Lifetime Fishing License Sweepstakes

PRATT – The Active Network is teaming up with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks (KDWPT) and Tourism to offer Kansas anglers a chance to win a lifetime fishing license. Anyone purchasing their fishing license online at www.ksoutdoors.com is automatically entered into the sweepstakes. If you already have your license, you can still enter the sweepstakes by filling out the online entry form and clicking on “Enter Sweepstakes.” But hurry, the Lifetime Fishing License Sweepstakes closes June 30, 2016.

You must be a Kansas resident and 18 years old or older to enter. Go to www.ksoutdoors.com and click on the “LIFETIME FISHING SWEEPSTAKES” button to learn more and enter.

Active Network is a leading global marketplace for activities and events, and contracts with KDWPT to manage and market license and permit sales.

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Kansas Bowhunters Association To Hold Carp Contest

MELVERN LAKE – The Kansas Bowhunters Association (KBA) will hold a carp bowfishing contest at Melvern Lake on June 11-12, 2016. The group will headquarter at the Sundance Primitive Campground north of Lebo. Signs will direct archers to the area.

KBA members invite anyone who has an interest to attend. Whether you’re a seasoned bowfisher or a beginner who wants to learn more, the event is perfect. Members will have bowfishing rigs available for those who don’t have their own.

Bring your own food and drink and plan to camp. The KBA will serve pork steak on Friday evening. Participants will compete to see who can bring in the most pounds of carp. Only carp shot during the daytime count toward an angler’s total. Contact Bob Griffin, 785-806-1493, bgriff812kba@gmail.com for more information.

A Kansas fishing license is required, unless exempt by law, for anyone bowfishing. Arrows must have barbed heads and be attached by a line to the bow.

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Biologists Take Tissue Samples To Evaluate Bass Stocking Program

EMPORIA – Fisheries biologists at the Meade Fish Hatchery have been fooling Mother Nature to get largemouth bass to spawn earlier than normal. By controlling water temperature and photo-period (day length), along with other biological factors, hatchery staff are able to create an environment where largemouth bass spawn up to two months earlier than they would in the wild. The fry produced have a huge advantage over naturally-spawned bass because they are large enough to feed on small fish through the spring and summer. By fall, these larger bass are more likely to survive their first winter in a Kansas lake.

So far, early-spawn bass have been stocked into select Kansas reservoirs where bass are popular with anglers but natural reproduction and normal stocking practices aren’t maintaining good bass populations. To evaluate the success of the early-spawn program, fisheries staff have conducted creel surveys to determine if catch rates have improved. In addition, DNA testing of adult bass caught in these lakes will tell biologists what percentage of the bass population is made up of early-spawn fish.

A unique quality of the early-spawn program is that genetic records kept on the brood fish allow each bass produced to be traced back to the hatchery. KDWPT biologists are working with bass tournament organizers to obtain samples from bass brought to tournament weigh-ins at select lakes. Recently, staff worked with the East Kansas Bassmasters club during a tournament on Hillsdale Reservoir where early-spawn bass have been stocked since 2012. Fingernail-sized clippings from the upper caudal fin were collected from fish at the weigh-in before the bass were released. The tissue samples will be tested to determine if they came from fish produced at the Meade Fish Hatchery.  

In the past five years, more than 10 million largemouth bass have been produced and stocked through the early-spawn procedure. The evaluation efforts will help biologists determine the program’s effectiveness in bolstering bass populations, as well as what changes should be made to improve stocking success.

Master Angler Awards Go To Lucky Anglers

PRATT ­– So, you caught a big fish; was it luck or was it skill? There’s no doubt a little luck never hurts, but good anglers make their own luck by refining their skills, paying attention to environmental conditions and being persistent. And for that, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) wants to recognize them when they catch trophy-class fish.

KDWPT’s Master Angler Award program provides anglers with a certificate when they catch a fish that is at or above the minimum length set for that species. All an angler needs is a tape measure and a camera. Measure the fish, snap a color photo and fill out the application, available in the 2016 Kansas Fishing Regulations Summary or at www.ksoutdoors.com; click on “Fishing” then click on “Special Fishing Programs.”

