Phil Lilley

Need to get me your contact info up there before you go... cell phone and all. $6.49... gezz that's up $2. October will be an adventure for sure... for anyone who goes. We were snowed on the day we left- October 8th last year. But the locals said that snow didn't stay till almost November. It's not a trip for the weak or the weak at heart for sure. But the reward, the rainbow fishing, is plenty reward. Not sure what you mean by $1 mil escapement. I know you're talking about salmon- what species?

Jeremy Rasnick placed 13th on the am side. Placed 12th in the first touney... pretty good for a kid! His side kick won the tournament... way to put him on fish, Jeremy!!

Bill, if what you say is true about one LM female repopulating an area, then it only takes one or two not taken to do their thing and the population is ok. I'd think if MDC really thought these tournaments could kill off the bass population in a significant way, they'd regulate them... but boy wouldn't the fur fly!!! What does your biologist friend say...

You can use spinning gear but fly rod is much more effective. Weather holds about the same, maybe alittle cooler. 40's daytime and 30's night. Daylight- about the same as down here that time of year... about 11 hours.

Took 3 friends fishing this evening. Headed out at 6:30 and boated to the dam. Made 2 drifts using white jigs and did pretty good. Nothing big. Lots of people fishing in outlet 1 and above it. I guess the news of white bass and walleye got around. But didn't see anyone catch any all evening. I wanted to fish the south corner at the cable- wanted to see if there were any whites there. But there was a boat anchored in the spot but they left and we moved in. Nonstop catching- that what it was for most daylight. All were thick, strong rainbows from 12 to 18 inches but almost all were 15 inches or bigger. We had quad's on so many times it was laughable. Then there was one smallmouth. About 17 inches and thick. Pretty fish. Leanne also caught a crappie- 10 incher. All on white 1/8th oz jigs. Scott Gamm with one of our cookie cutter rainbows. Leanne Gamm out caught us all. Mike caught a bunch too but we didn't stop to take his pic.

You sure are ranting alot lately... go downstairs and cuddle up with the cat and watch some TV why don't you. Love ya anyhow!

Great to hear. I had no reason to doubt him. I'll let him know.

Jim and I have put together a special package for October this year on the Naknek River. What do you catch in October? THE largest rainbows in the world. No salmon- they're all gone. Dolly Vardon, northern pike, lake trout and more rainbows. Destinations: Naknek River, Naknek Lake, Brooks River and Falls (bear viewing), Margot Creek, Big Creek. We don't count a trophy rainbow unless it's over 30 inches. Lodge, food, guide for a week stay - $1000 per person. Weeks open - October 5-12 and 12-19. There's only room for 4-8 clients each week. We're going to keep the numbers low to keep the guide/client ratio low. Flights will cost about $1200 - $1300 to fly to King Salmon from KC or St Louis. Other expenses - license $55. Misc personal snacks, drinks (alcohol)... We provide equipment if you have trouble with your after you're here (broken rods) and information on lures and flies. I personally want to spend a couple of weeks on the Naknek in October after my experience last fall. The weather wasn't too bad (some rain and wind and temps in the 40's) but the fish was just starting to get... unbelieveable! And we'll have the river(s) basically to ourselves. All the other outfitters are gone by the end of September. Am I forgetting something... oh yea - - - you will not find deal anywhere as cheap as this one AND a fishery such as this one AND fishing guides who can put you on the fish. http://naknekrivercamp.com You won't find this offer on Jim's site. This is my deal to OzarkAnglers people.

Do these OK reports help anyone here on the forum? I'll post them every week if they do. Ark has the same thing... say question- does anyone want me to post the state reports?

