Phil Lilley

You mean Ozark from the cafe?

my quote. Hey Randall... can't find your shift key?? I think gonfishin missed our point on the baiting deer thing. It's the idea of doing something (kicking bugs loose on the bottom or placing corn out on the ground, both for the purpose to attack game to catch/kill) to cause a intentional reaction. Extremism... that's alittle harsh... but I wasn't insulted. Yea- I thought this was dead too but we have a lot of new people on the forum since the horse laid down so it may get back up.

Pics Jim took at the seminar.

I hate to sound rude and impersonal but you might think about hiring a guide for the day. We have several on this board who do that for a living, although there could be someone who has the time and would offer to take you on their own. I'm lucky to get to Table Rock a day in the summer- it's our busy time at the resort and most others work in the tourism industry- it's tough in peak season. But there are those retired who may like some company. It doesn't hurt to ask... but I did want to throw that out in case no one responded to your request.

I added a #4 suggestion to the agreement everyone agrees to when registering on the forum... as if everyone reads those. But this is important, to keep the forum running smooth and not wearing out those who graciously post reports and suggestions. Thanks- Phil

Guys- it's people like Jenny who make this forum what it is- and others who take the time to post reports and helpful information. When you're in the area of these vendors, stop and say hi, thank them for their help and BUY tackle from them... don't stop at WalMart or Bass Pro just to save a few pennies. If I stop in a bait shop and get advice on the fishing, I buy something even though I don't need it... but often times their lures are what you want for their waters anyhow.

Bill and I have talked about it... Bill is on the verge of a brand new job and instead of rushing into something and doing it poorly we may decide to wait on the striper/hybrid seminar, unless Bill catches his second wind. In the future- yes. But may be not the near future. Thanks for the kind words. We are blessed to have people in the area who live to share their knowledge without wanting anything in exchange.

Flies- Bob Clouser's Clouser, Bent Back Streamer and a mylar bodied, marabou 1/80th oz jig with little tuff of red behind the head.

Wow- what a change for you. Honestly, never been out west but those who move here from there say they like it here. Welcome to the forum. Let us know how we can help.

Lonestar behind the Grand Palace. Charlie's across from the Wax Musium.

There's a report on the Truman Tailrace Forum from the Bait Station. http://ozarkanglers.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=1409 She's overdue for a report.

If you do that, try the Neals Bluff area or Houseman's Landing. Use small sluggos, jigs, roadrunners, blue floating rebel minnows, swimming minnows. When? Anywhere from April 6 till April 30. Look to the Dogwood Trees!

I assume you're in Columbia... I'd head to Truman Tailwater. I've always had good luck just catching fish there- crappie, whites, walleye. The report is it's not great but all 3 are being caught to some degree. Stop in and talk to the people at the Station. I'd take an ultralite and go for crappie and whites and if a big walleye or hybrid takes the bait, well you're in for a treat.

When searching for "softhackle" on the forum I got this - http://ozarkanglers.com/forums/index.php?a...lite=softhackle Try this one too http://ozarkanglers.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=177

Our water has been clear for about a week. They ran water for less than an hour a couple of days ago which really didn't have any affect of the clarity here. Water levels are normal. You should be able to get to Lookout without any problem, as long as you stay in the channel.

Mushrooms too!

