop the dam scenario, there's going to be some real stinky fish to fry in the future, start saving now it could be expensive.
After a few days of thinking about what was read on another post about closing the dam while walleye spawn, I decided to look at things from a different point of view. Is it the right thing to do in Kansas? Who knows. Whoever commented first about shutting down the dam while spawning posted really, in my opinion, without merit. But it would be best to start that experiment at the above mention reservoir(s) if someone decides to in the future. It wouldn't be a wasted effort if it works- just a lost opportunity for a couple cold evenings in March for a few walleye fishermen. What tax money would be involved? The walleye would be taking care of everything if they could pull off successful spawns without disturbances from fishermen. If they don't, restock the lake accordingly. I think the hatchery suggestion at each individual lake has been tried before. From looking at rearing ponds I've seen in the past it looks like erosion or evaporation are 2 culprits for failure. I'm not sure about that but why go back in time and reinvent the wheel when the process of restocking fish here from a few hatcheries in Kansas works well? Before I forget- how would ans cause problems at a fish hatchery in Kansas?
Shut off Webster, 1) you come from more eastern co.'s in KS 2) In just a few years the water won't even touch the dam 3) why not Wilson? At least use some plausible scenario of documented successful reproduction.
Is Webster your home lake, you've planted a seed, now let's just see if any one else cares. I bet Fri night the dams packed.
To implement your ideas would make everything KDWPT has told us all along MOOT. Personally I don't care for MOOT, we are served enough already. Which now concludes my thoughts on this subject.
No, Webster isn't my home lake but I am of N.E Ks. You're right about where I'm from. Wilson has to many other predator species that thrive. Webster doesn't. I may be willing to bet all of the lakes will fill completely full and then some this year including Webster.
First off,explain how tax dollars will be spent if the dams were closed,just trying to keep it civil here.Weather conditions and water levels surely play a major role in the recruitment of hatchery and naturally reproduced fry.I guess maybe I've interpreted the biologists words wrong when they state that there seemed to be a successful spawning season with the high numbers in fall nettings.It's hard to believe that a couple weeks of not fishing the dam would devastate anyone,surely most of these guys fish 8 months or more out of the year.If ANS and more budget cuts are on the way for our KDWP, the restricted access during the spawn would be the only option available.
Hi guys,just neutral on the spawning issue right now. I know it's hard to compare Ks to Minnesota but how does Minnesota have such abundant walleye populations while they have a walleye season in place?Not trying to be sarcastic,just looking for some data to say that their system can't work here in Ks. On a different note, I know Cheney placed the 21" limit for white perch control and the walleye populations are great as is the case with Glen right just going to 18". Why not 21" on all the major reservoirs? Catching great numbers whether shorts or not and having a shot at numerous trophy fish does not sound all that bad.
Here's what you do. You drive to Webster and park. Then walk down to waters edge at the dam. Rig up with a sassy shad type of jig and see how many white bass and drum you can catch. If you catch a bunch of whites/drum, closing the dam during walleye spawn time won't work there. If you do that for us you'll save the state tax dollars and you'll brush up on your jigging technique. good luck.
Kansas is not Minnesota. We have next to no natural reproduction with walleye. I know this is not a popular notion but in ALL but a couple of lakes the walleye are stocked fish. Yes this has been documented, do your research. Also spring and fall are pre spawn for the next year and May and June are the walleyes most vulnerable time. We usually catch over 200 walleye in may, many large females. Also most trophy walleye are caught in fall and ALL females have eggs by then and are feeding EXTREMELY heavy(they are crazed maniacs in fall trying to develope their eggs for the spring spawn) Best trophy fishing of the year!! Let the poor land lubbers catch their handful off the damn we can slaughter them the rest of the year. Or are you just trying to keep them for yourselves? Thanks to KDWPT for developing such amazing walley fishing this far south. We have caught just under 1000 LEGAL walleye the last three years together.
You know one lake that still has natural production is Perry. I hear about some walleye being caught but not at spawning time. I think it's safe to say Perry hasn't been stocked with walleye in 20 years or so. Why don't we hear of any walleye caught during spawning time? For one, there's no ample parking at the dam. Who would want to park at the spillway and walk up the slope and down the rocks in March at night? Not very many people. Just saying there could be an untapped population of fish in there but with so much acreage how are fishermen or game wardens supposed to find them?
I wish we would go back to 8 walleye. These length limits just don't supplement the taste factor. Nothing better than them 12"-13" walleyes, so tantalizing. Oh the good old days.
