Phil Lilley

Drift them under an indicator or dry fly. I use foam pinch-on's mostly. Depth depends on activity of the trout. If they are active on the surface, fish them 12 inches. If they are not, fish them close to the bottom. All types of water- anyplace the trout are. I have an article on midge fishing on the forum under Taneycomo. There are other articles there as well on the same subject.

Nice... I heard someone was in the office showing off fish pics- was that you!? Any more details? Where? How? On what? Secret fly??? There are no secrets in fishing!!!

Finally got back down here... this time I got some help. His name? John Berry. It was a pleasure for sure. We put in at Rim Shoals about 2 pm. 2 units becoming 3 later in the evening. We drifted a #20 olive scud under an indicator at Jenkins Creek down with no success. Saw one other fish caught there. Drifted on down below the island and tried a couple other nymphs including the unbeatable Zebra- nothing. Then we tried a dry- a hopper pattern John had. I had 8-9 rises the rest of the afternoon, mainly along the banks- the first was a nice cutt that threw the hook after a couple of jumps. I also had good success with my ol' standby- a red stimulator #12. Heard other comments on the water- fishing was tough for everyone so we didn't feel bad at all. If I had more chances to fish down here, I'd wear out the banks using big dries.

Thanks Russ and Dan... for watching the place while I play. See fishing report on the White River.

You're refering to high temps in this part of the lake- they were a bit higher for a bit longer but not sure this would be a reason. Most are talking about the upper lake and the evidence there- less trout, smaller trout, low scud count. Next time you're below the dam, look under the rocks and in the moss in #2 outlet and see what the bugs look like there. You'll be surprised.

I've seen these patterns come and go over the 23 years I've been here but the last 2-3 years has been the longest and worse. Low flow- low scud numbers. I am confused about the White and Norfork's scud numbers. Those tailwaters have multiple riffle water that moves even during low flow so why are their numbers down? So, the fact the these tailwater are also having scud problems, does this throw a wrench in our theory? Suckers- they may be up there because of the algea growth- don't know.

I think they were better in 06 but not by much. Not saying they won't come up this fall- usually it's October.

Terry- I don't think any of those guys wander too far from home... and for sure- don't say anything!

Did you say pictures? Where are they?

John Johnson and his lovey wife Vallery, came in last night for just one night. We took them to Andy's and had alittle custard. This morning, John and I headed to Lookout at 7 am- trout were midging alittle so we tied on #20 zebras- nothing. We switched around to black, red, olive- John got a couple of bites but no hookups. After an hour, we switched to dries- me a red #14 humpy and John a #10 red stimulator. We worked the bluff bank hard down past the red house- he caught one 16 inch rainbow and I caught one about 14 inches. Had a couple of other looks. We switched again at the Narrows- me to a #16 tan scud and John tied on a zebra again cause there were rainbows midging again. I caught a decent rainbow and John caught a couple small rainbows. Called it quits at 9:30 am.

I messed sround alittle with the first pic- it's been doctored. We were out for 90 minutes... She was trying to "position" the fish against the reflection of the mon in the water for the perfect pic... although I didn't have the camera in my hand but the net. It made a run and she didn't let it go. Ping! I'll put Curtis to work tomorrow laying tile at our church... or helping us start the tile at least.

Marsha and I got out this evening for an hour/half fishing. Boated up to Lookout- they were running less than one unit. We drifted down from there, keeping the boat in 2-3 feet and throwing to 3-4 feet of water. Used #20 green zebras under an indicator 4 feet deep and had numerous strikes and got 4 to the boat. Marsha broke off a nice rainbow. Pretty evening... tried to take some pics- didn't turn out too good. Saw 2 osprey tonight.

Welcome Mike- Anglers and Archery is just 1/4 mile from the entrance to Shepherd of the Hills Hatchery on Highway 165. http://www.anglersandarchery.com/ Right up the street from AA is River Run, not even a block. http://www.riverrunoutfitters.com/ We have a fly shop at Lilleys but we're alittle further from the dam- Fall Creek Road about 4-5 miles. http://lilleyslanding.com Reels- all depends on what you want to spend. I like Dan Bailey's new reel for the $... about $75.00 you can get into a nice large arbor with a great drag.

Vince said he got out this afternoon and fished above Short Creek using zebras and caught alot of decent stocker rainbows. Steff and Jean left today- they said they caught a few rainbows in the trophy area on zebras but they missed alot of strikes. Beautiful day... saw quite a few trout brought in to the dock.

I heard an interesting segment on NPR this morning about Green Peace founder, Patrick Moore. He left Green Peace some years ago and his beliefs have changed on some subject, most notably in regards to nuclear power. So I did some research (google) and found a couple of articles. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/conte...6041401209.html http://www.washingtontimes.com/national/20...04215-7645r.htm There are still big problems with nuclear power the industry/government admits but nuclear power has the potential to be our best alternative to oil.

