Current Blue-Green Algae
Warnings and Advisories
Great Kansas fishing predicted for 2012
KDWPT biologists use data to predict fishing prospects, stocking needs
Dec. 22, 2011 - PRATT — “Statewide, I think we’re looking at a very good year for anglers in 2012,” says Doug Nygren, Fisheries Section chief for the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT). What leads Nygren to this conclusion? The results of fish biologists’ 2011 fall fish sampling. Read Story
Kansas WP&T Commission to hold special meeting Dec. 6
Commissioners to set regulations on take, use, and movement of bait fish or minnows
Nov. 24, 2011 - TOPEKA — On Tuesday, Dec. 6, the Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission will conduct a special meeting at the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Region 2 Office (basement conference room), 300 SW Wanamaker Road in Topeka. The meeting was called to cover possible regulation changes that would go in effect in 2012 if approved, regarding the take, use, movement, and release of bait fish and minnows. Read Story
Alabama’s Jamie Horton goes wire-to-wire to win B.A.S.S. Federation Nation Championship, tops six punching tickets to Bassmaster Classic
November 5, 2011 - MONROE, La. — Mining a miniscule area made Alabama’s Jamie Horton a champion for the second time on the Ouachita River.
The River Region Bass Fraternity club member relied on the same spot all three days to catch 36 pounds, 2 ounces to win the B.A.S.S. Federation Nation Championship presented by Yamaha and Skeeter Boats and a coveted seat in the 2012 Bassmaster Classic. Read Story
Alabama's Jamie Horton hoping for a repeat on Ouachita
November 4, 2011 - MONROE, La. — During the first week of November in 2006, Centerville, Ala., angler Jamie Horton won a Bassmaster Series South Central Regional on the Ouachita River.
After catching another limit today, he is in position to win again on the Ouachita River as he leads the B.A.S.S. Federation Nation Championship presented by Yamaha and Skeeter Boats with a two-day total of 10 bass weighing 26 pounds, 3 ounces. Read Story
Kansan Beau Branine in 27th
Alabama’s Jamie Horton hauls in hefty sack at B.A.S.S. Federation Nation Championship
November 3, 2011 - MONROE, La. — With the Ouachita River fishing so small, some of the contenders held back on their fish today in the 2011 B.A.S.S. Federation Nation Championship presented by Yamaha and Skeeter Boats, but Alabama’s Jamie Horton went all out. Read Story
Fish salvage order for Emporia's Jones Park West Pond
Pond undergoing renovation; fish may be taken by any means
Nov. 3, 2011 - EMPORIA — Jones Park West Pond in Emporia is undergoing renovation, and Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) Secretary Robin Jennison has issued a fish salvage order for the lake. The order will take effect when the lake is posted and remain in effect until the notices are removed. Read Story
Kansas motorists beware: Deer on the move in November
Deer-vehicle collisions peak in November
Oct. 27, 2011 - TOPEKA — Deer can be spotted near Kansas roadways any time of year, but motorists should be especially vigilant in the fall. Deer breeding season, called the “rut,” peaks in mid-November, and this is when deer-vehicle collisions are most likely. That’s why the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT), the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) and the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) are working together to raise awareness and help drivers avoid collisions with deer. Read Story
Arkansas' Kevin Short comes on strong to win Table Rock
Kansan Casey Scanlon finishes in 7th for $6,253.00
October 22, 2011 - BRANSON, Mo. — Kevin Short kept plugging away each day and saved his best performance for last to win the season finale Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Central Open at Table Rock Lake. Read Story
KDHE says blue-green algae still a problem in some waters
October 21, 2011 - TOPEKA — In a few remaining city and county lakes, blue-green algae populations are still above minimum public safety levels established by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). State and federal lakes are no longer under any warnings or advisories, thanks to cooler weather and shortened daylight hours. Read Story
Texas' Tommy Martin making magic at Table Rock
October 21, 2011 - BRANSON, Mo. — Tommy Martin is spinning some of that old magic that has made him a 19-time Bassmaster Classic qualifier. Read Story
Arkansas’ Dodson knows best at Table Rock
Kansan leads co-anglers
October 20, 2011 - BRANSON, Mo. — Fishing was tough enough before Mother Nature threw a curve for the opening pitch of the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Central Open today at Table Rock Lake. Read Story
Kansas anglers tackle fall fishing
Lull between hunting seasons a great time to be on the water
