Category Archives: Fishing

bass, a boy named

Boaters Beware, some local lakes have hazardous conditions

May 15, 201312:47 p.m.

Wichita maybe enjoying a wet spring, but beware if you’re heading to a local lake. Water conditions are low enough in many places to make for hazardous boating.

Still 6.6 feet below normal, Cheney Reservoir has more challenges than normal. El Dorado Reservoir  could be flat-out dangerous.

“Even with the rain, we’ve come up a whopping 4/10ths of a foot this spring so we’re still about 4.4 feet low. It’s been a while since we’ve been this low this time of the year,” said Craig Johnson, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism fisheries biologist for El Dorado. “There are places where you can be a couple of hundred yards off shore and still only be in ankle-deep water. There are a lot of trees (near the surface) where I don’t remember seeing them in the past.”

Shane Eustice, who regularly boats and guides anglers at El Dorado, fears the timing for such low water could accentuate the problems.

“A lot of people are really going to be anxious this weekend to finally get out, and they’re just going to jump in their boat and go,” he said. “I’m afraid someone  could really get hurt.”

Johnson told of someone who bought a new boat last Wednesday, then wrecked the lower part of the motor in a shallow area the next day at El Dorado. He’s surprised it hasn’t happened more often.

“I see a lot of people going fast in their bass boats, ripping across some of these (hazardous) areas,” he added. “They either know the lake really well, or they’ve just been really lucky.”

Eustice and Johnson say boaters should be careful around all points of land that jut out into the water. Often the water is only inches deep. It’s sometimes the same where old roadbeds go into the lake. Easily boated over a year ago, many areas now could struggle to float a canoe.

Both lake experts said the water several hundred yards off Bluestem and El Dorado Point areas will probably be too shallow for safe boating. Eustice spoke of a sizable island about 400 yards off Bluestem Point that’s so low many boaters may not see it. Even if they do, water on both sides of the island is probably too shallow for most boats.

“You just have to respect every point you go around,” he said. “People just won’t believe you may be 600 yards from shore and still not be in safe water.”

Other potential dangers are where timber was left standing along original river and creek banks when the lake was filled. Through the years many of the long-dead trees broke at various heights. Eustice said hidden trees that once let boaters pass over with no concerns could now lead to a damaged boat, or worse if people are thrown from boats that hit the obstacles at high rates of speed.

At Cheney Reservoir, fisheries biologist Jeff Koch said boaters don’t need to worry about striking flooded timber, but some of the areas close to shore could be too shallow for safe boating. “You just have to plan on staying several hundred yards off shore on the main lake, and if you get closer, do it slowly,” Koch said. “It’s way too shallow up north, but I can’t think of anything in the middle of the lake that could be a problem.”

Simply getting a boat launched on to Cheney could be the biggest problem. Koch said the only operational ramp is in the state park on the east side of the reservoir.

Two boat ramps, the west ramp in the Boulder Bluff area and another east of Shady Creek Marina, are closed at El Dorado. Johnson said boaters should show caution around some courtesy docks because of shallow water conditions.

 

By Michael Pearce | Filed under Breaking news, Canoeing/Boating, Fishing | Comments

Crappie Time!

May 14, 20133:56 p.m.

NIce crappie are spawning in the shallows at most central Kansas lakes.

It’s here. After probably a half-dozen half-hearted starts and stops because of weather fronts, it appears the 2013 crappie spawn is running full-speed in central Kansas.

Craig Johnson, Wildlife and Parks biologist for El Dorado Reservoir called this morning to say he saw a lot of anglers, catching a lot of fish, at the lake on Monday. Johnson, an avid angler, said most traditionally popular areas held fishermen.

Up at Marion Reservoir last evening, Alex Case said he probably saw about 60 anglers spread out along the lake’s dam, catching nice-sized crappie and white bass. Arriving late, Case said he kept a half-dozen nice crappie and released more than that number of white bass.

Bob Roberts, of Salina, traveled to Milford Reservoir with a friend just to check out the fishing conditions. Fishing from shore they caught most of a five gallon bucket of nice crappie. Roberts has heard it’s been some of the best spawn crappie fishing the lake has seen in a while. He also reports that the spawn has finally started in earnest at Glen Elder Reservoir. (Any making the trip to Glen need to remember their 20 crappie limit this year.)

Further north, former KU All-American Wayne Simien, Jr. caught a dozen nice crappie from the shore at Clinton this morning and predicts he may be a tad late for work again tomorrow morning.

