1. Unit XIII Kansas Fishes Information

2. Black Bullhead

3. Family: Ictaluridae (Catfish Family) Family: Ictaluridae (Catfish Family) Smaller than the other, more sought-after catfishes, the bullhead is brown/green in color and doesn't have the forked tail like the channel cat. Smaller than the other, more sought-after catfishes, the bullhead is brown/green in color and doesn't have the forked tail like the channel cat. Common in nearly all streams, lakes and ponds, the bullhead readily bites worms and stink bait and delights youngsters learning to fish. Common in nearly all streams, lakes and ponds, the bullhead readily bites worms and stink bait and delights youngsters learning to fish. Omnivorous: eats aquatic insects, some vegetation, and other fishes. Omnivorous: eats aquatic insects, some vegetation, and other fishes. This is the common bullhead most frequently caught on hook and line in Kansas. This is the common bullhead most frequently caught on hook and line in Kansas. Usually less than 12”, but can grow up to 24” in length. Usually less than 12”, but can grow up to 24” in length. The state record is 7 pounds, 5 ounces. The world record is 8 pounds, 15 ounces. The state record is 7 pounds, 5 ounces. The world record is 8 pounds, 15 ounces.

4. Walleye Taxidermy mount from Prairie Park Nature Center

5. Walleye Family: Percidae (Perch Family) Family: Percidae (Perch Family) The walleye has become a highly-sought game fish for Kansas anglers and has been stocked in most federal reservoirs and some larger state and community lakes since 1960. The walleye has become a highly-sought game fish for Kansas anglers and has been stocked in most federal reservoirs and some larger state and community lakes since 1960. Newly hatched Walleye eat small crustaceans, but soon begin feeding on small fishes thereafter. Newly hatched Walleye eat small crustaceans, but soon begin feeding on small fishes thereafter. INTRODUCED SPECIES: Recorded from Kansas as early as 1865, but soon after disappeared. Did not return until restocking in 1960. INTRODUCED SPECIES: Recorded from Kansas as early as 1865, but soon after disappeared. Did not return until restocking in 1960. Grow up to 31.5” in length. Grow up to 31.5” in length. The state record weighed 13 pounds, 3 ounce. The state record weighed 13 pounds, 3 ounce. The world record is 22 pounds, 11 ounces. The world record is 22 pounds, 11 ounces.

6. Largemouth Bass Taxidermy mount from Prairie Park Nature Center

7. Largemouth Bass Family: Centrarchidae (Sunfish Family) Family: Centrarchidae (Sunfish Family) Part of a group known as the black basses, including the smallmouth and spotted basses, the largemouth grows the biggest. Part of a group known as the black basses, including the smallmouth and spotted basses, the largemouth grows the biggest. Common in farm ponds, the largemouth likes shallow, murky water and usually associates with structure such as weeds or submerged timber. Common in farm ponds, the largemouth likes shallow, murky water and usually associates with structure such as weeds or submerged timber. Some of the newer reservoirs and smaller lakes with standing timber also provide good largemouth fishing. Some of the newer reservoirs and smaller lakes with standing timber also provide good largemouth fishing. Of the black basses, the largemouth is the only one with a mouth that extends behind the eye. Of the black basses, the largemouth is the only one with a mouth that extends behind the eye. Eats almost anything that moves- minnows, Gizzard Shad, small suckers, catfish, other sunfish, insects, and crayfishes. Eats almost anything that moves- minnows, Gizzard Shad, small suckers, catfish, other sunfish, insects, and crayfishes. The 31 year old record was broken in 2008 by a 14- year-old. The new Kansas record is 11 pounds, 12.8 ounces and 25” in length. The 31 year old record was broken in 2008 by a 14- year-old. The new Kansas record is 11 pounds, 12.8 ounces and 25” in length. The world record weighed 22 pounds, 4 ounces. The world record weighed 22 pounds, 4 ounces.

