Rules and Regulations

NEW FOR 2024

ANS to AIS

The term, “Aquatic Nuisance Species” has been updated to “Aquatic Invasive Species.”

Trout Updates

Trout fishing waters will be stocked, and the season will begin, on December 1, with the season concluding March 31.

Type 1 trout water updates:

Added King Lake-Emporia and OJ Watson Park-Wichita. Fishing at these locations during the trout season, Dec. 1-March 31, requires a trout permit.

Removed Colby-Villa High Lake, KDOT East Lake-Wichita, and Sherman County Smoky Gardens Lake

Type 2 trout water updates:

Added Colby-Villa High Lake and Sherman County Smoky Gardens Lake

REGULATION CHANGES

Some regulation changes in this publication will be finalized after printing. If a proposed regulation that is printed does not pass, a push notification will be sent via the GoOutdoorsKS mobile app, and to those who provide an email in KDWP’s licensing system. Changes will also be reflected in the online version of this publication on ksoutdoors.com. The following is a list of changes expected to go into effect in 2024.

Proposed Regulation Changes

LENGTH and CREEL

• Clinton Reservoir: Blue Catfish - Only 1 fish 30-inches or longer, 10/day creel limit

• Glen Elder Reservoir: Blue Catfish - Only 1 fish 30-inches or longer, 10/day creel limit

• John Redmond Reservoir: Blue Catfish - Only 1 fish 30-inches or longer, 10/day creel limit

• Melvern Reservoir: Blue Catfish - Only 1 fish 30-inches or longer, 10/day creel limit

• El Dorado Reservoir: Blue Catfish - Only 1 fish 30-inches or longer, 10/day creel limit

• Elk City Reservoir: Blue Catfish - Only 1 fish 30-inches or longer, 10/day creel limit

• Milford Reservoir: Blue Catfish - 28-inch to 40-inch slot length limit, including only 1 fish 40-inches or longer, 10/day creel limit

• Graham County - Trexler Lake: Channel Catfish- 5/day creel limit; Walleye- 18-inch minimum length limit, 2/day creel limit; Largemouth Bass- 18-inch minimum length limit, 2/day creel limit.

• Great Bend - Veteran’s Lake: Saugeye - 21-inch minimum length limit

• Sherman County - Smoky Gardens: Channel Catfish - 15-inch minimum length limit, 5/day creel limit; Largemouth Bass- 18-inch minimum length limit, 2/day creel limit.

• Marquette - Eisenhower Park Pond: Channel Catfish - 15-inch minimum length limit, 2/day creel limit

AIS CERTIFICATION FOR BAIT DEALERS

• Commercial fish bait permit applicants must complete the KDWP AIS certification course, found here: https://ksoutdoors.com/Fishing... Aquatic-Nuisance-Species/Aquatic-Nuisance-Species-Certification-Course

GENERAL INFORMATION

DEFINITIONS

Artificial Lure: A man-made fishing device made of artificial or non-edible natural materials used to mimic prey. Each device mimicking individual prey shall be limited to no more than three hooks. Each device mimicking multiple prey shall be limited to no more than five hooks.

Baitfish: Minnow family (Cyprinidae), sucker family (Catostomidae), top minnows or killifish family (Cyprinodontidae), sunfish family (Centrarchidae), excluding black basses and crappie, which may be used only if legally harvested by hook and line within appropriate length and creel limits. Baitfish exclude fishes listed as Kansas threatened or endangered species.

Calendar day: A 24-hour period from midnight to midnight.

Cast net: A circular or conical, weighted net designed to be cast, mouth downward, by hand and withdrawn by lines attached to its margin.

Culling: Replacing one live fish held by an angler for another live fish of the same species.

Creel limit: The maximum number of a species of fish, turtle or frog that can be taken per person in a calendar day.

Department-managed lands and waters: State parks, lakes and all other recreational or wildlife areas controlled by the department, including federal reservoirs.

Dip net: A small hand-held net with rigid support about the mouth used to land fish.

Fish Ladder: A structure that facilitates the natural migration of fish upstream on, through or around an artificial barrier or dam.

Fishing Line: Any hand-operated string or cord, using hooks that may be used in conjunction with rods, poles, reels, bows, or spearguns.

Floatline: Free-floating device attached to a single line with no more than two hooks. All float material shall be constructed only from plastic, wood, or foam and shall be a closed-cell construction. A "closed-cell" construction shall mean a solid body incapable of containing water.

Length Limit: Length of fish as measured from the tip of the snout to the end of the tail, with mouth closed and tail lobes pressed together. (Except for paddlefish – see Page 6.)

Nonsport fish: Carp, drum, grass carp, threadfin and gizzard shad, goldfish, gar, suckers (including carpsuckers and buffalo), eel, shovelnose sturgeon, goldeye, and bowfin.

Possession limit: The maximum total number of a species that can be retained per person at one time.

Prohibited species: Walking catfish, silver carp, bighead carp, black carp, snakehead fish, round goby, white perch, zebra mussel, quagga mussel, New Zealand mudsnail, fertile (diploid) grass carp, marbled crayfish, monk parakeet, Asian raccoon dog, crucian carp, largescale silver carp, Prussian carp, wels catfish, Eurasian minnow, stone moroko, European perch, Nile perch, roach, amur sleeper, zander, common yabby. (It is illegal to possess or release any live wildlife species listed above.)

Setline: A string or cord that is anchored at one point by an anchor weighing at least 25 pounds or is attached to a fixed and immovable stake or object, does not have more than two hooks, and is not associated with a hand-operated mechanical reel. Any float used with a setline shall be constructed only from plastic, wood, or foam and shall be a closed-cell construction.

Slot Limit: A length limit range that requires fish measuring within that range to be returned to the water unharmed.

Snagging: The hooking of a fish in any part of its body other than the inside of the mouth.

Tip-up: An icefishing device designed to signal the strike of a fish.

Sport fish: Northern pike, walleye, sauger, saugeye, yellow perch, striped bass, white bass, wiper (white bass/striped bass hybrid), black bass (largemouth, spotted, and smallmouth), trout, channel catfish, blue catfish, flathead catfish, paddlefish, and panfish (bullhead, black and white crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish, green sunfish, warmouth, and rock bass).

Take: To harass, harm, pursue, shoot, wound, kill, molest, trap, capture, collect, catch, possess or otherwise take or attempt to take.

Trotline: A line anchored at one point, with more than two hooks and not more than 25 hooks, and not associated with a hand-operated mechanical reel.

