Current Blue-Green Algae
Warnings and Advisories
Kansas team places third
Bassmaster win Is graduation gift for an Arkansas team
May 12, 2012 - WAGONER, Okla. - Today was to have been the day for Mook Miller and Kyle Billingsley to walk across the stage of Bud Walton Arena and receive their undergraduate diplomas at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville.
Instead, the two Arkansans walked across the B.A.S.S. weigh-in stage on the shoreline of Oklahoma’s Fort Gibson Lake and received their winner’s trophies at the Carhartt Bassmaster College Series Central Super Regional. Read Story
Kansas State in fourth
Oklahoma State claims narrow lead in Bassmaster College Series Midwest Super Regional
May 11, 2012 - WAGONER, Okla. Postspawn bass on the move are notoriously hard for an angler to pattern. Add a lake’s rapidly falling water to the mix, and solving the bass fishing equation becomes a mind-boggling challenge.
Oklahoma State University’s Zack Birge and Blake Flurry aren’t math majors, yet they found a common denominator in locating bass dispersing from backwater spawning areas into the wide-open waters of Fort Gibson Lake. Read Story
Martens leads Douglas Lake Challenge
Thursday proved to be a pivotal point in Martens’ season
May 3, 2012 - DANDRIDGE, Tenn. — Aaron Martens began to pull himself out of his season slump Thursday by leading the Douglas Lake Challenge with 23 pounds, 14 ounces, an even 2 pounds ahead of Texan Matt Reed, his nearest challenger in the four-day Bassmaster Elite Series event. Read Story
Cornering shallow-water crappie
Warming water lures fish to shallows; online video details best angling techniques
May 3, 2012 - PRATT — The Kansas crappie spawn is one of the most exciting times of the year for many Kansas anglers. In response to warming April weather, breeding fish are moving into lake shallows, and anglers are already catching them as they move to spawning waters close to shore. This concentrates the fish and makes great fishing for boaters and shore anglers. Reservoirs from Glen Elder in the northwest, Perry and Tuttle Creek in the northeast, Cheney in the southcentral, and LaCygne and Melvern in the southeast are reporting crappie caught in shallow water, according to the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism’s (KDWPT) Fishing Reports web page, the most currently-recorded biologists' fishing reports. Read Story
Casey Scanlon of Lenexa wins Central Open on Table Rock
April 28, 2012 - BRANSON, Mo. — Watching fellow Bassmaster Elite Series’ pro Brandon Palaniuk win the Elite Series event at Bull Shoals Lake gave Casey Scanlon an idea. He decided to replicate Palaniuk’s pattern this week during the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Central Open at Table Rock Lake. Read Story
Kansan Casey Scanlon moves up to fourth
Lester California Dreamin' on Table Rock
April 27, 2012 - BRANSON, Mo .— Dustin Lester’s third trip to Table Rock could be a charm. Read Story
Casey Scanlon of Lenexa is top Kansan at seventh
Jackson is stone wall at The Rock
April 26, 2012 - BRANSON, Mo .— The waters of Table Rock Lake were unusually stained today, giving Benjamin Jackson a chance to fish like he does back home. The Oklahoma angler made the most of his opportunity today at the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Central Open. Read Story
Perry, Wilson and Sebelius make the cut
Bassmaster magazine names 100 best U.S. bass fishing lakes
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – April 24, 2012 – Bassmaster magazine, the official publication for members of B.A.S.S., announced today the 100 best bass fishing lakes in the U.S. The list was compiled in a months-long process that included research from state fisheries agencies, nominations from B.A.S.S. Federation Nation tournament organizers and a panel of widely traveled professional anglers, fishing writers and others. Read Story
Fifty pound club catfish tournament to be held at Wellington Lake