Minnesota stocks over 500,000,000 walleye at an annual cost of 3.3 million. They also have many lakes with natural reproduction. We do not. The average HARVESTED walleye in Minn is 14 in long. Kansas has FANTASTIC walleye fishing in my opinion.
but I have to also add that my experiences with catching walleyes here in Kansas was a life changing event for at least 10 years. Learning to catch them made me a better all around fishermen for the other species -largemouth, crappie and my favorite the smallmouth). The walleye fishing here made a few of my fishing buddies better anglers too.
Thanks CORP, now they are doing away with free camping at yankee run, and boldt bluff. An average joe will one day not be able to afford to go camping and fishing. How hard it it to maintain those two little areas? But they will spend the money to remove the bathroom stalls and picknick tables ect.... its a major shame....
This is what I used to do for late April/early May walleye post spawn. I'd use 2 blade/crawler rigs. One for each rod (12# line)and slow troll the points that are predominately shallower mud. (3-6ft. deep) I use a 3/8 oz. egg sinker, a swivel with clasp, and a 3-4 ft. leader premade with a half dollar sized colorado blade and half of a nightcrawler. The rig will ride about 1 to 1 1/2 ft. below the surface about 100 ft. behind the boat. Slow and easy with these rigs so they won't twist up and watch the rods so they won't get pulled overboard. 2-3 walleye per night is as good as I could do doing this at this time of year but sometimes a good size drum or channel cat would grab hold too making this all the better. Calm nights are best. I've tried hot n tots and such but the blade rigs work the best for me. Maybe there is a better way to get em but I couldn't figure it. Then one fine afternoon in later May they'll be on the flats and the fishing will pick up from there.
.... here's some specifics for above method. Fireline 6# dia. 14# test. The light green stuff. If you use mono line for the main line I believe the fish that hit will stretch the line 4-5 ft. before you realize there's a hit. Not so with the Fireline. There's no stretch and should last up to 5 years without respooling. Mono leaders premade wrapped around a piece of foam to save time after snags or I was just bored and needed something to do, I can't remember. The colorado styled blades are size 6. Gold, copper, or chrome. Metal clevis and 1 or 2 1/4" beads. I used red but maybe glow in the dark might add more fish to the mix. I started pulling full crawlers with stingers back then but found it was unnessessary at night. Half a worm worked well enough.
here's something else- find where the largemouth bass are holding/feeding during the day and remember where they were at. Right at dusk go to the place where the bass were at and start there for walleye. Can't say if it's small sunfish there holding the bass or if it's a comfortable water temp. it's one or the other.
Believe it or not I wrote all of this "off the cuff". Back in the mid 1990's I bought the Walleye book written by Dick Sternberg that you could find at Kmart. I studied it religiously. Then came the time to apply what I learned from reading to where I fished for walleye. It took me 3 months of 4 days a week fishing from a boat before I caught one that I could actually call a walleye. What I thought was a snag turned out to be a walleye. It wasn't a legal keeper but it was in my book. Later down the road I subscribed to a magazine called Walleye Insider" for a couple of seasons. Those helped too. Mostly motivational to get you to go out and try to catch fish. Then I bought the In-fisherman walleye hand book. To bad there wasn't more info. about Kansas walleye but oh well. When I got out of walleye fishing from a boat I was in the process of using planer boards coupled with dipsey divers-the round diving/planing disks- with various riggings attached. But more often than not it was the bottom bouncer/spinner rigs right behind the boat or a plain jig and nightcrawler bringing the most success for walleye. Just remember there are times you'll have to try different techniques for these fish to be sucessful all of the time and if not that, most of the time.
Depends on what the density rating for smaller crappie at the lake that is in question. If it's loaded with alot of 8 1/4" and shorter fish leave things how they are. If it's wind blown all the time with good spawns every season then small crappie will grow fast on eating plankton only at first, then some bugs and such, then right past 8 inches in length they have to convert to fish or they die. Black crappie have to convert to fish sooner than whites. Only if there is a exploding smallmouth population should lesser crappie creel limits be considered. Smallmouth eat everything and then some. I believe they'll chase crappie out of spawning areas if there are ample numbers of them to do so.
I think it depends on where you come from, E of Hwy 75 then 20 is your limit. North of the state line then 15 is your limit. These are the guys who want smaller creels but always apply the current limits.
Honestly guys,why take more than 20 of those big Glen slabs when your fishn more than once a year? The Asians are loading coolers full of fillets and obviously have no respect for any future recruitment at this lake,it is sad!