Of course the great action is the result of steady weather and the water finally warming into the 60s. No clue how long the fishing will stay hot, but it’s never more than the next cold front away from turning off.

 

 

By Michael Pearce | Filed under Breaking news, Fishing, Let's Eat! | Comments

K-State fishing team wins prestigious tournament

May 8, 20134:58 p.m.

K-State Fishing Team member Lance Maldonado shows the 1st place trophy he and partner Nate Kozlowski won in Alabama last weekend.

K-State’s bass fishing duo of Nathan Kozlowski and Lance Maldonado took first place last Saturday at the prestegious FLW College Central Conference qualifier at Pickwick Lake, on the Tennessee River in Alabama.
The college  juniors and  longtime friends from Junction City have fished together  since they were about five years old, and beat out a field of 50 boats, many from colleges much closer to Pickwick Lake. Teams finishing second through fifth place were all from nearby Kentucky.

A FLW release said two teams from Wichita State’s fishing team participated, finishing in the bottom half of the event.

Kozlowski made the 24 hour round-trip drive the previous weekend to pre-fish the lake. Maldonado joined him on the return trip to Alabama last Friday.
“It was 12 hours down, six hours of fishing and 12 hours back,” Maldonado said.

Maldonado said they weighed in five bass that totaled 17 lbs., 8 oz by fishing eddy areas around big boulders in the tailrace fishery. Having fished Kansas’ Milford Reservoir countless times in their lives, he said they were ready for the mixed-bag angling that included smallmouth, largemouth and spotted bass. The anglers boated 30 to 40 bass, total.

Ironically, they must return to Pickwick for another FLW event in about 10 days.

This is the second big win for the K-State Fishing Team in two years.
In April, 2012, Ryan Patterson, of Garden Plain won the FLW College Fishing National Championship on South Carolina’s Lake Murray. With his partner ruled ineligible, Patterson had to defeat 24 two-man college teams for the victory that gained him national media attention, including a mention in Sports Illustrated.

 

By Michael Pearce | Filed under Breaking news, Fishing | Comments

Record blue catfish from Milford, from a familiar family

April 8, 201310:41 a.m.

Stephanie Stanley, left, with the 82.05 pound blue catfish she caught Saturday at Milford Reservoir. It’s the largest of its species ever caught from a lake in Kansas. Her husband Robert Stanley, right, caught the state record blue catfish of 102.8 pounds from the Missouri River last August. COURTESY PHOTO

Saturday Stephanie Stanley became the envy of anglers all across Kansas when she reeled in a 82.05 pound blue catfish at Milford Reservoir. That’s the largest of its kind officially weighed from the lake near Junction City. It’s also believed to be the largest blue catfish ever caught from any lake in Kansas.

Fish in the 40 to 50 pound range have become somewhat common at Milford, a lake that features a variety of good food sources. Most serious catfish anglers practice catch-and-release on blue catfish over about 10 pounds, too.

Stanley may have caught the biggest from the lake, but she has a long way to go to top her husband’s best. Robert Stanley holds the current state record for blue catfish at 102.8 pounds, caught from the Missouri River on August 11 of last year.

The Stanleys were fishing a Catfish Chasers fishing tournament when Stephanie Stanley caught her lake record fish on shad. They won the tournament with five fish that totalled 155.38 pounds.

The Stanleys released all of their fish on Saturday, including the new lake record, as per Catfish Chasers rules.

By Michael Pearce | Filed under Breaking news, Fishing | Comments

Casts and Blasts from March 21 KDWPT Commission meeting

March 25, 20131:57 p.m.

As at most, too much happened at last week’s Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission meeting in Topeka to be included in one article. Well, technically even within two articles.

YOU CAN CLICK HERE TO READ A BLOG THAT IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWED THE MEETING.

YOU CAN CLICK HERE TO READ AN ARTICLE ON SUNAY’S OUTDOORS PAGE WITH ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.

Also at the meeting -

- Commissioners Debra Bolton and Randy Doll were absent.

– Matt Peek, Wildlife and Parks furbearer biologist, began discussions to make it illegal for coyote hunters to hunt from vehicles or use two-way radios for hunting coyotes during Kansas’s 12 day general firearms deer season. Peek said the department regularly gets complaints about possibly illegal deer hunters hunting from vehicles and using radios, then claiming they’re hunting coyotes if checked by game wardens. If voted into law at an upcoming meeting, the regulation would allow other kinds of coyote hunting during the firearms deer season.

