Gone Fishin’

With so many fishing holes nearby, many people find fishing a great way to spend a lazy summer day. Take your pick from Clinton, Perry or Mary’s lakes, as well as several other suitable spots to cast a line and spend some time.

One of the best things about fishing is that it can be enjoyed alone, or with the whole family. It can take up an afternoon, or be the focus of a week-long vacation. Joe Patterson, owner and operator of Lunker bait shop (23rd and Haskell Streets), described how kids’ faces light up when their parents bring them into his store for equipment, “because they’re going fishing.”

According to Patterson, the initial investment for a family is comparable to a group outing to the movies. Once a family is set up, however, they can enjoy fishing for the rest of the summer.

The first thing you will need is some equipment, and a fishing license. An adult license, good for one year, costs $18.50, and can be purchased at bait shops, Kansas Parks and Rec offices or online (www.kdwp.state.ks.us/). Fishing is free for anyone under 16 or over 64 years of age.

For supplies, the bare minimum includes a rod, a reel and some bait. Sporting goods stores, bait shops and even big discount department stores like K-Mart and Wal-Mart will have everything you need. A kid-sized rod will run around $10. For adults, a decent kit will cost about $20. Bobbers and hooks will be just a few dollars more – and some come pre-packaged with the rods.

If you are a serious angler, a top-of-the-line rod and reel can approach the $400 neighborhood.

You can dig up some worms in your back yard, or wad up some bread into dough balls for free. Other bait will cost just a little more money, all depending on what kind of fish you want to catch. Worms work fine for almost any fish, but the bigger, craftier varieties will sooner strike lures with parts that either shine, spin or wiggle.

Now that you are fully equipped, it is time to find a place to cast your line. If you do not have your own boat, you will be limited to casting off shore lines and docks – which is fine – or you can rent a boat from one of the first two places detailed below.

CLINTON LAKE

The biggest, closest place to go fishing is Clinton Lake State Park, at the western end of the Clinton Parkway. This 7,000-acre lake provides about the best fishing in the area, at the cost of a five dollar daily vehicle fee to get there.

The docks and shoreline provide excellent opportunities to catch some fish, or you can rent a boat by the hour or for the day from the marina. A standard four-person boat (motor included) rents for $25 per hour, or $150 for the entire day – plus a refundable $200 deposit.

All boats include operating instructions and life jackets, but a fuel charge is extra. If the fishing proves slow, you can even rent ski boats, pontoons and jet skis.

To better your chances of catching Clinton’s bass, catfish, walleye and crappie, read our Clinton Lake fishing report to see where the fish are biting, and on what bait they are being caught.

PERRY LAKE

Perry Lake is well worth the short drive along highway 24 west of Lawrence. Its 11,150 acres make Perry a much roomier place to find some fish. Being further off the beaten path, the lake offers more amenities on-site.

If there’s water, and there are fish in it, people will try to catch them. Here are some other spots to try your luck:

  • Douglas County Lake – head south on Haskell out of town, follow county road 1055 toward Baldwin and watch for signs
  • Kansas River – pick any spot along the river as it rolls through Lawrence (though not many people eat the fish they catch here)
  • Lone Star Lake – this is a great spot south of Clinton Lake by the town of Lone Star (read a Ned Kehde column on the fishing here)

Fishing supplies, as well as food and drinks, are available at the marina. If you were counting on your daily catch for dinner, but came up empty, there is a restaurant right there. The lodge offers rooms that include a kitchenette, refrigerator, microwave, TV and VCR for extended stays.

Boat rentals are a little less expensive here than at Clinton Lake: a deposit of $150 secures a 14-foot powered boat that rents for just $16 per hour (two hour minimum) or $96 for the day – refuelling cost included. Also available are pontoons and ski boats, with all the necessary skiing accessories.

To better your chances of catching Perry’s bass, catfish, sauger and crappie, read our Clinton Lake fishing report to see where the fish are biting, and on what bait they are being caught.

MARY’S LAKE

Part of the Prarie Park Nature Center, this tiny (five acre) secluded spot is the most kid-friendly fishing hole in town. The lake is stocked with a variety of fish.

Mary’s Lake has the added bonus of the attached Nature Center, which boasts trails and wildlife exhibits. Prarie Park not only has signs along its paths detailing the flora and fauna, but also has an education building. Inside this display hall are a wide variety of Kansas animals to see up close, and observation areas to watch the great outdoors in air-conditioned comfort.

To get to the 72-acre preserve, head east on 27th Street off of Haskell Avenue, and follow the signs to Prarie Park.