There are alot but they are not a problem.

My Controls/Inbox

Jim is talking about doing something south of Cancun- renting a camp and hosting trip down there in the winter... but that's just talk right now. But knowing him he will make it work. He's all into small groups, quality fishing and low costs. Will let you know. Next year, we plan on being up in Alaska later in the fall... I just checked the weather up there - http://intellicast.com/IcastPage/LoadPage....mp;prodnav=none It's the same as Baldwin, MI just about. We're thinking thru the first week of October- rainbows will be at their best then!

I have 2 weeks booked at Jim's camp next summer. For about $3000 inclusive you could spend 6 days in Alaska. I have June 10-16 and June 24-30 booked. $1700 for lodging and meals, 2 days boated over to Brooks, Margot or another destination and the rest "fish on your own" with access to a boat/motor on the Naknek River. I have room for 6 people each week although I have had alot of people "say" they want to go. There is other possibilities... I may build a cabin or 2 to provide more room for additional clients. That's what Jim and I are working out. These may be offered alittle differently, I'm thinking alittle cheaper and not offer the boated trips- a "fish on your own" all week and just the use of the boat/motor. The Naknek River is known for its HUGE rainbows... up to 20 pounds with the average around 20 inches or more. Kings and Sockeye start running the 3rd week in June. This is only something to THINK about right now cause we're not sure what we'll do. But it's definately a way to see and fish Alaska on the cheap. Crystal Creek, just down river from our camp, gets $7500 for the week with includes unlimited flyouts.

Where are you staying? PM River Lodge? Been fishing there since about '85 with Jim and Tom Johnson. They are the ones I'm in cohoots with in Alaska now. Jim said last night that the salmon run this year is like the "good 'ol days"... huge fish and huge numbers so you should have a grand time. Hope you find a spot to fish!! Here's pics from my last trip - http://ozarkanglers.com/michigan2004

I'll leave them with the deer and elk and see if I catch a bunch of trouble for it...