Minimum lengths are listed for 33 different species of fish in the regulations summary and online. For example, to receive a Master Angler Award for a largemouth bass, the fish must measure at least 23 inches. The color photo allows species identification.

Even if you are luckier than you are good, and you catch that monster bass, send us an application and we’ll mail you a custom certificate suitable for framing. May is one of the best months of the year to catch big fish, so what are you waiting for?

THREE MUST-HAVE TOOLS FOR ANGLERS THIS SEASON

Fishing is one part luck, two parts preparation

PRATT – Fishing is an art, and although it requires a little bit of luck, most great fishing experiences are a result of prior planning and research. The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) has three must-have angling tools this season that will help you determine what fish are out there, where to catch them, and how to do so lawfully.

Enhance your fishing experiences this season by investing your time with these publications:

2015 Fishing Forecast

If you want to know what fish are out there for catching, consult the 2015 Fishing Forecast. Compiled with data gathered through fisheries biologists’ sampling efforts, the free forecast provides anglers with up-to-date information on what lies beneath the water’s surface. Brochures are available at KDWPT offices, as well as online atksoutdoors.com/fishing. In addition to what species of fish can be caught at any given body of water, the forecast also includes tables with Density Ratings, Preferred Ratings, and Lunker Ratings, as well as information on the Biggest Fish sampled, Biologist’s Ratings, and a Three-Year Average of popular species. Anglers can use the forecast to find lakes that provide the fishing opportunities they desire. For example, if you enjoy catching and eating channel catfish, you can select a lake with a high Density Rating, which is the number of channel catfish at least 16 inches long caught per sampling effort. If you’re only after trophy-sized catfish, you can select a lake with a high Preferred Rating, which is fish longer than 24 inches or a high Lunker Rating, which is fish longer than 28 inches.

A copy of the 2015 Fishing Forecast can also be seen in the March/April issue of Kansas Wildlife & Parks magazine. To become a subscriber, call toll-free (866) 672-2145, or visit ksoutdoors.com/Services/Publications/Magazine.

2015 Kansas Fishing Atlas

Knowing where to drop a line can be tricky, but the 2015 Kansas Fishing Atlas removes the guesswork. The free, 84-page atlas provides anglers with maps pinpointing public fishing areas, as well as public lands across Kansas. These maps also include Fishing Impoundment and Stream Habitats (F.I.S.H.) areas, or privately-owned ponds or streams KDWPT has leased and opened to public fishing. F.I.S.H. sites are labeled by an abbreviated access period, size, and boating restriction for each location, so refer to the atlas prior to fishing. Each map also shows all federal reservoirs, state fishing lakes, river access areas, and community lakes, making the question of “where to fish” just that much easier to answer.

The atlas is currently available online at ksoutdoors.com. Printed copies will be available shortly wherever licenses are sold.

2015 Kansas Fishing Regulations Summary

After you’ve decided what species to fish for and where to find them, refer to 2015 Kansas Fishing Regulations Summary for information on regulations changes for the new season, creel and length limits, permit requirements, and more. Copies can be obtained at no cost online at ksoutdoors.com/fishing, and at any license vendor.

For more on Kansas fishing, visit ksoutdoors.com/fishing.

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SO MANY SEASONS, SO LITTLE NOVEMBER

November marks the beginning of several hunting seasons in Kansas

PRATT – For most people, Christmas comes on Dec. 25, but for hunters and anglers, the best gifts arrive one month earlier. November marks the start of four hunting and fishing seasons that are a must-do in the Sunflower State, and if you’ve never partaken in these fall festivities, you may want to reconsider your plans this upcoming month.

TROUT FISHING: NOV. 1 - APRIL 15

From Nov. 1, 2014-April 15, 2015, anglers can enjoy some of the best fishing opportunities in the state as nearly 30 public fishing areas will be stocked periodically with this special species.