For Immediate Release: April 17, 2008 A service of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation News Contacts: Michael Bergin or Micah Holmes (405) 521-3856 Web site: wildlifedepartment.com Deadline to apply for Wildlife Department Youth Camp extended Oklahoma’s hunting and fishing license sales impact conservation funding Consider habitat improvements when rebuilding farm ponds Outdoor Calendar Fishing Report Deadline to apply for Wildlife Department Youth Camp extended Youth who did not sign up for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation’s annual Youth Camp by the April 18 deadline can still sign up, as the deadline has been extended through May 1, 2008 The 10th annual Youth Camp is scheduled for June 2-6, 2008. The camp is free, and youth get a chance to learn about careers in wildlife conservation. Held at OU Biological Station near Lake Texoma, the camp is open to Oklahoma youths ages 14 to 16 and is designed to give an increased awareness of protecting and managing Oklahoma's wildlife resources. Participants will attend courses in rifle and shotgun training, hunting and wildlife identification, wildlife law enforcement, wildlife and fisheries biology and management, self-defense, and ropes and rappelling. The camp is limited to 35 youth. Applicants should be interested in fish and wildlife management or law enforcement and must submit a 75-word essay explaining why they want to attend the camp, why they believe they should be selected and what they expect to learn while attending. They must also submit a letter of recommendation from a person of their choice other than a family member and a photograph of a recent outdoor-related event or activity. Applicants must turn 14 prior to June 2, 2008. Obtain applications by logging on to the Wildlife Department's Web site at wildlifedepartment.com/youthcamp.htm. Simply print off the application, fill it out and mail it in with the essay, letter of recommendation and photograph to: Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, Law Enforcement Division Youth Camp, P.O. Box 53465 Oklahoma City, OK 73152. -30- Oklahoma’s hunting and fishing license sales impact conservation funding Hunters and anglers are a critical part of the success of conservation, and recently their activity has helped secure an increase in the amount of conservation effort that can be implemented statewide. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently announced fiscal year 2008 Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Programs funding. Oklahoma’s share of the funding is at an all time high. The state’s share of the 2008 Wildlife Restoration funds are $6,549,087 while the Sport Fish Restoration funds are $7,502,897. This is a combined increase of $1,451,684 over last year’s funds. The total pool of available funds is determined by how much is raised from a special federal excise tax that is levied on hunting and fishing equipment and motorboat fuel. The money is distributed to all 50 state fish and wildlife agencies based on a formula that includes land mass of the state and the number of hunting and fishing licenses sold in that state. “Since the equipment and gas tax is collected nationwide and the land and water area isn’t likely to change, funding for Oklahoma’s wildlife conservation really comes down to the number of hunting and fishing licenses sold,” said John Stafford, federal aid coordinator for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. “It is very important that hunters and anglers introduce their friends and family to the sport to ensure the future of our outdoor heritage.” The Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration funds are used by the Wildlife Department for a wide range of important activities, including the purchase and maintenance of wildlife management areas; construction of fish hatcheries, research laboratories and user facilities; surveying and managing fish and wildlife populations; training volunteer instructors; and educating young hunters and anglers in safe firearms handling, fish and wildlife resources and ethics afield. The Wildlife Department receives no general state tax revenues and is funded by sportsmen through the purchase of hunting and fishing licenses and special federal excise taxes on sporting goods. -30- Consider habitat improvements when rebuilding farm ponds Officials with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation say reports of collapsed or damaged pond dams are on the rise currently after bouts of heavy rains this spring. Oklahoma anglers know fishing the state’s many farm ponds can be one of the most rewarding ways to enjoy the sport of angling, but many ponds are waiting to be repaired or restored and transformed into a dream fishery. “We recognize pond fishing as an extremely important part of Oklahoma’s fishing heritage,” said Jeff Boxrucker, Assistant Chief of Fisheries for the Wildlife Department. “When a dam collapses on a nice farm pond