Warm water delays Fern Lake trout stocking

A plan to deposit several hundred trout into Fern Lake at Gunn Park this week for the upcoming trout season has been postponed until next month, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks officials said Tuesday.

Due to higher-than-expected water temperatures in the lake, KDWP officials have decided to wait until Nov. 1 to stock the lake with between 400 and 500 trout, according to KDWP District Fisheries Biologist Don George.

"Because of these warm water temperatures, we had to cancel these stockings because the fish cannot survive in water that is 70 degrees or above," George said. "It's very stressful for them."

George said area fishing enthusiasts will be outdoors in the coming weeks, as trout season officially begins on Oct. 15. While there will likely be no trout present in Fern Lake at that time, the lake will still contain several other types of fish that can be caught, George said.

George said he strongly encourages people and families to get outdoors to fish or engage in other outside activities. Fishing is an activity that George said he has seen more people and families participate in over the last few years.

"There's nothing better for a fun family activity than fishing," he said.

George added that when officials do eventually stock the lake early next month, they will most likely double the number of trout they normally deposit into the lake. KDWP workers typically put between 400 and 500 trout in the lake every two weeks during trout season, which lasts until April, George said.

Once Fern Lake and other ponds inside the park have been fully stocked with trout, local anglers who choose to keep their catch will have the chance to take advantage of an added bonus, as many of the trout are worthy of displaying, primarily because of their size, George said.

"A big percentage of our stock are 'trophies' or prize trout," he said. "It's a unique opportunity."

The stocking of Fern Lake has been a joint effort between KDWP and City of Fort Scott officials, George said.

"We've worked very cooperatively with the city, who provides the lake," he said.

Those people who fish for trout, regardless of their age, should also remember one key fact; they need to obtain a trout permit since it is required by state law, George said. Before fishing for trout, anglers must purchase the permit, which costs $12.50 per person through an online automated system at Wal-Mart Supercenter, 2500 S. Main St., as well as a valid Kansas fishing license, he said.

The trout permit is valid through the calendar year, including the entire fishing season.

State fishing licenses, which cost around $20, can be purchased at Fort Scott City Hall, 1 E. Third St., or the Wal-Mart Supercenter. Those people who are 65 years of age and older are not required to possess a state fishing license, George said.

Fishing enthusiasts are allowed to keep five trout per day and a maximum of 15 over the length of the season, according to Gunn Park rules. There are no length or weight limits on trout that are caught by area anglers, George said.

Updated information on dates that lakes and ponds will be stocked with trout, as well as other fishing and wildlife advice, tips and related information can be found on the KDWP Internet site, www.kdwp.ks.us.