Special permits apply, so consult the 2014 Fishing Regulations Summary for complete details on your favorite waters.

To view a complete trout stocking schedule for a specific location, visit ksoutdoors.com and click “Fishing /Special Fishing Programs for You / Trout Fishing Program.”

GOOSE HUNTING

If wild turkeys aren’t your idea of a hardy holiday bird, consider bagging a goose this season. Hunters can pursue geese during the following seasons:

Canada Geese

Season: Nov. 1-9, 2014 AND Nov. 12, 2014-Feb. 15, 2015

Daily bag limit: 6 (including Brant). Possession limit: 18.

White-Fronted Geese

• Season: Nov. 1-Dec. 14, 2014 AND Jan. 17-Feb. 15, 2015
• Daily bag limit: 2. Possession limit: 6.

Light Geese

• Season: Nov. 1-9, 2014 AND Nov. 12, 2014-Feb. 15, 2015
• Daily bag limit: 50. No possession limit.

PHEASANT AND QUAIL SEASON

Recent rains leading to increased brood-rearing habitat across the state have several areas harboring more birds this year. Consider taking a peek at the 2014 Upland Bird Forecast on ksoutdoors.com to locate your next hunting honey pot.

Pheasant

• Regular Season: November 8, 2014 - January 31, 2015
• Youth Season: November 1-2, 2014
• Daily Bag Limit: 4 cocks in regular season, 2 cocks in youth season.
• NOTE: Pheasants in possession for transportation must retain intact a foot, plumage, or some part that will determine sex.

Quail

• Regular Season: November 8, 2014 - January 31, 2015
• Youth Season: November 1-2, 2014
  • Daily Bag Limit: 8 in regular season, 4 in youth season.

SANDHILL CRANES

Although not as widely sought-after as geese and ducks, sandhill cranes are a challenging quarry to hunt. Consider experiencing this unique season this year.

• Season: Nov. 5 2014-Jan 1, 2015
• Daily bag limit: 3. Possession limit: 9.

All sandhill crane hunters must take an online crane identification test each year before obtaining the required federal permit to hunt. The test can be found by visiting ksoutdoors.com and clicking “Hunting / Migratory Birds/ Sandhill Crane.”

Quivira and Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge are closed to crane hunting.

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SPOTS AVAILABLE FOR ANGLER INSTRUCTOR COURSE

Get certified to teach basic fishing skills in Kansas

PRATT – If you’re passionate about fishing, and have a desire to share that passion with others,  you can still enroll in a Kansas angler education certification course. Fishing’s Future and the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism will sponsor a fishing instructor course for 40 volunteers who want to learn about teaching fishing techniques in Kansas. The instructor course will be held Oct. 4 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the National Guard Training Center, 2930 Scanlan Ave, Salina.

During the certification course, anglers will learn about working with children, sample curriculums, fishing regulations, species identification, ethics, knot-tying and more.

To learn more about the fishing instructor certification program and to register for the Salina course, go towww.fishingsfuture.org, click on “Upcoming Events”, then “Kansas Angler Education Training Program.”

Questions may be directed to either Kevin Reich of Fishing’s Future at kevin.reich@fishingsfuture.org, or Sgt. James Merriman at (785) 826 3761.

HOW TO FIND A FISHING HOLE THIS SUMMER

Finding a fishing hot spot in Kansas this summer is easier than you think

PRATT ­– If you’ve ever been fishing, you know there are a multitude of questions that can

flutter through an angler’s mind – why were the fish biting yesterday and not today? Did I put the right line on? Should I use a chartreuse or white spinner bait? All of these are valid questions, but where to fish shouldn’t be one of them. The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) has several tools available to help make your day on the water as successful as possible.

By visiting ksoutdoors.com, and clicking “Fishing,” anglers can access four invaluable resources that will give any angler an edge this summer, including: the 2014 Fishing Forecast, 2014 Fishing Atlas, up-to-date fishing reports, and stocking records.

