Kansas eclipse chasers ready to fight the crowds for perfect viewing spot
1 April 2024
TOPEKA (KSNT) – Kansas anglers have a rare opportunity to go fishing this month in the shade of a solar eclipse.
Kansas will be cast in an unnatural darkness on Monday, April 8 during a solar eclipse. While not in the direct path of the eclipse, the Sunflower State will be close enough to feel some of its effects.
“This doesn’t happen very often,” said Fisheries Division Director Bryan Sowards with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP).
Wildlife across the nation are known to change their behaviors during the eclipse while it is active, according to a report from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). The darkened sky and drop in temperatures may impact local wildlife by convincing them it is nighttime for a brief while. During past solar eclipses, nocturnal insects and birds have been observed following their nighttime routines in the middle of the day.
Sowards says there isn’t an exact science to fish behavior changes during an eclipse. However, he says Kansas fish may exhibit some of their nighttime behaviors while the eclipse is overhead, potentially offering anglers better odds at landing a prize catch.
“When the sun comes up and when the sun goes down is when we have the most activity,” Sowards said. “Most species are most active during the transition periods.”
Sowards says some fish like walleye, saugeye and channel catfish which typically hide during the day or sit near the bottom of the state’s lakes may come out in force during the eclipse under cover of darkness to find food. Bass might also be expected to appear with greater frequency during the eclipse.
“They [bass] love those low light conditions,” Sowards said.
While Kansans will only be within the 80-90% range of the eclipse, Sowards says anglers may need to adjust their habits during the event as well. Boaters in the eastern portions of the state may want to consider turning their boat lights on as they would at night while the eclipse is overhead.
“Out on the lake you’re going to want your navigation lights ready,” Sowards said. “You’ll probably want them during that time just to be safe.”
Sowards says anglers should also look for opportunities to catch white bass. These fish are spawning this month and there should be abundant opportunities to snag a few.
For more ideas on where to fish during the eclipse, check out the 2024 Kansas Fishing Forecast.
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