Jewell State Fishing Lake in Kansas to Re-open on October 4
September 26, 2008
Channel catfish, bass, and bluegill stocked; catch-and-release the first year
MANKATO — On Saturday, Oct. 4, the west gate at Jewell State Fishing Lake will be opened to the public. Rains in spring, summer, and fall have raised the water level nearly 14 feet, and with this adequate water level, the fishery is being renovated. Although it will take a couple of years to recover, catchable fish will be available this fall. Stockings this fall include 2,000 channel catfish 8-12 inches long, 125 largemouth bass 6-8 inches long, and 1,500 adult bluegill 5-6 inches long. In addition, crappie and saugeye will be stocked in 2009 or 2010.
Special fishing regulations are in place to protect this fishery, so most of the fishing will be catch-and-release for the next year. Largemouth bass have a 21-inch minimum length limit; channel catfish have a 15-inch minimum length limit, and both species have a daily creel limit of five fish. There are no length or creel limits for bluegill or green sunfish.
By opening the west gate, visitors will have access to the boat ramp, courtesy dock, three designated campsites, and plentiful shoreline. The southeast gate will remain closed until March 1, 2009, and opened only if the water level rises to allow fishing in those areas. Walk-in access for fishing and hunting is still allowed on the property beyond the gates.
For more information, phone Mike Nyhoff at the Glen Elder Area Office, 785-545-3345.
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Sturgeon Injures Two Live Oak Residents in Florida
September 8, 2008
Two Live Oak residents were injured when a sturgeon jumped into a boat cruising down the Suwannee River Sunday afternoon, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
Chandler Brant Howard, 4, and his father, Christopher W. Howard, 32, sustained lacerations when the fish hit them. Chandler also suffered a broken arm.
Chandler’s mother, Laura Howard, 29, and brother, Christopher, 7, were also in the boat but were uninjured during the encounter near the Dowling Park boat ramp in Suwannee County.
FWC officers investigating the encounter said a 3- to 4-foot sturgeon jumped in front of the Howards’ boat. The vessel was on plane and traveling approximately 30 miles per hour. The family was traveling about two miles north of the Dowling Park boat ramp.
“The sturgeon jumped up, shattering the boat’s windshield,” said Capt. Roy Brown, with FWC law enforcement. “Mr. Howard was struck and then Chandler got hit.”
The sturgeon jumped back into the river.
This strike is the most northern encounter reported to the FWC, Brown said. There have been two other encounters in 2008. The first one occurred May 23 near Branford, when a man was slightly injured when a sturgeon jumped in his boat. The second reported encounter was July 4 near Rock Bluff, when a sturgeon jumped into a boat. No one was injured except for the fish.
Boaters can take measures to protect themselves while on the water.
“We recommend boaters reduce their speed to reduce the risk of impact and to give people more time to react if they do encounter a jumping sturgeon,” Brown said. “Pay attention to your surroundings. And always wear your life jacket, even if you’re a good swimmer. It’s hard to swim if you’re unconscious.”
Children 6 years old and younger are required to wear a life jacket while on a vessel.
The Suwannee River appears to support the largest viable population of Gulf sturgeon. Biologists estimate the population at 6,500 to 7,500 fish, each averaging approximately 40 pounds. Adult fish spend eight to nine months each year in the river spawning and three to four of the coolest months in Gulf waters. Sturgeon tend to congregate in deeper and cooler waters with moderate currents and sandy and rocky bottoms.
Biologists are unsure why sturgeon jump.
“Scientists are still attempting to figure that out,” said Allen Martin, regional freshwater fisheries biologist at Lake City. “Some of the theories include that the fish jump to communicate, or it may be a dominance display. We don’t know for sure.”
These encounters are not attacks, Martin said.
“I have seen these collisions referred to as ‘attacks.’ However, these fish are in no way ‘attacking’ when they jump. They are simply doing what they have been doing for millions of years … jumping. They aren’t targeting the boaters,” Martin said.
However, Gulf sturgeon can get quite big, exceeding 8 feet and 200 pounds.
“They have five rows of rock-hard ‘scutes’ along their sides and back. When sturgeon and boaters collide, the results can be devastating,” Martin said.
