Outdoors notebook | courier-journal.com | The Courier-Journal
June 3, 2009 by admin · Comments Off
Metro Parks officials will unveil improvements at Waverly Park Lake on Saturday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11:30 a.m.
Read the rest of Gary Garth’s story in The Courier-Journal by following the link below:
Outdoors notebook | courier-journal.com | The Courier-Journal.
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Kentucky free fishing weekend coming up June 6-7
June 2, 2009 by admin · Comments Off
Each year, the celebration of National Fishing and Boating Week includes Free Fishing Weekend. Kentucky anglers may fish June 6 – 7 without a fishing license or a trout permit. All fishing regulations such as minimum size limits and daily creel limits remain in effect during Free Fishing Weekend.
This year, National Fishing and Boating Week brings begins June 6 and ends June 14. The celebrations aim to bring new people into fishing, boating and other water-related recreation.
“We also want to stress that getting outside and enjoying fishing is a healthy activity for kids,” said Marc Johnson, aquatic education coordinator for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. “It gets them off the couch. Plus, fish are nutritious and delicious.”
The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources and Kentucky State University will host a Fishing Derby for youth under the age of 16 from 5 to 8 p.m. June 5, and from 7 to 10 a.m. June 6 at the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Headquarters off U.S. 60, west of Frankfort. The two lakes at the Headquarters will close to fishing on June 3 and will reopen to all anglers at 10 a.m. on June 6.
“They will stock 1,000 catfish and 1,000 sunfish up to one-half pound in the Upper Sportsman’s Lake,” Johnson said. “And, new this year, we will stock 77 largemouth bass in both the Upper and Lower Sportsman’s Lakes that weigh 1 to 7 pounds. We would like to thank Kentucky State University for supplying a portion of these largemouth bass. After the kids are done June 6, the public is welcome to fish the lakes after 10 a.m.”
Prizes will be awarded by random drawing throughout the event. “We try and make sure everyone walks away with something,” Johnson said.
The event is free, but participants are encouraged to bring their own fishing equipment and preferred baits or lures. A limited amount of fishing equipment and bait will be provided for those who need it.
“They don’t have to re-register on Saturday if they want to fish both days,” Johnson said.
Also, Captain Myra Minton of the law enforcement division of Kentucky Fish and Wildlife will host a Kids Fishing Derby across KY 245 at the Jim Beam Distillery at Clermont, Kentucky from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 6.
Conservation Officer Scott Herndon will host a kids fishing event at the Taylorsville Lake tailwater below Taylorsville Lake Dam from 8 a.m. to noon on June 6. No registration is required for both of these free events.
“After noon, we will move to the Spencer County Fish and Game Club on KY 44 east of Taylorsville where we host a kid’s fun day with archery, trap shooting, paintball and a casting contest,” Herndon said. “Lunch is provided and we go until they get tired of shooting.”
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will also host the 23rd Annual Catch a Rainbow Fishing Derby on June 6 at the Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery and creek, located just below Wolf Creek Dam on Lake Cumberland. The free event is for kids 1 to 15 years of age. Registration for the free fishing derby begins at 8 a.m. Central time. Participants must bring their own fishing tackle.
For more information about the 23rd Annual Catch a Rainbow Fishing Derby log onto www.catcharainbow.org.
Those who live in the Louisville area and in northern Kentucky, six lakes will be stocked this week to provide good fishing for Free Fishing Weekend. Tom Wallace Lake in the Jefferson Memorial Forest and Waverly Park Lake will each receive 1,000 catfish and 1,000 sunfish. Miles Park Lake #4 will receive 600 catfish and 600 sunfish.
Middleton-Mills Lake in Covington gets 200 catfish and 200 sunfish while Stein Community Lake in Alexandria receives 1,200 catfish and 1,200 sunfish.
“There are many fishing events this weekend sponsored by the parks and recreation departments of towns all over Kentucky,” Johnson said. “Check with your local parks department to see where fishing events are held.”
By KDFWR
Kentucky Bourbon and wildlife watching, a winning combination
June 2, 2009 by admin · Comments Off
Hosted by The Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Foundation (501c3) and the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, Inc. (501c3), The Bourbon Sampler helps raise funds for new exhibits at the Salato Center. You can sample bourbon from 10 major Kentucky distilleries, and excellent food from area restaurants and caterers.