For Immediate Release September 28, 2006 A service of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation News Contacts: Micah Holmes or Kristen Gillman (405) 521-3856 Web site: www.wildlifedepartment.com Rabbit season opens Oct. 1 Red River Quail Symposium to focus on habitat management Wildlife Department tractors, trucks and boats to be sold at auction Upcoming Hunter Education Classes Outdoor Calendar Fishing Report Rabbit season opens Oct. 1 As the mornings grow cooler and the days grow shorter, hunters across the state are anxious to head to the fields and to the woods. Just in time, rabbit season opens Oct. 1 across Oklahoma. "Rabbit hunting is a lot of fun for young and old hunters alike. And it's a great opportunity to teach youngsters the basics of hunting and hunter safety," said Lance Meek, hunter education coordinator for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. "The great thing about rabbit hunting is that you don't need a lot of equipment. Basically, all you need is a shotgun and a place to go." Healthy cottontail rabbit populations can be found across the state, including many public-hunting areas. One of the best places to look for rabbits is anywhere two types of cover meet such as abandoned homesteads, tangled thickets and fencerows. One of the best aspects about rabbit hunting is the availability of hunting locations. Many wildlife management areas scattered around the state offer first-rate rabbit hunting with minimal competition. Additionally, many landowners are willing to give permission to rabbit hunters. Hunters are reminded that jackrabbits can only be taken west if I-35, and anyone hunting rabbits should pick up a copy of the "2006-07 Oklahoma Hunting Guide" to learn about license requirements, daily limits and all the other regulations pertaining to rabbit hunting. -30- Red River Quail Symposium to focus on habitat management Hunters and landowners who are interested in improving bobwhite quail habitat, or those who just enjoy pursing bobwhites should make plans to attend the Red River Quail Symposium slated Oct. 11-13, just south of Lawton near Wichita Falls, Texas. The symposium is a great opportunity for landowners, managers and those who are interested in quail to gain a better understanding of quail and lease management, said Dwayne Elmore, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension Service wildlife specialist. The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation is partnering with Oklahoma State University and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to coordinate the conference. "The symposium will provide them with information regarding quail leases, management of habitat, integration of quail management into cattle operations and cost-share programs," Elmore said. Elmore said exhibitors will be on hand to showcase products and services related to agriculture and wildlife. "We're very excited to be a part of this symposium. Participants will go home with a lot of valuable information and they'll be able to look at beneficial plants and discuss management actions with experts in the field," he said. The first day of the event will take place in Henrietta, Texas, and include a tour of the Birdwell and Clark Ranch, as well as a presentation on management innovation. Wichita Falls, Texas, is the site activities on the second day. Topics up for discussion include grasses and grazing, brush management, economic impacts of hunting, incentives and resources for habitat management, state regulations, bag limits and quail cooperatives. The final day of the symposium takes place in Archer City, Texas, and includes a tour of the Harvey Ranch, along with presentations regarding supplemental feeding, habitat management, food plots, cost-shared conservation practices, hunter-covey interface and pricing a quail lease. "This is a great chance for those interested in quail to interact directly with researchers and managers who work with bobwhites," Elmore said. Registration is $75. Registration forms and payment may be mailed to Red River Quail Symposium, Texas Wildlife Association, 2800 NW Loop 410, Ste. 105, San Antonio, TX 78218. Registration forms may be downloaded at http://www.texas-wildlife.org. For more information, contact Elmore at (405) 744-9636. For more information about the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation log on to wildlifedepartment.com. -30- Wildlife Department tractors, trucks and boats to be sold at auction In the market for a used boat? How about a used truck or an ATV? All these items will be sold at the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation's surplus auction Saturday, Oct. 7, at 9 a.m. at Lake Burtschi near Chickasha. "We've got a little bit of everything at this sale including cameras computers, lawn mowers, tractors, vehicles and boats. I expect it will be one of our larger sales in recent years," said Johnny Hill, property manager for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. "Registration starts at 7:30 a.m. and the first item will sell at 9:00. We're going to sell everything as is to the highest bidder." More than 150 items will be available at the auction, including ATVs, boat motors and tires. For those looking for smaller items, there is also plenty to choose from including, office supplies, computer hardware, and much more. "We encourage folks to attend because it's not only a chance to pick up some good buys, it's a chance to support the Wildlife Department through your auction purchases," Hill added. For more information about the auction call (405) 521-4600. Pictures and a complete list of auction items will be available at wildlifedepartment.com. The sale will start promptly at 9 a.m. at the Lake Burtschi Wildlife Department office, located 11 miles west of Chickasha on SH 92. Items may be inspected Oct. 6 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. In case of rain, the sale will be held Oct. 8, same time and same place. -30- UPCOMING HUNTER EDUCATION CLASSES Course locations are listed by town, followed by date, course location and time. If a phone number is listed, pre-registration is required. Courses are a minimum of 8 hours and are free. Students must pass an exam with a score of 70 percent. For updated information on upcoming courses, check our Web site at www.wildlifedepartment.com/hunted.htm October 3: Hunter Education Home Study, Sportsman's Warehouse, OKC; 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. (405) 302-4800. 