Sturgeon are a protected species and may not be harvested.
“Sturgeon are protected by state and federal law, just like bald eagles, panthers and sea turtles,” Brown said.
To report sturgeon collisions, call 1-888-404-FWCC (3922).
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Pleasant Harbor Public Boat Launch to Close Sept. 8-12
August 27, 2008
OLYMPIA – The public boat launch at Pleasant Harbor near Brinnon on Hood Canal will be closed Sept. 8-12 while the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) wraps up an improvement project at the site.
The launch was previously scheduled to close earlier in September but recent heavy rains made the ground too wet to work, said Penny Warren, WDFW regional lands supervisor. The launch will now be closed from 12:01 a.m. Monday, Sept. 8 to 11:59 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12.
The Pleasant Harbor launch is closing while WDFW completes a two-year improvement project at the site, Warren, WDFW regional lands supervisor.
“We’re sorry to close the site down for these days, but it’s exciting to put the final touches on this important project,” Warren said.
Funded through a grant from the Washington State Recreation Conservation Office, the new amenities at the popular launch include a double boat ramp, a float, restroom, an asphalt road and paved parking. WDFW also widened the road to the site and installed new water retention ponds and lighting. Work crews will finish the road and parking lot during the closures in September.
Warren said two alternative launch sites are available nearby while Pleasant Harbor is under construction. The sites are located at Triton Cove State Park, which is approximately five miles south of Pleasant Harbor and the Quilcene launch site, which is approximately 15 miles north at the end of Linger Longer Road.
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Grant Allows Commission to Protect Parking at Popular Public Boating Site
August 18, 2008
The Brunswick County ramp will also be renovated
SUNSENT HARBOR, N.C. (Aug. 18, 2008) – The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has purchased property adjacent to its Sunset Harbor Boating Access Area to ensure that the public has adequate parking at the site for years to come.
The purchase – the first from the N.C. Waterfront Access and Marine Industry (WAMI) Fund – will also enable the commission to focus its resources on much needed renovations to the existing boat ramp on the Intracoastal Waterway. The WAMI funds will also provide funding to develop a small public fishing pier, said Gordon Myers, deputy director.
“This $915,000 grant, made possible through the leadership of the General Assembly, is allowing us to protect waterfront land and preserve it for public use,” Myers said. “In addition, thanks to this collaboration with the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries, which administers the fund, we’ll be able to make significant improvements, expand the uses of this property and ensure continued access to our state’s public waters.”
Boaters using the Sunset Harbor Boating Access Area had previously parked on property leased to a private fishing club. However, when the property owner decided to sell it, the commission worried that a private buyer would forbid public parking – and quickly purchased the property with WAMI funding to make it part of the commission’s free Boating Access Area.
Adding the parking area into state ownership makes it much more desirable to overhaul the access area. The renovation plans include new launch ramps, docks, dredging and development of a small fishing pier. The renovations will also apply low-impact design strategies to manage storm water.
“The Sunset Harbor project was the type of multi-use site we were looking to fund with the Waterfront Access and Marine Industry Fund,” said Louis Daniel, director of the Division of Marine Fisheries. “Not only will it ensure continued parking for an existing, heavily-used boat ramp, a fishing pier will provide water access for those without vessels.”
“The project was also a great example of how the Division of Marine Fisheries and the Wildlife Resources Commission can join forces to provide greater coastal water access for all North Carolina citizens,” Daniel said.
The N.C. General Assembly approved the $20 million WAMI Fund in 2007 as a way to pay for acquiring waterfront properties or developing facilities to provide or improve waterfront access for the public. The $915,000 grant for Sunset Harbor was one of 13 projects approved for funding in April.
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Boat Inspections to Begin at Lake Granby in Colorado
August 14, 2008
On
Friday, August 15, the Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW), in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service and the Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District, will begin boat inspections for weekend boaters at Lake Granby in Grand County.
Inspections will be conducted randomly at the Stillwater and Sunset Point boat ramps. Inspectors will be present Friday through Sunday from sunrise to sunset. The Arapaho Bay boat ramp will be closed during this time.
