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.

Related articles

• Fishy Fun to Be Had at Milford Nature Center Kid's Fishing Clinic (kansas-outdoors.blogspot.com)

KANSAS STATE PARKS OFFER MULTITUDE OF EVENTS THIS JUNE

 It’s summertime and Kansas state parks are gearing up with events for everybody under the sun. From fishing tournaments to music festivals, and Kids Days galore, Kansans are sure to find something fun and

exciting to do this June at a Kansas state park.

Listed below are a variety of events being held this June at Kansas state parks. For more information on a specific event, please contact the respective state park. State park contact information can be found at www.ksoutdoors.com by clicking “State Parks / Locations.”

JUNE 8

National “Get Outdoors” Day

OK Kids Day – Lake Scott State Park (South of Beach House)

Kids Ironman (Kids triathlon) – Clinton State Park

Kansas Draft Horse & Mule Association Driving Clinic – Boulder Bluff Arena, El Dorado State Park. (Open to public).

Field Coursing Dog Run –?Clinton State Park

JUNE 9

Ironman Triathlon – Clinton State Park

Fishstix Bowfishing Tournament – Eisenhower State Park (Arrow Rock Boat Ramp)

JUNE 10

Fishstix Bowfishing Tournament – Eisenhower State Park (Arrow Rock Boat Ramp)

JUNE 15

Youth Fishing Derby – Cedar Bluff State Park

Youth Scavenger Hunt – Cedar Bluff State Park

Kansas Bass Nation Fishing Tournament –?Wilson State Park (Hell Creek Boat Ramp)

Kids Outdoor Adventure and Free Park Entrance Day – Cedar Bluff State Park. (Camping and utility permits still apply).

Vango Fundraiser – Clinton State Park

OK Kids Day/Free Park Entrance – Wilson State Park

JUNE 16

Kansas Bass Nation Fishing Tournament –?Wilson State Park (Hell Creek Boat Ramp)

Kansas Walleye Association Fishing Tournament – Eisenhower State Park

Wild Within You 5K and 15K Hell Creek on Heels Trail Run?– Wilson State Park (Switchgrass Trail)

June 23

Triathlon Race?– El Dorado State Park (Walnut River Area)

June 27

Country Stampede Music Festival – Tuttle Creek State Park

June 28

Country Stampede Music Festival – Tuttle Creek State Park

June 29

Rocky Mountain Team Series Fishing Tournament?– Wilson State Park (Hell Creek Boat Ramp)

Country Stampede Music Festival – Tuttle Creek State Park

Water Safety Event/Jet ski Simulator – Kanopolis State Park

June 30

Rocky Mountain Team Series Fishing Tournament?– Wilson State Park (Hell Creek Boat Ramp)

Country Stampede Music Festival – Tuttle Creek State Park

Related articles

• Nature Camps Offer Kids Great Way to Learn about Outdoors (family-outdoors.blogspot.com)
• Missouri State Parks providing opportunities for visitors to "Learn2" Camp (family-outdoors.blogspot.com)
• Missouri State Parks providing opportunities for visitors to "Learn2" Camp (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)
• South Dakota State Parks Gears Up for Fun on Weekend of June 7-9 (family-outdoors.blogspot.com)
• Flooding Affects 4 Iowa State Parks (family-outdoors.blogspot.com)
• Will you be in South Dakota on the first weekend in June? Here are some Outdoor Activities in State Parks (family-outdoors.blogspot.com)

BULLFROG SEASON OPENS JULY 1

Courtesy MDC

Season runs July 1-Oct. 31; fishing license required

PRATT — It's already been a hot summer in the Sunflower State, and those who love outdoor activities are ready to beat the heat by pursuing bullfrogs in the cool of the night. They'll get their chance on July 1, when the bullfrog season begins.

Bullfrog hunting, or "frogging," as many people call it, is a great way to beat the oppressive summer heat. With days sweltering close to 100 degrees through much of June, the freedom of summer nights beckons with the call of the bullfrog. At this time, shorts and a T-shirt are all that's needed to cool off in the water and pursue this popular quarry.

Froggers can enjoy a season that runs July 1 through Oct. 31 although most frogging activity is in the hotter months of July and August. The daily creel limit is eight, with a possession limit of 24. While bullfrogs may be taken by hook and line, dip net, gig, bow and arrow, or crossbow (firearms not allowed), many froggers prefer to take them by hand. All that's needed is a flashlight, a sack, an old pair of tennis shoes, and some stealth. The only other necessary ingredient is access to a local pond, lake, or stream. A valid fishing license is needed, if required by law.

The best method is to walk quietly through the water at night and shine a bright light along the bank until a pair of glowing eyes appear. Temporarily blinded by the light, frogs can be grabbed or netted.

The fruits of this effort are not only fun times but good food. Frog legs are regarded as a delicacy and have a taste and texture resembling a cross of shrimp and fish. A popular way to cook them is to dip the legs in egg and then into a mixture of flour and corn meal, seasoning salt, and pepper. Then the legs are fried to a golden brown in oil. This gourmet meal is a bonus to a great summer evening that both kids and adults will always remember.