2014 FISHING FORECAST

The 2014 Fishing Forecast uses data gathered from sampling efforts of public waters during annual lake monitoring, and because of this, anglers can rest assured they are receiving the best possible information on where to fish and what to fish for. In addition to what species of fish can be caught at any given body of water, the forecast also includes tables with Density Ratings, Preferred Ratings, and Lunker Ratings, as well as information on the Biggest Fish sampled, Biologist’s Ratings, and a Three-Year Average of popular species.

2014 FISHING ATLAS

The 2014 Fishing Atlas is a 60-page compilation of detailed, easy-to-read maps, making it a must-have for any angler. In addition to maps of public waters, anglers can also find maps of Fishing Impoundment and Stream Habitats (F.I.S.H.) waters, Community Fisheries Assistance Program (CFAP) leased properties, and lakes deemed as Family Friendly Facilities (FFF).

FISHING REPORTS

If you’re looking for the most up-to-date information on a specific body of water, fishing reports are the way to go. Compiled and entered in by KDWPT field staff, each week these fishing reports share everything from fishing success and water temperature, to lake levels and other pertinent information for that specific location. Anglers can even find out what baits and lures are catching the most fish.

STOCKING RECORDS

To improve fishing opportunities in urban areas where the demand for fish exceeds the supply, the Department created an urban fish stocking program. Seventy-seven lakes currently are stocked with 3/4- to 1 1/2-pound channel catfish, hybrid sunfish, and wipers as often as every two weeks from April through September. If you live in Atchison, Butler, Douglas, Finney, Johnson, Leavenworth, Lyon , Ottawa, Pottawatomie, Reno, Riley, Saline, Sedgwick, Shawnee, or Wyandotte county, you have an urban lake near you. These are great locations for a quick family fishing trip. Just throw the gear in the car and make the short drive to the nearest designated urban fishing lake. Click on the “Urban Fishing Program” link under “Special Fishing Programs For You” at ksoutdoors.com for stocking records and more information.

With a little time and research, anglers can experience truly one-of-a-kind public fishing on Kansas’ some 24 reservoirs, 40 state fishing lakes, 200 community lakes, and several streams and rivers – you just have to know where to look.

KANSAS OFFERS FREE FISHING JUNE 7-8

Anglers don’t need a Kansas fishing licenseJune 7-8

PRATT ­– What’s better than a day of free fishing? Two days of free fishing, of course. Across the state, June 7-8 on any Kansas waters. Although some parks may require a vehicle permit, no fishing license is required of anglers during the two-day period.

anglers of all ages can enjoy a full weekend of free fishing

Below are just a few examples of the fun that can be had during the free fishing weekend:

SATURDAY, JUNE 7

Kids fishing clinic

Meade State park

1 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Concessions available for purchase

Some fishing equipment provided; however, participants are encouraged to bring their own if they have it.

For more information, or to pre-register, call the Meade State Park Office at (620) 873-2572.

KIDS FISHING CLINIC AND CASTING CONTEST

Milford Nature Center – Gathering Pond

8 a.m. - 12 p.m.

The first 100 registered youth ages 5-12 are invited to participate.

Lunch provided.

Raffle prizes drawn for all in attendance.

For more information, or to pre-register, call the Milford Nature Center at (785) 238-5323.

KIDS FISHING CLINIC

Pomona State park – Boat Ramp #2

8 a.m. - 10 a.m.

Youth ages 15 and younger are invited to participate.

Fishing poles and bait provided; however, participants are encouraged to bring their own pole.

This event qualifies participants for the Kansas Wildlifer Challenge - "WET A LINE.” Wildlifers are encouraged to bring a camera.

For more information, call the Pomona State Park Office at (785) 828-4933.

KIDS FISHING CLINIC

Pratt KDWPT Operations Office, Kids’ Pond

9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Youth ages 7-15 are invited to participate. Registration deadline is June 5.

Fishing equipment provided.

Lunch provided.

Participants can enjoy the Pratt Nature Center/Museum, as well as a freshwater mussel/clam exhibit from 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. the day of the event.