Private water fishing impoundment: One or more water impoundments: 1) constructed by man rather than natural, located wholly within the boundary of the lands owned or leased by the person operating the private water impoundments; and 2) entirely isolated from other surface water so that the impoundment does not have any connection either continuously or at intervals, except during periods of floods, with streams or other bodies of water so as to permit the fish to move between streams or other bodies of water and the private water impoundments, except that the private water impoundments may be connected with a stream or other body of water by a pipe or conduit if fish will be prevented at all times from moving between streams or other bodies of water and the private water impoundment by screening the flow or by other means.

COMMON CONCERNS

NATURAL RESOURCE OFFICERS

• It is illegal to refuse to allow a natural resource officer to check your license or inspect any fish in your possession.

POSSESSION/WANTON WASTE

• All fish taken that have a length limit shall have the head, body, and tail fin left attached while in possession on the water.

•Fish taken shall be retained until 1) cleaned, 2) taken home, 3) taken to a taxidermist or processor, 4) given to another person, 5) eaten, or 6) let go in the waters from which taken.

EQUIPMENT

• Fishing rods must be attended at all times unless tagged. Only two rods may be used unless a three-pole permit is purchased.

• Firearms may not be used to take fish.

•Nets may not be used to take sport fish. Dip or cast nets (mesh no larger than 1 inch) and seines (mesh no larger than 1/4-inch) may be used to take bait fish.

VEHICLES ON PUBLIC LAND

•Vehicles on public lands are restricted to maintained roads and must have vehicle registration.

STOCKING

•It is illegal to release any fish into public waters unless caught from that water.

LENGTH LIMITS DEFINED

Minimum length limits mean that fish shorter than a certain length cannot be kept. If the minimum length limit for bass is 15 inches, all bass shorter than 15 inches must be released immediately.

A slot-length limit prevents anglers from keeping fish within a certain size range. For example, if the slot length limit for bass is 13-18 inches, bass between 13 and 18 inches long must be returned to the water.

All fish caught that do not meet length limit requirements must be returned to the water immediately, unrestrained.

To determine fish length, measure from the tip of its snout, with its mouth closed, to end of the tail, lobes pressed together. However, the length of a paddlefish is taken by measuring from the front of the eye to the fork of the tail.

When using a flexible measuring device such as a tape, lay the tape on a flat surface and lay the fish along or on top of the tape to get an accurate measurement.

LEGAL EQUIPMENT

Each angler is limited to two rods (three with three-pole permit) with no more than two baited hooks (single or treble) or artificial lures per line. If two artificial lures are used, the fishing line shall not exceed six hooks. An artificial lure is defined as a man-made fishing device made of artificial or non-edible natural materials used to mimic prey. The Umbrella Rig, also known as the Alabama Rig, may have up to five hooks.

Trotlines, Setlines, Floatlines

In addition to two rods, an angler may set one trotline with no more than 25 hooks, OR eight setlines with no more than two hooks each, OR eight floatlines with no more than two hooks each. Trotlines, setlines, and floatlines may not be set within 150 yards of any dam. Fishing lines, setlines, and trotlines must be checked at least once every 24 hours. Trotlines, setlines, floatlines, tip-ups, and unattended fishing lines must be tagged securely and plainly with the angler’s name and address or KDWP number. A setline must be anchored at one point by an anchor weighing at least 25 pounds or attached to a fixed and immovable stake or object. Any float used with a setline or trotline shall be constructed only from plastic, wood, or foam and shall be a closed-cell construction (a solid body incapable of containing water).

Trotlines and setlines are prohibited on all department-managed waters under 1,201 surface acres. Other restrictions may be applied by posted notice.

Floatline Fishing

Floatline fishing is allowed year-round, 24 hours a day at Council Grove, Elk City, Fall River, Glen Elder, Hillsdale, John Redmond, Kanopolis, Lovewell, Tuttle Creek, Pomona, Toronto, and Wilson reservoirs. Anglers are allowed no more than eight floatlines. All floatlines must be under immediate supervision of the angler and must be removed from the water when fishing ceases. All float material shall be construction. A "closed-cell" construction shall mean a solid body Incapable of containing water.

Snagging

Except for paddlefish and nonsport fish, which may be snagged in designated waters during designated seasons (See Page 10), fish hooked anywhere but in the mouth shall be returned immediately, unrestrained, to the water.

Nonsport fish (See definition Page 12) may be taken by gig, crossbow, and bow and arrow. Blue, channel and flathead catfish may be taken by bow and arrow where no length limits on catfish are in effect except in rivers and streams.

LEGAL BAIT

Legal fish bait includes artificial lures, baitfish (as defined on Page 12), prepared bait, vegetable materials, artificial bait, worms, crayfish, leeches, amphibians and mussels. Species listed as prohibited may NOT be possessed live or utilized as live bait. Species which are listed as threatened, endangered, or in need of conservation may NOT be used as bait. Any other LEGALLY TAKEN wildlife, subject to the restrictions listed in “Wild-Caught Bait” below, may be used, including sport fish of legal length taken by hook and line.

COMMERCIAL BAIT

The following DEAD species of wildlife may be commercially sold in Kansas for fishing bait: gizzard shad, threadfin shad, silver carp, bighead carp, skipjack herring, emerald shiners. It is illegal to release live baitfish into any water or transport live baitfish from any waters. Baitfish should be disposed of on land or at designated disposal sites.

WILD-CAUGHT BAIT

Bait may be taken for noncommercial purposes.

• Methods: seine not larger than 15 feet long and four feet deep, with mesh not larger than 1/4 inch; fish trap with mesh not larger than 1/4 inch and throat no larger than 1 inch in diameter (must be tagged with angler's name and address); fishing line; or a dip or cast net with mesh no larger than 1 inch
• Size: baitfish, except gizzard shad, silver carp and bighead carp may not exceed 12 inches in length. Silver and bighead carp may not be kept alive.
  
• Limit: 500 per person
  
• Legal waters: statewide, except that seining is prohibited on department-owned waters
  
• License requirement: unless exempt by law, a fishing license is required
  
• Use and movement: Live baitfish, crayfish, leeches, amphibians, and mussels may be caught and used as live bait only within the common drainage where caught. However, bluegill and green sunfish collected from non-designated aquatic nuisance species waters may be possessed or used as live bait anywhere in the state. Live baitfish shall not be transported and used above any upstream dam or barrier that prohibits the normal passage of fish. Live baitfish collected from designated aquatic nuisance waters shall be possessed or used as live bait only while on that water and shall not be transported from the water alive.

CHUMMING

It is legal to bait or “chum” water to attract fish. Check city and county laws for waters managed by these localities.