It wasn't so long ago when Cedar Bluff had an estimated 750,000 or 3/4 million crappies harvested in just (1) one winter. In the long view it helped the over-all population size rather quickly, which allowed excellent harvest rates and sizes. This also helped shift the lake into it's present state, which doesn't have the over-all high numbers but a more stable, adapted, thriving population. In my lifetime I've seen Kirwin full 3 times. I've also seen the lake levels changes at Glen Elder more than once. The last low water seasons were a excellent learning tool for myself. The lake was 5'+ low for a decade allowing dense shoreline growth, but the truly amazing part was the crappie spawns at 9-10' low. This turned the sloping river/creek channels into spawning mekas, I can't think of another explanation, allowing more shoreline habitat for reproduction. WOW, I just can't recall anything even closely similar for this flat-lander, it was truly amazing. In light of recent posts concerning creels/harvests, if you've got water, and sometimes when you don't, crappie can fill the bill. Many just don't realize this "harvesting" has been going steady there for over 5 years. Kirwin, it's an irrigation lake, plain and simple. It has followed the previous Cedar Bluff format and always will, at least until ethanol is no longer used for fuel. Fry em up good and crispy and enjoy them, they're Delicious. In simple terms for us Kansans, they sure seem to be a part of our quail and manna.
How can the fishing guides at Glen keep taking fish out? By definitions of laws on creel and possession, they have become some a special class of law breaking outdoorsmen.
Since in KS it's illegal to give fish away, how do they keep doing it. Unchecked.
See how you like the sound of this- The guide, the customers and the guides helper all have fishing licences. Each is allowed a daily limit to keep even if the guide and/or helper doesn't catch fish. Then, if they want to, after a day on the water they can GIVE all of thier catch to whomever they want. Reread pgs 6 and 7 of the state regs.
OK, but it still applies to possession. Even if you "give" them away (which needs to be properly labeled and ID'd) they still count on that persons possession limit until consumed. Most guides fares couldn't hurt a fish population with dynamite. So, in reality whose catching the fish. A parent needs a license to fish with a child because inevitably the parent will at some point handle the fishing pole. It's just lipstick on a hog.
What a joke. Do you think the guides have the same clients every day? Come on, use some sense. The guides and fishermen are the least of your worries. Drought and habitat loss are the bug enemies, not to mention invasive species. You know, those bait fish you dumped overboard when your done fishing? Damned few fisherman are not guilty of it, yet they try to blame ducks, geese and whatever for the problem. Not buying that at all.
Hearing at the Oct. commission meeting they are going to vote on " clean up " regs on the bait law changes. Possibly allowing catch and transport of 3 species. Call and email the state, your commissioner, and your local staff and let them know what you think.
We just throw our old bait and guides back in when we are done. Something will eat them. We like to fish Milford first for a few days, then Glen Elder and Norton on our way home. You have much better lakes.
Where do you wash the boat after you leave Mlford? Or do you just drive down the road hoping everything dries out before entering Glen Elder or Sebelius?
Because I may choose to take a swim one fine summer afternoon at Elder or Norton and I find out I have to wear tennis shoes while cooling off because you possibly were the first to introduce zebra muscles to the above mentioned reservoirs. Those will have come from Milford because they are there now. If you can add, 2+2=4.
They said the zebra mussels weren't good to eat. We heard bluecats like to eat them but we couldn't get them on the hook. Glen Elder doesn't have zebra mussels, but the tennis shoes are always a good idea at the lake, you never know what you might step on. Last year we just skipped Glen Elder and went to Norton, my friends livewell system keep all of our fish alive until we got there.
I see now, no, we don't dry the boat out. It is dry when we get there, but some Clorox and a spray bottle will take care of zebra's. Dump a shot in the bilge and spray the livewell. Does that make you feel better now?
No, not really. I feel the same now as I felt before I read your post. But here's something for you to think about for the next 3-4 years. That will be about when KDWP finds zebra muscles in the water at Sebelius assuming the story about starting at Milford, then Elder and finishing up at Norton is true. Then if the above happens down the road at Sebelius and you had no help whatsoever, you'll have alot to think about what you've done when things turn south where you fish.
Are you putting your bullet in your gun Barney? Do you speak from experience? Maybe we should just string them up as Environmental Terrorists. Your as naive as the people who have actually helped the spread. Look into the future, what do you see, nothing. Here's why, we really don't know. The possible new bio-lab in KS has more of a threat than this. Our sister state Neb has tried more than their fair share at controlling zebra's, and to date their success rate 0%. Every tax dollar in America wouldn't stop the spread. Why? Life finds a way to keep on living. First off, the story on how they got here has far to many multiples to even begin to start.
