Lake being drained for repairs; length and creel limits suspended

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) is draining Douglas State Fishing Lake (SFL) for repair of the dam and valve-intake line. Rather than waste fish currently in the lake, KDWP will open it for public salvage Jan. 7-15.

Legal methods of salvage include rod and reel, setline, seines no larger than 15 feet by 4 feet and having mesh no larger than 1/4 inch, dip net, cast net, gig, and handfishing. Each angler is limited to two rods with no more than two hooks (single or treble) per line. In addition, each angler may set up to eight setlines with no more than two hooks per line. The name and address of the angler must accompany each setline, and all setlines must be checked at least once every 24 hours. Snagging will also be permitted, but trotlines are not allowed.

Anglers may use boats, but they may not drive in the lake basin; vehicles must remain on roads. Unless exempt by law, anyone participating in this salvage must possess a valid Kansas fishing license. No length or creel limits will be in effect during this period.

Anglers should be aware that mud around the remaining pool of water will be very soft. Some fishermen have become stuck in mud at other salvages and had to be rescued. In addition, water temperatures could be dangerously cold, so anglers should dress warmly to guard against hypothermia. Because of these conditions, anglers should not fish alone.

For more information, phone 785-832-8413 or email richards@wp.state.ks.us.

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