fishery, whether a result of heavy rains, poor initial construction or even beaver-inflicted damage, it can be a huge loss for landowners and anglers. But the positive side is that a new door is opened to create an even better fishery than before.” Boxrucker said owners of damaged ponds who wish to rebuild their fisheries have the opportunity to re-evaluate their angling interests and improve their ponds, in terms of both habitat availability and fish and water management. “Although the Wildlife Department does not build ponds on private property, we recognize the value of pond fishing in Oklahoma, and we encourage pond owners to realize the potential their ponds have as fisheries and to manage them for angling,” Boxrucker said. “Some landowners have pond beds that have been empty for years, but just a little effort could go a long way in creating some lifelong memories, especially if those landowners have kids or grandkids that might enjoy the sport of fishing if only given the chance to be around the sport.” According to Boxrucker, landowners who have lost a pond due to a collapsed dam, or those who would like to restore a dry bed that was once a flourishing pond, should consider installing a draw down structure consisting of a pipe extending through the dam with a valve on the downstream side that allows water levels in ponds to be manipulated. Other management techniques and pond improvements to consider while a pond is being reconstructed include sinking brush and other fish attracting structure, planning harvest guidelines to manipulate size structure, constructing docks and deepening pond beds. “Being able to draw the water levels of your pond down at the turn of a valve can literally save a pond when rains are extremely heavy in an area,” Boxrucker said. “That way your pond is not simply at the mercy of mother nature. Winter drawdown structures are effective means of vegetation control and manipulating predator and prey ratios. If you’ve got a pond that is currently dry or being rebuilt, now is the time to get a few things right that will benefit your pond and the quality of fishing it provides in the long run.” The Wildlife Department also has a available a 44-page booklet titled Managing Pond Fisheries in Oklahoma that includes full-color photos and covers pond construction, placement of structure, controlling vegetation, proper levels of fish harvest and more. The booklet costs $3 and can be purchased by logging on to wildlifedepartment.com/outstorepubs.htm. Boxrucker recommends contacting the county Natural Resources Conservation Service for technical assistance for restoring damaged or dry farm ponds. Ponds that are newly constructed or restored that meet certain criteria may be eligible to receive free fish from the Wildlife Department. Interested anglers must go through an application process, and forms can be found at wildlifedepartment.com/farmpond.htm or by contacting a local game warden. More information is available on page 15 of the “2008 Oklahoma Fishing Guide.” -30- OUTDOOR CALENDAR APRIL 20: Woodward Archers 3-D Shoot. Range Directions from 48th St and Oklahoma Ave: go one mile west, turn left off Hwy 15 go south two and one half miles west. For more information contact Ed Kinney at (580) 256-3320 or Frank Patterson, Jr. at (580) 256-6613. Memberships available; shoots are open events. Sign in begins at 7:30 a.m. and closes at 2:30 p.m. 21: Boat Trailer Preparation workshop at the Broken Arrow Bass Pro Shop. This class will meet in the Seminar Room at 7 p.m. and is conducted by our marine manager. This class will inform boaters on proper care for trailers. 22: Master Naturalist Workshop – Oklahoma City. Learn about basic ecology, forest ecosystems of Oklahoma, aquatic and wetland ecosystems and prairie ecosystems. Volunteers completing the training are eligible to participate in a variety of additional trainings, field trips and service projects. For details, go to okmasternaturalist.org and click on “join us” or contact info@okmasternaturalist.org <mailto:info@okmasternaturalist.org> . 22: Basics of Backpacking at the Broken Arrow Bass Pro Shop. This class will be taught by our experienced camping specialist. Learn the basics of backpacking, from short day hikes to multi-day backpacking trips. From choosing your pack to gearing out for safety and comfort, come learn how to make your backpacking trip an enjoyable experience. The class will start at 7 p.m. in the Seminar Room. 23: Earth Fest 2008 at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater. 24: Bluebird Bob Walshaw will present a hands-on seminar on bluebirds and how to deal with house sparrows at 7 p.m. at Bass Pro Shops in Broken Arrow. This program will be held in the upstairs meeting room, is free and open to the public and door prizes will be awarded. 