Hays ? Poor water quality conditions at the Cedar Bluff Stilling Basin have prompted Wildlife and Parks officials to delay the start of the annual trout season at Cedar Bluff Reservoir.

With the state trout season opening today at designated areas – including Lake Henry in Clinton State Park – the Webster Stilling Basin and Scott State Park will provide northwest Kansas anglers the best opportunities for success.

Mortality of recently-stocked trout at the Cedar Bluff Stilling Basin from water quality problems will delay the trout season there until the week of Oct, 23.

Lethal hydrogen sulfide and low dissolved oxygen levels brought on by a later than normal fall turnover of the basin’s water has created conditions unfit for trout. Within 10 to 14 days, the effects of the fall turnover should disappear, and additional trout will be stocked then.

Remember, everyone – whether they need a fishing license or not – must purchase a trout permit to fish for and possess trout. Permits can be obtained at Wildlife and Parks offices and various license vendors.