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Kansas reservoirs, lakes, and ponds offer great fishing opportunities. Kansas Wildlife
and Parks fisheries biologists work year-round to manage these waters, and winter provides
time to analyze data. Findings are assembled into an annual statewide Fishing Forecast.
Kyle Austin, Fisheries Management Specialist for Kansas Wildlife and Parks, says this helpful
information can direct anglers to the best opportunities for a desired species.
“We have 18 district fisheries biologists scattered throughout the state, and the main
part of their job is to collect fish population data. They do this in the spring of the year
with electrofishing boats, and then again in the fall with gill nets and trap nets.
This sampling data is used for management activities, but it’s also used by our anglers
for better fishing. The fishing forecast will show you the best places to fish this year.”
The Fishing Forecast is comprised of tables for many of the state’s popular gamefish
species. Various ratings are listed for each in a handy, lake-by-lake comparison. Instructions
help interpret the ratings and aid in planning a trip tailored to the angler’s wishes.
Let’s take a quick look at how the Forecast works for Channel Catfish, using last year’s
tables. The Density Rating for each lake provides the number of catchable-sized fish taken in
management samples. Size varies by fish species, but for channel catfish, it’s a fish greater
than 16 inches long. The higher the Density Rating, the better the chance to catch a nice-sized
fish. The best Density Rating for channel catfish belonged to Douglas State Fishing
Lake.
But say the angler wishes to catch a big channel catfish. Then, the lunker rating is helpful.
This index tells the relative density of trophy-sized fish – for channel catfish, 28 inches or
longer. Looking at all sampled waters, the best channel catfish lunker opportunity is
at Butler State Fishing Lake.
Forecast instructions explain the various ratings and minimum lengths for all categories
according to sample numbers. Also, a biologist rating adds a human assessment for each water.
The fishing forecast is another way that Kansas Wildlife and Parks helps anglers make the
best use of our resources. Check this year’s forecast in the March-April issue of Kansas
Wildlife and Parks Magazine, or view it online at the department website.