For more information, or to pre-register, call the Pratt Recreation Office at (620) 672-3261, or the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Pratt Operations Office at (620) 672-5911.

10TH ANNUAL YOUTH FISHING TOURNAMENT

Glen Elder State Park

8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Youth fishing tournament and OK Kids Day – prizes for every participant.

Contact Scott Waters at (785) 545-3345.

SUNDAY, JUNE 8

KIDS FISHING CLINIC

Lovewell State Park

9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

The first 50 registered youth ages 7-16 are invited to participate. Registration deadline is June 2.

Fishing equipment and supplies provided.

Lunch and drinks provided.

Demonstrations will be given on fish identification, knot tying, casting, lure selection, fishing hot spots, and fish cleaning.

For more information, or to pre-register, call the Lovewell State Park Office at (785) 753-4971.

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YOUTH FISHING CLINIC JUNE 6 AND 7

The Tuttle Creek Lake Association invites youth age 8-12 to participate

MANHATTAN – The Tuttle Creek Lake Association invites youth 8-12 to participate in its June 6-7, 2014 at Anneberg Park Lake. Open and free to youth who have not previously attended, the two-day clinic will begin with an educational session Friday evening covering topics such as casting, hook tying, and water safety. Activities will pick back upSaturday morning with fishing from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m., followed by an award ceremony, and free lunch. Each youth will be provided with a free rod and reel to take home, as well as hooks, bobbers, split shot, and bait.

20th Annual Youth Fishing Clinic

Opportunities to catch a fish will be plentiful as the Tuttle Creek Lake Association, in cooperation with Manhattan Parks and Recreation, will stock Anneberg Park Lake with 700 channel catfish ranging from 12-18 inches long and weighing up to 3 pounds.

Trophies will be awarded to girls and boys who catch the smallest fish, the largest fish, and the largest three fish.

Youth must be accompanied by an adult and must register to attend. Registration will be open the day of the event, however early registration is encouraged.

For more information, contact Paul Miller at (785) 341-0085.

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ANGLER EDUCATION CERTIFICATION COURSE MAY 17

Anglers can make a difference by teaching fishing techniques across Kansas

PRATT – A bobber goes down, the reel starts spinning, and fishing line is being taken out to

water. The excitement overwhelms her so much that she forgets what to do. He was there to walk her through the steps, and before she knew it, her first-ever fish was in her hands. Wide-eyed and grinning from ear to ear, she says “that was fun,” and that’s all he needed to hear. You, too, can help create unforgettable memories like this for anglers of all ages by becoming certified to teach fishing techniques in the state of Kansas.

Fishing’s Future and the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism are looking to enlist up to 40 anglers who want to become volunteer instructors to teach fishing techniques. Interested anglers should enroll in the instructor course that will be taught on May 17 at Lake Henry in Clinton State Park, 798 N. 1415 Rd., Lawrence. The course will run 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. and although the class is not a requirement to teach, those in attendance will be given valuable information about working with children, sample curriculums, and tips for preparing a class or clinic. Other topics covered in the four-hour class will include current fishing rules and regulations, species identification, fishing ethics, equipment, knot-tying, casting, fish habitat, aquatic nuisance species, and conservation.

Anglers interested in registering can sign up at fishingsfuture.org. Click “upcoming events,” then “Kansas Angler Education Training Program.”

For more information, contact Fishing’s Future local coordinator Kevin Reich at kevin.reich@fishingsfuture.org, or by phone at (785) 577-6921.

Parking will be available on the hill above Lake Henry. The lot by the lake is reserved for disabled anglers. If there is inclement weather, the course will be moved to the park building.

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NEW STATE RECORD RAINBOW TROUT TIPS SCALES AT 15.72 POUNDS

Angler Josh McCullough caught the behemoth trout from Kill Creek Park Lake in Johnson County

PRATT – In Kansas trout waters, it’s not uncommon to drop a lure and get a bite after a few minutes, but to drop a lure, get a bite, and reel in a 15.72-pound rainbow trout is almost unheard of. That’s what angler Josh McCullough of Spring Hill experienced onFeb. 23 earlier this year. Fishing at Kill Creek Park Lake in Johnson County, McCullough had no idea the hook he had just fitted with a piece of Berkeley Gulp corn bait would land him a fish for the books.