LIVEWELLS/BILGES

Livewells and bilges must be drained and drain plugs removed from all vessels being removed from waters of the state before transport on a public highway. No person may possess any live fish upon departure from any designated aquatic nuisance body of water.

UNLAWFUL ACTS

It is unlawful to refuse to allow law enforcement officers to inspect fish or wildlife in possession or devices or facilities used in taking, possessing, transporting, storing, or processing any wildlife. It is also unlawful to sell fish except as specifically authorized under a commercial fishing permit.

It is illegal to clip the fins, tag, or otherwise mark fish if they are to be released after catch.

POSSESSION

All fish taken shall have the head, body, and tail fin attached while in possession on the water. Sport fish taken must be kept until consumed, processed, taken home or given to another person, or released.

Legally taken sport fish may be given to another if accompanied by a dated, written notice that includes the donor’s printed name, signature, address, and permit or license number.

FISHING PRIVATE LAND

Except in waters enrolled in the WIFA program (see Page 51), anglers must obtain permission from the landowner or tenant to fish on private land. This also applies to anglers fishing from roadways, bridges, or railroad rights-of-way. Unless otherwise posted, all streams in Kansas other than the Arkansas, Missouri, and Kansas rivers are under private ownership of adjoining landowners. Those three large rivers are public up to the normal high-water line; however, anglers must obtain landowner or tenant permission before crossing private property to fish them.

BULLFROGS

Bullfrog season is open July 1 through October 31. Daily creel limit is eight. Possession limit is 24 bullfrogs. A valid fishing license is required to take, catch, or kill bullfrogs, unless exempt. Bullfrogs may be taken any time of day or night by dip net, gig, hook and line, hand, bow and arrow, or crossbow. A line must attach bow to arrow, and the arrow must have a barbed head. Any other method of taking bullfrogs is prohibited.

FISH LADDERS

No person may fish or collect bait within, cast fishing line or throw nets into or over, or trespass with the intent of fishing within a fish passage, fish ladder or fishway. A fish passage, fish ladder, or fishway is defined as a structure that facilitates the natural migration of fish upstream on, through or around an artificial barrier or dam.

TURTLES

Common snapping turtles and soft-shelled turtles may be taken year-round. Daily creel limit is eight, single species or in combination. Possession limit is 24. A valid fishing license is required (unless exempt). Legal equipment: hand, hook and line, setline, hand dip net, seine, turtle trap, or gig.

BOWFISHING

All waters are open to bowfishing, unless posted otherwise. Some bowfishing is permitted at city, county, township, or private lakes, but regulations vary, so consult local rules. Nonsport fish can be legally taken by bowfishing wherever bowfishing is allowed. Blue catfish, channel catfish and flathead catfish may not be taken by bowfishing in rivers and streams but may be taken by bowfishing in other waters where no length limits for these species are in place. Crossbows are legal. Bowfish anglers must have in possession a valid Kansas fishing license, unless exempt by law. Arrows must have barbed heads, and each arrow must be attached by a line to the bow. Waters within 50 yards of an occupied boat dock or ramp, occupied swimming area, occupied picnic site or camping area, and other occupied public-use areas are closed to bowfishing.

ICEFISHING

Icefishing with baited hooks or lures is legal on lakes, reservoirs, and streams. In addition to the allowed two rods, eight tipups may be used to icefish, unless otherwise posted. Tip-ups may have a maximum of two hooks each. Unattended tip-ups must be tagged plainly with the angler's name and address. County or city lakes may have local laws controlling such activity.

Motorized electric or gasoline-powered two-wheeled vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, work-site utility vehicles, golf carts, and snowmobiles may be operated on ice-covered department waters only for the purpose of ice fishing from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. These vehicles shall enter onto the ice only from boat ramps and points of entry as established by posted notice.

Holes cut in the ice of public waters may be no more than 12 inches in diameter or 12 inches square.

SPEARFISHING

Unless otherwise posted, spearguns, without explosive charge, may be used to take nonsport fish in waters posted “open to scuba and skin diving.” Spears must be attached to speargun or person by a line.

STATE FISHING LAKES

Motorboats may be used on state fishing lakes for fishing and hunting only, unless otherwise posted. Wading and float tubing in state fishing lakes is legal as part of fishing, hunting, bullfrogging, and trapping.

FORT RILEY FISHING

The Fort Riley military installation or portions of it may be closed at any time, without prior notice, due to military activities. The military mission has precedence over the announced seasons. Fort Riley has 29 ponds and several streams that may be open to fishing. For more information, go to fortriley.isportsman.net or call (785) 239-6211. All individuals 16 and older are required to have a Visitor’s Access Pass to recreate on Fort Riley, which can be acquired at the installation’s Visitor Control Center, located just south of Henry Gate Access Control Point (Exit 301, I-70).

ONLINE FISHING REPORTS

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) has provided fishing reports to anglers for more than 25 years. Anglers can visit the KDWP website, ksoutdoors.com, click "Fishing," then "Fishing Reports." Scroll down to find the appropriate region of the state.

District fisheries biologists and department staff attempt to update fishing reports on individual lakes regularly whenever information is available. Reports are seasonal, usually starting in April and continuing through October. However, there may be times throughout the year when reports will be updated because new information is available or reports don’t change because new information is not available. In some instances, biologists are stationed a considerable distance away from a lake under their management and they may not have the latest information.

Before traveling a long distance to fish, it’s a good idea to check several sources for current lake information; call a local bait shop, state park office or local angler, in addition to checking the online fishing reports.

BLUE CATFISH ON SOUTHEAST AND SOUTHCENTRAL KANSAS RIVERS

The statewide daily creel limit on blue catfish is 5 fish per day, except there is a 10 fish daily creel limit on the entirety of the Caney River and all of its tributaries, the entirety of the Little Caney River and all of its tributaries, the Verdigris River from the Oklahoma-Kansas state line to the Toronto Reservoir Dam and all of its tributaries including the Elk River to the Elk City Reservoir dam, the Fall River to the Fall River Reservoir Dam and Big Hill Creek to the Big Hill Reservoir Dam, the Neosho River from the Oklahoma-Kansas state line to the John Redmond Reservoir Dam and all its tributaries including Labette Creek to the Parsons City Lake Dam and Wolf Creek to the Coffey County Lake Dam, the Arkansas River from the Oklahoma-Kansas state line to the 21st Street North Dam in Wichita, the Ninnescah River from its the confluence with the Arkansas River to its confluence with the South Fork of the Ninnescah River and the South Fork of the Ninnescah River to the Kingman City Lake Dam.

