KDWP FISH INFORMATION NIGHTS PREPARE ANGLERS FOR SPRING

Fishing prospects, crappie techniques, and best locations presented
PRATT — Want to know where and how to catch fish in Kansas reservoirs? Attend one of several events hosted by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) in late winter. Called Fishing Information Nights, the events will feature experts on fishing and focus on fishing prospects, techniques, and locations. The events will also have presentations on proven angling tactics for crappie.

The first event will take place on Feb. 22 from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. in Fort Hays State University Memorial Union's Black and Gold Room in Hays. Introductory speakers include Steve Price, KDWP Region 1 fisheries supervisor, and Lynn Maska of the Department of Health & Human Performance at Ft. Hays State. District fisheries biologists Mark Shaw and Tommie Berger will follow with updates on Webster, Kirwin, Sebelius, and Wilson reservoirs. Crappie angler, guide, and former KDWP law enforcement officer Paul Miller will then offer tips on how to catch this popular fish.

Miller will be followed by detailed fishing forecasts for Cedar Bluff, Glen Elder, and Lovewell reservoirs conducted by district fisheries biologists Dave Spalsbury and Scott Waters.

On Feb. 25 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., a Fishing Information Night will be held in the Little Theatre at the Kansas Highway Patrol Training Center, East Iron Avenue, in Salina. Introductory remarks by Price will be followed by fishing forecasts for Kanopolis and Wilson reservoirs from Berger and Milford Reservoir from biologist John Reinke. Miller will repeat his crappie fishing seminar, followed by updates on Glen Elder and Lovewell reservoirs by Waters. For more information on the Hays and Salina events, phone 785-628-8614.

In northeast Kansas, a Fishing Information Night will be held at the Johnson County Community College, Carlsen Center Room 211, 12345 College Blvd., Overland Park, on Friday Feb. 26. The event will last from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and will include talks from fisheries biologists Richard Sanders (Clinton), Ely Sprenkle (Tuttle Creek), Andy Jansen (Hillsdale), and Kirk Tjelmeland (Perry). Each biologist will present an overview of area reservoir fisheries and local smaller lakes of interest. Region 2 Fisheries Section supervisor Chuck Bever will discuss aquatic nuisance species. For more information, contact the KDWP Region 2 Office, 785-273-6740, or the Kansas City District office, 913-422-1314.

On March 3, a Fishing Information night will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Great Plains Nature Center Auditorium, 6232 E. 29th St. North (29th N. & Woodlawn) in Wichita. Fishing guide "'Crappie" Chatt Martin will provide information about crappie fishing techniques. Regional fisheries biologists will be on hand to answer question about area lakes in an informal session. For more information, phone 316-683-8069.

Biologists will take questions from the audience at all events, which are developed by KDWP regional staff. All events are free.
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