24: Master Naturalist Workshops – Tulsa. Learn about basic ecology, forest ecosystems of Oklahoma, aquatic and wetland ecosystems and prairie ecosystems. Volunteers completing the training are eligible to participate in a variety of additional trainings, field trips and service projects. For details go to neokmasternaturalist.org and click on “join” or call (918) 342-1569. 25-27: Birding and Heritage Festival at Great Salt Plains. For a schedule of activities, log on to http://www.fws.gov/southwest/refuges/oklah.../festival.html. 26: Spring Wilderness Hike at the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. The hikes provide visitors with an opportunity to experience a portion of the Charons Garden Wilderness Area under the guidance of an interpreter. Topics for interpretation include basic geology, plants, wildlife and habitat diversity. Guides and interpreters for the hikes are members of the Association of Friends of the Wichitas. The hikes, which include the crossing of the Valley of the Boulders, are rated strenuous for those who do not hike weekly. Participants must wear sturdy, rubber-soled shoes and layer clothing appropriately for anticipated weather. Hikers will want to bring personal drinking water and a high-energy snack. Hikes will last approximately three hours. A $5 reservation fee per participant will be collected at the time of check-in. The bus will depart from headquarters promptly at 10 a.m. Reservations will be retained until 10 minutes prior to departure on each date. Reservations must be made by telephoning the Visitor Center at (580) 429-3222. 26: Celebration of Birds Festival, Cherokee. 26: National Wild Turkey Federation Edmond Gobblers chapter fundraising banquet will be held at the Wellness Center in Edmond from 6-10 p.m. For more information or to reserve your ticket, contact Dennis or Jennie Pratt at (405) 340-5154 or (405) 760-5677. 26: Benefit Tourney for the Oklahoma Baptist Home for Girls located in Madill, Oklahoma. The proceeds for this bass tournament are used to meet the medical and personal needs of girls in Baptist Home for Girls' care. These include braces, medications, medical visits, glasses and other needs that the family may not be able to provide. The tournament will take place at Lake Texoma (Catfish Bay) on Saturday, April 26. The entry fee is $150. Fishermen from all over Northern Texas and Oklahoma attend the bass tournament each year. This tournament combines the things fishermen love the most — food, fishing and fellowship. The Oklahoma Baptist Home for Girls hosts a sign-in meeting and provides a free supper for all the fishermen. The contestants are not only fed, but also treated to a special performance by Speechless, and testimonies from the girls. For more information on registering yourself or a team for the tournament, please visit the entry form link at nokfocas.org or contact David Rush with Northern Oklahoma FOCAS at (580) 762-8949. FISHING REPORT FOR APRIL 16, 2008 CENTRAL Arcadia: Elevation 3 1/2 ft. above normal, water 56-59 and muddy. Largemouth bass good on black worms at 3 ft. in the morning around the north ramps and south banks. Channel catfish fair to good on plastic worms at 3-5 ft. in the morning around the south banks and in flooded timber on shad in the morning. All other fishing is fair. Report submitted by Linnie Mason, gate attendant. NORTHEAST Bell Cow: Elevation above normal and murky. Largemouth bass slow. Channel catfish fair on cut bait. Crappie slow. Report submitted by Gary Emmons, game warden stationed in Lincoln County. Carl Blackwell: Elevation 2 ft. above normal, water 57 and muddy. Catfish fair on cut bait and worms. All other fishing has slowed due to heavy rains and fluctuating water levels. Report submitted by Jon Cunningham, game warden stationed in Payne County. Copan: Elevation 7 1/2 ft. above normal and murky. Crappie slow on minnow and jigs near submerged structure at 10-15 ft. Blue catfish fair on cut shad. Channel catfish good in flooded areas on worms. Report submitted by Joe Alexander, game warden stationed in Washington County. Eucha: Elevation 1/2 ft. above normal, water 54 and muddy. Prior to last week's heavy rains, largemouth had been very active on spinnerbaits and crankbaits. Crappie have been slow on jigs and minnows. White bass action reported on upper end of lake. Report submitted by Dwight Moore, City of Tulsa Fisheries. Ft. Gibson: Elevation 24 ft. above normal, water 58 and murky. White bass good up creek and in streams. Catfish good on worms, minnows and cut bait in running water. Boaters are urged to use caution due to high water levels. Report submitted by Marvin Stanley, game warden stationed in Wagoner County. Grand: Elevation 7 ft. above normal, water 51-58 and muddy. There is full generation, and eight flood gates are open. The water is starting to fall this week. There are just a few ramps usable, and a lot of logs and debris on the lake. Bass are being caught on spinnerbaits and jigs. Crappie slow. Catfish fair in the rivers on shad. Paddlefish are being snagged in Riverview Park, Miami. There are more being caught from the Bee Creek to Twin Bridges. Trolling