Sebelius – Webster – Kirwin – Glen Elder –Lovewell Reservoirs Sebelius Reservoir 2015-2017
2310
2305 Cons. level
2300
2295 Elevation
2290
2285
2280
2275
Jul Jul Jul
Jun Jun Jun
Oct Oct Oct
Feb Apr Feb Apr Feb Apr
Sep Sep Sep
Dec Dec Dec
Aug Aug Aug
Nov Nov Nov
Mar Mar Mar
May May May
Jan-15 Jan-16 Jan-17 Sebelius Highlights…
New MOA in May 2017 configured to further allow for an on-going temporary minimum pool level.
The Almena irrigation district agrees to cease the withdrawal of water from the reservoir when the level declines to 2288.5’ above MSL.
If the District’s point of diversion for releases is changed to the Prairie Dog Creek, releases will stop at 2289.5’ above MSL.
Payments were to be made Jan. 1st, haven’t heard about transactions… Sebelius Fisheries… Tops in the State (based on DENSITY rating) for the following sportfish: Wipers (> 12”) Spotted Bass (> 11”)
2nd across all Kansas Reservoirs for : Saugeyes (> 14”) Black Crappies (> 8”) Largemouth Bass (> 12”)
Bluegills (> 6”) ranked 3rd among KS Reservoirs Webster Reservoir 2015-2017
1900
1895 Cons. level
1890
1885
1880
1875 Elevation
1870
1865
1860
1855
Mar Jul Jan-15 Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan-16 Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan-17 Feb Apr May Jun Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Webster Highlights…
Longevity of the reservoir at or near full pool
High water levels provide acres of beneficial fisheries habitat in the form of inundated terrestrial vegetation and timber
Clause in the water level management plan with the BOR, allowing storage 2’ over conservation pool has been beneficial towards this longevity
Strong year classes of both forage and sport fish cohorts produced
If the elevated water level stays around long enough, the quality of angling success and opportunities will be prolonged
Fisheries benefits are only part of the value of these elevated levels; wildlife, waterfowl, and park use benefits are realized as well
Webster Fisheries…
Webster Bluegill density rating is no. 1 in the State among Kansas Reservoirs
While Black Crappies occupy the 3rd highest density rating
Walleye (7th), White Bass (6th), and Wipers (12th) are species whose dynamics are all on the upswing, these sportfish will be providing excellent angling success in a couple of years Kirwin Reservoir 2015-2017
1735
1730 Cons. level
1725
1720 Elevation
1715
1710
1705
1700
Aug Jan-17 Jun Jan-15 Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan-16 Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Sep Oct Nov Dec Feb Mar Apr May Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Kirwin Highlights…
As with Webster, water levels near conservation level at Kirwin the past two years have resulted in numerous fish and wildlife benefits that should last well into the future
Tremendous littoral habitat exists at Kirwin providing the best possible conditions for forage and sport fish populations, and aiding in water quality improvement
Again, excellent sportfish year classes have resulted from the desired conditions
To compliment the fisheries upswing at Kirwin, a new fish cleaning facility project was completed in 2017, a cooperative effort between the USFWS- Kirwin NWR, the BOR, KDOC, and the KDWPT
Rated the top Black Crappie Reservoir in Kansas for 2018 (density rating)
Glen Elder Reservoir 2015-2017
1460
1459
1458
1457
1456
Cons. level
1455 Elevation
1454
1453
1452
1451
1450
Mar Jul Nov Jan-15 Feb Apr May Jun Aug Sep Oct Dec Jan-16 Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan-17 Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Glen Elder Highlights…
Reservoir levels of the past three years depict precipitation pattern we’ve experienced, the effects have been both good and not-so-good
Water level rises are welcomed, however, quick drawdowns back to normal induce a degree of flushing of forage and sport fish species, particularly if occurring during spring months
Nonetheless, the Glen Elder fishery is in good shape and water quality parameters continue to be healthy for all forms of aquatic recreation
Glen Elder is the top-rated (density rating) reservoir in Kansas for both walleye and white bass, and 2nd and 5th respectively, for smallmouth and largemouth bass
The smallmouth fishery is of trophy status, a new regulation (21” MLL) went into affect Jan. 1, 2018
Annual Glen Elder Youth Fishing Derby Trout introductions in the outflow area below the dam
Glen Elder Park Pond Renovation
Glen Elder is the only lake of the five discussed here that is an ‘ANS’ water having zebra mussels
Return of J.D. Bell, commercial fisherman to Glen to net buffalo from the west end, under the ice Glen Elder is the “Georgia Cube” capitol of artificial fish habitat Lovewell Reservoir 2015-2017 1586
1584
Cons. level 1582
1580
1578 Elevation
1576
1574
1572
1570
Feb Dec Jul Jan-15 Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Jan-16 Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan-17 Feb Mar Apr May Jun Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Lovewell Highlights…
Two of the past three years exhibited near normal reservoir water levels and recharge as it relates to the irrigation function
In 2017 with precipitation limited over the latter half of the year, a more significant decline was observed
After four years of service, the fish barrier mechanism was removed from the entrance to the irrigation canal this past September
Busted!
The verdict is still out as to whether it was in fact a positive influence to the sportfish populations of the reservoir
The overall fishery at Lovewell sits ‘in the middle of the pack’ relative to ratings against other Kansas lakes and their sportfish welfare.
A couple of bright spots…Lovewell sits 3rd in the State with its white crappie… look for some very good crappie fishing in a year or two at Lovewell!
Lovewell’s blue catfish population is doing very well and will be attracting trophy catfish anglers in the years ahead.