Maybe you already have contaminated Norton as I type this, heh? If I'm not mistaken, you're the one who's been the main cheerleader for our KS game wardens for the past 3-4 years. Why let them down now with your comments about NE and such. You for one said they're the greatest around. You can be hypocritical if you want but realize there's a difference between being "naive" and being ignorant. If I'm naive that tells me I should open up a little and share what I know or think as being right. Being ignorant as you are being, you should open up some and try learnng some more and/or do what's right always, not just when you can remember to. Here's one tip- If you always do the right thing and that includes telling the truth, there shouldn't be any reason for you to be looking over your shoulder or looking back for things you goofed up along the way. Some b.s. doesn't hurt, just be careful.
Wow the Glen has been peaceful!Iguess 100deg temps cured the invasion from the north or maybe they all are figuring out what to do with thousands of crappie fillets packed in their deepfreezers.As for MR.IGNORANT on zebra mussels,you are a prime example of a non-welcome non-resident,but hey it's not your local lake so why bother.Catch,kill,and destroy all!
In thinking about zebra mussels, etc. no matter how hard people try to keep them from coming to their lakes, I am afraid it's going to happen eventually. Only one carless idiot is all it will take. Does anybody really think that none will be in Glen Elder within the next fiftenn years? They are thick in Wilson which is only an hours drive away. When they get into Glen Elder they will be in Lowell and then southern Nebraska.
I've been to several reservoirs in Colorado. They require boat inspections for zebra mussels. If you drive past the inspection area to the ramp without stopping it is an automatic $50 dollar fine. They found live zebra mussels on a large inboard boat at Pueblo Reservoir which came from Little Rock, Arkansas, about a week earlier. At each reservoir there was a full time salaried inspector. Will this be enough though.
It could be that in the cooler, clearer lakes they don't cause as much trouble simply because less fertile lakes don't produce as much biomass per acre. The waders in the swimming areas wouldn't be as impacted with them since they wouldn't have as much food because of less fertility. This is simply a guess, and I have heard some discussion on this.
If the fish species in question rebound year after year leave the limit(s) alone. If they are there one year and then disappear for 3-4 years and then come back strong, you may want to lessen the limit some. What fish are you talking about? Channel catfish?
Catfish? Where you been man!! That State Park and local establishments hasn't been filling up every spring and early for catfish!! Get with the times. Lot's of those businesses probably just became profitable, now the noose.
67 comments:
These new rules about emptying all your water before you leave the lake are forgetting one thing, the geese don't follow the rules.
Geese and other fowl carry eggs on there feet, why couldn't they carry a mussel that holds on? I know they'll say that I don't have a degree like they do, but not letting people take their fish home in water is the craziest idea ever. Are they trying to make us all quit fishing and set up camps for illegals at our public lakes or what?
The American Sportsman
I am interested in knowing how you guys are feeling about the bait law that has been implimented this year? I know us that love to fish for big cats in Region 5 are ticked off at this stupid rule. If you want to get the scoop on it read Region 5 Dock Squawk. We need to raise our voices on this.
Have the petition written and will be printed tomorrow. If you'd like to sign or help email me-rivercatman@gmail.com. Thanks.
Anyone on facebook, I've started a page. Just search for Kansas Fishermen Against New Regulations.
Trout fishing is great at seep stream. We had a blast, the only downfall was the wind. Between poles 9-16 is for fly fishing only.
The bank is littered with worm,corn and power bait containers. The slobs that are breaking the law can't even pick up their trash. This kind of non sportsmanship ruins it for real sportsman.
After searching the fishing forcast for 2012 in regards to possibly shutting down walleye fishing at the spawning areas of reservior dams and putting the found information with my 2 cents of what I think I know about walleye fishing I came up with this. Searching for reservior forcasts for certain predator species that could be detrimental to a walleye spawn and have minimal numbers (white, smallmouth, largemouth and wiper) and have a decent population of black crappie to go along with minimal predators, Webster is the most likely candidate to shut down the dam during spawning to see what happens the following season. As long as the tubes aren't flushed regularly, El Dorado or Hillsdale would be my next two choices. First off, pick a reservior that will sustain walleye. After reading other posts I thought it wouldn't be a good idea to close dams to fishing at first but after looking at the other side of this discussion experimenting with one lake wouldn't hurt for a year or two.
OK, we'll let you tell them why there lake and not another lake was chosen. Then couple it up with $4 gas and the story the drive isn't to far.