in boats is the method being used. Report submitted by Littlefield’s Sporting Goods & Greg Lambs Guide Service. Grand: Elevation dropping, water 56-58 and muddy. Largemouth bass good on purple baits at 5-7 ft. in Honey Creek off points and at 7-10 ft. in Elk River off points. White bass slow. Channel and blue catfish good on worms, shad and blood baits in shallow water along shoreline. Blue and flathead catfish good on juglines and trotlines with goldfish and brooders at 20-40 ft. Crappie fair on minnows and dark-colored jigs at 7-10 ft. Paddlefish slow. Report submitted by Sam Williams, Grand Lake Sports. Greenleaf: Elevation normal, water clear. Largemouth bass good on spinnerbaits and crankbaits along shoreline and creek channels. Catfish good on stinkbaits and cut baits on bottom. Crappie good on minnows and jigs at fishing dock and brush structure. Report submitted by Lark Wilson, game warden stationed in Muskogee County. Hulah: Elevation 14 ft. above normal and murky. Crappie slow on minnows and jigs near submerged structure at 10-15 ft. Blue catfish good on cut shad. Report submitted by Joe Alexander, game warden stationed in Washington County. Kaw: Elevation 1/2 ft. above normal and muddy. White bass excellent in the upper portions of Little Beaver using jigs, sassy shads and in-line spinners. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around brush and rocks lakewide at 4-12 ft. Paddlefish snagging slow below Kaw Dam. Blue and channel catfish fair on juglines using shad and sunfish at 6-25 ft. in the Washunga, Bear, and Pioneer areas. Report submitted by Tracy Daniel, game warden stationed in Kay County. Oologah: Elevation 11 1/2 ft. above normal, water 50-60 and muddy. Blue and channel catfish fair on juglines baited with shad on flats in upper areas of the lake 10ft. Black bass fair on spinnerbaits and jigs around flooded vegetation. Crappie fair around standing timber on minnows and jigs at 10-15 ft. Report submitted by Brek Henry, game warden stationed in Rogers County. Skiatook: Elevation 8 ft. above normal, water murky. Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits along windy points on the lower half of the lake. White bass and striped bass hybrids fair in open water. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs at 10-20 ft. around structure. All other fishing slow. Report submitted by Paul Welch, game warden stationed in Osage County. Sooner: White bass and hybrid striped bass good in discharge channel on ghost minnows. Catfish fair on cut and live bait. Crappie slow. Report submitted by Doug Gottschalk, game warden stationed in Noble County. Spavinaw: Elevation 1 ft. above normal. Largemouth bass good on spinnerbaits and crankbaits. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows. Report submitted by Dwight Moore, City of Tulsa Fisheries. Webbers Falls: Elevation 3 ft. above normal, water murky. Largemouth bass good on spinnerbaits and crankbaits in creek channels and riprap. Catfish good on cut baits on bottom. Crappie good on minnows and jigs near bridges and brush structure. Report submitted by Lark Wilson, game warden stationed in Muskogee County. NORTHWEST Canton: Elevation normal. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs in upper end of the lake. White bass good on jigs in upper end of lake and river. Striped bass hybrids and channel catfish good on crawdad tails and night crawlers along north shore. Report submitted by Mark Walker, game warden stationed in Blaine County. SOUTHEAST Arbuckle: Elevation 1 ft. above normal, water 58-61 and muddy up creeks, stained elsewhere. Crappie on brush piles, some have moved to the shallows. White bass chasing shad in backs of coves. Bass fair on crankbaits, spinnerbaits and Texas-rigged worms. Report submitted by Jack Melton. Blue River: Elevation normal, water 58 and murky. Largemouth bass fair on minnows and flies. Channel catfish fair on liver and worms. Report submitted by Charles Baker, technician at the Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area. Broken Bow: Elevation 22 ft. above normal. Largemouth bass good on worms, plastics and crankbaits. Catfish good on juglines and trotlines baited with sunfish. Crappie being caught around structure. The only open boat ramp is south of Smithville at the narrows. