Fishing News and Reports of Interest to Kansas Anglers

More fish attractors hitting Kansas lakes

More Fish Attractors to Hit Kansas Lakes

September 2, 2015 - PRATT – Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) Fisheries Section staff recently launched a new program designed to increase the amount of fish-attracting structure in Kansas public waters. As part of the program, staff will sink approximately 300 “PVC cubes,” to attract fish. The 3-foot by 4-foot by 4-foot cubes are cost-effective and proven in other states, and not only do they last more than three times (10-plus years) longer than natural brush piles, they have been shown to hold as many fish as the natural counterpart without effecting water quality. Read Story

Angler Instructor Course set for August 19 in Dodge City

Angler Instructor Course at Dodge City August 19

Aug 5,2015 - PRATT – If you’re passionate about fishing and you believe that every child should have the opportunity to experience it, consider becoming one of the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism’s (KDWPT) volunteer angler education instructors. Read Story

HBAA's 2015 Big Bass Challenge drawing nearer

LAKE WILSON, Kan. — The Hays Bass Anglers Association set thedate for the 2015 Big Bass Challenge for Sept. 19, 2015, at Lake Wilson. Event registration has been confirmed with KDWP&T. Read Story

Flathead handfishing season open to adventure-seekers

June 10, 2015 - PRATT – Do you enjoy watching the handfishing for flatheads program on TV? Now you have a chance to do it legally in Kansas. Luckily, Kansas is one of a handful of states that offer this special season. With a special permit, anglers can handfish for flathead catfish in select waters from sunrise to sunset June 15-Aug. 31. Read Story

KDWPT announces furlough contingency plans
Anglers should not notice much change

June 5, 2015 - TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) plans to continue providing important public services in the event that state employees are furloughed. Read Story

Helping Heroes Heal Bass Fishing Tournament
to be held at Council Grove City Lake

June 3, 2015 - COUNCIL GROVE – Patriot Outdoors Adventures is proud to host the “Helping Heroes Heal” Bass Fishing Tournament June 14 at Council Grove City Lake, located 3.5 miles northwest of Council Grove. This unique event will pair veterans with members of local bass fishing clubs to compete in a fishing tournament. The event will include official weigh-ins and a presentation of awards. Members of the public and media are invited to watch. Although all spots are filled for the tournament, Patriot Outdoors Adventures invites any veteran who has been affected by time spent in service to be a part of future events by contacting Nathan McClure at (785) 375-1327. Read Story

No fishing licenses required June 6 and 7, 2015

May 27, 2015 - PRATT – Free Fishing Weekend, hosted by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, is the perfect opportunity to introduce someone to the joys of angling. Typically held the first full weekend in June each year, free fishing weekends are two-day periods when fishing licenses are not required to fish Kansas lakes and reservoirs. Free Fishing Weekend for 2015 is June 6 and 7. Although license requirements are waived for the weekend, anglers must still abide by all other regulations such as length and creel limits, equipment requirements, etc. Read Story

Tuttle Creek Lake Association to hold Kids Fishing Clinic for 21st year

May 20, 2015 - MANHATTAN – For the past 20 years, the Tuttle Creek Lake Association (TCLA) has sponsored an event that teaches fishing skills to about 100 kids each year. This year’s Annual Youth Fishing Clinic, to be held May 29-30, marks the 21st year for this outstanding event, which is open to youth ages 8-12. Read Story

Kids Fishing Clinic at Lovewell State Park June 7

May 20, 2015 - WEBBER – Whether your child has yet to be introduced to fishing, or is already proficient at baiting a hook and casting, consider treating them to a free Kid’s Fishing Clinic at Lovewell State Park on June 7 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The clinic is open to youth ages 7-16 and will cover fish identification, knot tying, casting, lure selection, and fishing hot spots. Participants will also watch a demonstration on fish cleaning. Preregistration is required by June 1 and space is limited to 50 anglers. Parents can preregister their youth in person at the Lovewell State Park office, or by calling (785) 753-4971. Read Story

Crappie days are here again

April 29, 2015 PRATT – If someone wishes you a “crappie day” this time of year and you’re an angler, you accept that wish with a smile. It’s a good thing. Crappie anglers wait all year for late April and early May when water temperatures in Kansas lakes warm to the high 50s and low 60s. That brings one of our most popular sport fish to shallow water to spawn, making them available to anglers of all ages and skill levels. And crappie are popular because they may be the tastiest fish in our waters. Read Story

Free Entrance at Kansas State Parks April 25

15 Apr 2015 - PRATT – In today’s world when we hear the word “free,” we sometimes associate it with something that is low quality or that comes with a catch. However, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism is offering something free that bucks both of these notions. If you’re looking for a quality family activity that doesn’t cost money and doesn’t come with strings attached, take advantage of the Kansas State Parks Free Park Entrance events April 25. Read Story

Anglers have chance to participate in Milford walleye study

WALLEYE TAGGING STUDY AT MILFORD RESERVOIR

March 25, 2015 - PRATT – Walleye will be tagged this spring at Milford Reservoir and tags returned by anglers will provide fisheries biologists with valuable information needed to manage the fishery. On April 1, biologists will begin tagging 500 walleye with numbered, blue plastic tags that will be inserted into fish near the dorsal fin. Read Story