County Line Bluegrass will play fine bluegrass music throughout the event, outdoor exhibits will be lighted for evening viewing, and Salato staff and volunteers will offer free tours and programs. A silent auction will help raise additional funds for the Center.
In addition, a live drawing will be held for the Foundation’s bull elk tag. The lucky winner will receive a guided elk hunt this year with “Kentucky Afield” television host Tim Farmer. As a bonus, the hunt will air on “Kentucky Afield” television. Raffle tickets for the elk hunt will be sold throughout the evening. Proceeds from the elk tag drawing will benefit our conservation camps for Kentucky’s youth.
“This has been one of our most popular fundraising events,” said Laurie Davison, director of the Salato Center. “We rely on donations to the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Foundation and events like this for much of our funding. It’s a great way to support a worthy cause and have fun while you’re doing it.”
The Salato Center Sampler will begin at 6:30 p.m. and last until 9 p.m. Tickets may be purchased for $50 a person in advance by calling the Kentucky Bourbon Festival at 1-800-638-4877 or (502) 348-3623. Advanced tickets are also available online at www.kybourbonfestival.com, or in person at the Salato Center. The cost of tickets and silent auction purchases are tax deductible.
Tickets may be purchased at the door the night of the event by cash or check only. The event is limited to 500 participants. Thirty five dollars from every ticket will go to the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the remaining $15 to the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, Inc. All silent auction proceeds benefit the Salato Center directly.
The Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Foundation is a charitable organization that raises funds for exhibits at the Salato Wildlife Education Center. The Salato Center, a part of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, receives no General Fund tax dollars and is funded by donations to the Foundation, by the sale of hunting and fishing licenses, and boat registrations. For more information about the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Foundation, go to www.kentuckywildlife.com.
The Salato Center has a variety of native animals for the public to see, including a black bear, bobcats, elk, deer, bison, eagles, snakes and fish. The Center has numerous indoor exhibits and miles of hiking trails open to the public. Fishing is available at two lakes. While some programs may require a registration fee, general admission to the Salato Center is free.
For more information call 1-800-858-1549, ext. 4445. Learn more about upcoming events at the Salato Center on the Internet at fw.ky.gov. The Salato Center, operated by Kentucky Fish and Wildlife, is located at the department’s headquarters on U.S. 60 in Frankfort, 1.5 miles west of U.S. 127. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays. The Center is closed Sundays, Mondays and state holidays.
Fisheries biologists work toward the return of a lost species on “Kentucky Afield” TV
June 2, 2009 by admin · Comments Off
One of North America’s largest freshwater fish – reaching lengths of 10 feet – has not been seen in Kentucky since the mid 1970s. Due to habitat loss and over-harvest, the alligator gar has found itself instead on the Kentucky’s list of species in greatest conservation need. This spring, efforts began at the Pfeiffer Fish Hatchery near Frankfort to raise the fish to restore to native waters.
Also, we meet a woman with a lot of pull. Nora Ross is a world champion trap shooter. We join the Carlisle resident on the range to talk about her many titles in the field of clay target shooting and the hall of fame status she shares with Annie Oakley.
Lastly, we head to the Ohio River for catfish jugging.
“Kentucky Afield” is a production of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife. It is the longest continuously-running outdoor television show in the nation. The program airs Saturday at 8:30 p.m. Eastern /7:30 p.m. Central and is repeated Sunday at 4 p.m. Eastern/3 p.m. Central on KET 1 and on the Internet at fw.ky.gov. To see the latest news about “Kentucky Afield” television and view your favorite show segments from the past, sign up today for the electronic newsletter. Visit fw.ky.gov on the Internet and click the Kentucky Afield Newsletter icon.
Authorities on scene of apparent drowning at Taylorsville Lake | LOCAL NEWS | WHAS11.com | News for Louisville, Kentucky
May 29, 2009 by admin · Comments Off
Emergency and Rescue authorities are on the scene of an apparent drowning at Taylorsville Lake in Spencer County.
Department seeks input about proposed shoreline access regulations around Malone, 8 other department-owned lakes
May 25, 2009 by admin · Comments Off
The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources is seeking input from local landowners regarding proposed new regulations for docks, stairways and structures built on department-owned property around Lake Malone in western Kentucky.
