Leavenworth State Fishing Lake near Tonganoxie should be “phenomenal” for bass fishing this year based on electrofishing and netting samples taken last year by KDWP district fisheries biologist Richard Sanders.

Sanders reported an electrofishing catch rate of 158 bass per hour — anything over 75 bass per hour is considered high. Eighteen percent of the bass sampled were in the 15-20 inch length range. The largest bass sampled weighed just over 5.5 pounds.

“Catch and release angling for largemouth bass should be phenomenal,” Sanders said. “Leavenworth SFL is a good place to introduce youngsters to the art of bass fishing.”

Anglers should remember that black bass are protected with an 18-inch minimum length limit and a daily limit of two fish.

Here’s an assessment of the other species of fish found in the lake:

l Bluegill — Fish were in good condition for all length categories. Bluegill are one of the most sought-after species at this lake because they are accessible from shore and are aggressive feeders. Forecast: Fair.

l Redear — A sunfish species similar to bluegill, redear continue to maintain fishable numbers. Their ability to flourish at Leavenworth is related to the presence of abundant aquatic vegetation which provides refuge from predators and substrate for snails, a preferred food item. Forecast: Fair.

l Channel catfish — High numbers were sampled. Most fish measured 11-16 inches. The natural food chain coupled with a feeding program maintains rapid growth. Harvest regulations — two fish per day, 15-inch length limit — help keep fish in the lake longer allowing them time to get bigger. Forecast: Good.

l Black crappie — Sample catch rate declined, but the decrease was only slight, and the number of 10-12 inch fish more than doubled. Most of the larger fish continued to be in the 8-10 inch class. Condition of crappie was below optimum levels for all three size categories sampled, and probably relates to low shad production. Forecast: Fair to good.

l White crappie — This species has increased in abundance during the past three years and currently is about half as abundant as black crappie. Most are the in 8-10 inch range. Forecast: Fair to good.

l Walleye — Low numbers were caught with gill nets. A good mix of sizes was present. Half of samples were 15-20 inches, and 21 percent were 20-25. Walleye are protected with 15-inch minimum length and a daily creel limit of two. Forecast: Fair.

l Wiper — Fingerlings have been stocked annually since 2000, but the sample catch declined. Improvement of wiper density is needed to control gizzard shad and panfish. Hopefully, consistent annual stockings will produce and maintain a good wiper population in the future. Anglers should be aware wiper are protected with an 18-inch limit and a daily creel limit of two. Forecast: Poor.

Wildlife and Parks officials will operate feeders beginning around May 1 to enhance growth and catch of channel catfish and bluegill.

Last year, anglers noticed air bubbles rising to the surface at many lake locations. The bubbles were created by an aeration system designed to mix Leavenworth’s water from the bottom to the surface. The aeration system should expand the available summer fish habitat, which theoretically should increase number of fish the lake can support.

Spring anglers should come to Leavenworth SFL prepared to deal with abundant aquatic vegetation. Curlyleaf pond-weed, an exotic form of vegetation, grows rapidly during cool spring months, before dying during late spring (usually early June).

This aggressive plant can grow in water up to 12 feet deep, filling the water column from top to bottom.

Very clear water and excellent temporary fish habitat results from this impressive growth.