Vote for Kansas in national fishing and boating sweepstakes

March 18, 2015 - PRATT – Take Me Fishing is currently trying to identify the best places to fish and boat in the U.S. through the America’s Top Family Fishing and Boating Spots Sweepstakes. Six Kansas state parks have made the 2015 Top 100 List, but more votes are needed to bring Kansas to the top. Read Story

March Madness Hits Ross Barnett

Gene Bishop of Ridgeland, Miss., wins the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Central Open #1 presented by Allstate held on Ross Barnett Reservoir, Miss. Bishop brought 21 pounds to Saturday's weigh-in giving him a three-day total weight of 55 pounds, 14 ounces.

Photo by James Overstreet/Bassmaster

March 13, 2015 - RIDGELAND, Miss. — Anglers competing in the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Central Open presented by Allstate at Ross Barnett were hit with a strong dose of March’s temperamental weather Friday. Read Story

Wind and rain add challenges to Bassmaster Central Open
Kansan Brent Chapman jumps to fifth from 31st after day two

Gene Bishop of Ridgeland, Miss., lead on Day 2 of the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Central Open #1 presented by Allstate held on Ross Barnett Reservoir out of Ridgeland, Miss. Bishop brought 26 pounds, 1 ounce to the scales at Friday's weigh-in for a two-day total of 34-14.

Photo by James Overstreet/Bassmaster

March 13, 2015 - RIDGELAND, Miss. — Anglers competing in the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Central Open presented by Allstate at Ross Barnett were hit with a strong dose of March’s temperamental weather Friday.

The morning broke calm with light rain. By midday, 20-mph wind gusts were kicking up brutal waves with whitecaps. Read Story

McClelland leads after day 1
in Bassmaster Central Open on Ross Barnett
Chapman highest placing Kansan in 31st

Day one leader

Mike McClelland of Bella Vista, Ark., takes the lead on Day 1 of the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Central Open #1 presented by Allstate held on Ross Barnett Reservoir out of Ridgeland, Miss. McClelland brought 23 pounds, 5 ounces to the scales at Thursday's weigh-in. Photo by James Overstreet/Bassmaster

March 12, 2015 - RIDGELAND, Miss. — Previous Bassmaster tournaments at Mississippi’s Ross Barnett Reservoir have been on the stingy side. However, none of those events was held in the spring. On the first day of the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Central Open #1 presented by Allstate, Ross Barnett is strutting like a springtime gobbler. Read Story

Fly Fishing Film Tour at Great Plains Nature Center March 28

Twelve independent fly fishing films to be shown

March 12, 2015 - PRATT – The Flatland Flyfishers and the Great Plains Nature Center (GPNC) will host the 2015 Fly Fishing Film Tour March 28 at the nature center, 6232 E. 29th St. N, Wichita, in an effort to raise money for local youth education and conservation projects. Read Story

Grand Lake will be site of 2016 Bassmaster Classic in March

March 9, 2015 - TULSA, Okla. - The world championship of bass fishing the GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by GoPro will return to one of its most popular destinations in 2016, B.A.S.S. and the event’s Oklahoma hosts announced today. And for the first time, the “Super Bowl of Bass Fishing” will be conducted in early March instead of February. Read Story

Kansas paddlefish season opens March 15

March 4 - PRATT – Have you ever considered paddlefish snagging? Whether you answered yes or no, consider this a “sign” that this is your year to try it. Hooking one of these pre-historic-looking giants on the end of your line is one of the most unique fishing opportunities Kansas has to offer, and if you’ve yet to give it a go, it’s time to change that. Here are some things you need to know to get started. Read Story

Oklahoma's Paddlefish Research Center to Open Sunday

February 27, 2015 - Oklahoma's Paddlefish Research Center in the northeastern part of the state will open for the spring fishing season this Sunday, March 1.

"The Paddlefish Research Center is a great resource for all the paddlefish anglers in the area," said Brandon Brown, paddlefish research supervisor for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. "Anglers who bring their paddlefish to the center don't have to bother with cleaning their fish; we do that for them. All they have to do is take home the processed fillets from their fish and enjoy it on their dinner tables. Read Story

Kansas has over 30 public trout fishing opportunities

Kansas offers trout fishing at more than 30 public fishing lakes

Feb. 26, 2015 - PRATT – Winter weather may not be synonymous with fishing for most people, but the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism offers anglers winter trout fishing opportunities that make putting up with the cold worth it. Read Story

KDWPT looking for volunteer angling education instructors

Feb. 26, 2015 - PRATT – What better way to enjoy your passion than to share it with others? The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) is looking for anglers interested in sharing their passion for fishing by teaching fishing techniques in Kansas. Through a one-day Angler Education Instructor Certification Course, KDWPT and Fishing’s Future will provide anglers with the tools necessary to work with children and host classes and clinics. The course will be held March 21 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the KDWPT Pratt Operations Office, 512 SE 25th Ave., Pratt. There is no cost to attend. Read Story

Hometown Favorite Casey Ashley Wins Bassmaster Classic Title

Feb. 22, 2015 - GREENVILLE, S.C. — On Sunday evening at Bon Secours Wellness Arena, Casey Ashley completed a journey that began more than three decades ago and seemed to drag on forever these past few weeks.

