S.E. KANSAS FISH-IN 2011
It is time for our third annual Fish-In at the mined land wildlife area in SE Kansas.
This year we have rented the 2 cabins available from KDWP, but both are full already. There is also a group that is going to be rough camping in the area as well. Currently they are planning on camping in Unit 24. Rough camping means that you won't have any potable water on site, electricity, or toilets on site, either. Rough camping is allowed anywhere but the refuges. There is a pit toilet by the trout lake, but that is a couple of miles down the road. However, if anyone is in special need of a shower or other amenities, I’m sure you can find a time to borrow the cabin facilities. Bring wood or charcoal if you want it, or a propane stove. The good news is that there are no camping fees. If you would like a hotel to stay in, I would look at Pittsburg or Columbus. I can't really recommend one, since I have never stayed in one there. If you would like more civilized camping, there is a camping area by Big Brutus with hookups and a shower.
The dates are June 3-5 (Friday through Sunday), but some may decide to arrive early or stay later. The closest town is West Mineral, KS.
The area is approximately 15000 acres with 1500 acres of water distributed to over 1000 lakes of various sizes. Fishing boats, canoes, and float tubes are allowed, but no other recreational craft are allowed on site. Many of the lakes have ramps, so you should have no trouble getting your craft launched if you are carrying it on a trailer. In addition to the bluegill we are after, there are catfish, bass, crappie, and even some trout in the lake next to the cabins. If you decide to chase the trout, a state trout stamp is required. And of course, all Kansas fishing laws apply.
**Good News! I have discovered that Saturday and Sunday for the Fish-In is free fishing days for Kansas, so all of you out-of-staters and occasional fishermen don't even need to buy a license!
It isn't unusual to have trouble finding the fish until you find the right lake, then you can't keep them off after that. But with over 1000 to choose from, you should be able to find a cooperative fish somewhere.
The area is largely heavy brush on the shoreline, so a boat or tube is recommended. Also bring bug spray. You don't want ticks or chiggers if you can avoid it.
Be sure to stop by the bulletin board and introduce yourself. The related thread is here: KS Fish-In 2011
The mined land info is best accessed from here: https://www.kdwp.state.ks.us/news/KDWP-Info/Locations/Wildlife-Areas/Region-5/Mined-Land
Big Brutus is just a couple of miles away from our campsite. BB is the second largest electric shovel ever built. It is 16 stories tall with a boom of 150 feet and weighs 11 million pounds. It also is responsible for the lakes that we are going to be fishing out of and is adjacent to the fishing area.
https://www.kansastravel.org/bigbrutus.htm
https://www.bigbrutus.org/index.html
There will be a few more formal activities than last year. I am planning on making pork BBQ sandwiches on Friday at cabin 1, and everyone is invited. Bring your drinks and a side dish. Saturday night is our usual fish feed, where we cook all of the keepers from our trip, and have a pot luck to go with it. If you are coming down for only a part of the trip, be sure to arrange to be there for one of the evening meals. It is a great time, and is the best time to get to hang out with everyone at the fish-in.
This should be a fun time with a great bunch of folks. If you plan on attending, drop our system admin (Ron) a note and he'll put you on the Kansas Fish-In Going List! Also stop by the thread on the bulletin board, and say hi! ~ Greg Hileman (ol' blue)
I'm Going List for the FAOL S.E. Kansas Fish-in 2011
We are looking forward to seeing you all! Let's go fish!
- Greg Hileman (ol' blue)
- Zac Church (quivira kid)
- Tim Nelson (tlerm)
- Steven Adler (Icemanxxxv)
If you want to add your name to the list, email Ron (rtidd@flyanglersonline.com) please say CWFI '10, and include your home town and BB nickname.
Previous Central Washington Fish-ins