Blue Catfish Fisheries in Kansas: 50 Years of Research and Management

Blue Catfish Ictalurus furcatus are native to the Kansas and Missouri River basins in eastern Kansas. Recognizing their potential to support recreational fisheries, a stocking program was initiated in the state in 1972. Through 1990, over 35,000 individuals were stocked in 16 small impoundments (< 100 ha) but failed to create persistent fisheries. From 1990 to 2005, over 200,000 individuals were stocked in five impoundments >2500 ha and relative successes of these stockings resulted in over 1,000,000 individuals being stocked in 10 additional impoundments > 2500 ha spanning the state from 2006 to 2022. Rapid proliferation of these populations resulted in implementation of many studies designed to gain understanding of these populations and inform effective management plans to develop and sustain recreational fisheries. These studies are summarized here with a history of management actions over the last 50 years to consolidate available knowledge. Additionally, information gaps are identified and discussed to inform future management and research and ensure recreational angling opportunities for Blue Catfish persist in Kansas.