3: Hunter Education Home Study, ODWC Office, Jenks; 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. (918) 299-2334. 4 & 5: Hunter Education: Blaine County fairground, Watonga; 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. must attend both nights. 5: Hunter Education Home Study, H & H Gun Range, OKC; 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. (405) 947-3888. 5 & 7: Hunter Education: Kiamichi Tech Center, Stigler; October 5 (6 p.m. - 10 p.m.) and October 7 (9 a.m. - 1 p.m.). 6 & 7: Hunter Education: Murray County Expo Center, Sulphur; October 6 (6 p.m. - 8 p.m.) and October 7 (8 a.m. - 3 p.m.). 7: Hunter Education Home Study, H & H Gun Range, OKC; 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. (405) 947-3888. 7: Hunter Education: High School Bldg. #7, Jenks;. 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.; (918) 299-2334. 7: Hunter Education: Northeast Tech Center Main Campus (Hwy 20 between Claremore and Pryor), Claremore; . 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.; 7: Hunter Education: Tri County Tech Center, Bartlesville; 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.; 7: Hunter Education: Community Center, Jay; 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.; 7: Hunter Education: Creek County Fairgrounds (Hwy 33 & 66 Junction), Kellyville; 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 7: Hunter Education Home Study: Midwest City Library, Midwest City; 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.; (405) 732-4828. 7: Hunter Education: Community Center, Owasso. 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.; (918) 299-2334. 7 & 8: Hunter Education: First Baptist Church, Piedmont; October 7 (9 a.m. - 6 p.m.) and October 8 (2 p.m. - 4 p.m.). 7 & 21: Hunter Education: Methodist Church, Colbert; 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. both days. 9: Hunter Education Home Study, Bass Pro, OKC; 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. (405) 218-5200 9, 10,12: Hunter Education: Bass Pro, Broken Arrow; 6 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.; (918) 299-2334. Must attend all three nights. 10: Hunter Education Home Study, H & H Gun Range, OKC; 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. (405) 947-3888. 12: Hunter Education Home Study, Sportsman's Warehouse, OKC; 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. (405) 302-4800. 12: Hunter Education Home Study, Tulsa Tech Center, Peoria Campus; 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. (918) 299-2334. 12 & 14: Hunter Education: Northwest Tech Center, Fairview; October 12 (6 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.) and October 14 13 & 14: Hunter Education: Boswell High School, Boswell; October 13 (8 a.m. - 2 p.m.) and October 14 (8 a.m. - 11 a.m.). 14: Hunter Education: Kiamichi Tech Center, McAlester; 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.; 14: Hunter Education: Gordon Cooper Tech Center; Shawnee; 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.; (405) 521-4636. 14: Hunter Education: Eastern Oklahoma County Tech Center, Choctaw; 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.; (405) 390-9591. 14: Hunter Education: Wagoner Civic Center, Wagoner; 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.; 14: Hunter Education: Zoo Education Center, OKC; 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.; (405) 521-4636. 14: Hunter Education: Community Center (600 E Van Buren, Crescent 16: Hunter Education Home Study, Bass Pro, OKC; 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. (405) 218-5200 17: Hunter Education Home Study, Bass Pro, OKC; 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. (405) 218-5200 17: Hunter Education Home Study, ODWC Office, Jenks; 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. (918) 299-2334. 17: Hunter Education Home Study, Sportsman's Warehouse, OKC; 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. (405) 302-4800. 17: Hunter Education Home Study, H & H Gun Range, OKC; 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. (405) 947-3888. 19: Hunter Education Home Study, Tulsa Tech Center, Peoria Campus; 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. (918) 299-2334. OUTDOOR CALENDAR OCTOBER 1-Jan. 15, 2007: Deer and Fall Turkey Archery Seasons. Be sure to consult the 2006-2007 Oklahoma Hunting Guide. 1: Cottontail, swamp and jackrabbit season begins (jackrabbit is open west of I-35 only). Consult the 2006-07 Oklahoma Hunting Guide for complete details. 1, 5, 7, 8 & 12: Bugling Elk Tours at the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. Tours will take participants into the Refuge's Special Use Area during the height of the elk mating season. Tours will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Refuge headquarters located on the west side of the Refuge approx. six miles from the visitor center. Registration is required and a $3 fee will be collected. Registrations will start August 28 and can be made by calling (580) 429-3222 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. 5: Ducks Unlimited Annual Banquet at the Claremore Expo Building 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the door. There will be dinner, live auction, silent auction, and give-a-ways. Lots of fun for the ladies and kids as well. 6 & 7: Project WILD for college credit at Northeastern State University, Tahlequah. Class runs from 2 p.m. - 9 p.m. on Friday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. For more information or to enroll call Dr. Kay Frank at (918) 456-0116. 7: Aquatic Education Clinic at Wildhorse Pond, Mustang Parks and Rec. Pre-registration is required. Register by calling Mustang Parks Department at (405) 376-3411. 7 & 14: Project WILD for college credit at Tulsa Community College (West Campus), Tulsa. Class runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information or to enroll call (918) 595-8126. 