Fishing 103

.................Clinton Lake is a man-made lake on the southwestern edge of Lawrence, KS. The lake was created by the construction of the Clinton Dam, and the 35 square miles (91 km²) of land and water is maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Construction of the dam and lake was authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1962 (Public Law 87-874), and funds were allocated for the project in 1971. Construction began in 1972, and the dam was completed in 1975. Impoundment began on November 30, 1977, yet the conservation pool was reached in 1980. Filling the reservoir slowly helped create a more hospitable environment for fish by allowing the native grass to remain on most of the upper lake-bed. In April 1981, the lake began multipurpose operations including flood control, water supply, and recreation.


By the time Clinton Lake Reservoir was stocked with crappie, white bass, blue gill, and other, I was catching on to this fishing. I didn't like to fish, I liked to catch. I didn't like to sit in a boat with a line dangling over the side, I liked some action.


We had a boat or two or three or greater during this era. Nothing fancy, mind you, but for the most part, something that did float. Most of the engines were fully used by the time we had them; it wasn't unusual to be fishing and have a problem with the engine starting. The lakes were small, it wasn't as if we were trapped 20 miles at 45 mph away from the landing. Although one time the plug wasn't put in and we had to try to get to shore before the boat went under. BALE BALE BALE


People came from miles around to fish crappie in the spring at Clinton. Spawning happened about the time the pussy willows bloomed; it wasn't unusual to have to walk a mile after parking the car and trailer. It was good business for Douglas County in Kansas.


We used what we had for rods and reels. It didn't have to be much, a jig, a little bait, and pole. Crappies weren't fussy as long as you got the bait in front of their nose. I used a Pocket Fisherman©, although it had limited line, I managed to cast with it.


When one fishes for crappies when they are spawning, one generally positions themselves where there is structure and brush. The County of Douglas had collected cut evergreens after Christmas which were bundled and placed around the lake as spawning beds. These were the hot spots along with the trees which submerged when the reservoir was filled from the water of the Wakarusa River.


One day, all of us where at the lake fishing for crappie. Rachel must have been about fourteen. She had her line in the water with a loop over her finger as she read her book. After the ninth fish in less than an hour she stated she wished they would stop biting so she could read. Bud took her spot.


The family ate fish. They would be filleted, washed, rinsed, dried, drenched in flour, and put in a hot pan of oil then right to the table. This all happened in the kitchen and the person cleaning the fish had a hard time keeping up with those eating it!


One of my favorite stories is about Bud and his friend Kevin. Fishing for crappie at night on the rocks by the dam was profitable. The boys were just learning how to fillet. Father said they could keep as many as they wanted to clean. The caught 100 fish and carried them up the rocky embankment in a wash tub.


They may have done a few of the 100 catch, yet what I remember is both of them playing with the fish as if they were puppets. Someone else cleaned the rest, followed by a midnight fish fry.


Another spring, Bud and his dad went fishing. Bud caught a cat fish. He was so proud of that fish that he brought it home in the net. After a while, he decided he didn't want to keep it. They drove back to the Wakarusa River and put it into the water. Do you think that fish was still living?


Another reservoir in the area was called Lake Perry. The construction of Perry Dam and Reservoir was authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1954 (Public law 83-780). Construction of the day and embankment began in March 16, 1964. Perry was placed in operation on January 15, 1969 and Multipurpose Pool was initially reached on June 3, 1970. It was older than Clinton by a few years and the fish were bigger. We went there one time when Ryen was little. He got his kicks tossing tackle and equipment over the side. The water was clear and it was retrieved. He would say his first word at the dock. It was worm.


The day of the tornado on the lake would be the last time I would fish in Kansas. I would never have to face my fears of being in a water funnel again....or so I thought............................