Catfish anglers have a chance to put their skills to the test on April 27 & 28 on Wellington Lake five miles west of Wellington on Highway 160 and then four miles south. The tournament will start at 8:00 pm on April 27 and run through 10:00 am on April 28. Entry will start at 4:00 pm on April 27 and run through 10:00 pm. The weigh-in will be held at 11:00 with a drawing for door prises following the weigh-in. Entry fee is $35 cash, no checks. Read Story
Kansan Brent Chapman climbs from eighth to fifth
Palaniuk holds on to lead for win at B.A.S.S. TroKar Quest
April 22, 2012 - BULL SHOALS, Ark. — Brandon Palaniuk may have $100,000 in the bank after his win today at the Bassmaster Elite Series TroKar Quest at Bull Shoals Lake, but that’s not going to change his lifestyle. He planned to spend Sunday night sleeping in his pickup truck, just as he has every night this week and during most other tournaments. Read Story
Chapman slips to eighth, only one 5-pounder out of second
Palaniuk continues relentless pursuit of win at TroKar Quest
April 21, 2012 - BULL SHOALS, Ark — Brandon Palaniuk has been relentless in his pursuit of a win during the Elite Series TroKar Quest on Bull Shoals Lake, and he isn’t holding anything back, even though he has almost a 13-pound lead over his nearest rival. Read Story
Kansas to participate in "Wanna go fishing for millions?" promotion
Tagged fish could be worth big bucks
April 19, 2012 - TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) will participate again this year in Cabela’s Wanna Go Fishing for Millions? promotion by tagging fish at certain public lakes around the state. The competition begins May 5, at which time the lakes will be announced to the general public. The contest gives anglers a a chance to win as much as $2 million in cash and more than $225,000 in additional prizes by catching tagged fish in select lakes across 19 states. In 2011, 143 winning fish were caught nationwide, and Kansas anglers led the nation with 26 tagged fish caught. Read Story
Kansan Brent Chapman jumps to sixth from 24th
Palaniuk takes commanding lead on day 2 at Bull Shoals
April 20, 2012 - BULL SHOALS, Ark. — After taking the top spot on Day 1 of the Bassmaster Elite Series TroKar Quest, Brandon Palaniuk was determined not to relinquish his lead. Despite hooking his left pinky finger to the bone and taking a trip to the emergency room to have the barb cut out, Palaniuk again brought the biggest bag to the scales with 24 pounds, 4 ounces. Read Story
Kansan Brent Chapman in 24th
Palaniuk takes the lead on Day 1 at Elite Series TroKar Quest
April 19, 2012 - BULL SHOALS, AK -- Brandon Palaniuk was the last angler to launch his boat for the Bassmaster Elite Series TroKar Quest on Bull Shoals Lake in Mountain Home, Ark., today, and he was the last to weigh-in, but his Day 1 finish was first with a catch of 21 pounds, 9 ounces. That included the Carhartt Big Bass of the day, a 5-pound, 11-ounce largemouth. Read Story
Saving pro angler Brent Chapman
April 17, 2012 - B.A.S.S. - Last fall while training for a triathlon, Brent Chapman almost drowned. A passing boater saved him.
Over the next few months, as surely as that boater pulled him aboard, he hauled himself out of the hot water his career had slid into. Read Story
Rainbow trout records falls twice - again
Two record-breaking fish caught within three-day period
April 12, 2012 - PRATT—On March 7, Tony Melkus of Topeka caught the biggest rainbow trout he’d ever laid eyes on. In fact, when he had it weighed on certified scales, Melkus knew his 14.28-pound trout would be listed in the Kansas record books as the largest rainbow trout ever taken from Kansas waters. He didn’t know that before the ink would dry on his state record fish certificate, his record would be broken. Read Story
March produces second Oklahoma black bass state record
April 5, 2012 - Just days after Poteau angler Benny Williams, Jr. landed a new state record largemouth bass from Cedar Lake in southeast Oklahoma, an angler in the opposite southern corner of the state has reeled in a new state record smallmouth bass. Read Story
Entries now being accepted for 12th Annual Big Bass Challenge to be held September 15 on Lake Wilson
Hays Bass Anglers Association is now accepting entry forms/fees for the 12th Annual Big Bass Challenge. Starting positions for the tournament will be determined by the order in which entries are post-marked & received.