8. White Crappie Taxidermy mount from Prairie Park Nature Center

9. White Crappie Family: Centrarchidae (Sunfish Family) Family: Centrarchidae (Sunfish Family) The white crappie is abundant across Kansas and ideally suited to the large reservoirs. The white crappie is abundant across Kansas and ideally suited to the large reservoirs. Known for its prolific numbers and delicious white meat, the white crappie is one of the most popular sportfish in the state. Known for its prolific numbers and delicious white meat, the white crappie is one of the most popular sportfish in the state. The rich waters of northeastern Kansas reservoirs produce some of the finest fishing for slab-sided white crappie found anywhere in the U.S. The rich waters of northeastern Kansas reservoirs produce some of the finest fishing for slab-sided white crappie found anywhere in the U.S. Adults eat small fishes, especially minnows and young Gizzard Shad. Adults eat small fishes, especially minnows and young Gizzard Shad. The Kansas record tipped the scales at 4 pounds, 1/4 ounce and 17.5” in length. The Kansas record tipped the scales at 4 pounds, 1/4 ounce and 17.5” in length. The world record white weighed 5 pounds, 3 ounces. The world record white weighed 5 pounds, 3 ounces.

10. Black Crappie Taxidermy mount from Prairie Park Nature Center

11. Black Crappie Family: Centrarchidae (Sunfish Family) Family: Centrarchidae (Sunfish Family) The black crappie is not as widespread in Kansas as the white crappie. The black crappie is not as widespread in Kansas as the white crappie. The black is more suited to clear-water and small impoundments such as farm ponds. The black is more suited to clear-water and small impoundments such as farm ponds. Black crappies are distinguished by a uniform dark flecking with no visible barring as seen on the white crappie. Black crappies are distinguished by a uniform dark flecking with no visible barring as seen on the white crappie. INTRODUCED SPECIES: Introduced prior to 1895. INTRODUCED SPECIES: Introduced prior to 1895. Eats insects, small crustaceans, and other fish. Eats insects, small crustaceans, and other fish. The Kansas record is 4 pounds, 10 ounces and 22” in length. The Kansas record is 4 pounds, 10 ounces and 22” in length. The world record black crappie weighed 6 pounds. The world record black crappie weighed 6 pounds.

12. Blue Catfish French Mastiff (120 lbs) Blue Catfish (50 lbs)

13. Blue Catfish Family: Ictaluridae (Catfish Family) Family: Ictaluridae (Catfish Family) The blue catfish looks much like the channel cat, except the blue has a humped back, a longer anal fin, and grows bigger. The blue catfish looks much like the channel cat, except the blue has a humped back, a longer anal fin, and grows bigger. Blues are native to several rivers in northeastern Kansas including the Kansas and Missouri. Blues are native to several rivers in northeastern Kansas including the Kansas and Missouri. Blues are seldom caught on the concoctions used for channel cats, preferring cut or live bait. Blues are seldom caught on the concoctions used for channel cats, preferring cut or live bait. Eats crayfishes, aquatic insects and their larvae, freshwater clams, worms, other fishes, and frogs. Eats crayfishes, aquatic insects and their larvae, freshwater clams, worms, other fishes, and frogs. The Kansas record weighed 94 pounds and was 57” in length, but in the past, in Kansas they could reach over 150 pounds. The Kansas record weighed 94 pounds and was 57” in length, but in the past, in Kansas they could reach over 150 pounds.

14. Bluegill

15. Bluegill Family: Centrarchidae (Sunfish Family) Family: Centrarchidae (Sunfish Family) The bluegill is one of the most common panfish in Kansas, and it provides many youngsters with their first fishing thrill. The bluegill is one of the most common panfish in Kansas, and it provides many youngsters with their first fishing thrill. Although it doesn't grow to enormous weights, the tenacious, saucer-shaped fish makes up for size with a scrappy fight. Although it doesn't grow to enormous weights, the tenacious, saucer-shaped fish makes up for size with a scrappy fight. Common in most farm ponds and smaller community and state fishing lakes, bluegill are most easily caught when they move into shallow water and begin dishing out spawning beds. Common in most farm ponds and smaller community and state fishing lakes, bluegill are most easily caught when they move into shallow water and begin dishing out spawning beds. Eats small crustaceans and insects. Eats small crustaceans and insects. The state record bluegill weighed 2 pounds, 5 ounces and was 11” in length. The state record bluegill weighed 2 pounds, 5 ounces and was 11” in length. The world record is 4 pounds, 12 ounces. The world record is 4 pounds, 12 ounces.

