Eight reservoirs targeted for pilot program; special permit required
PRATT -- Last October, the Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission approved a pilot project to allow floatline fishing at eight reservoirs beginning this summer. Anglers will be allowed to use floatlines only during daylight hours from July 15 through Sept. 15 at eight Kansas reservoirs: Hillsdale, Council Grove, Tuttle Creek, Kanopolis, John Redmond, Toronto, Wilson, and Pomona. Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks staff recommended the addition of this fishing method to provide more angling opportunities on reservoirs with untapped channel catfish populations.

Floatline fishing, sometimes called “jug fishing,” allows Kansas anglers to use no more than eight floatlines with no more than two hooks attached to each line. A floatline permit (available for $2.50) will be required, enabling department staff to survey floatline anglers during this three-year pilot program. A valid Kansas fishing license is also required, unless exempt by law. During this season, anglers are allowed to set eight floatlines or eight setlines, but not both. In addition to floatlines, an angler may fish with two poles.

All floatlines must be under immediate supervision of the angler and must be removed from the water when fishing ceases. As with setlines, floatlines must be tagged with the owner's name and address. Materials used for floats are restricted to “closed cell” devices made of solid plastic, wood, or foam; metal, glass or any other hollow material is not allowed. Because closed-cell floats do not hold water, they are less likely to spread zebra mussels or other aquatic nuisance species.

For more information, consult the 2009 Kansas Fishing Regulations Summary, available where licenses are sold or online at www.kdwp.state.ks.us.
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