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The recent fish salvage is not the first time in the history of the Augusta City Lake that huge fish have been harvested. In September of 1956 the City Council was advised that the heavy population of fish was contributing to the severe algae problem at the lake and ridding the lake of the fish would be the answer.
City Lake water was being used at the time for the community’s water supply because repairs were being made on the Mulvane water line. The Gazette reported, “The drouth conditions exist with no signs of let up have convinced the governing body of the need to conserve and make usable all available sources of water supply for city use.”
The same article explained that the algae was affecting the taste and odor of the city water supply, so amid considerable controversy, the Council approved an application of rotenone by the State Forestry, Fish and Game Commission. Soon after, monster catfish, huge carp and little crappie were being removed and could be seen lying on the banks of the lake. The Gazette reported that city employees hauled the fish away in trucks, with no mention of a destination.
In regards to Augusta’s most recent fish salvage, Cy Ricker, Augusta’s Public Works Superintendent, advised yesterday that the salvage will be continued a few more days and Rotenone may not be required.
"We may be able to find an alternative or we might not have to do it at all. The birds have really helped in the process,” Ricker said.
One fish will find new home
Very soon the lake water will be gone and all the monster fish only memories woven into grand stories told by the anglers who landed them.
But one of those big fish is still alive and Albert Simon, who landed the 75-pound flathead is hoping that his fish will have a new home.
Albert and his son, Colby caught a number of impressive catfish last weekend, but they decided to keep the largest of the haul and see if the new Wichita Cabela’s store would be interested in giving the monster fish a home in one of their aquariums.
“The big cat is still alive in a friend’s aerated tank and a spokesman at the Cabela’s store said they’d would like to have the fish,” Albert advised.
The well-known store, which specializes in outdoor gear, will feature a 4,000-gallon aquarium with fish native to Kansas. The Augusta Lake monster would definitely be an attraction for the aquarium.
Nate Sukrow, manager of the new Cabela’s store told the Gazette on Friday, “ The only hurdle left is timing. We just started filling our aquarium this morning and it won't be ready for fish for two weeks. I've put our curator in touch with Mr. Simon to give him some tips on care for the fish until we can take him.”
Albert feels the pressure of keeping the fish alive and well for the next couple of weeks, “The ball is in our court now. They seem excited to be getting this fish - they gave us some tips and advice, and we’ll do our best to keep him going.”
In a few weeks, visitors to the new Cabela’s store will be able to stop by the aquarium, see a monster catfish that once lived at the bottom of our city lake and remember the extraordinary fishing that happened in Augusta.
The Wichita Cabela’s store will officially open on March 14th. There will be a ribbon cutting ceremoney at 10:45 a.m., with doors openeing for business at 11 a.m.
Opening day will be part of a weekend-long celebration featuring outdoor celebrities, special guests, giveaways, and more.
The store is located in the Regency Lakes Shopping Center at 21st and Greenwich, and is Cabela’s second retail store in Kansas, joining the Kansas City location.
The recent fish salvage is not the first time in the history of the Augusta City Lake that huge fish have been harvested. In September of 1956 the City Council was advised that the heavy population of fish was contributing to the severe algae problem at the lake and ridding the lake of the fish would be the answer.
City Lake water was being used at the time for the community’s water supply because repairs were being made on the Mulvane water line. The Gazette reported, “The drouth conditions exist with no signs of let up have convinced the governing body of the need to conserve and make usable all available sources of water supply for city use.”
The same article explained that the algae was affecting the taste and odor of the city water supply, so amid considerable controversy, the Council approved an application of rotenone by the State Forestry, Fish and Game Commission. Soon after, monster catfish, huge carp and little crappie were being removed and could be seen lying on the banks of the lake. The Gazette reported that city employees hauled the fish away in trucks, with no mention of a destination.
In regards to Augusta’s most recent fish salvage, Cy Ricker, Augusta’s Public Works Superintendent, advised yesterday that the salvage will be continued a few more days and Rotenone may not be required.
"We may be able to find an alternative or we might not have to do it at all. The birds have really helped in the process,” Ricker said.
One fish will find new home
Very soon the lake water will be gone and all the monster fish only memories woven into grand stories told by the anglers who landed them.
But one of those big fish is still alive and Albert Simon, who landed the 75-pound flathead is hoping that his fish will have a new home.
Albert and his son, Colby caught a number of impressive catfish last weekend, but they decided to keep the largest of the haul and see if the new Wichita Cabela’s store would be interested in giving the monster fish a home in one of their aquariums.
“The big cat is still alive in a friend’s aerated tank and a spokesman at the Cabela’s store said they’d would like to have the fish,” Albert advised.
The well-known store, which specializes in outdoor gear, will feature a 4,000-gallon aquarium with fish native to Kansas. The Augusta Lake monster would definitely be an attraction for the aquarium.
Nate Sukrow, manager of the new Cabela’s store told the Gazette on Friday, “ The only hurdle left is timing. We just started filling our aquarium this morning and it won't be ready for fish for two weeks. I've put our curator in touch with Mr. Simon to give him some tips on care for the fish until we can take him.”
Albert feels the pressure of keeping the fish alive and well for the next couple of weeks, “The ball is in our court now. They seem excited to be getting this fish - they gave us some tips and advice, and we’ll do our best to keep him going.”
In a few weeks, visitors to the new Cabela’s store will be able to stop by the aquarium, see a monster catfish that once lived at the bottom of our city lake and remember the extraordinary fishing that happened in Augusta.
The Wichita Cabela’s store will officially open on March 14th. There will be a ribbon cutting ceremoney at 10:45 a.m., with doors openeing for business at 11 a.m.
Opening day will be part of a weekend-long celebration featuring outdoor celebrities, special guests, giveaways, and more.
The store is located in the Regency Lakes Shopping Center at 21st and Greenwich, and is Cabela’s second retail store in Kansas, joining the Kansas City location.