By the way, it wasn't to awful long ago KDWP did this very study if I remember correctly. Seems they dyed some fingerlings in hopes of being able to see survival rates between stocked and naturally reproduced yoy in the fall netting survey. Guess what, it worked better than anticipated because the yoy were all glowing in the black light, there was no natural production.
So, in light of this new info you've received, should we once again waste opportunity and tax money to satisfy your hankerings. In more reality than can be accepted, the ANS problem is going to move the stocking programs from the hatchery to each individual lake, whatever will we do then? Drop the dam scenario, there's going to be some real stinky fish to fry in the future, start saving now it could be expensive.
After a few days of thinking about what was read on another post about closing the dam while walleye spawn, I decided to look at things from a different point of view. Is it the right thing to do in Kansas? Who knows. Whoever commented first about shutting down the dam while spawning posted really, in my opinion, without merit. But it would be best to start that experiment at the above mention reservoir(s) if someone decides to in the future. It wouldn't be a wasted effort if it works- just a lost opportunity for a couple cold evenings in March for a few walleye fishermen. What tax money would be involved? The walleye would be taking care of everything if they could pull off successful spawns without disturbances from fishermen. If they don't, restock the lake accordingly. I think the hatchery suggestion at each individual lake has been tried before. From looking at rearing ponds I've seen in the past it looks like erosion or evaporation are 2 culprits for failure. I'm not sure about that but why go back in time and reinvent the wheel when the process of restocking fish here from a few hatcheries in Kansas works well? Before I forget- how would ans cause problems at a fish hatchery in Kansas?
Shut off Webster, 1) you come from more eastern co.'s in KS 2) In just a few years the water won't even touch the dam 3) why not Wilson? At least use some plausible scenario of documented successful reproduction.
Is Webster your home lake, you've planted a seed, now let's just see if any one else cares. I bet Fri night the dams packed.
To implement your ideas would make everything KDWPT has told us all along MOOT. Personally I don't care for MOOT, we are served enough already. Which now concludes my thoughts on this subject.
No, Webster isn't my home lake but I am of N.E Ks. You're right about where I'm from. Wilson has to many other predator species that thrive. Webster doesn't. I may be willing to bet all of the lakes will fill completely full and then some this year including Webster.
First off,explain how tax dollars will be spent if the dams were closed,just trying to keep it civil here.Weather conditions and water levels surely play a major role in the recruitment of hatchery and naturally reproduced fry.I guess maybe I've interpreted the biologists words wrong when they state that there seemed to be a successful spawning season with the high numbers in fall nettings.It's hard to believe that a couple weeks of not fishing the dam would devastate anyone,surely most of these guys fish 8 months or more out of the year.If ANS and more budget cuts are on the way for our KDWP, the restricted access during the spawn would be the only option available.
Hi guys,just neutral on the spawning issue right now. I know it's hard to compare Ks to Minnesota but how does Minnesota have such abundant walleye populations while they have a walleye season in place?Not trying to be sarcastic,just looking for some data to say that their system can't work here in Ks. On a different note, I know Cheney placed the 21" limit for white perch control and the walleye populations are great as is the case with Glen right just going to 18". Why not 21" on all the major reservoirs? Catching great numbers whether shorts or not and having a shot at numerous trophy fish does not sound all that bad.
How will we tell if closing the dam is working without using tax dollars?
Here's what you do. You drive to Webster and park. Then walk down to waters edge at the dam. Rig up with a sassy shad type of jig and see how many white bass and drum you can catch. If you catch a bunch of whites/drum, closing the dam during walleye spawn time won't work there. If you do that for us you'll save the state tax dollars and you'll brush up on your jigging technique. good luck.
That doesn't make any sense, I'll just take the bio's word.
Kansas is not Minnesota. We have next to no natural reproduction with walleye. I know this is not a popular notion but in ALL but a couple of lakes the walleye are stocked fish. Yes this has been documented, do your research. Also spring and fall are pre spawn for the next year and May and June are the walleyes most vulnerable time. We usually catch over 200 walleye in may, many large females. Also most trophy walleye are caught in fall and ALL females have eggs by then and are feeding EXTREMELY heavy(they are crazed maniacs in fall trying to develope their eggs for the spring spawn) Best trophy fishing of the year!! Let the poor land lubbers catch their handful off the damn we can slaughter them the rest of the year. Or are you just trying to keep them for yourselves? Thanks to KDWPT for developing such amazing walley fishing this far south. We have caught just under 1000 LEGAL walleye the last three years together.