Oct. 20, 2011 - PRATT — Before long, the Kansas hunting seasons will be in full swing, but there’s still time to enjoy some excellent fishing. There’s a lull after the fast action of the opening dove, early teal, and youth deer and duck seasons, but avid outdoorsman are still itching to get out. This is a time of year when many take advantage of hungry fish, feeding continually in preparation for a long winter. Fall is a great time to be outdoors. Read Story
KDHE lifts advisories and warnings from Milford, some other waters
Blue-green algae abating with cooler weather
October 14, 2011 - TOPEKA — Recent samples taken by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) have concluded that hazardous blue-green algae levels at Milford Reservoir (Clay, Geary and Dickinson counties); Dillon Park Lake (Hutchinson and Reno counties); Harvey County Camp Hawk Lake (Harvey County); and Santa Fe Lake (Augusta and Butler counties) have abated, and public health advisories and warnings for these waters have been lifted. Read Story
Kanopolis seep stream open for fishing
Trout stocking delayed until early November
September 13, 2011 - PRATT — On Oct. 12, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism announced the Oct. 15 opening of trout season with a news release outlining the rules, regulations, and areas that will be stocked with trout, including those waters where stocking will be delayed. Read Story
Trout season opens October 15
Some stockings delayed because of warm temperatures
Oct. 13, 2011 - PRATT — From Oct. 15 through April 15, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) stocks rainbow trout in select waters across the state. During this time, some waters stocked with trout require a $12.50 trout permit for all anglers 16 or older, whether they are fishing for trout or not (Type 1 Waters). Other waters require a trout permit only for anglers fishing for or possessing trout (Type 2 Waters). Read Story
Haysville's Rigg's Park Lake lifted from blue-green algae advisory, others still remain on list
October 7, 2011 -TOPEKA — Recent testing of Kansas lakes by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has revealed three changes in blue-green algae levels in the state’s lakes. Samples collected at Rigg’s Park Lake in Haysville were negative, so all warnings and advisories for that lake have been lifted. High levels of algae and toxins were detected in Warnock Lake, in Atchison County, so that lake’s status has been upgraded from “Advisory” to “Warning.” Algae levels at Harvey County East Lake, near Newton, have improved somewhat, so that lake has been downgraded to Advisory status. Read Story
Zebra mussels discovered at Kanopolis Reservoir
CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY boats and other equipment before moving from one lake to another
Oct. 6, 2011 - MARQUETTE — During a periodic inspection and dewatering of the outlet works at Kanopolis Reservoir on Sept. 26, officials with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers discovered an adult zebra mussel in the stilling basin. Sampling of water in the lake revealed the presence of zebra mussel veligers, the larval form of the mussel. This population was detected at a very early stage, so it will be some time before the full impacts of the infestation will be seen. However, the discovery marks the 14th Kansas reservoir infested by this invasive species, which disappoints KDWPT aquatic nuisance species biologist Jason Goeckler because he knows the spread can be prevented. Read Story
Blue-green algae levels back up at Milford
Milford Reservoir upgraded to “Warning,” Marion Reservoir taken off lists
Sept. 30, 2011 - TOPEKA — Recent testing of Kansas lakes by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has revealed a number of changes in blue-green algae levels in the state’s lakes. Samples collected at Milford Reservoir in Clay, Geary, and Dickinson counties indicate that levels of algae and toxins have increased, so the lake’s status has been upgraded from “Advisory” to “Warning.” Logan City Lake in Phillips County has also been upgraded from Advisory to Warning. Read Story
2012 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Open Schedule set
September 24, 2011 - CELEBRATION, Fla. — B.A.S.S. LLC announced the 2012 schedule today for a three-division Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Open circuit that will hit nine bass fisheries in nine different states. Read Story
Blue-green algae testing shows improvement at Milford Reservoir
Milford Reservoir downgraded to Advisory; Tuttle Creek River Pond taken off lists
Sept. 23, 2011 - TOPEKA — Recent testing of select Kansas lakes by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has revealed improved blue-green algae conditions in three lakes. Samples collected at Milford Reservoir in Clay, Geary, and Dickinson counties indicate that while elevated algae toxin levels are still present, the algae cell counts have decreased. Accordingly, the lake will be downgraded from Warning status to Advisory status. The lake will be open to fishing and boating. Read Story