The proposed regulations would also apply to other department-owned lakes, including Beaver, Boltz, Carpenter, Corinth, Elmer Davis, Guist Creek, Kincaid and Kingfisher.
Local landowners around Lake Malone will soon receive an information packet from the department regarding recommendations made by a 14-member advisory committee. The recommendations include safety and construction standards for any new walkways or staircases along the shoreline under a new permitting system. The recommendations also address permanent structures such as sheds and gazebos built on department property.
Approximately 500 landowners around Lake Malone, where encroachment upon department-owned property is the most widespread, will receive a mailed summary of recommendations. Landowners around other department-owned lakes may see the recommendations online at fw.ky.gov. Residents without computer access may call the department to request a copy at 1-800-858-1549.
By KDFWR
An Old Pro looks at how catch-and-release makes for good fishing at Guntersville
May 22, 2009 by admin · Comments Off
G’ville seems to have an outstanding future as a bass fishery too. There were plenty of all year classes of bass in evidence all week. That is a testimony to the value of submerged vegetation and water flow with good nutrient levels in creating a quality bass population. I think the prevalent catch and release ethic has played a role as well.
There are several benefits to catch and release beyond the obvious ones of allowing the fish to grow and reproduce. Recent research has shown that bass populations are made up of three types of fish. One group, the one we like most, is pretty susceptible to lure fishing. They bite our lures and don’t learn from it. The second group seems to bite a lure occasionally, but only once in their lifetime. In other words, they become un-catchable after being caught one time. The third portion of the population seems impervious to lure fishing. They never succumb to the temptation we offer with our lures. These three portions of the population are about equally represented in the wild.
To read the rest of Ken Cook’s report, follow the link below:
ESPN – Ken Cook: Observations from home.
Martins Fork Lake’s fearsome foursome of bass
Imagine fishing a lake where any cast could result in catching any one of our four recognized black bass species in Kentucky. Well, that’s just what you’ll find at Martins Fork Lake in Harlan County. This small, scenic area tucked away in southeastern Kentucky near the Virginia state line is the only place in the state where anglers have an opportunity to catch largemouth, smallmouth, spotted (Kentucky) and Coosa bass all in one water.
Read the rest of Paul Moore’s story online at Kentucky Game and Fish Magazine.
Martins Fork Lakes Fearsom Foursom of Bass.
Everything but tartar sauce this weekend on “Kentucky Afield” TV
May 12, 2009 by admin · Comments Off
Fishing, fish, and a fish dish combine to make “Kentucky Afield” TV a keeper this weekend, May 16 and 17.
With an eye on the white bass run at Herrington Lake, host Tim Farmer jumps aboard with angler Jim Duncan and his daughter, Anna. While fishing rarely gives a guarantee, incredible catches this evening were child’s play. Take note for the next time you want to get after them after work or school.
Also on the show, Kentucky’s interior lakes and streams welcome back a popular fish of yesteryear, the lake sturgeon. The indigenous species is considered critically imperiled. We visit Pfeiffer Fish Hatchery to see how specialists are working to return the fish to healthy populations.
Lastly, the Mediterranean is as close as Farmer’s kitchen. If you’re ready to add a tangy bite to your bass, try Tim’s marinade and it’s “next stop: Heaven.”
“Kentucky Afield” is a production of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. It is the longest continuously running outdoor television show in the nation. The program airs Saturday at 8:30 p.m. Eastern /7:30 p.m. Central and is repeated Sunday at 4 p.m. Eastern/3 p.m. Central on KET 1 and on the web 24/7 at fw.ky.gov.
By KDFWR
LBL’s Duncan Lake little but bluegills large
May 11, 2009 by admin · Comments Off
Duncan Lake is the closest thing I know of to a public farm pond. It’s about the right size, and the field just below the dam is often planted in soybeans or corn.
Like many farm ponds, the lake is loaded with bluegill and bass. The bass are generally small but healthy and feisty. Most of the bluegill easily provide a couple of serving-size fillets. A few will cover a man’s hand. Unlike many farm ponds, however, Duncan is closed from mid-October through mid-March as a federal waterfowl and eagle refuge. Even when it’s open, the fishing pressure is surprisingly light.
Read the rest of Gary Garth’s Duncan Lake story by following the link below:
Duncan Lake little but bluegills large | courier-journal.com | The Courier-Journal.