16. Grass Carp

17. Family: Cyprinidae (Minnow Family) Family: Cyprinidae (Minnow Family) Lives in rivers and impoundments. Lives in rivers and impoundments. Spawn in the channels of large rivers, where many thousands of eggs are released to be carried on strong currents. Spawn in the channels of large rivers, where many thousands of eggs are released to be carried on strong currents. Eat aquatic vegetation, especially moss and “weeds”. Eat aquatic vegetation, especially moss and “weeds”. INTRODUCED SPECIES: Brought to US in 1963 to control aquatic vegetation in ponds and lakes, but we now know that elimination of aquatic plants destroys habitat for native animals and alters food chains. INTRODUCED SPECIES: Brought to US in 1963 to control aquatic vegetation in ponds and lakes, but we now know that elimination of aquatic plants destroys habitat for native animals and alters food chains. State record was 48” in length and 60 pounds. State record was 48” in length and 60 pounds.

18. American Eel Duane Raver; image from USFWS Digital Library System

19. American Eel Family: Anguillidae (Freshwater Eel Family) Family: Anguillidae (Freshwater Eel Family) Begin life 3000 miles from Kansas, in cold, black water more than half a mile deep in the Atlantic Ocean, where parents go to spawn and die. Adult females are only ones that travel far inland. Begin life 3000 miles from Kansas, in cold, black water more than half a mile deep in the Atlantic Ocean, where parents go to spawn and die. Adult females are only ones that travel far inland. Much more common 100 years ago. Much more common 100 years ago. In Kansas, eat crayfishes and other fishes. In Kansas, eat crayfishes and other fishes. Longest eel in Kansas was 35.25” and over 4 pounds. Longest eel in Kansas was 35.25” and over 4 pounds.

20. Golden Shiner Duane Raver; image from USFWS Digital Library System

21. Golden Shiner Family: Cyprinidae (Minnow Family) Family: Cyprinidae (Minnow Family) Prefers deep pools and lakes with aquatic vegetation. Prefers deep pools and lakes with aquatic vegetation. Produced in ponds for sale as bait minnows in Kansas and elsewhere. Produced in ponds for sale as bait minnows in Kansas and elsewhere. Use as fishing bait has established it in many bodies of water in Kansas. Use as fishing bait has established it in many bodies of water in Kansas. Probably distributed more widely than any other fish in KS, except for Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, crappies, and Channel Catfish, which are stocked by the state as game fishes. Probably distributed more widely than any other fish in KS, except for Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, crappies, and Channel Catfish, which are stocked by the state as game fishes. Eats microscopic animals (zooplankton) and some aquatic insects. Eats microscopic animals (zooplankton) and some aquatic insects. Grows to maximum length of 12”. Grows to maximum length of 12”.

22. Fathead Minnow Duane Raver; image from USFWS Digital Library System

23. Fathead Minnow Family: Cyprinidae (Minnow Family) Family: Cyprinidae (Minnow Family) One of most widespread fishes in Kansas. One of most widespread fishes in Kansas. Greatest abundance in pools of intermittent creeks that have bottoms of mud or firm clay. Greatest abundance in pools of intermittent creeks that have bottoms of mud or firm clay. Hardy pioneer- among first fishes to invade intermittent drainages after rains. Flourishes where other fishes perish. Hardy pioneer- among first fishes to invade intermittent drainages after rains. Flourishes where other fishes perish. Omnivorous, consuming small animals, plants, and organic detritus. Omnivorous, consuming small animals, plants, and organic detritus. Widely cultivated in ponds as bait fish. Widely cultivated in ponds as bait fish. Maximum length is 4”. Maximum length is 4”.

24. Smallmouth Buffalo Duane Raver; image from USFWS Digital Library System

25. Smallmouth Buffalo Family: Catostomidae (Sucker Family) Family: Catostomidae (Sucker Family) Occurs in all large streams of eastern KS. Occurs in all large streams of eastern KS. Larval insects make up much of their diet, plus smaller organisms living on stones and log drifts. Larval insects make up much of their diet, plus smaller organisms living on stones and log drifts. Taken commercially in lower Kansas River until 1920’s. A few caught on hook and line. Now most abundant in Neosho River. Taken commercially in lower Kansas River until 1920’s. A few caught on hook and line. Now most abundant in Neosho River. Largest in Kansas was 51 pounds and 41” in length. Largest in Kansas was 51 pounds and 41” in length.

