2007 Milford Reservoir Fishing Forecast

WIPER—Good. Although fewer wiper under 12” were sampled, numbers remain near their greatest density since they were introduced. 2.4 million fry and 80,000 fingerlings were stocked in ’06. 30% of wiper sampled were over 20”, with some real lunkers over 25”. The possibility of catching a trophy is as good as ever. The lake record remains at 17lbs!!!

WHITE BASS—Good. Numbers of white bass have declined due to fewer 6”-9” fish. White bass greater than 12” are plentiful, making up 61% of those sampled. White’s over 15” are still the most abundant in the last 10 years, other than last year! For good stringers of above average size fish, and the chance of a trophy, this could be another good year for white bass anglers at Milford.

CHANNEL CATFISH—Fair/Good. Channel catfish numbers changed little from 2005. The availability of larger fish, however, improved for the 3rd consecutive year. No “lunker” class channel cat were sampled, but those over 24” were the most abundant since ’99. Flathead numbers remain constant, while the blue cats continue to provide a unique trophy fishery. The lake record blue cat now stands at 50.2 lbs., and natural reproduction continues to be very successful. Catfishers at Milford should have a productive 2007, with the chance of hooking into a real monster blue.

BLACK BASS—Fair/Good. Largemouth abundance decreased due to fewer 8”-15” fish. Legal fish over 15”, however, increased and make up 28% of the sample. Spotted and smallmouth bass abundance remained constant. Smallmouth over 11”, however, were at their highest levels since ’01, and had a good year class. Bass anglers should again experience frequent success, with the chance of catching a trophy smallmouth or spotted bass a real possibility. (15 inch length limit)

WALLEYE—Fair. Walleye density increased across all size groups. Legal fish over 18” increased after 5 consecutive years of decline, making up 25% of walleye sampled. This is the highest level in the past 4 years. 8.8 million fry and 139,000 fingerlings were stocked in 2006, but resulted in a poor year class as of fall sampling. Sub-legal walleye should provide good fishing in 2007, and with good growth, should allow for limited harvest. (18 inch length limit)

CRAPPIE—Fair. Crappie abundance increased across all size groups. The 2006 year class, though, appears to only be fair. 37% were 8”-10”, with 28% over 10”. Of those, only 5% were over 12”. Crappie anglers should have moderate success in 2007, primarily in the spring.

Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks - Fishing