TOPEKA (KSNT) – A local lake is expected to be closed so the trout can have time to acclimate to the water by this week.
Mike McLaughlin with Shawnee County Parks and Recreation reports Monday that Shawnee Lake will be closed to anglers February 24 through March 3 while winter trout stocking takes place. Members of the public are welcome to view the stocking which will be on Friday February 24th at 3pm at the main boat ramp on Lake Shawnee.
McLaughlin said 7,000 pounds of rainbow trout will be released into the lake. The water will be shut off until 6am on March 4 to give the fish time to disperse and get used to their new surroundings. This storage is done in partnership with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks through the Community Fish Assistance Program.
McLaughlin said the trout season will run until April 15, 2023. Anglers can purchase a trout permit for $14.50 at most places where fishing licenses are sold or online. You can learn more about these licenses by clicking here.
“Shawnee County is pleased to continue our partnership with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks to enhance the fishing experience for Lake Shawnee residents and visitors,” said Parks Superintendent John Bell.
The trout stocking program began in 1979, when KDWP Secretary Mike Hayden approached Shanwee County Parks and Recreation Director Ted Ensley about stocking the lake. The Shawnee Lake Traditional Stocking is now a biennial event.
Look below to see the video of last year’s sock in the fall:
