Blue River Fishing Spot

• Elevation: 907'
• Last Modified By: vinny60 on 09/08/09 06:24 PM
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The Blue River is a fifth order stream which flows 41 miles in a northeasterly direction through the Kansas City metropolitan area and enters the Missouri River at river mile 357. Brush, Indian, Tomahawk, Wolf, and Coffee creeks are major fourth order streams in the basin. Average stream gradients range from 4 feet/mile for the Blue River to 68 feet/mile for Round Grove Creek. Average annual precipitation in the basin is 36 inches while average annual runoff is about seven inches. Average annual discharge of the Blue River at stream mile 22 is 157 cfs. Blue River flows tend to be flashy and the stream frequently floods. Blue River water quality is relatively good upstream from the confluence with Indian Creek. A large sewage treatment plant on Indian Creek chronically degrades water quality in the lower half of the Blue River. As the river flows downstream through the industrialized district, water quality deteriorates further. Thirty-eight species of fish have been sampled from the Blue River and its tributaries. No angling surveys have been conducted on basin streams, however, fishing pressure is probably moderate. Channel catfish and carp are two of the more important sport fishes, but the Blue River also offers fishing opportunities for largemouth bass and green sunfish, especially in the reach upstream from the confluence with Indian Creek. Statewide fishing regulations apply to the Blue River and its tributaries in both Missouri and Kansas. Blue River watershed streams and corridors are valuable resources for a variety of recreational uses such as fishing, hiking, and nature interpretation. Fortunately, there is a large amount of public park land along the Blue River and, to a lesser degree, along some of its major tributary streams. There is a need to publicize recreational opportunities and improve access to these natural areas. There is also a need to increase public awareness and appreciation for these resources to promote advocacy for watershed streams.

The Big Blue River is the largest tributary of the Kansas River. The river flows for approximately 250 miles (402 km) from central Nebraska into Kansas, where it intersects with the Kansas River east of Manhattan, Kansas. It was given its name by the Kansa tribe of Native Americans, who camped at its mouth from 1780 to 1830.