Read Story
Senior hunting/fishing pass would stop federal funding loss
Capturing federal fuds one key to maintaining programs
March 29, 2012 - TOPEKA— Kansas hunters and anglers are losing money. Every time they buy a box of shotgun shells, a new crankbait or just about any other item of hunting and fishing equipment, the price includes a federal excise tax. That excise tax is then distributed back to the states by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), based partly on the number of licensed hunters and anglers in each state. The current exemption allowing Kansas residents 65 and older to fish and hunt without a license means that Kansas doesn’t get as much of the excise tax back as it deserves, and money that should be spent on Kansas wildlife and fishery programs is sent to other states. Read Story
Angler lands new Oklahoma state record largemouth bass
Photo: Benny Williams, Jr. of Poteau landed the new state record largemouth bass March 23 at Cedar Lake. The fish weighed 14 lbs. 12.3 oz.
March 26, 2012 - A new Oklahoma state record largemouth bass was caught Friday, March 23, at Cedar Lake in southeast Oklahoma. The fish weighed 14 lbs. 12.3 oz. and was caught by Poteau angler Benny Williams, Jr. while on a camping trip at the 78-acre LeFlore Co. lake. Read Story
Monroe tops the 100-pound total weight to win Power Pole
Chapman climbs another spot to finish fifth
March 25, 2012 - OKEECHOBEE, Fla. — When Ish Monroe wins in the Bassmaster Elite Series, he goes big.
Monroe of Hughson, Calif., won the Power-Pole Slam Sunday on Lake Okeechobee with a four-day total of 108 pounds, 5 ounces. It was his second Elite Series win. His first, six years ago on Lake Amistad in the inaugural event of the newly formed series, was also by more than 100 pounds — 104-8 to be exact. Read Story
California's Ish Monroe holds on to lead at Power-Power Slam
Kansan Brent Chapman jumps to sixth
March 23, 2012 - OKEECHOBEE, Fla. — Nothing short of a heroic effort Saturday could have knocked Ish Monroe of Hughson, Calif., off his lead of 13 pounds, 11 ounces in the Bassmaster Elite Series Power-Pole Slam on Lake Okeechobee. Read Story
California's Ish Monroe maintains lead in Power-Pole Slam on Lake Okeechobee - Kansan Brent Chapman jumps to 25th from 42nd
March 23, 2012 - OKEECHOBEE, Fla. — Smashing a six-year-old Bassmaster Elite Series record and threatening others, Ish Monroe increased his lead Friday to 13 pounds, 11 ounces, in the Power-Pole Slam over his nearest challenger, 2012 Bassmaster Classic champion Chris Lane. Read Story
KDWPT state parks open house March 31
Free entrance at all Kansas state parks; events, introduction to new reservation system, drawing for free stay at park cabin
March 22, 2012 - TOPEKA — On Saturday, March 31, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) will hold an “Open House” at all state parks from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with free park entrance. To highlight the event, visitors will have the opportunity to enter a statewide drawing to win a free one-night stay at a state park or public lands cabin of their choice. (The free one-night stay must be used in 2012 and is subject to availability. No purchase is required to enter the drawing. Limit one entry per person. The free night may be used for a single night or to extend a paid cabin reservation for another night.) Read Story
California's Ish Monroe leads by more that 8 pounds in Bassmaster Elite Series event on Lake Okeechobee
March 22, 2012 - OKEECHOBEE, Fla. — Ish Monroe of Hughson, Calif., had one of those magical days all pros dream about: hauling aboard lunker after lunker after lunker. The five best added up to 34 pounds, 5 ounces, giving Monroe the first-day lead in the Power-Pole Slam on Lake Okeechobee by 8 pounds, 12 ounces, over Davy Hite. Read Story
Lake Texoma lake record largemouth bass caught March 3
March 15, 2012 - The arrival of spring often brings warmer weather, blooming trees and, at least in Oklahoma, a big lake record fish. On March 3, Royce Harlan of Kingston hauled in a 12.4-lb. largemouth bass from the waters of Lake Texoma, nabbing that lake record spot and setting the stage for a great fishing season.
