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Anglers set to tackle trout Oct. 15
Anglers look forward to cool water species but encouraged to check KDWP website for stocking updates
PRATT — The Kansas trout season begins Oct. 15 and runs through April 15. During this season, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) stocks rainbow trout in designated waters throughout the state. Some waters stocked with trout require a $12.50 trout permit for all anglers 16 or older, whether they are fishing for trout or not (Type 1 Waters). Other waters require a trout permit only for anglers fishing for or possessing trout (Type 2 Waters).

Trout fishing at Mined Land Wildlife Area Unit #30 requires a trout permit year-round. Trout permits are valid for the calendar year, so permits purchased last January or later are valid through Dec. 31. All residents 16-64 years old and all nonresidents 16 and older must also have a valid fishing license.

The daily creel limit is five trout unless otherwise posted (two trout for anglers 15 and younger who do not have a trout permit). The possession limit is three times the daily creel.

While most designated trout waters in the state will be stocked with trout in time for opening day, Smoky Gardens south of Goodland is dry, and Sand Sage Bison Range Pond in Garden City is presently too low for stocking. KDWP fisheries biologists are monitoring Cedar Bluff Stilling Basin and say they believe it will be ready Oct. 15 but are waiting results of dissolved oxygen water tests. The South Solomon River above Webster Reservoir won't be stocked until sometime after the first of the year.

Before a trout fishing expedition, anglers are encouraged to check for updated information on stocking of trout waters. Click here for a trout stocking schedule.

Trout permits are available at the KDWP website, at KDWP offices, and license vendors.

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