Over the past two years, the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife fisheries division has stocked 60,000 walleye fingerlings in the the Barren River above Barren River Reservoir.

Now the fisheries people would like some information on these releases, asking fishermen who may have caught and released one of the walleye.

Eric Cummings, southwest district fisheries biologist whose office is located in Bowling Green, wants to hear from anyone who has info as to the size of the walleye now, where and how they were caught, or any other pertinent facts concerning the stocking.

In 2007, 20,000 of the fingerlings were put into the river, followed by another 40,000 this year.

Of course, the stockings are subject to the same statewide fishing regulations that apply elsewhere. A walleye must be at least 15 inches long before it can be kept. All the fingerlings were put into the river above the Holland bridge.

If you have caught one of these walleyes, Eric would like to talk to you. His office can be reached at (270) 746-7127.

Barren River Rod and Gun Club members are reminded that the monthly membership meeting tonight at the clubhouse is also election night. Officers and board members who will serve for the next year will be elected tonight. Yearly dues are also payable beginning Sept. 1. The potluck meeting begins at 7 p.m.

Bill Logsdon reports this week that fishing is a mixed bag: “Looks like the summer weather has stalled over Kentucky, causing fish to be a little sluggish, not to mention a little uncomfortable with all the humidity. In addition, Barren looks like it is trying to turn over. The water clarity has taken on a dingy color with limited visibility. I don’t have any other explanation; for sure rain didn’t cause it. Regardless of conditions, there have still been some fish caught this past week by those who ventured out. Majority of the bass have been coming off rock walls and points using jigs, plastic worms and live shad. I talked to one fisherman who was still catching a few in the weeds on spinnerbaits. Todd took his son, Tyler, and his friend Friday evening and they had four nice Kentucky bass and a 3 pound and 5 pound largemouths. Crappie fishing has been fair. If you can find brush and cover in 10 to 16 feet of water, you should be able to find some cooperative crappie unless you have a strong east wind. In addition to minnows, they are beginning to catch some on grubs and tubes. You can still catch them under the lights at night in the 10 to 14 feet range. I have gotten reports of good fishing on the Cumberland River recently. Several trout were taken as well as walleye and stripers. Over the past few days, I know of a 24 inch Brown trout, a 14-pound, 9-ounce walleye, a 44-pound striper and a 40-pound striper being caught.”

Dates have been set for waterfowl blind drawings for Barren River, Lake Barkley, Green River Lake, Sloughs and Doug Travis Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs). Hunters interested in drawing must be 18 years of age and possess a valid 2008-2009 Kentucky hunting license, a Kentucky waterfowl permit and a Federal migratory bird permit (duck stamp) at the time of the drawing.

The Barren River Lake WMA waterfowl blind drawing will be from 7 to 9 a.m. central time Saturday, Oct. 4, at the Barren River Lake Corps of Engineers office at Barren River Lake dam off Ky. 252.

The Lake Barkley WMA waterfowl blind drawing will be 8 a.m. central time Monday, Sept. 15. The drawing will be at the Lake Barkley Corps of Engineers office, located at Barkley dam off U.S. 62 near Lake City.

The Green River Lake WMA waterfowl blind drawing will be Saturday, Sept. 27, at the Green River Lake Corps of Engineers office. The office is located off Ky. 55 approximately seven miles south of Campbellsville. Registration is 9 a.m. eastern time with the drawing at 10 a.m.

The waterfowl blind drawing for Sloughs WMA will be Tuesday, Sept. 30, at Union County Middle School off U.S. 60 in Morganfield. Registration begins at 6 p.m. central time with the drawing at 7 p.m.

Hunters drawn for blinds on Lake Barkley, Green River, Barren River Lake or Sloughs WMAs are responsible for locating, preparing and maintaining the blind site for the duration of the 2008-2009 waterfowl seasons.

Each drawn hunter may select a co-owner of the blind site for use in the absence of the hunter drawn.