Length Limits Blue catfish: NONE

Daily Creel Limits Blue catfish: 10

FISHING ON THE MISSOURI RIVER AND BROWNING OXBOW

In agreement with the Missouri Department of Conservation, KDWP has established special rules regarding the portion of the Missouri River that borders both Kansas and Missouri. All fish caught from the Missouri River Boundary Waters that are a size or number that is illegal to possess shall be released unrestricted to the water immediately.

Licensing: Anglers with either a valid Kansas or Missouri fishing license may fish any flowing portion and backwaters of the Missouri River and any oxbow lake through which the river flows. They may fish from and attach any legal fishing equipment to the land adjoining these waters.

Limitations: Tributaries of the Missouri may not be fished without a valid fishing license from the state through which the tributary flows. If any law or regulation governing fishing in the Missouri River is different from the corresponding law or regulation in the state for which the angler has a license, the more restrictive state’s law or regulation will apply. Each angler must keep all legally caught fish restrained separately from any other angler.

Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Alert – bighead carp, silver carp, zebra mussels, and white perch.

*Single species or in combination

More restrictive Missouri regulations apply.

KNOWING THE DIFFERENCE

The alligator snapping turtle is part of a recovery effort in the Verdigris and Neosho rivers in Kansas and Oklahoma. Abandoned or unattended trotlines, setlines, and floatlines are a serious threat to turtles and other wildlife. Alligator snapping turtles are easily snagged, usually on the upper shell behind the head. Trotlines, setlines, and floatlines must be checked once every 24 hours. If an alligator snapping turtle is captured on a trotline, setline, or floatline, simply cut the line and free the turtle. If you believe you have found or caught an alligator snapping turtle, please take a photo and send it to [email protected], before releasing it back to the water.

BOATING

Any vessel propelled by sail or machinery of any kind (including trolling motors) used on Kansas public waters must be registered. Boat registration fees are $42.50 for a three-year registration for all motor- or sail-propelled boats. Any boat required to be registered must have a Certificate of Registration on board and properly displayed registration numbers.

All boats, including kayaks and canoes, must be equipped with at least one wearable, Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (PFD) – serviceable and readily accessible – for each person on board or being towed.

Persons 12 years and younger are required to wear PFDs when on board or being towed by any vessel.

In addition, boats 16 feet and longer, except kayaks and canoes, must be equipped with at least one throwable PFD on board. This applies to all vessels, and such devices must be readily accessible.

Motorboats may be used on state fishing lakes for fishing and hunting only, unless otherwise posted.

NOTE: Any person under age 21 must complete an approved boater safety education course before operating a motorboat or sailboat on public waters in Kansas without being under direct and audible supervision. The law applies equally to residents and nonresidents. Get the Kansas Boating Regulations Summary wherever licenses are sold and at ksoutdoors.com.

REGULATION CHANGES: PFDs (LIFE-JACKETS)

The U.S. Coast Guard has initiated changes to the rules involving labeling of personal floatation devices, also known as life jackets. The following should help explain these changes coming in Kansas regulations.

The traditional life jacket “types categories” have gone away. This includes the Type I, II, III and IV wearable life jackets and the Type IV, throwable. Older labeled life jacket using the Type classification will still be legal only if U.S. Coast Guard approved, in good serviceable condition, of the proper size/fit and worn in compliance with the label of the jacket.

The new labeling requirement falls into one of two categories, “wearable” and “throwable”. Wearable life jackets will be divided into five buoyancy categories: 50, 70, 100, 150, and 275 Newtons (metric to harmonize with Canadian standards).

Choose the level of buoyancy for the type of activity. A higher number equals to greater buoyancy. Make sure the label states the jacket is U.S. Coast Guard approved. Although a level 50 life jacket may be an available life jacket on the market, it will most likely not be a U.S. Coast Guard approved floatation device, so be vigilant in reading labels. The curved arrow indicates that the jacket is likely to turn an unconscious wearer face up in the water. A slash through the curve means the jacket will not perform this function.

For comparisons, the Type I jacket would carry either a rating of 100 or 150 Newtons and would upright an unconscious victim. The type II jacket would carry a rating of 70 newtons and would upright an unconscious victim. The type III jacket would also carry a rating of 70 newtons but would not be able to turn an unconscious victim with the face out of the water. A type IV throwable is labeled as a throwable device.

The type V jacket, also known as a special purpose vest may meet either a Type I, II, or III standard, but would now be either a 70, 100, 150 Newton rating with special icons to support the activity it is designed for.

Any vessel propelled by sail or machinery of any kind (including trolling motors) used on Kansas public waters must be registered. Boat registration fees are $42.50 for a three-year registration for all motor- or sail-propelled boats. Any boat required to be registered must have a Certificate of Registration on board and properly displayed registration numbers.

All boats, including kayaks and canoes, must be equipped with at least one wearable, Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (PFD) – serviceable and readily accessible – for each person on board or being towed.

Persons 12 years and younger are required to wear PFDs when on board or being towed by any vessel.

In addition, boats 16 feet and longer, except kayaks and canoes, must be equipped with at least one throwable PFD on board. This applies to all vessels, and such devices must be readily accessible.

Motorboats may be used on state fishing lakes for fishing and hunting only, unless otherwise posted.

SIZE AND FIT

Check label for user weight and chest size.

Different body types float differently.

A good fit is secure, comfortable, and adjustable.

PERFORMANCE

Lower number offers greater mobility, comfort, and style with good floatation for most people.

Higher number offers greater floatation, turning, and stability in the water.

RISK MANAGEMENT

In over 80 percent of boating fatalities, the person was not wearing floatation.

Most of these are sudden falls overboard or capsize of a smaller boat.

The first moments in the water are critical, even for experienced swimmers.

Cold water shock causes gasping, loss of muscle control and swim failure.

Long term immersion in cold water requires thermal protection and floatation position to conserve energy.

KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT CONSUMPTION ADVISORIES

As the state’s environmental protection and public health agency, KDHE promotes responsible choices to protect the health and environment for all Kansans.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) have issued fish consumption advisories for 2023. The advisories identify types of fish or other aquatic animals that should be eaten in limited quantities or, in some cases, avoided altogether because of contamination. The following general advice and internet resources are provided to aid the public in making informed decisions regarding the benefits and risks associated with eating locally-caught fish from Kansas waters.

DEFINITIONS

Bottom-feeding fish: buffaloes, carps, catfishes, sturgeons, and suckers.

Shellfish: mussels, clams, and crayfish.