26. River Carpsucker Duane Raver; image from USFWS Digital Library System

27. River Carpsucker Family: Catostomidae (Sucker Family) Family: Catostomidae (Sucker Family) Most common sucker in Kansas, occuring in streams in all parts of the state, and many reservoirs as well. Most common sucker in Kansas, occuring in streams in all parts of the state, and many reservoirs as well. Feed entirely on tiny organisms sorted from the bottom ooze- mainly diatoms, desmids, filamentous algae, along with some insect larvae (mostly bloodworms.) Feed entirely on tiny organisms sorted from the bottom ooze- mainly diatoms, desmids, filamentous algae, along with some insect larvae (mostly bloodworms.) Seldom caught on hook and line, mostly caught accidentally by snagging. Seldom caught on hook and line, mostly caught accidentally by snagging. Mostly less than 16”, but can attain 20” in Kansas. Mostly less than 16”, but can attain 20” in Kansas.

28. Flathead Catfish

29. Family: Ictaluridae (Catfish Family) Family: Ictaluridae (Catfish Family) Common in pools of the larger streams in Kansas. Common in pools of the larger streams in Kansas. The Flathead is caught with live bait and occasionally lures, usually at night. The Flathead is caught with live bait and occasionally lures, usually at night. Carnivorous: Eats crayfishes and other fishes. Carnivorous: Eats crayfishes and other fishes. The Kansas state record is also the world record. It was caught in 1998 from Elk City Reservoir and weighed 123 pounds and 61” in length. The Kansas state record is also the world record. It was caught in 1998 from Elk City Reservoir and weighed 123 pounds and 61” in length.

30. Channel Catfish Eric Engbretson; image from USFWS Digital Library System

31. Channel Catfish Family: Ictaluridae (Catfish Family) Family: Ictaluridae (Catfish Family) The channel catfish is the bread and butter of Kansas fishing. The channel catfish is the bread and butter of Kansas fishing. Found in nearly all waters from large rivers and reservoirs to small prairie streams, good channel cat fishing is never far away. Found in nearly all waters from large rivers and reservoirs to small prairie streams, good channel cat fishing is never far away. Department hatcheries produce millions of channel cats each year. Department hatcheries produce millions of channel cats each year. Eat mainly insects, crayfish, molluscs, and other fishes. Are scavengers, in part. Will eat dead and living animals/plants, which they locate by taste and odor. Eat mainly insects, crayfish, molluscs, and other fishes. Are scavengers, in part. Will eat dead and living animals/plants, which they locate by taste and odor. The state record channel cat weighed 36 pounds, 8 ounces, and was 38” in length. The state record channel cat weighed 36 pounds, 8 ounces, and was 38” in length. The world record is 58 pounds. The world record is 58 pounds.

32. Green Sunfish Duane Raver; image from USFWS Digital Library System

33. Green Sunfish Family: Centarchidae (Sunfish Family) Family: Centarchidae (Sunfish Family) Although it has a larger mouth and more elongated body than the bluegill, the green sunfish has the blue tab on the gill cover and is often confused with the bluegill. Although it has a larger mouth and more elongated body than the bluegill, the green sunfish has the blue tab on the gill cover and is often confused with the bluegill. Commonly referred to as perch, green sunfish are aggressive and easy to catch. However, they can easily overpopulate and become stunted in small waters. Commonly referred to as perch, green sunfish are aggressive and easy to catch. However, they can easily overpopulate and become stunted in small waters. The Kansas record weighed 2 pounds, 6 ounces and was 11.5” in length. The Kansas record weighed 2 pounds, 6 ounces and was 11.5” in length. The world record greenie is listed at 2 pounds, 7 ounces. The world record greenie is listed at 2 pounds, 7 ounces.

34. Orangespotted Sunfish Duane Raver; image from USFWS Digital Library System

35. Orangespotted Sunfish Family: Centrarchidae (Sunfish Family) Family: Centrarchidae (Sunfish Family) Occurs throughout Kansas, rivaling Green Sunfish in abundance. Occurs throughout Kansas, rivaling Green Sunfish in abundance. Prefers sandy streams, but tolerates muddy water and excessive water level fluctuation. Prefers sandy streams, but tolerates muddy water and excessive water level fluctuation. Eats mainly insects, and some smaller fishes. Eats mainly insects, and some smaller fishes. Maximum length 6”. Maximum length 6”.