Alton Jones comes through for his first Bassmaster Elite Series title
Kansan Brent Chapman finishes fourth on St. Johns River
March 18, 2012 - PALATKA, Fla. — Alton Jones’ Sunday victory on the St. Johns River was all the sweeter for the redemption sprinkled on top. Read Story
Ammended senior hunting/fishing license bill goes to Senate
Seniors would have two options for discounted licenses
March 9, 2012 - The Senate Natural Resources Committee today amended Senate Bill 314 and sent it to the full Senate. Earlier this year, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) asked the Kansas Legislature to consider eliminating the hunting and fishing license exemptions for persons 65 years of age and older. The committee held hearings on the bill on February 17 and March 1. Read Story
Proposed amendment could change senior license exemption bill
Proposal addresses seniors' concerns while helping agency
March 2, 2012 - TOPEKA – Earlier this year, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) asked the Kansas Legislature to consider eliminating the hunting and fishing license exemptions for persons 65 years of age and older. A bill to remove the exemptions was introduced into the Kansas Senate as SB 314, and was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, which held hearings on the bill on February 17 and March 1. Read Story
Lane wins 2012 Bassmaster classic
Kansan Brent Chapment places 18th
Feb. 26, 2012 - SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER CITY, La. — “Go, Chris Lane!”
As he stepped off the 2012 Bassmaster Classic stage on Sunday, Bobby Lane bellowed his brother’s name. Bobby had just been knocked out of contention. He knew Chris still had a good chance. Read Story
Arkansas takes the College B.A.S.S. College Crown from LSU
Feb. 26, 2012 - Arkansas University did what it came to do today: steal the Carhartt Bassmaster College Classic title from Louisiana State University. Read Story
Chris Lane moves to first in Class, Chapman moves up to 14th
February 25, 2012 - SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER CITY, La. — Tick-tock. Chris Lane says he’s got a sort of inner clock that starts to tick when everything is in sync and working for him. If ever he’s heard that wonderful sound, it was Saturday at the Bassmaster Classic on the Red River. Read Story
Tak and Ike tie: Tak advances to Sunday
Feb. 25, 2012 - At the end of two days of competition at the Bassmaster Classic, 2003 Classic champ Michael Iaconelli and 2004 Classic champ Takahiro Omori were tied with 23 pounds, 12 ounces of bass and in 25th place.
No problem you say. There's still one more day of competition to break the tie.
Not exactly. Read Story
Keith Poche lands lead in Bassmaster Classic by one ounce
Kansan Brent Chapman in 23rd
February 24, 2012 - SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER CITY, La. — After Keith Poche stepped off the Bassmaster Classic stage, he did not fully realize he had just taken the lead from Greg Vinson by 1 ounce. Someone backstage helped drive it home to him. Read Story
Kansan Brent Chapman takes Bassmaster Central Open in fish-off
Qualifies for Classic, gets third B.A.S.S. victory
February 12, 2012 - LEWISVILLE, Texas – Fittingly for stingy Lewisville Lake, the fish-off Sunday came down to one bite. Brent Chapman got it, Josh Bertrand never did. Read Story
Kansan Brent Chapman rebounds to first place tie
Fish-off schedule for Sunday for Bassmaster Open on Lewisville
February 11, 2012 - LEWISVILLE, Texas – The leader blanked and two challengers ended up in a tie for first place, forcing a fish-off in the Bass Pro ShopsBassmaster Central Open at Lewisville Lake. Read Story
Hallman moves in to first in Bassmaster Central Open on Lewisville
Kansan Brent Chapman slips to sixth
February 10, 2012 - LEWISVILLE, Texas — Taking the Steve Kennedy approach is paying off for Bradley Hallman at the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Central Open on Lewisville Lake. Read Story
Lankford leads at Bassmaster Central Open on Lewisville
Kansan Brent Chapman in fourth
February 9, 2012 - LEWISVILLE, Texas — Beginner’s luck seemed to be the best way to beat the tough fishing conditions during the opening round of the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Central Open on Lewisville Lake.