7: Red Dirt Dutch Oven Cook-Off at Crow's Secret Nature Center at Lake Thunderbird State Park, Norman. The program starts at 10:00 a.m. and runs until 2 p.m. Cast iron cooking competition held at Crow's Corral. There are divisions for kids under age 16, novice, and experienced. Categories are meats, vegetables, breads and desserts. Contact Julie Tarver at (405) 321-4633 for registration and entry fees. For a complete listing of upcoming outdoor activities and events, go to wildlifedepartment.com and check out the Outdoor Calendar. FISHING REPORT FOR SEPTEMBER 27, 2006 CENTRAL Arcadia: Channel catfish are being caught on cut shad and liver. Crappie are being caught on red and white jigs at 14 ft. Report submitted by Tim Campbell, game warden stationed in Oklahoma County. Overholser: White bass are being caught on spinners and jigs around dam and off points. Channel catfish slow on cut bait and shrimp. Crappie are being caught on jigs and minnows around docks. Report submitted by Kelly Roberson, game warden stationed in Oklahoma and Canadian counties. Thunderbird: Elevation 7 ft. below normal and clear. Channel catfish good in the late evening and night on stinkbait and cut bait. Crappie good on minnows and jigs at 7-10 ft. on structure. Report submitted by Tony Woodruff, game warden stationed in Cleveland County. Wes Watkins: Elevation 5-5 1/2 ft. below normal, water 71-85 and murky. Catfish fair to good on fresh cut bait, minnows, chicken livers, goldfish and stinkbait around dam tower and in deeper water around feeder creeks, Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around structure and brush piles. White bass fair. Largemouth bass fair on light colored spinnerbaits in shallow water and fair to good on Carolina and Texas rigging along roadbed and main lake channel and around railroad structure at 8-10 ft. Bass are also being caught on topwaters around weed beds and grassy areas in the early morning and evening. Report submitted M. M. Fowler at St. Gregory. Wes Watkins: Elevation 5 1/2 ft. below normal, water 71. Largemouth bass slow on lizards and cut bait at 14-16 ft, around the dam and channels. Crappie slow on minnows at 12-14 ft. around structures. White bass are schooling and are good trolling off points. All boat ramps are open. Report submitted by Ronnie Arganbright, game warden stationed in Pottawatomie County. NORTHEAST Birch: Elevation 2 ft. below normal and clear. Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits. Channel catfish fair on live shad off rocky shorelines. Crappie fair on jigs around deep brush piles. Report submitted by Paul Welch, game warden stationed in Osage County. Eucha: Elevation 11 ft. below normal, water 61 and murky. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around brush and structure at 12-14 ft. Largemouth bass fair on plastic worms. Report submitted by Dwight Moore, City of Tulsa Fisheries. Ft. Gibson: Elevation below normal, water 84. White bass good trolling points and flats. Channel catfish good on cut bait and shad, Crappie good at 10-15 ft. suspended around structure. Report submitted Marvin Stanley, game warden stationed in Wagoner and Muskogee counties. Grand: Elevation below normal and clear. Channel catfish fair on juglines at 15 ft. on cut or whole shad and in main river channel using shad. White bass starting to pick up around gravel points using spinnerbaits. Report submitted by Jim Littlefield, game warden stationed in Delaware County. Greenleaf: Elevation normal and clear. Largemouth bass fair on spinnerbaits and crankbaits and topwater lures, Channel catfish fair on bottom with cut bait and worms. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around fishing docks and brush structure. Report submitted by Lark Wilson, game warden stationed in Muskogee County. Hudson: Elevation normal and clear. All fishing slow, Report submitted by Steve Loveland, game warden stationed in Kaw: Elevation 1 ft. below normal. Crappie fair around brush piles at 16-22 ft. on minnows. Blue catfish fair on juglines baited with shad and sunfish around Washunga Bay. Tailwaters are poor. Report submitted by Marshall Reigh, game warden stationed in Kay and Grant counties. Keystone: Elevation 2 1/2 ft. below normal, water 70 and clear to murky. Largemouth bass fair on topwaters and spinnerbaits from the surface to 6 ft. in creeks and coves. Smallmouth bass fair on jigs and crankbaits at 5-10 ft. in mouths of deep coves. Spotted bass fair on topwaters and crankbaits from the surface to 8 ft. off main lake points and bluffs. White bass fair on spoons and rooster tails at 4-8 ft. off windy points. Striped bass below the dam are fair on topwaters and bucktails from the surface to 4 ft. Striped bass in the lake fair on live shad and big swim baits at 10-15 ft. off main lake points. Channel catfish fair on worms and stinkbaits at 4-8 ft. in coves and creeks. Blue catfish fair on punch baits and shad at 6-12 ft. in the flats off the river channel. Flathead catfish fair on goldfish and live shad at 10-15 ft. off deep points, Crappie fair on chartreuse jigs and minnows at 6-15 ft. around brush piles and off ledges. Report submitted by Larry Sellers, Woody's Bait and Tackle. Oologah: Elevation 1 ft. below normal. Crappie good on minnows and jigs around brush piles at 15 ft. White bass good on jigs fishing main lake points at 5-10 ft. Blue and channel catfish fair on shad around standing timber on north end of the lake. Report submitted by Brek Henry, game warden stationed in Rogers County. Skiatook: Elevation 9 3/4 ft. below normal, water 71 and clear. Largemouth bass fair at 8-15 ft. and in deeper water above structure on crankbaits. Crappie good on small to medium minnows at 10-20 ft. in creeks, and around structures. Striped bass hybrids fair, on points and in creeks, early morning and late evening, on shad, very large minnows and pearl white sassy shad. Smallmouth bass fair on crankbaits with rogues. Catfish fair on trotlines baited with large minnows or sunfish at lower end of lake, on rod and reel, try the flats and creeks at upper end of lake. Report submitted by Greenwood Fishing Center. Spavinaw: Elevation 6 ft. below normal, water 65 and clear. