Thread: Ask the Biologist

Thank you!!

Craig,

Since it looks like we are just going to have to deal with them, not by choice though. Is there any good affects the zebra muscles have had on lakes?

Originally Posted by Springhill Duckman

Craig,

Since it looks like we are just going to have to deal with them, not by choice though. Is there any good affects the zebra muscles have had on lakes?

Springhill Duckman,

I have been dealing with zebra mussels in my district waters since 2003 and I have yet to see ANY benefits of the presence of this species.

FLOATLINE FISHING SEASON BEGINS JULY 15

Eight reservoirs open during second year of program; special permit required

PRATT — For the second consecutive year, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) will allow floatline fishing at eight reservoirs this summer. Anglers will be allowed to use floatlines only during daylight hours from July 15 through Sept. 15 at Hillsdale, Council Grove, Tuttle Creek, Kanopolis, John Redmond, Toronto, Wilson, and Pomona reservoirs. This fishing method provides an additional angling opportunity on reservoirs with untapped channel catfish populations.

Floatline fishing, sometimes called “jug fishing,” allows Kansas anglers to use no more than eight floatlines with no more than two hooks attached to each line. A floatline permit (available for $2.50) is required, enabling department staff to survey floatline anglers during this three-year pilot program. A valid Kansas fishing license is also required, unless exempt by law. During this season, anglers are allowed to set eight floatlines or eight setlines, but not both. In addition to floatlines, an angler may fish with two poles, or three poles with a three-pole permit ($6.50).

All floatlines must be under immediate supervision of the angler and must be removed from the water when fishing ceases. As with setlines, floatlines must be tagged with the owner's name and address. Materials used for floats are restricted to “closed cell” devices made of solid plastic, wood, or foam; metal, glass or any other hollow material is not allowed. Because closed-cell floats do not hold water, they are less likely to spread zebra mussels or other aquatic nuisance species. Even closed-cell floats should be cleaned and dried before being moved to another body of water.

For more information, consult the 2010 Kansas Fishing Regulations Summary, available where licenses are sold or online at KDWP - KDWP.

Originally Posted by CrappieCHAMP

Craig, Can you give me any info on when they are going to allow fishing on the KAAP land in Labette Co. here in Parsons? I have heard that the KWP has the land and lakes now from all the transfering from the KAAP. Any idea or have a map of which lakes they will allow fishing?

My father retired from there many years ago, I used to fish a few of the many, many lakes out there, caught some really nice cats and bass. I know they are allowing deer hunting this fall on the land.

Thanks

CrappieChamp,

I forwarded your request for info to Sean Lynott, District Fisheries Biologist with KDWP. His reply is below.

Friends,

There is a lot of interest by anglers for this newly acquired property. The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks will ultimately have 3,000 acres on the western side of the installation. That will include approximately 14 managed ponds. Currently the Dept. has 537 ac. It is hoped that the remaining acreage will be transferred in 2010.

Current security restrictions prevent access to the fishing ponds on the installation by the general public. Background checks are required for all visitors new to the installation. It is unlikely that unrestricted access to the general public will be allowed until security measures are relaxed. There is no set timeline to when this will occur. Demolition of infrastructure, reclaiming of ordinance and environment remediation needs to be completed.

Potential does exist for limited/special access for the general public. I am currently looking at similar projects and trying to work out the logistics of such an access program.

Stay tuned!


Sean Lynott
District Fisheries Biologist

Thanks for the info Craig.

Sounds like they are letting a few people in. How do I get on the list so they can do a background check on me so I can fish there??

Originally Posted by CrappieCHAMP

Thanks for the info Craig.

Sounds like they are letting a few people in. How do I get on the list so they can do a background check on me so I can fish there??

CrappieChamp,

Currently, the plant is not accepting any anglers and no time line has been devised. Background checks are still required for those people engaging in official business. In other words, security measures have not yet been modified to allow for public fishing access to the plant. As Sean said, "Stay Tuned!".

Craig- quick question about keeping fish in the live well alive in this heat. have a re-circulating system in my well. if i put a block of ice in the bait well next to it and circulate the water to keep it cool, how will that affect the fish coming from the warmer lake to the considerably cooler live well?