Currently, boat inspections will be implemented on weekends, when the reservoir typically sees 95 percent of its recreation traffic. There will be no inspections Monday through Thursday or during the nighttime hours. Granby will remain open and all boat ramps will be accessible during this time. Boaters are expected to follow the Clean, Drain and Dry protocol when inspections are not available.
“Right now, our goal is to address the peak traffic periods on the lake,” said Elizabeth Brown, DOW Invasive Species Coordinator. “We plan to expand the inspection efforts as additional staffing and resources become available.”
Boaters should make sure their vessels are clean and dry before entering and when leaving the reservoir. This will help to insure that inspection procedures run smoothly and that no mussels or larvae are transported to another body of water. Vessels identified as “at risk” for spreading mussels or other aquatic nuisance species, will be cleaned and decontaminated at an on-site hot-water wash station.
Lake Granby is the largest reservoir in the Colorado-Big Thompson Project (C-BT). The DOW is working with the other managing agencies to develop an appropriate response plan for each of the Colorado-Big Thompson reservoirs.
Boaters are reminded to observe the following steps in order to prevent the spread of zebra and quagga mussels:
CLEAN: Remove all plants, animals, mud; and thoroughly wash everything, including all crevices and other hidden areas.
DRAIN: Eliminate all water before leaving the area, including live wells, bait containers, ballast and engine cooling water.
DRY: Allow sufficient time for your boat and other equipment to completely dry before launching in other waters.
For more information about zebra and quagga mussels visit: www.wildlife.state.co.us/WildlifeSpecies/Profiles/InvasiveSpecies/ZebraandQuaggaMussels.htm
The Colorado Division of Wildlife is the state agency responsible for managing wildlife and its habitat, as well as providing wildlife related recreation. The Division is funded through hunting and fishing license fees, federal grants and Colorado Lottery proceeds through Great Outdoors Colorado.
Caring for the land and serving people. The mission of the USDA Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the Nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations.
For more information from the U.S. Forest Service, Contact: John Bustos 970-295-6674
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Connecticut DEP Temporarily Closes the Thames River State Boat Launch in New London for Renovations
June 30, 2008
Alternative Public Boat Launches Available
The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will be temporarily closing the Thames River State Boat Launch in New London for renovations. The closure will be effective July 14, 2008 through August 28, 2008 while the State boat launch is being renovated.
Renovations to the Thames River State Boat Launch will include:
Boat Ramp – installing a new ramp of pre-cast concrete, with a grooved surface;
Ramp Sides and Bottom – installing an interconnecting concrete block apron on the sides and bottom of the ramp to prevent erosion.
“The ramp replacement, which will be completed this summer, will improve boating operations and facilitate the safe and efficient launching and retrieval of boats,” said Eleanor Mariani, of DEP’s Boating Division.
While the renovations are taking place, the public can utilize the following boat launches in the area: Dock Road in Waterford, and the K.E. Streeter and Bayberry Lane boat launches, both in Groton. For additional state owned boat launches see the CT Boater’s Guide or visit the Boating section of the DEP website at: www.ct.gov/dep
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Most State Parks and Reservoirs Open After Storms
June 12, 2008
Most of Indiana’s state parks and reservoirs are open and ready for use this week, according to Dan Bortner, director of the Department of Natural Resources Division of Indiana State Parks and Reservoirs.
“A few of our properties have facilities closed or have reduced some operations due to high water or storm damage. I am so proud of our staff and how they are responding to this situation. Almost all of our properties are open and ready for hiking, camping, fishing, swimming and interpretive programs. Our inns are open as well,” Bortner said.
In locations where camping facilities, cabins or shelters must be closed temporarily, guests with reservations are being contacted either by the DNR property or through the Central Reservation System to let them know the status and make them aware of other possible locations with campsites, cabins or shelters available.
To check on a camping or shelter reservation, contact the Central Reservation System Call Center at 1-866-622-6746.
Storm-related closures are affecting only the seven properties listed below. There are no closures at any of the other (24) state parks and reservoirs at this time.
- Brookville Lake: Beaches at Mounds SRA and Quakertown SRA are currently closed but should reopen by the weekend. For local updates, call (765) 647-2657.
