By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
The Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks – Fisheries Division is at the end of their stocking period this year, stocking fish at lakes across the state. Last week, Kansas Wildlife & Parks was in Great Bend unloading several trout fish into Veterans Lake.
Public Lands Director Scott Keeler said usually the state will come by three to four times each year, twice in the fall and once in January and February, to reload the Great Bend lakes.
"Depending if we have ice or not, back in January when they did the last one, they used a chainsaw to cut a hole in the ice," said Keeler. "That time they unloaded the fish with nets. Typically, they will back down the dock and hook up a large PVC pipe to transfer the fish from the tank into the water. That minimizes the stress on the fish and potential injury."
Keeler said Kansas Wildlife & Parks usually shows up with fish ranging from 14" to 16" long. Throughout the year, the state does fish surveys to know how to stock each lake.
"They surveys give them an idea of how many bait fish we have in ratio to the predator fish," said Keeler. "They try to get the ecology to where it properly needs to be to make a better fishing environment. They'll add what fish is needed."
Along with Walmart and the Barton County Clerk’s Office, there are several area businesses in Great Bend where you can purchase fishing licenses. Licenses can also be purchased ksoutdoors.com.