You know one lake that still has natural production is Perry. I hear about some walleye being caught but not at spawning time. I think it's safe to say Perry hasn't been stocked with walleye in 20 years or so. Why don't we hear of any walleye caught during spawning time? For one, there's no ample parking at the dam. Who would want to park at the spillway and walk up the slope and down the rocks in March at night? Not very many people. Just saying there could be an untapped population of fish in there but with so much acreage how are fishermen or game wardens supposed to find them?
I wish we would go back to 8 walleye. These length limits just don't supplement the taste factor. Nothing better than them 12"-13" walleyes, so tantalizing. Oh the good old days.
Minnesota stocks over 500,000,000 walleye at an annual cost of 3.3 million. They also have many lakes with natural reproduction. We do not. The average HARVESTED walleye in Minn is 14 in long. Kansas has FANTASTIC walleye fishing in my opinion.
For the real opinion about Ks walleye fishing you need to ask the opinions of professional fishermen from other states who catch walleye for a living.
but I have to also add that my experiences with catching walleyes here in Kansas was a life changing event for at least 10 years. Learning to catch them made me a better all around fishermen for the other species -largemouth, crappie and my favorite the smallmouth). The walleye fishing here made a few of my fishing buddies better anglers too.
Thanks CORP, now they are doing away with free camping at yankee run, and boldt bluff. An average joe will one day not be able to afford to go camping and fishing. How hard it it to maintain those two little areas? But they will spend the money to remove the bathroom stalls and picknick tables ect.... its a major shame....
This is what I used to do for late April/early May walleye post spawn. I'd use 2 blade/crawler rigs. One for each rod (12# line)and slow troll the points that are predominately shallower mud. (3-6ft. deep) I use a 3/8 oz. egg sinker, a swivel with clasp, and a 3-4 ft. leader premade with a half dollar sized colorado blade and half of a nightcrawler. The rig will ride about 1 to 1 1/2 ft. below the surface about 100 ft. behind the boat. Slow and easy with these rigs so they won't twist up and watch the rods so they won't get pulled overboard. 2-3 walleye per night is as good as I could do doing this at this time of year but sometimes a good size drum or channel cat would grab hold too making this all the better. Calm nights are best. I've tried hot n tots and such but the blade rigs work the best for me. Maybe there is a better way to get em but I couldn't figure it. Then one fine afternoon in later May they'll be on the flats and the fishing will pick up from there.
.... here's some specifics for above method. Fireline 6# dia. 14# test. The light green stuff. If you use mono line for the main line I believe the fish that hit will stretch the line 4-5 ft. before you realize there's a hit. Not so with the Fireline. There's no stretch and should last up to 5 years without respooling. Mono leaders premade wrapped around a piece of foam to save time after snags or I was just bored and needed something to do, I can't remember. The colorado styled blades are size 6. Gold, copper, or chrome. Metal clevis and 1 or 2 1/4" beads. I used red but maybe glow in the dark might add more fish to the mix. I started pulling full crawlers with stingers back then but found it was unnessessary at night. Half a worm worked well enough.
here's something else- find where the largemouth bass are holding/feeding during the day and remember where they were at. Right at dusk go to the place where the bass were at and start there for walleye. Can't say if it's small sunfish there holding the bass or if it's a comfortable water temp. it's one or the other.
Are you paraphrasing out of In-Fisherman?
Believe it or not I wrote all of this "off the cuff". Back in the mid 1990's I bought the Walleye book written by Dick Sternberg that you could find at Kmart. I studied it religiously. Then came the time to apply what I learned from reading to where I fished for walleye. It took me 3 months of 4 days a week fishing from a boat before I caught one that I could actually call a walleye. What I thought was a snag turned out to be a walleye. It wasn't a legal keeper but it was in my book. Later down the road I subscribed to a magazine called Walleye Insider" for a couple of seasons. Those helped too. Mostly motivational to get you to go out and try to catch fish. Then I bought the In-fisherman walleye hand book. To bad there wasn't more info. about Kansas walleye but oh well. When I got out of walleye fishing from a boat I was in the process of using planer boards coupled with dipsey divers-the round diving/planing disks- with various riggings attached. But more often than not it was the bottom bouncer/spinner rigs right behind the boat or a plain jig and nightcrawler bringing the most success for walleye. Just remember there are times you'll have to try different techniques for these fish to be sucessful all of the time and if not that, most of the time.
Watch out CJOnline!
What do you think about limits for crappie that are being proposed by some fishing circles?
