FLATHEAD CATFISH HANDFISHING SEASON RUNS JUNE 15-AUG. 31

The increased popularity of television shows like “Hillbilly Handfishin’,” “Catfishin’ Kings,” and “Mudcats,” proves that handfishing for large catfish can be an exciting and fast-paced sport. Luckily, Kansas is one of June 15-Aug. 31.

Special fishing season offers anglers a
more “hands on” way of catching flatheads

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

Commonly referred to as “noodling,” handfishing consists of finding a suspected catfish hole, barricading any possible exits the fish might escape through, using your hands as bait and sticking your arm inside the hole to catch the catfish bare-handed. Although seemingly easy, this sport can prove to be very dangerous for inexperienced anglers.

Adding to the challenge of handfishing, no man-made objects that attract fish, such as a barrel, box, or bathtub may be used. Handfishing anglers are also prohibited from using snorkel or scuba gear, as well as any hooks. A stringer may be used, but not until the catfish is caught by hand and is at or above the water’s surface.

Kansas waters open to handfishing include:

• the entire length of the Arkansas River,
• all federal reservoirs from beyond 150 yards of the dam to the upstream end of the federal property, and
• the Kansas River from its origin, downstream to its confluence with the Missouri River.

Handfishing permits can be obtained for $27.50 at select license vendors or online. Anglers participating in this special season will need to have a handfishing permit in addition to a regular fishing license. New for 2013, handfishing permit-holders are no longer required to complete and submit a questionnaire following the close of the season.

To purchase a handfishing permit online, visit ksoutoors.com and click “License/Permits.”

Related articles

• Free Fishing Days First Weekend in June (kansas-outdoors.blogspot.com)
• Weekly Fishing report (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)
• Missouri Department of Conservation Statewide Fishing Report (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)

KANSAS FLATHEAD CATFISH HANDFISHING SEASON JUNE 15-AUG. 31

June 14, 2012
Kansas and Arkansas rivers, portions of federal reservoirs open
PRATT — If you’re an outdoor adventurer looking for the thrill of your life, get ready for the Kansas flathead catfish handfishing season, which opens June 15. This exciting sport not only provides thrills, but bountiful, delicious table fare awaits those hearty souls willing to take up the challenge. Reaching under logs and other structure in dark, cool water for the muscled body of a 40-pound catfish is not for the faint of heart.

The season runs June 15-Aug. 31, and handfishers may catch flathead catfish using nothing but their hands and wits — no snorkel or scuba gear, hooks, or manmade devices may be used. Although such anglers may be few, the season offers a special challenge at a time when summer heat has slowed many other types of fishing.

In addition to a limited season, there are restrictions during the handfishing season. Only flathead catfish may be taken, and legal handfishing hours are sunrise to sunset. A special $27.50 permit is required in addition to a regular fishing license. A stringer may be used but not until the fish are caught by hand and are at or above the surface of the water. No man-made object that attracts fish — such as a barrel, box, bathtub, or any other object — may be used. The season is only open in the following waters:

• the entire length of the Arkansas River;
• all federal reservoirs from beyond 150 yards of the dam to the upstream end of the federal property; and
• the Kansas River from its origin downstream to its confluence with the Missouri River.

Everyone who purchases a handfishing permit will be given a questionnaire they must complete and submit no later than 30 days after the close of the handfishing season. Handfishing permits may be purchased online or at select locations around the state. To find vendors or purchase permits online, go online to ksoutdoors.com/License-Permits.

Related articles

• Weekly Fishing Report, 6/14/2012

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FLATHEAD HANDFISHING SEASON JUNE 15-AUG. 31

Handfishing open only in specific waters

PRATT — The Kansas flathead catfish handfishing season opens June 15, providing thrills and plenty of great table fare for those hearty souls who anticipate this unique adventure. The season runs June 15-Aug. 31, a time when those of strong nerve may catch flathead catfish using nothing but their hands and wits. Although such anglers may be few, the season offers a special challenge at a time when summer heat has slowed many other types of fishing.

In addition to a limited season, there are restrictions during the handfishing season. Only flathead catfish may be taken, and legal handfishing hours are sunrise to sunset. A special $27.50 permit is required in addition to a regular fishing license. Handfishermen may not use hooks, snorkeling or scuba gear, or any other man-made device or possess any fishing gear except a stringer. Stringers may not be used until the fish are caught by hand and are at or above the surface of the water. No man-made object that attracts fish — such as a barrel, box, bathtub, or any other object — may be used. The season is only open in the following waters:

• the entire length of the Arkansas River;
• all federal reservoirs from beyond 150 yards of the dam to the upstream end of the federal property; and
• the Kansas River from its origin downstream to its confluence with the Missouri River.

Everyone who purchases a handfishing permit will be given a questionnaire they must complete and submit no later than 30 days after the close of the handfishing season. Handfishing permits may be purchased online or at select locations around the state. To find vendors or purchase permits online, go online to kdwp.state.ks.us/news/License-Permits.