Unpredictable river flowing well for second year in a row
STOCKTON — The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks will be stocking 250 rainbow trout in the South Fork Solomon River above Webster Reservoir on Jan. 28. Flows in the river have been adequate, so anglers will have the opportunity to fish for rainbow trout in a river setting above Webster Reservoir again this year. Only one site will be stocked this year; however, it has been extended to 1 mile upstream of the low water crossing and ½-mile downstream of the crossing. Last year, the site was only ½-mile upstream and ½- downstream of the low water crossing.

This site will likely be stocked again in February with another 250 fish, and 250 more will be added in March, depending upon flow and the amount of angler use and harvest. Stockings will likely occur during the middle part of each month.

Wading and drifting power bait and salmon eggs into holes and under habitat is a highly effective method for fishing river rainbow trout. Artificial lures such as spinners, small spoons, and flies also work well. Swimming spinners in current near woody habitat can provide exciting action. To use this method, cast a spinner downstream and work it into position under and around prime habitat, then hold it in place and let the current work the spinner blade. Fly fishing can be productive using flashy patterns in streamer-type flies.

The stretch of the South Fork Solomon River between the Damar Blacktop and Webster Reservoir is classified as a Type 2 trout water, meaning that from Oct. 15 through April 15, a trout permit is required of anglers fishing for or possessing trout, except that youth under 16 years of age may fish without a permit with a reduced daily creel limit of two trout, or they can keep five per day if they possess a permit. In addition, all residents 16 thru 64 years of age and nonresidents 16 and older must have a valid fishing license. Anglers fishing for and possessing only species other than trout in this stretch of river during trout season are not required to have a trout permit. All anglers may fish for and possess trout without a permit after April 15, but the five-fish creel limit still applies.

The following map (click here for larger image) describes the stocking locations:

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