The 31-year-old South Carolina native, who has lived just a few miles from Lake Hartwell all his life, caught five bass that weighed 20 pounds, 3 ounces to cap a moving victory in the GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by GoPro on his home waters with a three-day total of 50-1. Read Story

Takahiro Omori Takes Lead On Day 2 Of The Bassmaster Classic

Feb. 21, 2015 - GREENVILLE, S.C. — The final day of the 2015 GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by GoPro on Lake Hartwell is shaping up to be a free-for-all with a handful of former Classic champions sitting atop the standings with the coveted trophy and $300,000 first-place prize well within their grasp. Read Story

Takahiro Omori, an Elite Series pro from Japan who now makes his home in Emory, Texas, caught five fish that weighed 16 pounds, 11 ounces Saturday and claimed the lead going into Sunday’s final round with a two-day total of 31-11.

Rojas tames cold for Bassmaster Classic lead

Feb. 20, 2015 - GREENVILLE, S.C. — Doesn’t it just figure that after the coldest day in the history of the GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by GoPro, four anglers from warm, sunny climates are sitting atop the standings?

Elite Series pro Dean Rojas of Lake Havasu City, Ariz., wowed the crowd at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, S.C., with five Lake Hartwell bass that weighed 21 pounds, 2 ounces despite frigid temperatures that were in the neighborhood of 10 degrees just before takeoff at Green Pond Landing in Anderson, S.C. Read Story

Three must-have tools for Kansas anglers this season

THREE MUST-HAVE TOOLS FOR ANGLERS THIS SEASON

Fishing is one part luck, two parts preparation

Feb. 12, 2015 - PRATT – Fishing is an art, and although it requires a little bit of luck, most great fishing experiences are a result of prior planning and research. The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) has three must-have angling tools this season that will help you determine what fish are out there, where to catch them, and how to do so lawfully. Read Story

Kansas lakes to be home to new fish attractors

Synthetic structures are forty-eight cubic feet and can last more than 10 years

Jan. 29, 2015 - PRATT – Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) fisheries staff will be launching a new program to increase the amount of fish-attracting structures in Kansas lakes. Traditionally, biologists have used cut trees to create brush piles to attract and hold fish, providing angling hotspots. Read Story

Massive Lake Hartwell presents challenges, opportunities
for Classic anglers

Jan. 22, 2015 - BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – When talking with one of the 56 anglers taking part in the GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by GoPro, Feb. 20-22 on Lake Hartwell, you can expect to hear the words “big” and “everything” a lot.

Serving as a border between Georgia and South Carolina, the lake has 56,000 surface acres and 962 miles of shoreline. That makes it one of the Southeast’s largest and most popular fishing destinations. Read Story

Kansas anglers encouraged to use caution on ice-covered lakes

ANGLERS ENCOURAGED TO USE CAUTION ON ICE-COVERED LAKES Warmer temperatures will begin causing weak spots on frozen waters

Jan. 15, 2015 - PRATT – A recent cold-spell had many Kansas lakes covered in thick ice, creating ideal conditions for ice fishing, but even with very cold temperatures, ice anglers must be vigilant. Now that temperatures are warming, extreme caution must be used in avoiding weak spots on lakes and reservoirs. Read Story

Production problems lead to fewer stocked trout than usual
in Oklahoma's designated trout fishing area for past several weeks

January 8, 2015 - Twice in December, Cedar Springs Trout Farm of Broadwater, Neb., reported that it suffered power supply interruptions that curtailed the supplier's ability to deliver the number of fish needed to continue normal stockings on schedule. Read Story

Steve Harper Memorial Scholarsip Available

STEVE HARPER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP AVLAILABLE

Kansas college students in wildlife-based or outdoor journalism curriculums eligible

Jan. 8, 2015 - PRATT – Kansas high school seniors enrolled in a Kansas college and current Kansas college students pursuing wildlife/nature-based or outdoor journalism degrees are eligible to apply for the Steve Harper Memorial Scholarship. The $1,000 grant is available in memory of Harper who was a well-known Kansan with a colorful career in photojournalism. Read Story

Summary of Kansas fishing regulations for 2015 now online

2015 FISHING REGULATIONS SUMMARY NOW ONLINE

Anglers can download the 2015 Kansas Fishing Regulations Summary at ksoutdoors.com

Jan. 1, 2015 PRATT – It’s never too early to begin planning your next fishing trip – that’s why an online version of the 2015 Kansas Fishing Regulations Summary has been made available to anglers at ksoutdoors.com. Simply visit ksoutdoors.com and click “Fishing / Fishing Regulations” to download your copy of the free, easy-to-use, full-color pamphlet. Printed copies will be available wherever licenses are sold by mid-January. Read Story