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around the dam area. Largemouth bass fair on topwater early morning and late evening. Report submitted by Dwight Moore, City of Tulsa Fisheries. Tenkiller: Elevation 5 ft. below normal, water 74 and clear. Largemouth bass slow with some action shallow on buzzbaits and spinnerbaits. Crappie fair around docks on minnows at 15-20 ft. White bass fair on the flats or shallow points on spoons, spinners or small jigs. Sunfish good on worms around docks or along the bluffs. Report by Monte Brooks, Cookson Village Resort. Webbers Falls: Elevation normal and murky, Largemouth bass fair on spinnerbaits and salt craws along riprap and in creek channels. Channel catfish good on cut bait on bottom. Crappie good on minnows and jigs at 12-15 ft. around brush structure. Report submitted by Lark Wilson, game warden stationed in Muskogee County. NORTHWEST Canton: Elevation 5 ft. below normal. White bass, striped bass hybrids and walleye fair drifting shad and slabs. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs near brush piles. Report submitted by Mark Walker, game warden stationed in Blaine County. SOUTHEAST Arbuckle: Elevation 4 1/2 ft. below normal, water 75 and clear. Crappie good on brush piles. White bass slow. Largemouth bass fair using topwaters at dusk and dawn and small worms off points at 12 ft. Report submitted by Jack Melton. Blue River: Elevation normal, water 70 and clear. Catfish fair on liver and dough baits. Bass fair on minnows and flies. Report submitted by Charles Baker, technician at Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area. Broken Bow: Elevation 5-6 ft. below normal and falling. Largemouth bass and spotted bass fair schooling early mornings and late evenings in the mouths of creeks chasing shad. Crappie fair around brush piles and structure with minnows or jigs. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County. Eufaula: Elevation 4 ft. below normal and clear. Largemouth bass fair on spinnerbaits at 4-6 ft. off points. White bass good on slab spoons at 8-15 ft. on the flats. Blue catfish fair on shad at 10-20 ft. drifting the flats. Crappie fair on jigs or minnows at 8-20 ft. in standing timber and boat docks. Report submitted Ed Rodebush, game warden stationed in McIntosh County. Hugo: Elevation 1/2 ft. below normal, water 84 and murky. Largemouth bass fair on spinnerbaits and plastic worms. Blue catfish fair on stinkbait. Crappie fair on minnows. Report submitted by Wendell Smalling, game warden stationed in Choctaw County. McGee Creek: Elevation 3 ft. below normal, water 81 and clear. Largemouth bass fair on soft plastic lures at 10-20 ft. around rocky points. Crappie fair on minnows at 10-20 ft. around cedar brush. Report submitted by Larry Luman, game warden stationed in Atoka County. Lower Mountain Fork River: Trout fair on copper john, various soft hackles, wooly buggers, colorful streamers, grasshoppers and ants. The power house could release water at any time, no matter what the published schedule happens to be. Report submitted by Sid Ingram, Beavers Bend Fly Shop. Pine Creek: Elevation normal and clear. Bass excellent on pumpkin seed baby brush hawgs around rocky points. Crappie fair on minnows around submerged timber. Catfish are good on cut shad and night crawlers on yo-yos and pole and line. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County. Robert S. Kerr: Elevation normal, water 72 and clear. Largemouth bass fair at 4-6 ft. using spinnerbaits and plastic baits fishing the weed, rock and woody cover next to deeper water. Crappie fair at 10ft. on minnows fishing the old creek channels of Big Sans Bois, Sallisaw and Dirty creeks. White bass fair at 10 ft. using jigs fishing below Webbers Falls and Kerr dams. Flathead catfish fair at 20 ft. using live bait on trotlines and juglines fishing in the old river and creek channels. Blue catfish good at 10-15 ft. using fresh cut shad drift fishing the old channels. Report submitted by Rick Olzawski, game warden stationed in Haskell County. Sardis Lake: Crappie good along structure on minnows and jigs and off bridges. Largemouth bass fair on shallow running crankbaits and spinnerbaits. Report submitted by Allen Couch, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County. Texoma: Elevation 4 ft. below normal, water 83 and clear. Largemouth and smallmouth bass fair on plastic baits at 10-20 ft. in the creek channels. Striped and white bass fair on sassy shad, slabs and live bait at 10-20 ft. at Washita point and near the islands. Channel and blue catfish fair on cut baits at 10-20 ft. at Washita Point and Platter Flats. Crappie and sunfish fair on minnows and worms at 5-15 ft. around fish attractors. Boaters should still use caution while operating on the lake. The elevation has come up a few inches and many objects are still only covered with a few inches of water. Report submitted by Danny Clubb, game warden stationed in Bryan County. Wister: Elevation 1 ft. below normal but rising, water 72. Blue catfish good in the rising creeks on shad or cut bait. Largemouth bass good on jig and pig worked around points. All other fishing slow this week. Report submitted by D.G. Belcher, game warden stationed in Latimer and LeFlore counties. SOUTHWEST Altus-Lugert: Elevation 33 ft. below normal. Lake level is rising. Walleye and striped bass hybrids have slowed. White bass are being caught daily. Catfish are also still biting. The main boat ramp is exposed above the waterline. Use caution when driving over the wet sand to launch small boats. Large boats NOT recommended. Report compiled by Quartz Mountain Grocery. Ellsworth: Elevation 13 ft. below normal and murky. Blue catfish good on juglines baited with live bait. Crappie fair in flooded timber at 12-15 ft. Report submitted by Mike Carroll, game warden stationed in Comanche County. Foss: Elevation 3 1/2 ft. below normal, water 76 and clear, White bass, striped bass hybrids and catfish fair. Walleye and saugeye slow. Report submitted by Eric Puyear, B & K Bait House.