Depends on what the density rating for smaller crappie at the lake that is in question. If it's loaded with alot of 8 1/4" and shorter fish leave things how they are. If it's wind blown all the time with good spawns every season then small crappie will grow fast on eating plankton only at first, then some bugs and such, then right past 8 inches in length they have to convert to fish or they die. Black crappie have to convert to fish sooner than whites. Only if there is a exploding smallmouth population should lesser crappie creel limits be considered. Smallmouth eat everything and then some. I believe they'll chase crappie out of spawning areas if there are ample numbers of them to do so.
I think it depends on where you come from, E of Hwy 75 then 20 is your limit. North of the state line then 15 is your limit. These are the guys who want smaller creels but always apply the current limits.
Honestly guys,why take more than 20 of those big Glen slabs when your fishn more than once a year? The Asians are loading coolers full of fillets and obviously have no respect for any future recruitment at this lake,it is sad!
Stick them on possession, you can have your 50 crappie a day, but who can eat that many in 3 days.
It wasn't so long ago when Cedar Bluff had an estimated 750,000 or 3/4 million crappies harvested in just (1) one winter. In the long view it helped the over-all population size rather quickly, which allowed excellent harvest rates and sizes. This also helped shift the lake into it's present state, which doesn't have the over-all high numbers but a more stable, adapted, thriving population.
In my lifetime I've seen Kirwin full 3 times. I've also seen the lake levels changes at Glen Elder more than once. The last low water seasons were a excellent learning tool for myself. The lake was 5'+ low for a decade allowing dense shoreline growth, but the truly amazing part was the crappie spawns at 9-10' low. This turned the sloping river/creek channels into spawning mekas, I can't think of another explanation, allowing more shoreline habitat for reproduction. WOW, I just can't recall anything even closely similar for this flat-lander, it was truly amazing.
In light of recent posts concerning creels/harvests, if you've got water, and sometimes when you don't, crappie can fill the bill. Many just don't realize this "harvesting" has been going steady there for over 5 years.
Kirwin, it's an irrigation lake, plain and simple. It has followed the previous Cedar Bluff format and always will, at least until ethanol is no longer used for fuel.
Fry em up good and crispy and enjoy them, they're Delicious. In simple terms for us Kansans, they sure seem to be a part of our quail and manna.
Is it legal to sell carp or buffalo?
Dont know about selling the carp,ask the Asian population how they sell crappie fillets back in Colorado and Neb.legally.
It's pretty simple actually, just how many "Asian" LEO's do you see. That's one bunch of people who stick together and don't talk.
How can the fishing guides at Glen keep taking fish out? By definitions of laws on creel and possession, they have become some a special class of law breaking outdoorsmen.
Since in KS it's illegal to give fish away, how do they keep doing it. Unchecked.
See how you like the sound of this- The guide, the customers and the guides helper all have fishing licences. Each is allowed a daily limit to keep even if the guide and/or helper doesn't catch fish. Then, if they want to, after a day on the water they can GIVE all of thier catch to whomever they want. Reread pgs 6 and 7 of the state regs.
OK, but it still applies to possession. Even if you "give" them away (which needs to be properly labeled and ID'd) they still count on that persons possession limit until consumed. Most guides fares couldn't hurt a fish population with dynamite. So, in reality whose catching the fish. A parent needs a license to fish with a child because inevitably the parent will at some point handle the fishing pole. It's just lipstick on a hog.
Glen Elder- Did they get them all yet?
For your info, the white bass has been outstanding at Glen Elder.
What a joke. Do you think the guides have the same clients every day? Come on, use some sense.
The guides and fishermen are the least of your worries. Drought and habitat loss are the bug enemies, not to mention invasive species. You know, those bait fish you dumped overboard when your done fishing? Damned few fisherman are not guilty of it, yet they try to blame ducks, geese and whatever for the problem. Not buying that at all.
Hearing at the Oct. commission meeting they are going to vote on " clean up " regs on the bait law changes. Possibly allowing catch and transport of 3 species. Call and email the state, your commissioner, and your local staff and let them know what you think.
We just throw our old bait and guides back in when we are done. Something will eat them. We like to fish Milford first for a few days, then Glen Elder and Norton on our way home. You have much better lakes.
Where do you wash the boat after you leave Mlford? Or do you just drive down the road hoping everything dries out before entering Glen Elder or Sebelius?
We wait and wash the boat when we get home. All that catfish slime is hard on carpeting. The fish don't seem to mind a dirty boat, why would you?