Serving size (skinless fish fillets before cooking):

• Adults and Children age 13 and older = 8 ounces
• Children age 6 to 12 = 4 ounces
• Children younger than 6 = 2 ounces

STATEWIDE MERCURY ADVISORIES FOR FISH

Getting outside to catch fish and eating fish has many health benefits, but all fish contain some amount of mercury. Anyone who routinely eats fish or serves fish to their children should carefully consider the types and amounts they eat, including store bought fish. Too much dietary mercury can harm the development of fetuses, nursing babies, and growing children. Therefore, mercury sensitive individuals (women who are pregnant, nursing, or may become pregnant, and children younger than 17 years old) should follow the guidelines presented below for eating fish caught in Kansas.

FISHING AND EATING GUIDELINES

1. Eat smaller portions – a fillet about the size of your palm.
2. Eat types of fish that have less mercury.
3. If you don’t know the type or size of fish you are eating, wait at least a week before eating fish again.
4. When fishing, keep fish shorter than your forearm (fingertips to elbow) or less than 20 inches as regulations allow: see, Fishing Regulations / Fishing / KDWP - KDWP (ksoutdoors.com).

Reduce the recommendations above if you tend to keep fish larger than about 20 inches to:

1. Preferred Choice Fish – not more than 1 serving per week
2. Second Choice Fish – not more than 1 serving per month

For specific questions or concerns about mercury in Kansas fish please contact KDHE. For information about mercury in fish caught in other states, in store bought fish, and in other types seafood please visit the following websites maintained by U.S. EPA (https://www.epa.gov/choose-fis...) and U.S. FDA (https://www.fda.gov/food/consu... eating-fish).

WATERBODY SPECIFIC ADVISORIES FOR ALL CONSUMERS

Kansas recommends restricting consumption of bottom-feeding fish to 2 servings per month from the following location because of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs):

1. Little Arkansas River from the Main Street Bridge immediately west of Valley Center to the confluence with the Arkansas River in Wichita (Sedgwick County).

Kansas recommends restricting consumption of bottom-feeding fish to 1 serving per month from the following location because of PCBs:

1. Cow Creek in Hutchinson and downstream to the confluence with the Arkansas River (Reno County).
2. K-96 Lake in Wichita (Sedgwick County).

Kansas recommends restricting consumption of bottom-feeding fish to 1 serving per month from the following location because of arsenic:

1. Mill Creek from Madison Road east of Morrowville to confluence with Little Blue River (Washington County).

Kansas recommends not eating specified fish or aquatic life from the following locations:

1. Antioch Park Lake South in Antioch Park, Overland Park (Johnson County); all fish due to pesticides dieldrin, heptachlor epoxide, chlordane and dichlorophenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs).
2. Arkalon Park Lakes in Liberal (Seward County) – Kansas recommends not eating any aquatic life because the lakes are sustained solely by treated municipal wastewater.
3. Arkansas River from the Lincoln Street dam in Wichita downstream to the confluence with Cowskin Creek near Belle Plaine (Sedgwick and Sumner counties); bottom-feeding fish due to PCBs.
4. Kansas River from Lawrence (below Bowersock Dam) downstream to Eudora at the confluence of the Wakarusa River (Douglas and Leavenworth counties); bottom-feeding fish due to PCBs.
5. Mill Creek from Washington (below 18th Road) downstream to confluence of Little Blue River (Washington County); shellfish due to arsenic.
6. Shoal Creek from the Missouri/Kansas border to Empire Lake (Cherokee County); shellfish due to lead and cadmium.
7. Spring Creek from the confluence of Center Creek to the Kansas/Oklahoma border (Cherokee County); shellfish due to lead and cadmium.

PREFERRED FISH - 1 or 2 SERVINGS PER WEEK

• Blue and Channel Catfish
• Common Carp
• Crappies
• White Bass, White Perch, Wiper, Striped Bass
• Walleye, Sauger, Saugeye
• Bullhead Catfish
• Drum
• Sunfish (Bluegill, Green, Redear, etc.)

SECOND CHOICE FISH - 1 or 2 SERVINGS PER MONTH

• Buffaloes (Black, Bigmouth, Smallmouth)
• Flathead Catfish
• Bass (Largemouth, Smallmouth, and Spotted)

WATERBODIES AFFECTED BY HARMFUL ALGAE BLOOMS

To date, measured algal toxin levels in fish samples collected from waters affected by harmful algal blooms (HABs) suggest the fish are safe to eat. However, please take the following precautions:

• Avoid skin contact with water.
• Wear gloves when handling wet fish and equipment.
• Rinse fish with clean water.
• Remove skin from fillets and rinse with clean water prior to cooking or freezing.
• Eat only skinless fillets.
• Do not eat shellfish.

GENERAL ADVICE FOR REDUCING EXPOSURE TO CHEMICALS IN FISH

• Keep smaller fish to eat and let the big ones go.
• Avoid eating fish parts other than fillets.
• Trim fat from fillets and/or use cooking methods that allows fat to drip away.
• Avoid subsistence fishing (relying on wild-caught fish for daily nutritional needs) in rivers within or immediately downstream of large urban/industrial areas.
• Do not eat fish or aquatic life from wastewater outfalls, waste treatment lagoons or stormwater retention ponds.

OTHER INFORMATION FROM KDHE, KDWP, EPA AND THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION

To view advisories online. and for information about KDHE’s Fish Tissue Contaminant Monitoring Program, visit http://www.kdhe.ks.gov/1268.

For information about fishing in Kansas – including licensing, regulations, fishing reports and forecasts – visit http://ksoutdoors.com/Fishing.

For information about the health benefits and risks of including fish in your diet, visit this American Heart Association website https://www.heart.org/en/news/... week-reduces-heart-stroke-risk.

For technical information regarding the U.S. EPA risk assessment methods used to determine advisory consumption limits, visit http://www2.epa.gov/fish-tech.

BLUE-GREEN ALGAE

Most bodies of water in Kansas are excellent homes for blue-green algae. Blue-green algae are bacteria that grow like plants. Blue-green algae in large numbers are common in standing water such as ponds or lakes especially during the summer months. When water temperatures warm and nutrient conditions are right blue-green algae will multiply very rapidly in what are referred to as algae blooms.

Blue-green algae have the ability to produce natural poisons (toxins) that can affect human and animal health. During the algae bloom the amount of toxin in the water can increase to dangerous levels. At larger lakes in Kansas, you may see signs posted warning that harmful algae is present and that contact with water should be avoided. Please obey the warnings for your own safety. On small lakes or ponds if you see a scum that looks like green paint in the water, the water has an unpleasant musty odor or you notice that several fish have died, avoid the water.