When McCullough’s catch surfaced, he knew this was no ordinary fish. As he landed the trout ashore, McCullough quickly realized that fish on the end of his hook could very well be a new record. McCullough grabbed his gear, snapped a few photos with a phone, and then did what any angler should do when potentially holding a new state record fish – he took it to a certified scale to get weighed.

The 28.5-inch long fish tipped the scale at 15.72 pounds, a mere .29 of a pound heavier than the former state record rainbow trout weighing in at 15.42 pounds caught by Nicole Wilson. Wilson made the books in 2012 with her catch from Lake Shawnee in Topeka.

Before a new state record can be accepted, the following steps must occur:

     -The fish must be identified and witnessed by a Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) district fisheries biologist or regional fisheries supervisor

     -The fish must be weighed before it is frozen

     -The angler must submit an official Kansas state record fish application, accompanied by a sharp, color photo of the fish

     -The angler must undergo a mandatory 30-day waiting period following application

Only species listed on the KDWPT state record list will be accepted. A tissue sample may also be required.

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ARTIFICIAL WALLEYE SPAWNING A LABOR OF LOVE

A female walleye can release as many as 300,000 eggs, but less than 10 percent will survive in nature

PRATT – In late March, a placid lake surface might lead some to believe major fish activity has yet to begin, but for walleye, waves of commotion are occurring beneath the surface as males and females begin spawning. As soon as water temperatures hit 45-50 degrees, walleye begin the annual process, as other fish species do each spring. 

Most spawning activity occurs at night when female walleye search for the perfect rocky shoreline to lay their eggs, and male walleyes, who’ve been waiting on the spawning ground for days, fertilize them. With large females producing as many as 300,000 eggs, it’s hard to believe this species would need assistance with the process, but even the best laid plans are no match for Mother Nature. In Kansas lakes, less than 10 percent of naturally-spawned walleye eggs will hatch.

However, hatching success rates can be as high as 70 percent in a hatchery setting. That’s why every year about this time, you’ll see Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) fisheries biologists working tirelessly at select Kansas lakes. Biologists set nets to capture spawning walleye, then harvest the eggs of ripe females. Once collected, the eggs are then taken to a station where they are fertilized with milt, or sperm, taken from male walleyes caught from the same body of water. After fertilization, the eggs are immediately delivered to the Pratt and Milford fish hatcheries where fish culturists work around the clock to ensure high hatch and survival rates of young walleye, which are then stocked into Kansas lakes as is, or used to produce other hybrid fish species. Last year, KDWPT’s Walleye Culture Program produced 43 million walleye fry (just hatched fish) and 660,000 walleye fingerlings (2-inch fish). With that same batch of eggs, KDWPT staff were also able to produce 7.5 million saugeye fry, 400,000 saugeye fingerlings (walleye/sauger hybrids).

In addition to walleye, KDWPT hatcheries also produce bluegill, channel catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, redear sunfish, sauger, saugeye,smallmouth bass, striped bass, and wipers.

For more information on KDWPT hatcheries and the fish they produce, visit www.ksoutdoors.com and click “Fishing/Hatcheries.”

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TROUT SEASON RUNS THROUGH MID-APRIL

Kansas offers winter trout fishing at more than 30 public fishing lakes

PRATT ­– Kansas might not be the first state that comes to your mind when you think of trout

fishing, but don’t be fooled – the Sunflower State has created spectacular winter fishing opportunities by stocking more than 30 different public fishing locations with this spotted fish.

Through April 15, anglers can try their luck at trout fishing in both Type 1 and Type 2 waters. Type 1 waters stocked with trout require all anglers to possess a $12.50 trout permit, while Type 2 waters require only those fishing for or possessing trout to purchase the permit. The $12.50 permit is valid for the calendar year and can be purchased wherever licenses are sold and online at ksoutdoors.com.