36. Orangethroat Darter

37. Family: Percidae (Perch Family) Family: Percidae (Perch Family) Lives mainly in small streams, on shallow riffles having bottoms of fine gravel or mixed gravel and sand. Lives mainly in small streams, on shallow riffles having bottoms of fine gravel or mixed gravel and sand. One of most widespread of Kansas darters. One of most widespread of Kansas darters. Feed on blackfly larvae, bloodworms, caddisfly larvae, insects, and fish eggs. Feed on blackfly larvae, bloodworms, caddisfly larvae, insects, and fish eggs. Attractive aquarium fish who keep their color if water remains 70 degrees or less. Can be fed frozen brine shrimp, living brine shrimp or small worms. Attractive aquarium fish who keep their color if water remains 70 degrees or less. Can be fed frozen brine shrimp, living brine shrimp or small worms. Maximum length 2.5” Maximum length 2.5”

38. Paddlefish Duane Raver; image from USFWS Digital Library System

39. Paddlefish Family: Polyodontidae (Paddlefish Family) Family: Polyodontidae (Paddlefish Family) The paddlefish is a plankton eater that resembles prehistoric fishes. The paddlefish is a plankton eater that resembles prehistoric fishes. Common only in two Kansas rivers – the Marais des Cygnes and the Neosho – the paddlefish is taken by fishermen during the spring spawning runs, and then only during the special snagging season. Common only in two Kansas rivers – the Marais des Cygnes and the Neosho – the paddlefish is taken by fishermen during the spring spawning runs, and then only during the special snagging season. Stocking paddlefish in Oklahoma’s Kaw Reservoir and in Tuttle Creek Reservoir may bring the paddle-snouted fish back to some of its former range. T Stocking paddlefish in Oklahoma’s Kaw Reservoir and in Tuttle Creek Reservoir may bring the paddle-snouted fish back to some of its former range. T The largest paddlefish in Kansas was 144 pounds, 54.25” in length, and was caught in 2004. The largest paddlefish in Kansas was 144 pounds, 54.25” in length, and was caught in 2004.

40. Longnose Gar Duane Raver; image from USFWS Digital Library System

41. Longnose Gar Family: Lepisosteidae (Gar Family) Family: Lepisosteidae (Gar Family) Inhabits most rivers and creeks in eastern half of state. Most abundant of 3 gar species in KS. Inhabits most rivers and creeks in eastern half of state. Most abundant of 3 gar species in KS. Feed almost entirely on other fishes. Feed almost entirely on other fishes. Young prey on minnows, but change to Gizzard Shad or small suckers as adults. Young prey on minnows, but change to Gizzard Shad or small suckers as adults. One of largest and most widespread predatory fishes in KS. Helps keep abundance of prey species within desirable limits. One of largest and most widespread predatory fishes in KS. Helps keep abundance of prey species within desirable limits. Unique due to gas bladder that function as lungs, in addition to gills. Unique due to gas bladder that function as lungs, in addition to gills. Maximum length is 72” and over 30 pounds. Maximum length is 72” and over 30 pounds.

42. Pallid Sturgeon US Fish and Wildlife Service; image from USFWS Digital Library System

43. Pallid Sturgeon Family: Acipenseridae (Sturgeon Family) Family: Acipenseridae (Sturgeon Family) Endangered in Kansas Endangered in Kansas This is a fish from an ancient lineage found in the Missouri River along the Kansas-Missouri border. This is a fish from an ancient lineage found in the Missouri River along the Kansas-Missouri border. The pallid sturgeon is a long-lived fish and is known to reach 41 years of age. The female will not spawn until she is 15-20 years old and then only sporadically. The pallid sturgeon is a long-lived fish and is known to reach 41 years of age. The female will not spawn until she is 15-20 years old and then only sporadically. The future of the pallid sturgeon is questionable due to hydrology and habitat changes that have occurred as rivers became regulated and engineered. The future of the pallid sturgeon is questionable due to hydrology and habitat changes that have occurred as rivers became regulated and engineered. FEDERALLY ENDANGERED SPECIES IN KANSAS FEDERALLY ENDANGERED SPECIES IN KANSAS Longest one in Kansas was 30”, but can reach 66” in other states. Longest one in Kansas was 30”, but can reach 66” in other states.