Editor's Note: Please be advised that the information below on Oklahoma's quail season, specifically the opening day listed, contains an error. The article stated that quail season opens Nov. 12 but in fact it opens Sat., Nov. 11. We apologize for the error. For Immediate Release September 22, 2006 A service of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation News Contacts: Micah Holmes or Kristen Gillman (405) 521-3856 Web site: www.wildlifedepartment.com Biologists, hunters banking on second quail hatch Opening day of deer archery season just days away Department to auction off surplus equipment including tractors, trucks and boats Wildlife Department accepts donation of six-wheeled utility vehicle Upcoming Hunter Education Classes Outdoor Calendar Fishing Report Biologists, hunters banking on second quail hatch August roadside surveys conducted by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation show a statewide decrease of 55 percent over the 2005 survey. However, wildlife officials think a significant number of late nesting attempts could bring bird numbers back up to par by the time October counts are conducted. "Results of the August survey generally don't include quail produced from late nesting attempts, which typically peak in late August. But we know from field reports that there are lots of young birds out there," said Doug Schoeling, upland bird biologist for the Wildlife Department. "The October counts should give us a better picture on this fall's quail population." The statewide quail index is down 33 percent from the previous 16-year average. "Late summer rains have provided some short-term relief from the drought in the northern portions of the state, but we just don't know yet how much these rains helped," Schoeling said. Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation biologists have conducted the roadside surveys during both August and October for the past 17 years. Observers count the number of quail seen to provide an index of quail abundance and reproductive success. There are 83 different 20-mile routes located throughout the state except for Tulsa and Oklahoma counties. Running Nov. 11, 2006 - Feb.15, 2007, quail season is one of the most popular events in the state, drawing hunters from all over the nation to enjoy some of America's finest bird hunting. For complete August roadside survey data, log onto www.wildlifedepartment.com. Results from the October roadside surveys will be available in early November. -30- Opening day of deer archery season just days away Coming off a near-record setting archery season last year, deer hunters are looking forward to the possibilities of another great bow season when hunters take to the woods October 1. "Deer movement has begun to pick up over the last couple of weeks. Despite the drought conditions, the deer herd appears to be in good shape across most of the state," said Mike Shaw, wildlife research supervisor for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. "With the dry conditions we've been experiencing it will likely be more important than ever for deer hunters to spend time scouting this year." During the 2005 archery deer season, bowhunters harvested 14,624 whitetail deer, just 15 deer shy of the record set in 2004. The archery harvest was 14 percent of the total deer harvest. "As a result of drought, deer may be moving more to find food and when deer are moving more it makes it them more visible," said Alan Peoples, wildlife chief for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. "I've heard some hunters say that they think ag fields and producing acorn trees could be especially effective this year in hunting deer. In fact, I just talked to a hunter who was very excited because he had located an oak tree that was loaded with acorns and it was the only one around. Needless to say, he is expecting some great early season action." Running from Oct. 1 to Jan. 15, deer archery season offers more than 100 days of hunting. The first of Oklahoma's big game seasons, the archery deer season attracted 82,635 Oklahoma hunters last year. As a bonus turkey archery season also opens on the same day as deer archery season. Hunters who purchase a fall turkey license will be ready to take advantage of the situation if a turkey happens to walk by their tree stand. Archers should remember that turkeys may not be hunted within 100 yards of bait. With few exceptions, the majority of Oklahoma's more than 75 public wildlife management areas are open to deer archery hunters for all or part of the season. For more information about the areas, log on to wildlifedepartment.com, where you can review regulations, view aerial maps, purchase a license and more. Oklahomans must have an annual hunting or combination license, lifetime hunting or lifetime combination license, disabled veteran's lifetime license, senior citizen hunting or senior citizen combination license or proof of exemption. In addition, hunters must possess a deer archery license for each deer hunted, or proof of exemption. Unless exempt, hunters must also possess a fishing and hunting legacy permit. All nonresident deer hunters must possess a nonresident deer archery license for each deer hunted or proof of exemption. Holders of nonresident lifetime hunting and lifetime combination licenses are not exempt from purchasing deer licenses. Nonresident deer hunters are exempt from purchasing an annual nonresident hunting license. Nonresident hunters must also possess a fishing and hunting legacy permit unless exempt. Upon successfully harvesting a deer, all license holders, including lifetime license holders, must immediately attach their name and license number to the carcass. What the hunter attaches can be anything, as long as it contains the hunter's name and hunting license number and remains