Residents 16-74 years old, and all non-residents 16 and older must also have a valid fishing license. The daily creel limit is five trout unless otherwise posted. Anglers 15 and younger may fish without a trout permit, but are limited to two trout per day, or they may purchase a permit and take five trout per day. Possession limit for trout is 15.

Trout fishing at Mined Land Wildlife Area No. 30 (Cherokee County), where trout survive through the summer, requires a trout permit year-round. For a complete list of waters stocked with trout, as well as rules and regulations, consult the2014 Kansas Fishing Regulations Summary, or visit ksoutdoors.com.

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2014 FISHING FORECAST A RECIPE BOOK FOR GREAT ANGLING

Anglers can dish up a great day on the water using information found in the 2014 Fishing Forecast

PRATT ­– You don’t have to be a world-renowned chef to recognize a good meal when you eat one, and now you don’t have to be a Master Angler in order to catch fish like one. The 2014 Fishing Forecast, produced by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT), is an instrumental ingredient when creating the perfect day on the water. Simply take a helping of research, combined with a few choice lures, add in some free time, and you just might find yourself with a recipe worth revisiting this fishing season.

Since the 2014 Fishing Forecast uses data gathered from sampling efforts of public waters during annual lake monitoring, anglers can rest assured they are receiving the best possible information on where to fish and what to fish for. In addition to what species of fish can be caught at any given body of water, the forecast also includes tables with Density Ratings, Preferred Ratings, and Lunker Ratings, as well as information on the Biggest Fish sampled, Biologist’s Ratings, and a Three-Year Average of popular species.

The Density Rating is the number of fish that were high-quality size or larger sampled per unit of sampling effort. High-quality size, listed in parentheses at the top of the Density Rating column, is the length of fish considered acceptable to most anglers and is different for each species. The higher the Density Rating, the more high-quality-sized or larger fish per surface acre in the lake. Theoretically, a lake with a Density Rating of 30 has twice as many high-quality-sized fish per acre as a lake with a Density Rating of 15.

The Preferred Rating identifies how many above-average-sized fish a water contains. For example, a lake may have a good density of crappie, but few fish over 10 inches. The Preferred Rating tells an angler where to go to for a chance to catch bigger fish.

The Lunker Rating is similar to the Density Rating, but it tells you the relative density of lunker-sized fish in the lake. A lunker is a certain length of fish considered a trophy by most anglers. It also differs with each species and is listed in parentheses at the top of the Lunker Rating column. For example, most anglers consider a channel catfish longer than 28 inches a lunker. Many lakes may have a lunker rating of 0, but this does not mean there are no big fish in that lake. It just means that no lunker fish were caught during sampling, and they may be less abundant than in lakes with positive Lunker Ratings.

You can use the Density Rating and Lunker Rating together. If you want numbers, go with the highest Density Rating. If you want only big fish, go with the Lunker Rating. Somewhere in the middle might be a better choice. A lake with a respectable rating in all three categories will provide the best overall fishing opportunities.

The Biggest Fish column lists the weight of the largest fish caught during sampling. A heavy fish listed here can give the lunker fishermen confidence that truly big fish are present.

The Biologist’s Rating adds a human touch to the forecast. Each district fisheries biologist reviews the data from annual sampling of their assigned lakes. This review considers environmental conditions that may have affected the sampling. They also consider previous years’ data. A rating of P (poor), F (fair), G (good), or E (excellent) will be in the last column. Sometimes the Density Rating may not agree with the Biologist’s Rating. This will happen occasionally and means the Density Rating may not accurately reflect the biologist’s opinion of the fishery.

The Three-Year Average rating refers to the averaging of the Density Rating over the previous three years of sampling to help show a trend for a particular lake.

Copies of the 2014 Fishing Forecast can be found in the March/April issue of Kansas Wildlife & Parks magazine, at any KDWPT office or license vendor, or online at ksoutdoors.com by clicking “Fishing/Fishing Forecast.”