–Peek also recommend a modest reduction in pronghorn permits for the 2013 seasons because the population has suffered because of drought.

– Tim Donges, El Dorado Quality Deer Management Association, asked if the department might want to consider making shotguns with slugs the only legal weapons during the firearms deer season. He also suggested discussion on minimum antler restrictions to help insure people don’t shoot young bucks. Donges noted that several states implement both regulations.

– Wildlife and Park’s was awarded the “Outstanding Sportfishing Restoration Award” from the American Fisheries Society for the fishing opportunities opened up by their Fishing Impoundments and Stream Habitats program, which opens hundreds of private land fishing areas to the public.

– Shawn Stratton, Fort Riley wildlife biologist, said last season’s kill of about 440 deer was a new record for the military base. He estimated the population to be about 1,500 deer on the fort’s about 101,000 acres.

– Commissioners in attendance spoke of their decision to pass regulations that now allow the widespread use of crossbows during archery deer seasons, and making it legal for any centerfire rifle or handgun to be legal for hunting big game in Kansas.

– “If we make a mistake, we can correct it,” Gerald Lauber, commission chairman said of revisiting the regulations, if needed, “but if the legislature makes a mistake I’m not sure they’re going to correct it. Well, they don’t make mistakes.”

–”I think the economic benefits are great, and that we could get more youth involved is great,” Commissioner Don Budd said. “I think this is a good thing.”

– Becky Blake, state tourism director, said studies show that for every $1 Kansas invests in marketing tourism, there’s a return of $80.

– Rex, an 11-year-old Labrador Retriever in the department’s K-9 program was honored upon his retirement from law enforcement work.

By Michael Pearce | Filed under Fishing, Hunting, Wildlife | Comments

Kansan wins prestigious National Wildlife Federation’s Volunteer of the Year Award

March 19, 20138:16 a.m.

Emporia’s Phil Taunton has been named “2012 Volunteer of the Year” by the National Wildlife Federation.

Emporia’s Phil Taunton has been named “2012 Volunteer of the Year by the National Wildlife Federation”. Taunton received the award last Saturday, at the conservation group’s annual meeting in Albuquerque.

A press release said Taunton was chosen because “his service and dedication to educating America on the importance of wildlife conservation.”

Taunton has been involved in many outdoors education programs in Kansas, including ECO-Meets, No Child Left Inside and the Becoming an Outdoors-Woman programs. He was also instrumental in publication of “Last Child on the Prairie: A Directory for Parents and Teachers for Returning Children to the Outdoors.” He has also been a leading member in several programs that have promoted youth enjoying the outdoors in honor of Beau Arndt, an area youth tragically killed by a poacher while he was hunting geese with his friends.

Taunton has also been active in creating anti-poaching legislation and pushes outdoors causes on his “What’s In Outdoors” radio show on KVOE, 14000 AM in Emporia.

By Michael Pearce | Filed under Breaking news, Fishing, Hunting | Comments

Time to vote in the 2013 Great Outdoors Photo Contest

Feb. 13, 20139:48 a.m.

From about 300 entries, Wichita Eagle Photographers have narrowed the field to 15 adult and 5 youth finalists for the Great Outdoors Photo Contest.

Now, it’s up to the public to pick the winners.

TO GET TO THE LINK ON KANSAS.COM FOR VOTING NOW,YOU CAN CLICK HERE.

Voting will also begin at The Wichita Eagle’s booth, when the Kansas Sports, Boat and Travel Show begins on Thursday.

“Sunset Shorthair” is one of 15, 11X14″ prints taken by Eagle photographers that can be won by those who vote on the Great Outdoors Photo Contest and the Kansas Sports, Boat and Travel Show.

Those who vote at the Sports Show can register to win one of 15, 11X14 outdoors prints shot by Wichita Eagle photographers.

Voting will end at about noon on Saturday so the ballots can be counted. The winners will be announced on Sunday’s Outdoors page of the Wichita Eagle.

Those who entered the contest should have one free admission ticket to the Sports Show, at the event’s ticket window at the Kansas Pavilions. Just tell them you’ve entered the contest, give them your name and they should give you the admission ticket.

 

 

 

 

By Michael Pearce | Filed under Birding, Breaking news, Fishing, Hunting, Outdoors photography, Wildlife | Comments

Steve Harper Scholarship renewed, to help Kansas students

Feb. 7, 20138:00 a.m.

