Steve Weisman
05-16-2005, 04:17 PM
Wilson Lake Up Next for Great Plains Region
By Steve Weisman
GNWC Publicity Director
Teams who are fishing the Great Plains (Kansas/Nebraska) circuit of the Grand National Walleye Cup (GNWC) are preparing for the second tournament scheduled for Sunday, May 29 at Wilson Lake in central Kansas.
With over 9,000 acres, Wilson Lake is known for its clean and often times clear water conditions. According to fisheries biologists, there is an excellent walleye population, and regulations include a 15-inch minimum length limit. Rolling hills and sandstone bluffs surround Wilson Lake, so anglers need to prepare for both south and north winds that funnel through the canyons.
Bud and Gladys George, owners of Bud's Bait and Tackle, note that the walleye bite has been excellent in May. "We've seen a lot of fish coming in. The average size will probably be in that 15-17 inch size. We'll have plenty of bait on hand."
According the GNWC Executive Director, this will be the second time the Great Plains Region has had a tournament on Wilson Lake. "The Great Plains Region Championship was held there last August, so we were talking about a late summer bite back then. Now, we're looking at late May, and all indications are that the fishing will be good."
The tournament director will have the trailer at Wilson State Park at the #### Creek Recreation Area from 6-8 p.m. the evening before the tournament to take late entries and answer questions. Take-off is at 7 a.m. with the weigh-in commencing at 3 p.m. sharp at the #### Creek Recreation Area.
"I encourage the general public to come to Saturday's weigh-in. There is no cost to attend, and it is a great opportunity for folks to get a glimpse at what tournament fishing is all about. The audience will also get to hear from the teams and find out what presentations and tactics worked to trigger the fish. This is a great way to learn about taking walleyes at Wilson Lake. Also, we will have a couple of Aqua-Vu underwater cameras set up in our release tanks so that the public can see how they work," added Barringer.
For those interested in entering, the entry fee remains at $210 per team for each tournament. Openings do still exist for the Wilson Lake qualifier, and Barringer encourages interested anglers to contact him at 1-800-890-FISH (3474), or email the GNWC at info@walleyecup.com. "I also encourage people to check out our website at www.walleyecup.com and see what is happening in all seven regions," added Barringer.
Major national sponsors for the GNWC include Skeeter Boats, Yamaha Outboards, Lowrance Electronics, YoNet Folding Nets by AMFYOYO, Aqua-VU, Aqua Innovations, Cabela's and UpNorthOutdoors.com. National championship sponsors are Towtector Shield and the VIB"E" Lure Company.
By Steve Weisman
GNWC Publicity Director
Teams who are fishing the Great Plains (Kansas/Nebraska) circuit of the Grand National Walleye Cup (GNWC) are preparing for the second tournament scheduled for Sunday, May 29 at Wilson Lake in central Kansas.
With over 9,000 acres, Wilson Lake is known for its clean and often times clear water conditions. According to fisheries biologists, there is an excellent walleye population, and regulations include a 15-inch minimum length limit. Rolling hills and sandstone bluffs surround Wilson Lake, so anglers need to prepare for both south and north winds that funnel through the canyons.
Bud and Gladys George, owners of Bud's Bait and Tackle, note that the walleye bite has been excellent in May. "We've seen a lot of fish coming in. The average size will probably be in that 15-17 inch size. We'll have plenty of bait on hand."
According the GNWC Executive Director, this will be the second time the Great Plains Region has had a tournament on Wilson Lake. "The Great Plains Region Championship was held there last August, so we were talking about a late summer bite back then. Now, we're looking at late May, and all indications are that the fishing will be good."
The tournament director will have the trailer at Wilson State Park at the #### Creek Recreation Area from 6-8 p.m. the evening before the tournament to take late entries and answer questions. Take-off is at 7 a.m. with the weigh-in commencing at 3 p.m. sharp at the #### Creek Recreation Area.
"I encourage the general public to come to Saturday's weigh-in. There is no cost to attend, and it is a great opportunity for folks to get a glimpse at what tournament fishing is all about. The audience will also get to hear from the teams and find out what presentations and tactics worked to trigger the fish. This is a great way to learn about taking walleyes at Wilson Lake. Also, we will have a couple of Aqua-Vu underwater cameras set up in our release tanks so that the public can see how they work," added Barringer.
For those interested in entering, the entry fee remains at $210 per team for each tournament. Openings do still exist for the Wilson Lake qualifier, and Barringer encourages interested anglers to contact him at 1-800-890-FISH (3474), or email the GNWC at info@walleyecup.com. "I also encourage people to check out our website at www.walleyecup.com and see what is happening in all seven regions," added Barringer.
Major national sponsors for the GNWC include Skeeter Boats, Yamaha Outboards, Lowrance Electronics, YoNet Folding Nets by AMFYOYO, Aqua-VU, Aqua Innovations, Cabela's and UpNorthOutdoors.com. National championship sponsors are Towtector Shield and the VIB"E" Lure Company.