securely attached to the animal until it is checked at a hunter check station or with an authorized Wildlife Department employee. Annual license holders, upon harvesting a deer, must complete the Record of Game section on the back of the universal license. The information must be recorded on the license form prior to moving or field dressing the animal. To do this they must tear out one of the notches on the license and print in ink the time, date, type of game and method of harvest on the notched line in the appropriate columns. Lifetime license holders are not required to complete the Record of Game section on the back of the universal license. All successful hunters must check their deer at the nearest hunter check station. A county by county listing of hunter check stations is provided in this year's hunting guide and the most up-to-date check station listing is available at wildlifedepartment.com. Hunting hours during deer archery season are one-half hour before official sunrise to one-half hour after official sunset. For additional regulations, check station locations, season dates and a wealth of other information be sure to pick up a copy of the "2006-07 Oklahoma Hunting Guide" available at all license dealer locations or log on to the Department's Web site at wildlifedepartment.com. -30- Department to auction off surplus equipment including tractors, trucks and boats Sportsman, farmers and auction enthusiasts will want to make plans to attend the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation's surplus auction Saturday, Oct. 7, at 9 a.m. at Lake Burtschi near Chickasha. "There's something for everyone at this sale, from cameras to computer equipment to lawn mowers to larger items like farm equipment, vehicles and boats. I expect it will be one of our larger sales in recent years," said Johnny Hill, property manager for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. "Registration starts at 7:30 a.m. and the first item will sell at 9:00. We're going to sell everything as is to the highest bidder." More than 150 items will be available at the auction, including ATVs, boat motors and tires. For those looking for smaller items, there is also plenty to choose from including, spotting scopes, office supplies, computer hardware, and much more. "We encourage folks to attend because it's not only a chance to pick up some good buys, it's a chance to support the Wildlife Department through your auction purchases," Hill added. For more information about the auction call (405) 521-4600. Pictures and a complete list of auction items will be available at wildlifedepartment.com. The sale will start promptly at 9 a.m. at the Lake Burtschi Wildlife Department office, located 11 miles west of Chickasha on SH 92. Items may be inspected Oct. 6 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. In case of rain, the sale will be held Oct. 8, same time and same place. -30- Wildlife Department accepts donation of six-wheeled utility vehicle The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation recently accepted a six-wheeled Polaris Ranger utility vehicle from U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Brands Inc. The Wildlife Department was awarded the vehicle through the companies Operation Ranger program. "It is one of our company's core values that we seek to give back to the communities in which our employees live and we do business," said James Macias, division manager of U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Brands. "Our Operation Ranger program exists both to recognize the service of our nation's first responders and to provide a versatile vehicle that will enhance emergency response at a community level." The vehicle will be used primarily in law enforcement efforts in central Oklahoma, but it will also be used by game wardens and biologists around the state. "The Wildlife Department plans to use its new Polaris Ranger for wildlife law enforcement, environmental crime investigation and off-road search and rescue," said David Deckard, law enforcement training coordinator for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. "The Wildlife Department must be prepared for a wide variety of scenarios and this vehicle will help improve our response time immensely." For more information about the Wildlife Department log on to wildlifedepartment.com. -30- Editor's note: Below is a link for accompanying photos that are 300 DPI and intended for newspaper publication. The ending link is .jpg for the photo. The photo will open in your browser. If you have a pc you should be able to right click, save picture as, choose the file type you want to save as and click save. The other way is on file in toolbar, save picture as, choosing the file type you want to save as and click save. Images can be viewed with the article at http://www.wildlifedepartment.com. Photo Link***** http://www.wildlifedepartment.com/ranger.htm Photo Link****** Cutline: The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation recently accepted a six-wheeled Polaris Ranger utility vehicle from U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Brands Inc. The Wildlife Department was awarded the vehicle through the companies Operation Ranger program. Photo Link***** http://www.wildlifedepartment.com/ranger2.htm Photo Link****** Cutline: The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation recently accepted a six-wheeled Polaris Ranger utility vehicle from U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Brands Inc. Picture is Wade Farrar, (right) Wildlife Department game warden stationed in Oklahoma County and James Macias (left), division manager of U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Brands.

Really? With deer? Hummm...

Here's ours from tonight... cute little thing. Water ran- we didn't do well.