Boats receive OK for Coffey fishing

All anglers required to produce photo ID

On April 19, Coffey County Lake near Burlington reopened for shoreline fishing after being closed for security concerns following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

At that time, the lake level was too low to allow boat fishing because the ramps couldn’t be used. However, by the weekend of May 11-12, the water level at the lake had risen enough to enable the lake to be opened for boats, too.

Some low water conditions remain at the lake, prompting warnings to boaters to slow down and be cautious near the shoreline. There are obstacles just under the surface of some shallow areas.

“We have done our best to identify shallow areas on the lake,” sheriff Randy Rogers said. “However, we encourage everyone to proceed with caution”

Extra precautions should be no problem for Kansas anglers who have waited anxiously for the reopening of this blue-ribbon fishing spot, even though there will be a few additional security precautions affecting lake users.

All anglers, with the exception of children, are required to produce photo identification upon entrance. Anglers will be paged one hour prior to sunset and must be off the water and checked out by sunset.

Off limit areas will be strictly enforced, and all vehicles and boats are subject to search. Also, all persons in boats on Coffey County Lake must wear a life jacket at all times.

For a daily status report on the lake, call (620) 364-2475. The lake is open from sunrise to sunset.