44. Mosquitofish Duane Raver; image from USFWS Digital Library System

45. Mosquitofish Family: Poeciliidae (Livebearers Family) Family: Poeciliidae (Livebearers Family) Prefers calm, shallow pools and backwaters of streams. Prefers calm, shallow pools and backwaters of streams. Limited tolerance to cold, so only a few individuals survive over winter. Limited tolerance to cold, so only a few individuals survive over winter. Feeds on many kinds of aquatic insect larvae and small crustaceans, mostly at the surface. Feeds on many kinds of aquatic insect larvae and small crustaceans, mostly at the surface. Widely introduced into bodies of water for mosquito control. Widely introduced into bodies of water for mosquito control. INTRODUCED SPECIES: Introduced in Ninnescah River in Kansas, probably during 1930’s. Has since spread gradually throughout much of KS. INTRODUCED SPECIES: Introduced in Ninnescah River in Kansas, probably during 1930’s. Has since spread gradually throughout much of KS. Maximum length for adults are 2.5”. Maximum length for adults are 2.5”.

46. Freshwater Drum Duane Raver; image from USFWS Digital Library System

47. Freshwater Drum Family: Sciaenidae (Drum Family) Family: Sciaenidae (Drum Family) The freshwater drum is common in most Kansas rivers and reservoirs. The freshwater drum is common in most Kansas rivers and reservoirs. Commonly considered an undesirable rough fish, the drum is predatory and will readily strike lures and baits. Commonly considered an undesirable rough fish, the drum is predatory and will readily strike lures and baits. It is a good fighter and the white meat is fine table fare. It is a good fighter and the white meat is fine table fare. The drum can make strange drumming or grunting noises with muscles vibrated against the swim bladder. The drum can make strange drumming or grunting noises with muscles vibrated against the swim bladder. The Kansas state record drum weighed 31 pounds, 4 ounces and was 37.5” in length. The Kansas state record drum weighed 31 pounds, 4 ounces and was 37.5” in length. The world record drum weighed 54 pounds, 8 ounces. The world record drum weighed 54 pounds, 8 ounces.

48. Gizzard Shad

49. Family: Clupeidae (Herring Family) Family: Clupeidae (Herring Family) Occupies most large streams and lakes throughout the state. Occupies most large streams and lakes throughout the state. Introductions into reservoirs have greatly increased range and abundance since 1950. Introductions into reservoirs have greatly increased range and abundance since 1950. As adults, comb-like filtering structure catches micro-organisms strained from the water. As adults, comb-like filtering structure catches micro-organisms strained from the water. Now one of most abundant Kansas fishes. Shallow bays in reservoirs may have as much as 1000 pounds per acre; important prey of game fish. Now one of most abundant Kansas fishes. Shallow bays in reservoirs may have as much as 1000 pounds per acre; important prey of game fish. Maximum length for adults are 20.5”. Maximum length for adults are 20.5”.

50. References State Record information from: State Record information from: http://www.landbigfish.com/staterecords/records.cfm?state=Kansas http://www.landbigfish.com/staterecords/records.cfm?state=Kansas http://www.landbigfish.com/staterecords/records.cfm?state=Kansas Some species information from Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Fish ID Gallery Some species information from Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Fish ID Gallery http://www.kdwp.state.ks.us/news/fishing/fish_id_gallery http://www.kdwp.state.ks.us/news/fishing/fish_id_gallery http://www.kdwp.state.ks.us/news/fishing/fish_id_gallery Most species information from Fishes in Kansas, by Frank B. Cross and Joseph T. Collins. Most species information from Fishes in Kansas, by Frank B. Cross and Joseph T. Collins.

51. Image Citations US Fish and Wildlife Service public domain images accessed on July 10, 2008 from: US Fish and Wildlife Service public domain images accessed on July 10, 2008 from: http://images.fws.gov/default.cfm?CFID=1664488 &CFTOKEN=78820620 http://images.fws.gov/default.cfm?CFID=1664488 &CFTOKEN=78820620