sponsored by
Zeiner's Angler Supply
The Kansas Angler Online
and Swim Tail Lures |
FINALIZED PLAN TO GUIDE CATFISH
MANAGEMENT IN KANSAS
Plan serves as guidebook to
maintaining, enhancing catfishing opportunities
November 28, 2007 - Catfish angling has
a long history in Kansas. Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks
fisheries biologists have developed a comprehensive plan to ensure
that the tradition continues.
Twelve species of catfish inhabit Kansas waters
although channel, flathead, and blue catfish are the most sought
species among anglers. While Sunflower State anglers' preference
for catfish has not waned in the past century, fishing opportunities
have increased dramatically through the years with development
of hundreds of lakes around the state.
Another relatively recent development is a growing
interest in trophy fishing, especially for flathead and blue
catfish, which are the largest fish in Kansas. The state record
flathead catch weighed in at 123 pounds. The state record catch
for blue catfish is 94 pounds.
To incorporate public input on the plan, a draft
version was circulated in recent months among interested anglers
and conservation organizations. The plan explains how KDWP assesses
catfish populations and catch rates, analyzes fish age and growth
rates, explains the role of state hatcheries, describes the methods
used to set angler harvest regulations, and more.
"The plan consolidates the latest science
in catfish management," said Doug Nygren, chief of KDWP's
Fisheries Section. "It's also a living document that will
be updated as new information becomes available."
The Catfish Management Plan is available online
at the KDWP website.
Back to
Zeiner's Angler Supply | Kansas
Angler Online |
Swim Tail Lures
|