- Cagles Mill Lake: Cunot SRA and the lower falls at Cataract SRA are closed. The marina and beach are closed at Lieber SRA. The campground, pool and all other facilities are open, but no drinking water is available. For local updates, call (765) 795-4576.
- Harmonie State Park: Horse trails, boat ramp and all overnight facilities will be closed on June 12 when rising water from the Wabash River is expected to cross the park road. These facilities and likely will remain closed through June 19 as the Wabash River crests and recedes. The swimming pool and three picnic areas with four shelters will remain open. For local updates, call (812) 682-4821.
- Monroe Lake: All beaches are currently closed. Some campsites and boat ramps are closed. Some roads are flooded and impassable. For local updates call (812) 837-9546.
- Patoka Lake: Beach is closed; campground and all other facilities are open; for local updates call (812) 685-2464.
- Raccoon SRA at Cecil M. Harden Lake: The beach is closed. July 4th fireworks will be moved to Saturday, Aug. 30. The campground and launching ramp are currently open but additional rain may close the main SRA road. For the latest conditions, call (765) 344-1412.
- Shakamak State Park: All facilities are closed and will remain so at least through June 15. For local updates, call (812) 665-2158.
In addition, all facilities are back open at Turkey Run State Park and Salamonie Lake following some storm damage last weekend. For local information at Turkey Run, call (765) 597-2635. For local information at Salamonie Lake, call (260) 468-2125.
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Trout Are Biting Hard at Family-Friendly Diamond Lake
June 5, 2008
ROSEBURG, Ore. – Family-friendly Diamond Lake is shaping up to provide an incredible fishing and swimming experience for visitors this summer. The rainbow trout are already biting hard and the Forest Service has opened 70 campsites.
Along with about 50,000 holdover trout from last year, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife has just stocked more than 43,000 rainbow trout, a mix of legal and trophy-sized fish, and 6,800 one-pound trout are being stocked today.
“We’re really excited about this season’s trout fishing,” said Laura Jackson, Umpqua District Fish Biologist. “The lake rebounded so well last year that we’re expecting an even better insect hatch, so we should be seeing fatter trout this summer. The water quality is also excellent, and that famous clear blue water has returned.”
Last weekend, about 50 boats plied Diamond Lake for trout along with nearly two dozen bank anglers. Some anglers caught their limit and 60 percent were harvesting at least one fish. As the weather and water temperature warms up, Jackson expects a steady increase in anglers.
According to Diamond Lake Resort, the best fishing right now is in front of the Resort and along the northeastern shoreline. Bait anglers are using Power Bait and trollers are pulling flasher and worm combinations.
Anglers are expected to descend on Diamond Lake in droves this coming weekend which is Free Fishing Weekend. An event for kids and an adult tournament are planned. The Forest Service has the C-Loop boat ramp and 70 campsites in the north end of Diamond Lake Campground open, as well as the North and South Shore boat ramps. Snow still is on the ground in the area, so campers should bring shovels in case snow removal is necessary.
ODFW plans to stock 200,000 fingerlings and another 6,800 one-pound trout the week of June 9 and 15,000 predacious trout later in July. The Forest Service expects to open Thielsen View Campground and the south end of Diamond Lake Campground on June 13.
All Diamond Lake users are urged to take pre-cautions against re-introducing invasive tui chub along with aquatic plants and animals such as Quagga mussels and New Zealand mud snails.
Before leaving home, swimming and fishing equipment including boots, waders, scuba gear and beach toys should be washed in hot water, and boats and trailers should be free of live fish, fish eggs, aquatic weeds and animals, and mud. Boats should be thoroughly cleaned with a high pressure washer and dried before entering Diamond Lake. A portable boat washing station should be available this summer at Diamond Lake.
For more detailed information on boat cleaning, check the Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers Web site at http://protectyourwaters.net/
ODFW reminds anglers the trout harvest limit is five per day with two daily limits in possession, and the boat speed limit is 10 mph.
The mission of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is to protect and enhance Oregon’s fish and wildlife and their habitats for use and enjoyment by present and future generations. The agency consists of the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission, a commission-appointed director and a statewide staff of approximately 950 permanent employees. Headquartered in Salem, ODFW has regional offices in Clackamas, Roseburg, Bend, and La Grande with ten district offices located throughout the state. For additional information, please visit www.dfw.state.or.us.