The Outdoors Writers of Kansas and Kansas Wildscape are renewing the Steve Harper Scholarship.

A scholarship for Kansas students is named after Steve Harper, past outdoors writer/photographer. He died in 2000.

Harper, a longtime photo editor and outdoors writer/photographer for the Wichita Eagle, died in 2000. A scholarship in his name was suggested by Gov. Bill Graves and others. The $1,000 scholarship program was funded by donations shortly after Harper’s death from cancer at the age of  55. Funds expired after about 10 years.

Applications may be made by students graduating from a Kansas high school planning on attending a Kansas four-year college, with a nature/wildlife-based major. The student must also have career goals of staying in Kansas. College students with a similar major and goals may also apply.

The program will issue one $1,000 scholarship annually, directly to the student’s college.

Harper was known for his deep love of Kansas, and published hundreds of articles and photos about enjoying his native state. He also rated Kansans as some of the finest people  in America, especially those that possessed great deals of commitment and motivation.

Scholarship applicants will be judged by members of the Outdoor Writers of Kansas and Kansas Wildscape. Selection criteria will include past and current involvement in nature/wildlife-related projects, scholastic achievement and projected potential.

For information on applying, contact Debbie Brandt at Kansas Wildscape at 785-843-9453 or dbrandt@sunflower.com.

 

By Michael Pearce | Filed under Birding, Breaking news, Fishing, Hunting, Outdoors photography | Comments

New senior hunting/fishing licenses going smoothly

Jan. 28, 201310:04 p.m.

Bob Snyder, of Hutchinson, shows his new, plastic senior combination hunting/fishing permit.

Less than a month into the new requirement that resident hunters and anglers 65-74 must have hunting and fishing licenses, and all seems to be going well.

Karen Beard, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism licensing chief, said 4431 of the senior hunting/fishing lifetime permits had been sold as of mid-afternoon on Monday. The combination permits sell for about $40. Annual senior hunting or fishing permits sell for about $15.

Those purchasing the senior lifetime licenses will receive a plastic license

For decades Kansans 65 and older had been exempt from purchasing hunting or fishing licenses. Last year the Kansas legislature honored a Wildlife and Parks request to remove the exemption because a growing percentage of Kansas anglers and hunters were over 65.  Also, since such Kansans weren’t purchasing hunting or fishing licenses the state was missing out on federal excise taxes charged on most types of hunting and fishing gear.

Beard said the rush for the combination licenses has subsided, but she expects it will grow again as fall hunting seasons get closer. She’s heard few complaints, especially when the sportsmen learn the new licenses will qualify the state for millions of dollars in federal funds.

“Some guys that have (already) have a lifetime hunting license don’t think should have to buy a lifetime combo. They  dont’ think it’s fair and think there should be a (senior) lifetime fishing license,” Beard said. “Unfortunately that option wasn’t offered. I don’t think it was cost-effective.”

By Michael Pearce | Filed under Fishing, Hunting | Comments

Arkansas River among waters with a fish consumption warning

Jan. 8, 20131:01 p.m.

Local anglers won’t want to be feasting on fish from a few local waters.

Largemouth bass are one of several species of predatory fish that should be eaten in moderation because of possible high levels of mercury, according to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment recently released their 2013 Fish Consumption Advisory.

Locally, they recommend no bottom-feeding fish be eaten on the Arkansas River, from the Lincoln Street dam down to Cowskin Creek near Belle Plaine. The warning is mainly for fish like buffalo, carp and catfish (except for flathead catfish). The say PCB levels are too high in that stretch of water. It’s the same for Cow Creek from in Hutchinson all the way to the Arkansas River.

Those fishing the Little Arkansas River, in Wichita, from Main Street west of Valley Center to the Arkansas River in Wichita are advised to eat no more than one meal per month from the river.

The public is also being advised to not eat more than one meal of predatory fish, like black bass, walleye, wiper, crappie,  per week from anywhere in Kansas. Only once a month if you’re pregnant, nursing a child or age 17 and under.

CLICK HERE TO READ KDHE’S COMPLETE PRESS RELEASE.

Mike Miller, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism information chief, said the waters in the advisory are largely the same as in 2012. Miller reminds the public to read the fine print. For some waters listed, the advisory is only against eating shellfish from those waters.

By Michael Pearce | Filed under Breaking news, Fishing | Comments