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Tuttle Creek Lake volunteer group warns youth fishing clinic faltering after low catches
Summary
The Tuttle Creek Lake Association told the City Commission June 3 that recent youth fishing clinics produced far fewer catches despite stocking 700 catfish, raising concern about the program’s future after 31 years of partnership with the city.
The Tuttle Creek Lake Association told the Manhattan City Commission on June 3 that its long-running youth fishing clinic is seeing sharply lower catches despite concerted stocking efforts, and volunteers warned the decline could jeopardize the 31-year program.
"We actually put 700 fish in there, the Wednesday before our clinic starts. So we know there's fish in there," said Tim Weisbinder, vice president of the Tuttle Creek Lake Association. "And would anyone like to take a guess at how many fish were caught? 3. 3 fish. I was ashamed. It's a disgrace to have something like that happen."
Weisbinder said the association has partnered with the city for 31 years and that recent clinics have seen steadily smaller catch numbers; he said last year’s turnout was about 150 youth, and this year roughly 100 children participated with parents in attendance. He described efforts to hire commercial pond contractors and to follow up with city authorities about causes for the decline.
"We spent hundreds of hours, thousands of dollars to put this thing on every year," Weisbinder said. He urged the commission and staff to help identify solutions so the program can continue to give children outdoor recreation opportunities.
Mayor Karen McCullough and commissioners thanked the association for its long partnership and said they would follow up. Weisbinder said he will continue to pursue follow-up conversations with city staff and outside contractors to try to improve outcomes for next year.