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Stockings Will Resume After Mike Freeze England Community Fishing Pond Repairs Are Completed
June 4, 2008
ENGLAND – Arkansas Game and Fish Commission fish stockings of the Mike Freeze England Community Fishing Pond have been suspended due to a leak in the lake. Stocking will resume once the leak is fixed and the lake is refilled.
Originally, the lake was losing about 2,000 gallons of water per day. The water loss amounted to about ¾ of an inch in pond height per day, according to AGFC community fisheries biologist Clifton Jackson. “The source of the leak has not yet been determined, but we are working on a strategy to get this issue resolved,” Jackson explained.
The 16-acre pond is located just off Highway 165. The lake is 6 feet deep and sports a 30 foot by 40 foot fishing pier along with a 20 foot wide boat ramp. Water for the lake is provided by a well.
The pond provides a handicap-accessible fishing pier, boat ramp and several earthen jetties for bank fishing. There also are many habitat structures placed throughout the pond to offer cover for fish.
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River Cleanups Scheduled for June through October
May 30, 2008
Get involved in keeping Missouri’s two great rivers safe and beautiful.
COLUMBIA, Mo.-Missourians will have several chances to get their feet wet, their hands dirty and their senses full of grandeur at upcoming cleanup events on the Missouri and Mississippi rivers.
Missouri River Relief and local sponsors already have held five river cleanups this year. Those events ranged as far from the group’s central-Missouri headquarters as Yankton, S.D., and as near as Hartsburg. Upcoming events will start in Iowa and end in Kansas City, with stops at St. Louis and Washington, Mo., in the interim.
The action starts at 9 a.m. June 7 at Sioux City, Iowa, where Missourians will join river lovers from Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota in removing trash from the Sioux City Riverfront. Sioux City is located where commercial navigation of the Missouri River begins. Workers will gather at boat ramps at the Scenic Park and at the Iowa Department of Natural Resources public ramp. Boats will ferry volunteers to the river banks to pick up trash that has washed up on shore. Missourians collecting trash that far upriver from their home state will have the satisfaction of knowing they won’t find it in their stretch of river after the next river rise.
Next on the schedule is a trash cleanup and river festival June 14 in Washington, Mo. The cleanup will last from 9 a.m. until noon. The festival will begin at 10:30 and continue through 4 p.m. in the Riverfront Pavilion. Educational exhibits, naturalist programs, river-safety information, live music, youth activities, food and a program by the World Bird Sanctuary are among attractions scheduled for the event in Washington Riverfront Park. The Riverfront Park boat ramp will be cleanup headquarters.
Cleanup participants should bring sunglasses, sunscreen, sturdy boots or shoes, long pants (preferred), a reusable water container and a willingness to get down and dirty. Work gloves, water, lunch and a boat ride on the Big Muddy are provided, along with a Missouri Stream Team T-shirt.
Missouri River Relief volunteer crews also will help other organizations across the state enlist volunteers and clean up rivers.
Cleanup crews will be in action in Southwest Missouri June 7 when the James River Basin Partnership and Ozark Mountain Paddlers hold their annual River Rescue on the James and Finely rivers near Springfield. For more info, check out their website: www.jrbp.missouristate.edu/river_rescue/river_clean_up.html. River Relief will also be participating in the 41st annual Operation Clean Stream in the Meremec River Basin. Check out the Open Space Council website for more info: www.openspacestl.org/operation-clean-stream/.
The fall clean-up schedule kicks off Sept. 12 and 13, when volunteers will clean up the Missouri-Mississippi river confluence at Columbia Bottom Conservation area. Just before the cleanup starts, hundreds of students from Hazelwood and other St. Louis area schools will attend a riverside education event.
The cleanup season will conclude Oct. 3 and 4 with a Missouri River Cleanup and Learning Festival at La Benite Park, in the southern Clay County community of Sugar Creek, Mo. Kansas City-area students will get to learn about the river in educational programs and help clean up the river.
More information about these events is available at www.riverrelief.org or by calling (573) 443-0292.
-Jim Low-
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