Wildlife and Parks stocks rainbow trout in river above Webster Reservoir
STOCKTON — To enhance the Kansas trout fishing experience, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) stocked 500 rainbow trout in the South Fork Solomon River above Webster Reservoir on March 9. Flows in the river have been adequate, and anglers should enjoy this exciting challenge, which area biologists provide whenever the river flows well. As with last year, only one site will be stocked; however, it has been extended to 1 mile upstream of the low-water crossing and 1/2 mile downstream of the crossing.

Wading and drifting power bait and salmon eggs into holes and under logs, brushpiles, and other habitat is a highly effective method for fishing river rainbow trout. Artificial lures — such as spinners, small spoons, and flies — are also very effective, and running spinners in current near woody habitat often yields a full creel. 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 also be productive, especially with flashy patterns in streamer-type flies.

This stretch of the South Fork Solomon River between the Damar Blacktop and Webster Reservoir is classified as a Type 2 trout water, meaning that during trout season — Oct. 15-April 15 — a trout permit is required for anglers fishing for or possessing trout. The exception is that youth younger than 16 may fish without a permit but are limited to a daily creel limit of two trout, or they can keep five per day if they possess a permit. In addition, all residents 16 through 64 years of age and nonresidents 16 and older must have a valid fishing license.

Anglers fishing for or 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 once the season ends April 15, but the five-fish creel limit still applies.

For more information, phone district fisheries biologist Mark A. Shaw, at 785-425-6775.
-30-

Back to 3/10/11 News