Recreational activities like swimming, wading, water skiing and boating increase the risk of exposure and ingestion. Contact with or ingestion of the water when high levels of toxins are present can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, skin rash, eye irritation and respiratory distress. To protect yourself and your pets you should avoid contact and never drink the water. Pets and animals that drink waters that contain toxins are at risk for serious illness and possible death. If you have concerns that you or a pet may have become ill after an exposure to toxins in the water call your doctor or veterinarian or your local county health department.

Visit https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/480/Ha... Information-Assista for more information.

BILGES AND LIVEWELLS

Livewells and bilges must be drained and drain plugs removed from all vessels being removed from waters of the state before transport on a public highway. No person may possess any live fish upon departure from any designated aquatic nuisance body of water.

FISHING FORECAST: TOP 10

Below is a preview of the 2024 Kansas Fishing Forecast, highlighting the top 10 locations for some of Kansas’ most popular sportfish species – channel catfish, black bass, walleye, crappie, wiper and saugeye.

Included in this preview are the top locations for each species, density rating, preferred rating, lunker rating and biggest fish caught during sampling. Ratings are averages of all samples collected in the previous three years. Density Rating is the number of catchable-size fish captured per unit of sampling effort. Preferred Rating identifies the relative number of preferred-size fish in the samples. And Lunker Rating represents sampling catch rate of memorable-size fish and serves as an index of trophy angling potential.

To view a complete version of the 2024 Kansas Fishing Forecast, visit ksoutdoors.com/Fishing/Fishing-Forecast or purchase a copy of the 2024 Spring issue of Kansas Wildlife & Parks Magazine by calling (620) 672-0756.

CHANNEL CATFISH

BLACK BASS

CRAPPIE

WIPER

WALLEYE

SAUGEYE

STATEWIDE CREEL AND LENGTH LIMITS

Individual water and general length and creel limits are listed here.

AQUATIC NUISANCE SPECIES (ANS)

ANS WATERS

Waters containing bighead carp, silver carp, rusty crayfish, white perch, and/or zebra mussels are classified as ANS designated waters. Anglers fishing ANS designated waters may not leave those waters with any live fish. ANS designated waters are listed below. New waters may be included whenever bighead carp, silver carp, white perch, rusty crayfish, and/or zebra mussels are discovered. ANS designated waters will be posted with the sign illustrated to the right.

ALLEN COUNTY

• Neosho R.

ATCHISON COUNTY

• Brewery Cr.
• Camp Cr.
• Crocked Cr.
• Deer Cr.
• Independence Cr.
• Little Stranger Cr.
• Little Walnut Cr.
• Missouri R.
• Mooney Cr.
• North Fork Stranger Cr.
• Owl Cr.
• Spring Cr.
• Stranger Cr.
• Walnut Cr.
• Whiskey Cr.

BROWN COUNTY

• Buttermilk Cr.
• Euchre Cr.
• Fox Cr.
• Middle Fork Wolf R.
• Mulberry Cr.
• Noharts Cr.
• North Fork Wolf R.
• Pedee Cr.
• Pony Cr.
• Roys Cr.
• South Fork Wolf R.
• Spring Branch
• Spring Cr.
• Squaw Cr.
• Terrapin Cr.
• Walnut Cr.
• Wolf R.

BUTLER COUNTY

• El Dorado East Pk. Pd.
• El Dorado Res.
• Walnut R.

CHASE COUNTY

• Chase SFL
• Cottonwood R.
• Panther Cr.

CHEROKEE COUNTY

• Neosho R.

CLAY COUNTY

• Milford Res.

CLOUD COUNTY

• Solomon R.

COFFEY COUNTY

• Coffey Co. Lake.
• John Redmond Res.
• Lebo City Lake
• Neosho R.
• Wolf Creek

COWLEY COUNTY

• Arkansas R.
• Timber Cr.
• Walnut R.
• Winfield CL

DICKINSON COUNTY

• Kansas R.
• Smoky Hill R.
• Solomon R.

DONIPHAN COUNTY

• Browning Oxbow
• Brush Cr. • Cedar Cr.
• Charlie Cr.
• Cold Ryan Branch
• Coon Cr.
• Fox Cr.
• Halling Cr.
• Independence Cr.
• Jordan Cr.
• Kenney Cr.
• Mill Cr.
• Mission Cr.
• Missouri R.
• Mosquito Cr.
• Nelson Cr.
• North Branch Independence Cr.
• Pennell Cr. • Peters Cr.
• Rittenhouse Branch
• Rock Cr.
• Smith Cr.
• Springs Branch
• Spring Cr.
• Striker Branch
• Squaw Cr.
• Walnut Cr.
• Wolf R.

DOUGLAS COUNTY

• Captain Cr.
• Chicken Cr.
• Clinton Res.
• Coal Cr.
• Kansas R.
• Little Wakarusa Cr.
• Mud Cr.
• Spring Cr.
• Wakarusa R.
• Washington Cr.

ELLIS COUNTY

• Smoky Hill R.

ELLSWORTH COUNTY

• Kanopolis Res.
• Smoky Hill R.

FRANKLIN COUNTY

• Marais des Cygnes R.

GEARY COUNTY

• Geary SFL
• Kansas R.
• Lyons Cr.
• Milford Res.
• Republican R.
• Smoky Hill R.

JEFFERSON COUNTY

• Crooked Cr.
• Dawson Cr.
• Delaware R. Fall Cr.
• Howard Cr.
• Hulls Branch
• Indian Cr.
• Kansas R.
• Mooney Cr.
• Mud Cr.
• Ninemile Cr.
• Perry Res.
• Plum Cr.
• Prairie Cr.
• Scatter Cr.
• Walnut Cr.

JOHNSON COUNTY

• Blue R.
• Camp Branch
• Captain Cr.
• Clear Cr.
• Camp Cr.
• Cedar Cr.
• Coffee Cr.
• Coon Cr.
• Hillsdale Res.
• Indian Cr.
• Kansas R.
• Kill Cr.
• Little Cedar Cr.
• Little Mill Cr.
• Mill Cr.
• Negro Cr.
• Spoon Cr.
• Tomahawk Cr.
• Turkey Cr.
• Wolf Creek

KINGMAN COUNTY

• Cheney Res.
• Kingman Hoover Pd.
• North Fork Ninnescah R.
• South Fork Ninnescah R.

LABETTE COUNTY

• Neosho R.