Tommy Biffle runs away with the Central Open, Smiley goes from fifth to first in co-angler
Kansans
46. Cecil Kingsley-Lawrence, KS-7 13-04 183
60. Casey Scanlon-Lenexa, KS -5 11-06 155
85. Tim Webb-Olpe, KS-4 07-07 105
Co-angler
43. Chris Jeffery-Sedan, KS-3 05-07 189
September 10, 2011 - BROKEN ARROW, Okla. — Wagoner, Okla., Elite Series pro Tommy Biffle built on his 9-pound, 15-ounce lead with a five-fish stringer weighing 11-8 for a three-day total of 45-13, good enough to win the Bass Pro Shops Central Open in Muskogee, Okla., by more than 8 pounds. While the win was expected, it didn’t come easy. Read Story
KDWPT brings outdoors to State Fair Sept. 9-18
Aquaria, taxidermy, cabin, tourism information highlight exhibits this year
Sept. 8, 2011- PRATT — The 2011 Kansas State Fair — Sept. 9-18 — offers a wide variety of sights, sounds, food, music, and other entertainment, but the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) brings a different kind of wild outdoor and travel experience to the fair. The KDWPT exhibit, located in the Eisenhower Building (north of the administration building and train station), gives fairgoers a chance to see replicas of state record fish and deer mounts, an aquatic nuisance species (ANS) display, aquaria teeming with dozens of fish species, and live snakes. Natural resource officers and staff from KDWPT education centers will be on hand to answer questions. Read Story
Kanopolis Reservoir to undergo periodic dam inspection
Corps of engineers to drop lake level 1 foot below conservation pool
Sept. 8, 2011 - MARQUETE — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Kanopolis Reservoir has scheduled a periodic inspection of Kanopolis Dam for Sept. 27-30. Conducted every five years, the periodic inspection provides multi-disciplined teams a routine opportunity to conduct a detailed assessment of the embankment, control tower, outlet works, and associated structures. Read Story
High toxin levels of blue green algae still present at Milford Reservoir, Cheney Reservoir off listings
Public Health Warning remains in effect for the entire lake through the Labor Day Weekend but open to fishing; Cheney Reservoir off listings
Sept. 1, 2011 - TOPEKA — Samples collected by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) indicate that high toxin levels of algae bloom are still present throughout Milford Reservoir in Clay, Geary, and Dickinson counties. Based on samples tested at five different points around the lake, a Public Health Warning will remain in a effect through the Labor Day weekend. Read Story
State parks ready for relaxing Labor Day weekend
Only three parks are affected by blue-green algae; all state parks and state fishing lakes ready for busy holiday weekend
August 30, 2011 - PRATT — Kansas state parks are busy throughout the summer, but three weekends are the most popular — Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day. Labor Day weekend, Sept. 3-5, is the only summer holiday remaining this season. The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) wants the public to know that despite blue-green algae in two reservoirs and several smaller lakes that may limit water recreation, all state parks will be open Labor Day. Also, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy Kansas lakes and parks since all state fishing lakes and most city and county lakes are free of blue-green algae warnings or advisories. Read Story
Blue-Green Algae Alerts Updated
Water-based recreation prohibited at Milford Lake
August 26, 2011 - TOPEKA — In recent testing of Kansas lakes by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), blue-green algae levels in several lakes remain high. Milford Reservoir, near Junction City, has been upgraded from “Advisory” status to “Warning” status. While state parks, campgrounds and area businesses will remain open at Milford Lake, officials are prohibiting any water-based activities, and lake access points will be closed because of blue-green algae levels. Read Story
KDHE lifts Harmful Algae Advisory at Hillsdale
August 26, 2011 - KDHE and The USACE have lifted the Harmful Algae Advisory at Hillsdale Lake. The advisory which was posted in late July and reported by several local news stations has severely decreased lake attendance this summer and as a result has caused dramatic loss of sales for the State Park and Jayhawk Marina, according to Scott Robbins of Jayhawk Marina. Read Story
KDHE blue-green algae alerts updated August 19
Logan City Lake upgraded to “Warning” level;
Milford State Park cancels boat race
August 19, 2011 - TOPEKA — In recent testing of Kansas lakes by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), blue-green algae levels in several lakes remain high. Logan City Lake, previously listed in the lower category of “Advisory,” has been upgraded to a “Warning” status. Read Story
KDHE updates blue-green algae alerts
Meade State Fishing Lake cleared; Milford, Cheney reservoirs improve to advisory level
