Mound City's large turnout at fishing derby, new fishing pond kick off summer activities

The new fishing pond at Mound City features a gazebo, accessibility for handicapped anglers and a horse-show shape to provide plenty of shoreline. After recent rains, the pond is at its peak capacity. (Photo by Roger Sims / Linn County Journal)

By Roger Sims

Journal staff

MOUND CITY – More than 200 people, including about 70 young anglers turned out for the 2026 Mound City fishing derby at the city lake west of the city on Saturday, May 16. It was one of the best turnouts yet for the event, according to city officials.

The grill was fired up to feed the crowd and the contestants received prizes.

The youngsters and their families were able to enjoy the improvements at the lake that have been the result of grants by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) as part of a three step project. City officials are preparing to work on phase three of the project that has so far spanned three years.

New additions to the city lake include a 2-plus mile walkway along the shore, and several camping areas with utility hookups.

One of the newest additions is the city’s fishing pond that is located south of the ballfields and west of the splash park. The horseshoe-shaped pond includes a gazebo on a point that goes out into the pond, giving the pond longer shore access.

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A video clip taken during the fishing derby on May 16 shows a good crowd gathered to eat after the fishing was done. (Video by Josh Baldwin / Special to the Journal)

The pond has a zero-depth entry area on the south side, and city officials have discussed adding a sand beach not only there but at the city lake as well. However, the cost of literally pouring tons of sand on either area likely will put that project on the back burner, at least for a while.

John Bruns, public works supervisor for the city, said that both the new pond and the city lake are scheduled to be stocked with more fish this year.

Don George, a fisheries biologist with KDWP, said he had planned to install a tangle-proof fish habitat using plastic tubes in the pond before it was filled, but heavy rains in April made that impossible.

In addition to the new pond, the city has completed a shelter on the west side of the splash park. Initial discussions about how to address lack of shade at the splash park involved building a structure to hold a canopy.

The new shelter at Mound City's splash park will provide much-needed shade for parents watching children play in the water. (Photo by Roger Sims / Linn County Journal)

However, the decision was made to build a structure that will be more versatile instead, particularly since over the past few years more events, including Jayhawk Blast, have been scheduled in the area that is becoming more like a city park.

The council also continues its consideration of turning the public works shop into a recreation center. After receiving a green light from bond counsel about either passing a bond or signing a lease-to-purchase agreement to purchase the shop owned by JRK Portable Welding for the city’s shop, the council hopes to take the next step in that process after consulting with the city’s attorney.