LEAVENWORTH COUNTY

• Branch Cr
• Brush Cr.
• Buckhorn Cr.
• Buttermilk Cr.
• Corral Cr.
• Cow Cr.
• Cramer Cr.
• Dawson Cr.
• Fall Cr.
• Fivemile Cr.
• Hog Cr.
• Island Cr.
• Jarbalo Cr.
• Kansas R.
• Kent Cr.
• Little Kaw Cr.
• Little Sandy Cr.
• Little Snell Cr.
• Little Stranger Cr.
• Missouri R.
• Mud Cr.
• Murray Cr.
• Ninemile Cr.
• Plum Cr.
• Pony Cr.
• Prairie Cr.
• Quarry Cr.
• Salt Cr.
• Sevenmile Cr.
• Stranger Cr.
• Threemile Cr.
• Tonganoxie Cr.
• Walnut Cr.
• West Brush Cr.
• Wolf Creek

LINCOLN COUNTY

• Saline R.
• Wilson Res.

LINN COUNTY

• Linn Valley Lakes-Main Lake
• Marais des Cygnes R.

LYON COUNTY

• Cottonwood R.
• John Redmond Res
• Melvern Res.
• Neosho R.
• Lyon SFL

MARION COUNTY

• Cottonwood R.
• Marion Res.

MARSHALL COUNTY

• Clear Cr.
• Manley Cr.
• Pole Cr.
• Tuttle Creek Res.
• Tuttle Creek Res.-River Pd.

MCPHERSON COUNTY

• Emerald Lake.
• Smoky Hill R.
• McPherson SFL

MIAMI COUNTY

• Hillsdale Res.
• Bull Cr.
• Marias des Cygnes R.
• Dorsey Branch
• Paola CL (Lake Miola)
• South Wea Cr.

MITCHELL COUNTY

• Glen Elder Res.
• Solomon R.

MORRIS COUNTY

• Canning Cr.
• Council Grove CL
• Council Grove Res.
• Neosho R.

NEMAHA COUNTY

• Burger Cr.
• Clear Cr.
• Deer Cr.
• Fisher Cr.
• Fourmile Cr.
• Harris Cr.
• Honey Cr.
• Illinois Cr.
• Manley Cr.
• Negro Cr.
• North Fork Wildcat Cr.
• Pole Cr.
• Rattlesnake Cr.
• Rock Cr.
• South Fork Big Nemaha R.
• South Fork Wildcat Cr.
• Tennessee Cr.
• Turkey Cr.
• Wildcat Cr.
• Wolf Pen Cr.

NEOSHO COUNTY

• Neosho R.

OSAGE COUNTY

• Marais des Cygnes R.
• Melvern Res.
• Melvern River and Rearing Ponds
• Pomona Res.
• Osage SFL
• 110-Mile Cr.

OSBORNE COUNTY

• Glen Elder Res.

OTTAWA COUNTY

• Saline R.
• Solomon R.

POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY

• Big Blue R.
• Jeffery Energy Center Make-up Lake.
• Jeffery Energy Center Auxiliary Lake.
• Kansas R.
• Tuttle Creek Res.
• Tuttle Creek River Pd.

RENO COUNTY

• Cheney Res.
• Hutchinson Carey Park Pd.
• Hutchinson Carey Park Lagoon

RILEY COUNTY

• Big Blue R.
• Tuttle Creek Res.
• Tuttle Creek River Pd.

RUSH COUNTY

• Smoky Hill R.

RUSSELL COUNTY

• Saline R.
• Smoky Hill R.
• Wilson Res.

SEDGWICK COUNTY

• Arkansas R.
• Big Slough
• Cheney Res.
• Chisholm North Lake
• Clearwater Cr.
• Emerald Bay
• Lake Afton
• Ninnescah R.
• North Fork Ninnescah R.
• South Fork Ninnescah R.
• Sedgwick Co. Park Lakes
• Spirit/Boeing Employee Assoc. Lake.
• Wichita-South Lake
• MS Mitch Mitchell Floodway
• Wichita-West KDOT

SHAWNEE COUNTY

• Deer Cr.
• Kansas R.
• Lake Shawnee
• Shunganunga Cr.

SUMNER COUNTY

• Arkansas R.
• Chikaskia R.
• East Prairie Cr.
• Ninnescah R.
• Prairie Cr.
• Wellington CL

TREGO COUNTY

• Cedar Bluff Res.
• Smoky Hill R.

WABAUNSEE COUNTY

• East Branch of Mill Cr.
• Kansas R.
• Lake Wabaunsee
• Mill Cr.
• South Branch Mill Cr.

WOODSON COUNTY

• Neosho R.

WYANDOTTE COUNTY

• Betts Cr.
• Brenner Heights Cr.
• Conner Cr.
• Eddy Cr.
• Honey Cr.
• Island Cr.
• Jersey Cr.
• Kansas R.
• Little Turkey Cr.
• Marshall Cr.
• Mattoon Cr.
• Mill Cr.
• Missouri R.
• Munice Cr.
• Nearman Cr.
• Piper Cr.
• Turkey Cr.
• West Mission Cr.
• Wolf Creek
• Wyandotte Co. Lake.

IT IS AGAINST BOTH STATE AND FEDERAL LAW TO RELEASE ANY EXOTIC SPECIES IN KANSAS WATERS.

It is illegal to transport certain species in Kansas. Protect yourself and your natural resources.

Livewells and bilges must be drained and drain plugs removed from all vessels being removed from waters of the state before transport on a public highway.

Before leaving any body of water:

CLEAN
Inspect all equipment for anything attached (plants, animals, and mud) and remove anything that is found.

DRAIN
Drain all water from equipment (livewell, bilge, bait buckets) before using at a different location.

DRY
Dry all equipment for a minimum of 5 days before using again. If you need to use it sooner, wash with hot (120o) water.

Non-native species pose a serious threat to Kansas waters. If you find one of these species, do not release it back into the water. Contact the Emporia Research Office at (620) 342-0658 or your local KDWP office. For more information, visit ksoutdoors.com

ZEBRA MUSSEL

• Zebra mussels are found in the Kansas lakes and impoundments designated with the red “ANS Alert - Zebra Mussels” in the “Locations, Length and Creel Limits” listing on Pages 20-37 of this pamphlet, as well as the rivers that flow from these impoundments. Fish may not be transported live from these waters.
• They filter vast quantities of water, which alters the entire food web within a water-body. Although this filtering action may clear up the water in some instances, the clear water will often lead to algae blooms that are harmful to people. The clear water can also allow UV rays to damage fish eggs.
• They can reach high densities, causing problems to water intakes, docks, and boat motors. Nationwide expenditures to control zebra mussels in industrial plants alone are estimated at $310 million per year.
• They have sharp shells that can cut the unprotected skin of humans or pets. Shoes or other protective clothing are recommended when wading in zebra mussel infested water.
• All aquatic users need to do their part to prevent the spread of zebra mussels to other waters in Kansas. Follow control recommendations and tell others how to prevent the spread of zebra mussels.