The top three finishers on the boater side have plenty of fishing experience, but it was the first time any of them had fished Lewisville Lake. Oklahoma’s Brad Lankford took the lead with a five-fish limit weighing 18 pounds, 1 ounce to finish a mere 1 ounce ahead of Josh Bertrand of Arizona. They were the only two anglers on the pro side to catch a limit. Only 97 of the 178 anglers in the pro field weighed a fish, and 62 of them only weighed in one. Read Story
Asian Carp Caught in Augusta City Lake
Strange-looking fish puzzles anglers
Feb. 9, 2012 - AUGUSTA — On Jan. 25, anglers were taking advantage of a fish salvage order as Augusta City Lake was being drained for renovation. During a fish salvage, anglers can take sportfish with equipment not ordinarily allowed, such as seines, snagging rigs, bow and arrow, and gigs. Most of the prizes hauled in were large flathead catfish, but one angler snagged a fish estimated to weigh about 55 pounds that no one could identify. Officials with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) became involved with the catch when a picture of the fish appeared on local television. It was immediately identified as an aquatic nuisance species (ANS), an Asian carp. Read Story
KDWPT fishing forecast now online
Statewide summary helps anglers find best spots to fish in 2012
Feb. 1, 2012 -PRATT — Each year, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) prepares the Kansas Fishing Forecast, an indispensable tool that forecasts fishing prospects in public waters throughout the state. Read Story
"Trip of a Lifetime" with Kevin VanDam is top prize in Bassmaster.com sweepstakes
January 23, 2012 - BIRMINGHAM, Ala.— A fishing outing with Kevin VanDam is a rare prize, but it’s being offered in a sweepstakes happening now at Bassmaster.com.
The“Fish with a Pro” sweepstakes winner will be given the opportunity to meet up with the world’s best bass angler, KVD, for a morning on the water in July. They will hit a lake near Orlando, Fla., site of the vacation for two that the sweepstakes winner can enjoy at the same time. Read Story
Lane wins Harris Chain Open, first berth in 2013 Classic
Jan. 21, 2012 - Orlando, Fla. -- Chris Lane of Guntersville, Ala., made it look easy on Florida’s Harris Chain of Lakes in the kick-off event of the 2012 Bass Pro Shops Southern Open series. As the only angler to weigh in 20 or more pounds of bass each day on the way to his third B.A.S.S. win with a three-day total of 72-11 pounds. Clifford Pirch of Payson, Ariz., finished second with 58-1. Read Story
Chris Lane grabs second-day lead on the Harris Chain
Jan. 20, 2012 - TAVARES, Fla. – It was a day of regulars and records on the Harris Chain of Lakes at the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Southern Open. The regulars were local anglers like Chris Lane and Tim Frederick, who continued to show their dominance. The record – at least for B.A.S.S. history on these waters – belonged to Bassmaster Elite Series rook Jared Miller of Norman, Okla. Read Story
Fishing regulation summary for 2012 is now available
Latest rules; how, where, and what to fish for; new bait restrictions included
Jan. 12, 2012 - PRATT — Printed copies of the 2012 Kansas Fishing Regulations Summary booklet are now available at Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) office and license vendors, the agency has announced. Among other things, the publication lists new regulations that took effect Jan. 1. From new regulations regarding bait fish to new lakes and ice fishing regulations, the booklet has everything the angler needs to begin the New Year right. Read Story
Money for fish and wildlife management explained
75th anniversary of landmark legislation that brought wildlife back from the brink celebrated in 2012
Jan. 5, 2012 - PRATT — Hunters and anglers pay for wildlife management in Kansas. If you’ve heard that before, you were probably talking to an employee of the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT). There is a popular myth, probably because KDWPT is a state agency, that general taxes pay for its programs. Actually, State General Funds make up less than 7 percent of the agency’s budget, and that money is dedicated to state park programs and administration. The bulk of KDWPT’s budget is derived from the sale of licenses and permits, and the rest of the budget used for wildlife and fisheries management comes from federal funding — a self-imposed excise tax on hunting and fishing equipment lobbied for by hunters and anglers themselves. Read Story
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, 2012 - 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