The waters in this pamphlet* have been opened to public fishing through the cooperative efforts between local governments and the Department of Wildlife and Parks. All state fishing regulations apply and, in addition, some waters may require special permits. Some lakes may also have restrictions on the hours they are open to angling and have more restrictive creel limits than state regulations**. There may be special length limitations in effect on these lakes, so read the signs at the park entrances.

Most of these waters receive biweekly stocking of channel catfish from April through September. Rainbow trout are released during the cooler months on a biweekly stocking schedule (October 15 through April 1) at KDOT East Lake and in Big Slough Creek. Most trout are harvested before water temperatures warm to lethal levels.

Many lakes are also stocked with wipers, a white bass/striped bass hybrid. These fish are stocked to provide trophy fish and to help control rough fish and panfish. Bass, crappie, and bluegill sustain their populations through natural reproduction. Additional species include carp, flathead catfish, drum, buffalo, and gizzard shad.

*Information taken from the "Fishing Guide to the Wichita Metro Area" brochure by the Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks.

**All public waters in the state have a minimum length limit of 15" on walleye and largemouth bass.

Boating:

Attention all Boaters: Please be advised that non-motorized craft and motorized craft must share a portion of the river each day. Motorized craft must give non-motorized craft the "right of way" at all times. Please see the "Boating Rules" link below. The boat ramp will be locked at 9:00 PM.

Big Arkansas Usage Schedule
Boating Map
Boating Rules