WHITE PERCH

• White perch are found in the Kansas lakes and impoundments designated with the red “ANS Alert - White Perch” in the “Locations, Length and Creel Limits” listing on Pages 20-37 of this pamphlet. Fish may not be transported live from these waters.
• White perch have been associated with declines in both walleye and white bass populations.
• They out-compete native fishes for food and space.
• They hybridize with white bass.
• KDWP has added white perch to the prohibited species list. The possession of live white perch is prohibited. Dead white perch may still be possessed or used as bait on the waters where they were taken.
• Spiny and soft dorsal fins are connected; both fins pop-up when spiny dorsal manually erected.

BIGHEAD CARP, SILVER CARP

• Bighead and silver carp can be found in the Kansas, Missouri and Wakarusa rivers and their tributaries. Fish may not be transported live from these waters.
• These fish are highly adaptive, prolific spawners, and directly compete with other fish for food and space.
• Silver carp pose a physical danger to boaters because of their leaping ability.

FERTILE GRASS CARP

• It is illegal to possess or import fertile grass carp.

SALTCEDAR (TAMARISK)

• Saltcedar is a small tree or shrub that produces pink flowers May through October and can be found in 49 Kansas counties.
• It forms dense monocultures and dramatically changes vegetation structure and animal species diversity.
• It accumulates salt in its tissues, which is later released, making soil unsuitable for many native plant species.
• Infestations of saltcedar can reduce or eliminate water flow in streams.
• Leaves, twigs, and seeds are extremely low in nutrients, and, as a result, very few insects or wildlife will use them.

NEW ZEALAND MUD SNAIL

• The New Zealand mudsnail (NZMS) has not been reported in Kansas, but is considered a priority species because of the late 2004 introduction into Colorado.
• Mature New Zealand mudsnails average 5mm (2/10-inch) in length and have brown or black cone-shaped shells with five whorls.
• NZMS disrupt the food chain by consuming algae in the stream and competing with native bottom-dwelling invertebrates. A population crash of invertebrates can follow the introduction of NZMS, which reduces fish forage. With a decrease in food availability, fish populations may decline as well.
• Mudsnails are able to withstand desiccation, a variety of temperatures, and are small enough that many types of water users (anglers, swimmers, pets) could inadvertently transfer them. It takes only one snail to start an infestation.

EURASIAN WATERMILFOIL

• Eurasian watermilfoil forms dense mats on the water's surface.
• It reproduces by fragmentation, and plant fragments can be transported by boaters.
• It will shade out native vegetation and reduce oxygen levels during decomposition.
• Eurasian watermilfoil forms a dense canopy that hinders recreational activities.

PURPLE LOOSESTRIFE

• Purple loosestrife is established in several areas across Kansas.
• Loosestrife restricts native wetland plant species, including some federally endangered orchids, and reduces habitat for waterfowl.
• It is highly tolerant to disturbance and reproduces through the dispersal of thousands of tiny seeds.

INVASIVE PHRAGMITES

• Invasive phragmites are native to Europe with strains likely introduced to the U.S. during the 1800s in ship ballast water.
• It is a tall, perennial grass that can grow 15 feet or more in height. Stems are light tan in color and hollow. Leaves are blue green in color, flat and wide. Flower heads are dense, fluffy, and gray or purple in color.
• It is a fast-growing plant that forms dense stands that consume available growing space and push out native plants that are vital to birds, fish and wildlife. It degrades wetland and wildlife habitats with dense growth, thus reducing critical resources for birds and other wildlife. Dense stands impede the movement of boaters, fish and wildlife. Large populations alter hydrology, dry up wetlands, impede water movement, and increase the potential of fire risks.
• Invasive Phragmites spread predominantly through seed dispersal – seeds are dispersed from November through January and each seed head can produce up to 2,000 seeds. It can spread to new areas when fragments break off a parent plant and are moved to a new location where they can root. This can happen through natural events such as wind and water. Humans can also unintentionally disperse seeds via contaminated equipment, gear or boats. It easily colonizes muddy soil in disturbed and open areas free of competitors.
• Well-established stands are difficult to control. Herbicide treatments containing glyphosate and imazapyr can be used to control and reduce large populations. Herbicide treatments in conjunction with prescribed fire, mechanical pulling or cutting, and flooding can be used to control, but treatments usually need to be repeated annually to control dense stands. Thoroughly inspect equipment, gear and boats for loose vegetation and remove.

CURLY-LEAF PONDWEED

• Curly-leaf pondweed is a native to Eurasia, Africa, and Australia. By 1950, curly-leaf pondweed had infested most of the U.S.
• Curly-leaf pondweed is a fast growing perennial with a flattened and sometimes branching stem. It is 1 to 3 inches long and mostly 1/8 of an inch wide. The leaves are simple, long, narrow and attached directly to the stem. The flowers are brownish and inconspicuous and usually occur from May to October.
• In the spring, it forms dense mats which interfere with recreation and limit the growth of native aquatic plants. This plant does die back in mid-summer.
• Mechanical, biological, and chemical control techniques can be effective. Contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture for specific recommendations. Early detection of isolated populations may help prevent their spread. Your help to report new sightings and to prevent their spread is vital.

RUSTY CRAYFISH

• The normal distribution of the rusty crayfish includes Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio. In recent years, its distribution has expanded because of the use of live crayfish as fishing bait. The rusty crayfish was recently found for the first time in Kansas in McPherson State Fishing Lake.
• Rusty crayfish have large, black-tipped claws and rust-colored spots on its carapace.
• Rusty crayfish displace native crayfish, and destroy plant bed abundance and diversity.
• Since females carry fertilized eggs, this species can spread very easily.

WILD-CAUGHT BAIT

Live baitfish, crayfish, leeches, amphibians, and mussels may be caught and used as live bait only within the common drainage where caught. However, bluegill and green sunfish collected from non-designated aquatic nuisance waters may be possessed or used as live bait anywhere. Live baitfish shall not be transported and used above any upstream dam or barrier that prohibits the normal passage of fish. Live baitfish collected from designated aquatic nuisance waters shall be possessed or used as live bait only while on that water and shall not be transported from the water alive.