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County. Eufaula: Elevation 8 ft. above normal and murky. Largemouth bass fair on plastic baits flipping into flooded timber. White bass good on jigs below the dam. Blue catfish fair on shad in creek openings. Crappie fair on minnows or jigs in flooded timber. Report submitted by Ed Rodebush, game warden stationed in McIntosh County. Hugo: Elevation 15 ft. above normal. White bass fair to good in the upper feeder creeks. Crappie fair on minnows. Catfish and crappie good below the dam. Report submitted by Jay Harvey, game warden stationed in Choctaw and Bryan Counties. Konawa: Elevation 1 ft. above normal, water 73 and murky. Largemouth bass good on crankbaits along points and road beds at 8-10 ft. Channel catfish good on shad in the discharge canal at 15 ft. Report submitted by Daryl Howser, game warden stationed in Seminole County. Lower Mountain Fork River: Trout slow to fair due to recent rain. Fishing should improve when the spillway gates are closed. Report submitted by Beavers Bend Fly Shop. McGee Creek: Elevation 6 1/3 ft above normal, 58 degrees and murky. Largemouth bass fair to good on soft plastic lures and crawfish-colored crankbaits at 6-12 ft. along brush. Crappie fair on minnows at 12-18 ft. over cedar brush. Report submitted by Larry Luman, game warden stationed in Atoka County. Murray: Elevation normal, water 53 and stained. Largemouth and smallmouth bass excellent on spinnerbaits and jerk baits. White bass fair around Martin's Landing on minnows and jigs and on crankbaits trolling. Channel catfish fair on stinkbait, worms and chicken liver. Crappie good on jigs and minnows shallow. Walleye good on jigs and minnows. Report submitted by Jeremy Brothers, game warden stationed in Carter County. Pine Creek: Elevation extremely high and murky. Bass good at submerged road beds on crankbaits. Crappie fair in flooded timber and great at the spillway on jigs. Catfish being caught on night crawlers around Turkey Creek and in the upper river channel. Anglers should use caution. Lake is elevated at a near record, and many structures could be hidden. Many boat ramps are closed also. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County. Robert S. Kerr: Elevation above normal, water 61and murky. Largemouth bass fair at 2-5 ft. using plastic baits and spinnerbaits fishing the weed, rock and woody shorelines. Crappie good at 1-3 ft. using minnows and jigs fishing the spawning areas around the lake. White bass slow using jigs fishing downstream from Webbers Falls dam. Blue catfish good at 5-15 ft. using fresh cut shad and worms fishing the edge of the current on all the runoff water coming into the lake. Report submitted by Rick Olzawski, game warden stationed in Haskell County. Sardis Lake: Elevation 5 ft. above normal and muddy. Bass fair on plastics around structure shallow at 2-3 ft. White bass fair in creek channels on plastic bait and yellow and white grubs. Catfish excellent on worms in flooded fields. Crappie fair on minnows around brush piles, tower and bridges. Walleye fair trolling islands. Report submitted by Allen Couch, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County. Texoma: Elevation 4 1/2 ft. above normal, water 60 and rising. Water muddy north and clean south. Striped bass fair on live bait at Platter Flats south. Largemouth bass fair on spinnerbaits at Platter Flats south. Channel and blue catfish fair on live bait and cut bait at north end of lake. Crappie fair to good on minnows and jigs in Widow Moore Creek. All other fishing slow. Report submitted by Danny Club, game warden stationed in Bryan County. Wister: Elevation 27 1/2 ft. above normal and murky. Water is 6 ft. over the spillway. Largemouth bass good on soft plastic baits. Crappie good on minnows and jigs below dam. Channel and blue catfish good on cut shad below the dam. Report submitted by Randy Fennell, game warden stationed in LeFlore County. SOUTHWEST Altus-Lugert: Elevation 3 ft. below normal and rising. Crappie poor. Walleye fair. Striped bass hybrids fair to good. Blue catfish good to very good around the old fish-o-rama. Report submitted by Sue Hokanson, Quartz Mountain State Park. Ellsworth: Elevation above normal with nine floodgates open. Catfish and walleye good behind the dam. Report submitted by Mike Carroll, game warden stationed in Comanche County Foss: Elevation 1 ft. below normal and gates closed. Water temp in the 50s and clear. White bass good in the river on jigs. Striped bass hybrids good along dam with live bait. Walleye fair along dam. Catfish fair with dough bait. Crappie fair. Report submitted by Eric Puyear, B & K Bait House. Ft. Cobb: Elevation 3 1/2 ft. above normal, water murky. Catfish slow on cut baits. Striped bass hybrids and white bass slow on sassy shad. Crappie slow on jigs and minnows. Report submitted by James Edwards, Jr., game warden stationed in Caddo County. Lawtonka: Elevation above normal with two floodgates open. Catfish fair to good at Jackson Creek on cut bait. Report submitted by Mike Carroll, game warden stationed in Comanche County. Tom Steed: Elevation normal, water murky. White bass and striped bass hybrids fair on spinnerbaits off the old highway. Crappie slow on minnows at 12-15 ft. near the dam. Report submitted by Dave Smith, game warden stationed in Kiowa County. Waurika: Elevation above normal, water 53 and muddy. The water is rising, and the spillway is closed. White bass and hybrid striped bass good on pearl or white-colored jigs around the dam. Blue catfish fair on rod and reel and juglines on cut bait. Report submitted by Phillip Cottrill, game warden stationed in Jefferson County.