Because I may choose to take a swim one fine summer afternoon at Elder or Norton and I find out I have to wear tennis shoes while cooling off because you possibly were the first to introduce zebra muscles to the above mentioned reservoirs. Those will have come from Milford because they are there now. If you can add, 2+2=4.
They said the zebra mussels weren't good to eat. We heard bluecats like to eat them but we couldn't get them on the hook. Glen Elder doesn't have zebra mussels, but the tennis shoes are always a good idea at the lake, you never know what you might step on. Last year we just skipped Glen Elder and went to Norton, my friends livewell system keep all of our fish alive until we got there.
you're missing my point, read it again.
I see now, no, we don't dry the boat out. It is dry when we get there, but some Clorox and a spray bottle will take care of zebra's. Dump a shot in the bilge and spray the livewell. Does that make you feel better now?
No, not really. I feel the same now as I felt before I read your post. But here's something for you to think about for the next 3-4 years. That will be about when KDWP finds zebra muscles in the water at Sebelius assuming the story about starting at Milford, then Elder and finishing up at Norton is true. Then if the above happens down the road at Sebelius and you had no help whatsoever, you'll have alot to think about what you've done when things turn south where you fish.
Are you putting your bullet in your gun Barney? Do you speak from experience? Maybe we should just string them up as Environmental Terrorists. Your as naive as the people who have actually helped the spread. Look into the future, what do you see, nothing. Here's why, we really don't know. The possible new bio-lab in KS has more of a threat than this. Our sister state Neb has tried more than their fair share at controlling zebra's, and to date their success rate 0%. Every tax dollar in America wouldn't stop the spread. Why? Life finds a way to keep on living. First off, the story on how they got here has far to many multiples to even begin to start.
Maybe you already have contaminated Norton as I type this, heh? If I'm not mistaken, you're the one who's been the main cheerleader for our KS game wardens for the past 3-4 years. Why let them down now with your comments about NE and such. You for one said they're the greatest around. You can be hypocritical if you want but realize there's a difference between being "naive" and being ignorant. If I'm naive that tells me I should open up a little and share what I know or think as being right. Being ignorant as you are being, you should open up some and try learnng some more and/or do what's right always, not just when you can remember to. Here's one tip- If you always do the right thing and that includes telling the truth, there shouldn't be any reason for you to be looking over your shoulder or looking back for things you goofed up along the way. Some b.s. doesn't hurt, just be careful.
If you'll post your name and number next year we'll give you a call and you can give us the governors seal of sterilization for our boat.
Yeah I've gotta Ad Astra Per Astera just waiting to be delivered. Now all I need is a destinaton.
I think any boatramp would do, would you like me to send you a megaphone.
Wow the Glen has been peaceful!Iguess 100deg temps cured the invasion from the north or maybe they all are figuring out what to do with thousands of crappie fillets packed in their deepfreezers.As for MR.IGNORANT on zebra mussels,you are a prime example of a non-welcome non-resident,but hey it's not your local lake so why bother.Catch,kill,and destroy all!
In thinking about zebra mussels, etc. no matter how hard people try to keep them from coming to their lakes, I am afraid it's going to happen eventually. Only one carless idiot is all it will take. Does anybody really think that none will be in Glen Elder within the next fiftenn years? They are thick in Wilson which is only an hours drive away. When they get into Glen Elder they will be in Lowell and then southern Nebraska.
I've been to several reservoirs in Colorado. They require boat inspections for zebra mussels. If you drive past the inspection area to the ramp without stopping it is an automatic $50 dollar fine. They found live zebra mussels on a large inboard boat at Pueblo Reservoir which came from Little Rock, Arkansas, about a week earlier. At each reservoir there was a full time salaried inspector. Will this be enough though.
Have the zebras altered fishing in any ways yet?
It could be that in the cooler, clearer lakes they don't cause as much trouble simply because less fertile lakes don't produce as much biomass per acre. The waders in the swimming areas wouldn't be as impacted with them since they wouldn't have as much food because of less fertility. This is simply a guess, and I have heard some discussion on this.
Any thoughts on the purposed creel changes at Glen Elder?
If the fish species in question rebound year after year leave the limit(s) alone. If they are there one year and then disappear for 3-4 years and then come back strong, you may want to lessen the limit some. What fish are you talking about? Channel catfish?
Catfish? Where you been man!! That State Park and local establishments hasn't been filling up every spring and early for catfish!! Get with the times. Lot's of those businesses probably just became profitable, now the noose.
Any plans for a boat ramp at Kanopolis?
Why hasn't the fishing forecast been updated for Walleye? The forecast is still showing last years results.
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