LATE MAY AND JUNE PULL WALLEYE INTO SHALLOWS

May 31, 2012
Shallow points, flats, and underwater roadways lure anglers to big fish
PRATT — Many anglers pursue walleye in late March and early April, when breeding fish move onto the rip-rap of lake dams to spawn. But the best time to catch walleye is in May and June, when water temperatures warm and walleye move into shallows to feed. At this time, walleye fishing heats up over shallow points, flats, and underwater roadbeds, where walleye feeding is most intense.
While a boat gives an angler more access to lake structure, walleye can also be caught by wading anglers. Look for fish in water 3 to 15 feet deep, along shallow points and submerged roadbeds.
These post-spawn walleye are often aggressive and can be caught trolling with crankbaits or drifting a jig and night crawler combination. Jig size varies depending on the amount of wind and water depth, but usually a - or -ounce jighead works well. Popular lure colors include chartreuse, red, orange, pink, and white.
According to the Kansas Fishing Forecast, the best walleye fishing reservoirs this year are Webster, Kirwin, Glen Elder, Milford, and Cedar Bluff. And anglers shouldn't overlook smaller community lakes. The best smaller lakes rated are Pratt County Lake, Banner Creek Lake near Holton, Lower Barber State Fishing Lake, Herington City Lake, and Jeffery Energy Center Make-Up Lake.
Much credit for successful walleye fishing in Kansas can be attributed to the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism’s (KDWPT) aggressive walleye stocking program. This year, KDWPT fisheries biologists harvested approximately 100 million walleye eggs and stocked almost 54 million fry. In addition, length limits allow walleye to grow to reproductive age, and in some reservoirs, prime habitat produces excellent walleye populations year after year.
Because of their size and reputation as great table fare, walleye are among the most popular sportfish in Kansas. Take advantage of this great angling resource. Conditions for walleye fishing can change daily, so visit the KDWPT Fishing Reports for the latest information.

Related articles

• Iowa Annual Walleye Collection Soon Underway

  ---

• Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Outdoor Report summary for May 3, 2012

  ---

• Fishing Areas nearby the Twin Cities

  ---

• DNR offers walleye fishing trip for women on Saginaw Bay June 2

  ---

• Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Outdoor Report summary for March 29, 2012

  ---

SUMMER IN FULL SWING WITH JUNE STATE PARK EVENTS

May 31, 2012
Special events, free park entrance days to be held at many parks
PRATT — During the weekend of June 2-3, anglers of all ages may fish without a fishing license statewide. Ordinarily, nonresidents 16 or older and residents age 16 through 64 must have a fishing license to fish in Kansas, but on Free Fishing Days, everyone gets to fish for free. Many Kansas state parks offer free admission and special events during Free Fishing Days and the excitement continues throughout the month. Special events, some in conjunction with Free Park Entrance Days, are designed to entertain park users who want to explore the history or geology of an individual park, as well as those who just want an excuse to celebrate something “more” than camping, swimming, boating, hiking, and all the other pleasures offered by Kansas state parks.
June events are diverse and may include anything from fishing tournaments and outdoor concerts to mountain bike and equestrian events. Many involve outdoor education. For more information on state park events, phone individual parks or click the "Events Calendar" on the "State Parks" page of the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) website, ksoutdoors.com.
Park goers are urged to phone the park they intend to visit before traveling. Telephone numbers of all state parks also may be found online on the KDWPT website. Click "State Parks" at the top of the page, then "Locations" in the left-hand column.
Events for June:

• June 2 — Free Park Entrance Day at Prairie Dog State Park;
• June 2 — National Trails Day at Fall River State Park;
• June 2 — Free Park Entrance Day at Glen Elder State Park;
• June 2 — 5K run/walk at Pomona State Park;
• June 2 — Kids fishing derby at Pomona State Park;
• June 2 — 8th Annual Youth Fishing Tournament at Glen Elder State Park;
• June 2 — Kid's fishing clinic at Milford State Park;
• June 2-4 — OK Kids Day at Prairie Dog State Park;
• June 2 — Trails workday at Clinton State Park;
• June 2 — Hays Recreation Center 15K and 5K trail runs at Wilson State Park;
• June 3 — Kids fishing derby at Lovewell State Park;
• June 8 — Western Extralite Company Fishing Tournament at Wilson State Park;
• June 8-10 — Hell Creek Hoedown Bluegrass Festival at Wilson State Park;
• June 9-10 — Rocky Mountain Team Series Fishing Tournament at Wilson State park;
• June 9 — Lori and Randy Knippa Benefit Horse Trail Ride at Hillsdale State Park;
• June 10 — Kansas 70.3 Ironman Triathlon at Clinton State Park;
• June 16 — Kansas Buddy Bass Fishing Tournament, OK Kids Day at Wilson State Park;
• June 17 — Kansas Walleye Association Fishing Tournament at Wilson State Park;
• June 23-24 — Country Stampede Music Festival at Tuttle Creek State Park;
• June 23-24 — Western Nebraska Bass Fishing Tournament at Wilson State Park;
• June 23 — Twin Rivers Bass Club Fishing Tournament at Pomona State Park;
• June 23-24 — Governor’s Cup Walleye Fishing Tournament at Glen Elder State Park;
• June 23 — National Truck Owners Car Show and barbecue at Hillsdale State Park;
• June 24 — Twin Rivers Bass Club of Emporia Bass Tournament at Eisenhower State Park;
• June 24 — Heartland Coursing whippet racing event at Clinton State Park;
• June 30 — Bass Federation of Kansas State High School Fishing Championship at Wilson State Park;
• June 30-July 1 — Miami County Bass Club fishing tournament at Wilson State Park; and
• June 30 — Friends of Fancy Creek Range Kids Day at Tuttle Creek State Park’s Fancy Creek Range.

Related articles

• Enjoy Summer Activities At A South Dakota State Park

  ---

• Day of activity and nature planned June 2 at Graham Cave State Park

  ---

• Volunteer training offered June 3 at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park

  ---

• MO State Parks Offers Camping Tips for State Parks

  ---

• Celebrate National Trail Day with two new Missouri State Park Trails

  ---