Not that I know of. That would be the city of Branson probably. They actively test the lake water... or used to.

Fishing buddy, Vince Elfrink and I boated up to Table Rock Dam about 5 pm this evening to check out the fishing as well as the condition of the lake. I was very anxious about what we would see after the onslaught of last week's water. We were shocked!! But also pleasantly surprised of what we found. I knew about the houses and docks damaged. I saw most of that before I left for Boston Sunday. What I hadn't seen or heard about was the damage to the bank and trees from Fall Creek to the dam. The high dirt banks were washed out, loosing up to 20-30 feet of structure to the torrent of water. Dozens of large trees that seemed to be well enough away from the edge were fallen straight down into the lake like someone had pulled the rug out from underneath them. Condos at Fall Creek, buildings that were 10 or more feet from the edge of the dirt bluff are now hanging over the edge, I'm sure vacated, their future unknown. The drop is more than 25 feet to the bottom and no way to get rock to stabilize the bank but by barge and I believe barges cannot make the trip this far up lake because of the depth of water. Up lake at Lookout Island, about 2 miles below the dam, 5 or 6 big sycamores were laying on their sides at the top of the island, uprooted from the flow of water. Between the island and the old KOA Campground, the dirt bank lost I estimate 30 or more feet. Cedars and hardwoods lay like wrecked cars on a freeway at the foot of the bank in the lake. Thank goodness for the riprap at the campground or more silt would have been washed into the lake. The bank below the boat ramp a short distance upstream and across the lake- same thing. Not as many trees down but the dirt bank has been eroded back quite a bit. Several trees are noticeably gone at Rocking Chair, a favorite fishing spot across the lake and up lake from the boat ramp. The most notable evidence of last week’s flood event was seen last as we pulled up to the cable just below the dam. The banks on both side of the lake were scoured by the currents. It looked like every bit of silt and sand has been washed from the rocks and around tree roots, especially along the south bank. It's quite a sight. Following docks are along the south bank in the Riverpointe Estates neighborhood. I took them in low light so they're alittle grainy. High banks were no match for the high water and current. Dozens of trees along the lake fallen to the high water and current. Condos at Fall Creek. Head of Lookout Island. Down from KOA. South bank. KOA just above dirt bank. South bank. South bank across from outlet #1 Just above outlet #1 Now for the fishing... We had found trout fishing to be good but somehow difficult before the additional flood gates were opened last week. The trout were on the bottom and the current was making is hard to get a lure to the bottom and keep it there long enough to get “bitten”. But we did well. In the past when the gates were opened at Table Rock, our trout flourished on the extra food the water washed up and into the lake…. Up from the bottom were bugs and in from Table Rock were small fishes like shad that the trout loved. This time was no different. White jigs, white shad flies, bright San Juan worms and even scuds were very effective, again, if you could get them to the bottom while drifting in the current. Presently, the Corp has dropped Taneycomo’s lake levels to their lowest since February, running only 3 or 4 units. This makes even easier to drift these same lures… less water, less current, easier to get them to the bottom. Vince and I made 4 drifts from the dam down about a mile and caught a dozen trout on each drift. Most measured between 12 and 17 inches but we couldn’t help but notice their condition. They were thick bodied and strong fighters. Most had grown back all their fins which rainbows loose in the hatchery’s concrete raceways and all were colored up bright and beautiful. We also had a couple of brown trout mixed in with the rainbows. Overall fishing, we thought, was very good. Water was a little color and 43 degrees. I’d say Lake Taneycomo trout fishing is back in business… and better than ever. Here's a nice sunset pic a clicked as the sun came out just before dropping behind the dam.

