SPECIAL WILDLIFE, PARKS AND TOURISM COMMISSION MEETING DEC. 6

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Commissioners to set regulations on take, use, and movement of bait fish or minnows
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.

In addition to bait fish regulations, commissioners will also vote on a regulation change that would eliminate the second motor vehicle permit for Kansas state parks. The public is invited to attend the meeting and provide input.

The meeting will be called to order at 7 p.m., and time will be allowed for general public comment on non-agenda items, followed by a public hearing on the following regulations:

• KAR 115-2-2 — motor vehicle permit fees;
• KAR 115-7-3 — fish; taking and use of bait fish or minnows;
• KAR 115-7-6 — fishing; bait;
• KAR 115-7-10 — fishing; special provisions;
• KAR 115-8-6 — fishing, fish bait, and seining;
• KAR 115-8-12 — stocking or releasing of wildlife; and
• KAR 115-30-13 — removal of vessels from waters of the state.

The outcome of some of these regulations will result in one of three changes regarding the use of bait fish: 1) wild-caught bait fish may be used as live bait only within the impoundment or stream where taken; 2) wild-caught bait fish may be used as live bait only within the impoundment or stream where taken, except that green sunfish, bluegill, and yellow and black bullhead may be used in waters other than where they are taken; or 3) no change in the regulations. Live bait fish purchased from a licensed bait dealer may be used under any of these options.

Live video and audio streaming of this meeting will be broadcast through the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) website, www.kdwpt.state.ks.us.

If notified in advance, the department will have an interpreter available for the hearing impaired. To request an interpreter, call the Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing at 1-800-432-0698. Any individual with a disability may request other accommodations by contacting the Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission secretary at 620-672-5911.

The next commission meeting is scheduled for Jan. 5, 2012, at Kansas Wesleyan University (Hauptli Student Center), 100 East Claflin Ave. in Salina.

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WINTER WEATHER HELPS ANGLERS TACKLE TROUT

PRATT — The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks' (KDWP) trout program creates a popular winter opportunity for anglers across the state. This stocking program provides fish at more than 30 sites across Kansas and affords fast action when other fishing can be slow. Bitter cold temperatures across most of Kansas in late January and early February froze many of these trout waters, but unusually warm weather followed, breaking up ice and making water temperatures and access to trout ideal. And anglers are taking advantage of the situation.

Trout bite a variety of lures, jigs, and flies. They also take live bait and prepared bait, especially colorful pinch-on types. Most Kansas trout fisheries allow a creel limit of five fish per day, but because some regulations — including the use of artificial bait only — vary by location, be sure to read posted information at each site before fishing.

Kansas trout season runs Oct.15 through April 15. During this time, trout are stocked as often as twice a month at each fishing location. Most fish are 10 to 12 inches long, but contracts stipulate that a certain percentage of bigger fish also must be stocked. This gives Kansas anglers a chance to hook a trophy trout that might weigh 5 pounds or more.

During the trout season, trout anglers must possess a special permit in addition to a fishing license. This annual trout stamp costs $12.15 and is valid statewide. All trout anglers must have this stamp, which pays for the program. The exception is trout anglers 15 and younger, who may fish without a trout stamp but are restricted to a daily creel limit of two trout. With a trout stamp, youth anglers may take a full creel limit.

Rainbow trout, native to cold waters, can thrive in Kansas winter pools. However, after spring warm-up, most trout cannot survive in Kansas. The exception to this is the Mined Land Wildlife Area #30, near Oswego, with deep waters cold enough to allow year-round trout fishing. On this area, a trout stamp is required year-round.

Learn more about Kansas trout fishing at the KDWP website,www.kdwp.state.ks.us. Click “Fishing/Special Fishing Programs for You/Trout Fishing Program.”

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