August 12, 2011 - TOPEKA — In recent testing of Kansas lakes by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), blue-green algae levels in Meade State Fishing Lake were nearly immeasurable, leading KDHE to remove all alerts. As a result, Read Story
Gridley City Lake to undergo rehabilitation
Lake open to public salvage before work begins
August 10, 2011 - GRIDLEY — Over the past few years, Gridley City Lake has diminished from one of the best small fishing lakes in Kansas to a poor-quality lake with a high number of large carp competing with the game fish and spoiling the water quality. Read Story
More Kansas lakes receive blue-green algae alerts
Cheney added to Warning list, Advisory lifted at Perry, conditions improve at Milford
July 29, 2011 - TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is continuing to monitor and test Kansas lakes for the presence of harmful blue-green algae. Blue-green algae are natural, common bacteria in all waters of Kansas. Ordinarily, they are not harmful to humans or aquatic life, but under certain conditions — especially during the heat of the summer — they can multiply rapidly, resulting in a “bloom.” When this happens, blooms may release toxins that are dangerous to fish, pets, and humans. Some algae blooms look like foam or thick slurry. They can be blue, bright green, brown, or red and may look like paint floating on the water. Some blooms may not affect the appearance of the water. At some locations, this summer’s prolonged heat spell may have created better than normal conditions for algae blooms. Read Story
BLUE-GREEN ALGAE DETECTED IN NINE KANSAS LAKES
Most facilities open for recreation; KDHE recommends caution
July 15, 2011 - TOPEKA — Blue-green algae are natural, common bacteria in all waters of Kansas. Ordinarily, they are not harmful to humans or aquatic life, but under certain conditions — especially during the heat of the summer — they can multiply rapidly, resulting in a “bloom.” When this happens, blooms may release toxins that are dangerous to fish, pets, and humans. Some algae blooms look like foam or a thick slurry. They can be blue, bright green, brown, or red and may look like paint floating on the water. Some blooms may not affect the appearance of the water. Algae blooms should be considered Nature’s warning signs saying, “Stay out of the water.” Read Story
GLEN ELDER YOUTH FISHING TOURNAMENT SCHEDULED FOR JULY 23
Postponed earlier because of high water, event now good to go
July 13, 2011 - GLEN ELDER — Due to high water levels at Glen Elder Reservoir, the 7th Annual Glen Elder Youth Fishing Tournament, originally scheduled for June 4, was postponed until July 23. While the Marina boat ramp will be closed, the Osage, Granite Creek, Walnut Creek, Schoen’s Cove, and North Fork boat ramps will be open. The marina boat slips should also be reinstalled by then with all of the boats back in place. Read Story
Kansas Floatline fishing season starts July 15
Equipment allowed in eight reservoirs; special permit required
July 1, 2011 - PRATT — Now in the last of a three-year pilot program, the Kansas floatline fishing season begins July 15 and runs through Sept. 15. The season is open at eight Kansas reservoirs: Hillsdale, Council Grove, Tuttle Creek, Kanopolis, John Redmond, Toronto, Wilson, and Pomona. During this time, anglers will be allowed to use floatlines from sunrise to sunset only. Read Story
Public health advisory issued for Meade SFL
Blue-green algae bloom still toxic
june 22, 2011 - MEADE — On June 22, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) Secretary Robin Jennison issued Emergency Secretary Order closing some recreational access to the waters and beach areas of Meade State Park, in Meade County. A few days earlier, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) had found a blue-green algae bloom in Meade State Fishing Lake at the park. Direct water contact activities such as swimming and wading are prohibited until further notice. Read Story
Kansan Beau Branine finishes in fourth
Texas’ Tom Jessop, Arkansas team claim B.A.S.S. Federation Nation Central Divisional
June 10, 2011 - KIMBERLING CITY, Mo. — Arkansas answered the challenge on Day Three of the B.A.S.S. Federation Nation Central Divisional presented by Yamaha and Skeeter Boats. Read Story
KDWP offers free fishing days June 4-5
Everyone may fish without a license; scout hotspots online
May 18, 2011 - PRATT — The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) will offer 2011 Free Fishing Days on June 4-5, in coordination with National Fishing Week. On these days, anglers of all ages may fish without a fishing license. Read Story
Late May, early June pull walleye into shallows
Shallow points, flats, and underwater roadways lure anglers to big fish
May 18, 2011 - PRATT — The state record walleye is more than 13 pounds, but who knows? Someone may break it this spring as weather warms and walleye move into shallow water to feed. Because of their size and reputation as great table fare, walleye are among the most popular sportfish in Kansas. Read Story