I'm going to change my opinion on this subject. Having boated up to the dam this evening, I think the bottom is very clean of mud. We drifted and I still could hear gravel moving under the boat. I saw where the banks were cleaned slick of any sediment and silt piled up in eddies. See my report and pics to see where all the silt came from and pics of the banks that were washed clean.

Went from blades to birds... what's going on? I gotta get over to the rock and see for myself. Next week is going to be a good week for videoing I'd say.

Expelled was moving. Everyone should see this movie. Unfortunately, there are places, cities where this movie has already been shunned. A student/friend who comes over from College of the Ozarks told me tonight they refuse to show it in Manhattan, KS (K-State), his home town. That proves the point of the movie. Lack of freedom of academia is a reality in virtually every science community in educational institutions in America. Ben Stein does an excellent job, trying to give both sides a chance to explain themselves. It's well thought out. It's alittle dry- he tries to spruce it up with excerpts from old movies and video scenes. It's not really about the debate over what's right and wrong, or who's right and who's wrong- it's about the freedom to disagree, the freedom to discuss, the freedom of a differing opinion based on science, not religion. And, in this movie, Stein shows this philosophy has bled and will bleed into other fabric of our society. Bottom line is freedom, and a lack thereof.

Did you see my new video? See the oa homepage. I didn't have time to upload it before I left for Boston. Crazy!!

Wasn't serious about the address thing... we may think of another way to recoop some expenses. John Wilson posted something that just asked members to send money and they did! Wow what a concept! But as long as we keep renting rooms, Lilleys' Landing will keep paying the bills. I am getting a few calls about buying ads space. We'll see where it goes.

We have had large gizzard shad in the upper end of the lake for years. Also flat head and other warm water fish. I don't think anything washed over the dam would change the Taney population of fish that much. 3 lb shad... don't know that much about shad but I wouldn't assume they came over the dam. Could have but I doubt it. There's can't be much more below the docks in Rockaway... there wasn't much there to begin with. I assume it's gravel under you dock? Not mud?

I've heard about it... coming out today. I may go see it tonight. Let you know how it is. http://expelledthemovie.com

The Branson Trout Unlimited Chapter is hosting John Berry, guide, writer and fly tyer from Cotter, Arkansas, home of the famed White River. John will speak on fishing the White River. He has been a big part of the forum ever since it's start over 2 years ago. The event will be held at the Shepherd of the Hills Hatchery, just below Table Rock Dam here in Branson. The program will start at 7 pm. Coffee and refreshments will be provided. John is a fly fishing guide on Arkansas’ White, Norfork, Spring, and Little Red Rivers for trout and Crooked Creek for Smallmouth Bass. He has been a fly fishing guide in the Ozarks for the past fifteen years. He is the past president of the Mid South Fly Fishers (two terms). John served as the Conservation Director for the Southern Council of the Federation of Fly Fishers. He is a life member of the Federation of Fly Fishers and the Mid South Fly Fishers. He is also a member of the North Arkansas Fly Fishers, Federation of Fly Fishers Guide Association, and the Arkansas Outfitters and Guides Association. He has taught fly fishing and fly casting for Shelby State Community College, Mississippi County Community College, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, the Mid South Fly Fishers, Casting for Recovery, and Becoming an Outdoors Woman. He is a member of The Federation of Fly Fishers Speakers Bureau and has been a seminar presenter and fly tier at the Federation of Fly Fishers National Conclave, the Federation of Fly Fishers Southern Conclave, the Sow Bug Round Up, the Ducks Unlimited Great Outdoors Festival, and the Home Waters Expo. John served as guide for Hooked On A Cure for the last three years. John writes a fly fishing column for the Baxter Bulletin in Mountain Home, Arkansas. He has written two chapters for the highly successful fishing guide, Home Waters. He writes for several sporting journals and is also a photographer whose work has been published in several periodicals. John has been awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Mid South Fly Fishers. In 1996, when he was president of the Mid South Fly Fishers, the club received the McKenzie Cup from the Federation of Fly Fishers as club of the year. In 2004 he received the prestigious Tall Tale Tellers Award from the Southern Council of the Federation of Fly Fishers. Most recently John was awarded the Charles E. Brooks Memorial Lifetime Award by the Federation of Fly Fishers. Attendance is absolutely free so come and bring friends!!

That right there is the whole idea of this forum! If everyone just came here for the sole purpose to GET information and not GIVE any, the pages would be blank. This or any forum is only as good as the information on it and that means anglers sharing information. THAT is why this forum is so successful. I have very, VERY little to do with it.

At this point I have no idea. I'm still catching up from being gone. I'm only going from Leonard's post and what I see out my window.

Should have said "was".

Leonard's report on outlet #1 and what I see this morning on my banks prompts me to post this question- was this new layer or sediment distribed over the whole upper lake, the whole lake? If it is, I would think our scud population is gone. I would also think the midge population should increase, what little I know about them. May be too early to tell. The water here, although being released from the turbines, is clouded, not clear like it should be. This could be caused by 2 things - Table Rock is cloudy even down to 130 feet deep and coming thru the turbine this way or sediment is being picked up off the bottom as it flows down from the dam. Regardless, this event is going to affect Taneycomo for a long time.

Rain is forecasted for tonight and tomorrow.