I bought a OK lisc online the other day and signed up to get emails from them... this is what I got. For Immediate Release March 23, 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 Turkey season opens April 6 Statewide deer harvest could top 100,000 Public survey helps biologists learn about Oklahoma's tiniest visitors Outdoor Calendar Waterfowl Report Fishing Report Turkey season opens April 6 Turkey hunters have every reason to be optimistic when the spring season opens statewide April 6. Rio Grande turkey populations are doing well according to Rod Smith, southwest region wildlife supervisor for the Wildlife Department. "Turkey populations are in good shape right now. We had a solid hatch last year which will maintain turkey numbers at a high level through this spring," Smith said. Some hunters had expressed concern that the warm dry weather may cause gobblers to begin the spring breeding season before opening day. No need to worry, says Smith. A few winter flocks are beginning to break up into smaller groups, but there are still some large flocks out there in their winter pattern. Overall, I would say they are progressing normally," Smith said. Following several good production years, turkey numbers are way up across the eastern half of the state. "If you found turkeys last year, you'll likely find them in the same place this spring," said Jack Waymire, southeast region senior wildlife biologist for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. "Things are beginning to green up and turkeys are starting to hang out in those open areas." With turkey populations high, this year is a good opportunity to focus on taking a mature gobbler, according Waymire. "I always encourage veteran hunters to try to take an adult. It can be a little more difficult at times, but it is a fun challenge," Waymire said. To hunt turkeys in Oklahoma, hunters must possess a resident or non-resident Oklahoma hunting license or combination license and the $5 fishing and hunting legacy permit, as well as a spring turkey permit. Lifetime license holders are exempt from having to purchase the spring turkey permit and the annual fishing and hunting legacy permit. Hunters do not check turkeys taken west of I-35, but all turkeys harvested east of I-35 must be checked at the nearest hunter check station. For more information on regulations and bag limits, consult the "2005-06 Oklahoma Hunting Guide," which are available at hunting and fishing license vendors across the state or on line at www.wildlifedepartment.com. Statewide deer harvest could top 100,000 Preliminary harvest figures indicate a near record-breaking season. Through the end of the deer gun season, hunters harvested 89,409 deer, the second highest preliminary harvest recorded since the record harvest of 2000. Once figures from the second half of archery season, controlled hunts and other hunts are tallied, the final 2005 harvest could exceed 100,000. Statewide totals were 5,481 deer higher than those observed at the same time last year, representing an increase of nearly seven percent. Antlered deer harvest was up 7.2 percent statewide and doe harvest also increased 6.5 percent. Each of the state's five wildlife regions recorded an increase, with the southeast seeing the largest increase. Southeast Oklahoma hunters took 3,283 more deer than in 2004. A complete breakdown of the 2005 deer season will be featured in the Big Game Report in the September/October issue of "Outdoor Oklahoma magazine. Individuals can subscribe to "Outdoor Oklahoma," on the universal license form wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold; or by calling 1-800-777-0019. Subscriptions are just $10 for one year, $18 for two years, or $25 for three years. You can also subscribe over the Internet by logging on to the Department's Web site at www.wildlifedepartment.com. Public survey helps biologists learn about Oklahoma's tiniest visitors It can fly backward, forward and hover. It's not a machine -- it's a hummingbird. Oklahoma's tiniest birds are returning from their winter sabbatical in Mexico and Central America, and you can help the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation learn more about them by participating in the Hummingbird Survey. Participants are asked to hang feeders from April 1 through Nov. 1 and report the first and last sighting dates for visiting birds. Download the survey form and find tips to attract hummingbirds at wildlifedepartment.com/hummingbird.htm. The survey helps biologists, such as Melynda Hickman at the Wildlife Department, learn more about these visitors. "It would be impossible to get a statewide perspective on the arrival and departure dates of our hummingbirds without the watchful eyes of our participants," Hickman said. "Their reports also reveal new things about the different species in the state." The ruby-throated hummingbird is a common feeder guest and nests over the eastern two-thirds of Oklahoma. The rufous hummingbird passes through Oklahoma during fall migration, but is not usually seen at feeders in the spring. Another species, the black-chinned hummingbird, is found in western Oklahoma. A growing number of black-chinned sightings have been appearing in survey reports. "Reports over the last several years have confirmed it's nesting in larger numbers and extending eastward," Hickman said. "That's exciting, because although it was first sighted in the state in the 1940s, nesting records are much more recent." Hummingbirds average 3.5 inches in length and weigh the equivalent of a penny. A simple way to attract them is with a sugar-water feeder. The best mimic of natural flower nectar is a solution of one part sugar to four parts boiled water. Hickman offers a tip to keeping pesky bees and wasps away from the feeder. "Flying insects are attracted to the color yellow, so you can discourage them from visiting your feeder by removing yellow parts from your feeder," she said. While feeders are effective, they only provide a supplemental food source. Hummingbirds also eat gnat-size flying insects and are drawn to tube-shaped flowers. "Feeders are great, but they must be cleaned with hot water and vinegar weekly, and more often during summer's hottest days," Hickman said. "Plant an annual or perennial, and you only need to worry about watering." Hickman recommends plants that are red to pink in color, because hummingbirds find food by sight not smell. She also encourages planting after April 15. This is to avoid an early-spring freeze, which could kill a new seedling. Hickman suggests planting the native coral, honeysuckle, butterfly bush or any other number of hummingbird-friendly plants listed in the Wildlife Department's book, "Landscaping for Wildlife." This guidebook shows readers how to create wildlife-friendly properties, including details to attract hummingbirds, for $20 plus $4 shipping. Order a copy by visiting the Outdoor Store at wildlifedepartment.com or call (405) 521-4636. The Wildlife Department also provides a free brochure about ruby-throated hummingbirds. The brochure and hummingbird survey form are available online or by calling (405) 521-4616. *****Photo***** Editor's note: Below is a link for accompanying photo that is 150 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/wl_news.htm. Low resolution - http://www.wildlifedepartment.com/newsrele...hummingbird.jpg Photo Credit: wildlifedepartment.com Caption: The wing muscles of a ruby-throated hummingbird are proportionally larger than any other bird species. The female ruby-throated pictured here may beat her wings 60 times in a minute while hovering. OUTDOOR CALENDAR MARCH 28, 30 & 31: Hunter Education: Sportsman's Warehouse (2301 W Memorial), OKC; March 28 & 30 (6 p.m. - 9 p.m.) and March 31 (6 p.m. - 10 p.m.). 31: Standardized Employment Exam, at Rose State College, Tom Steed Building, Auditorium, I-40 & Hudiburg Rd, Midwest City. Exam starts at 10 am. Bring a photo ID. APRIL 1: Standardized Employment Exam, at Oklahoma State University, Life Sciences West room 103, Stillwater. Exam starts at 10 am. Bring a photo ID. 1: Stars over the Wichitas interpretive program. The public is invited to participate in an evening with the stars, where they will study major constellations and other heavenly bodies with the assistance from an amateur astronomer. The two hour program begins 30-minutes after sunset. Participants will meet at the Boulder/Lost Lake picnic area Program is limited to 15 people and participants must be at least eight years of age. Reservations can be made by call (580) 429-3222. 1: Deadline to submit application for Oklahoma Youth Camp-Forestry and Wildlife. The camp will be held June 5-10 and will be held in Beavers Bend State Park. The co-ed camp is open to 11-14 year olds who have an interest in Oklahoma and its natural environment. A max. of 65 campers will be accepted on a competitive basis. Application process includes filling out the application, including a letter of reference. Registration for the camp is $175. For more information contact the Oklahoma Youth Forestry and Wildlife Camp 2006 at (405) 522-6158. 1: "Saturday Morning Birding" at Oxley Nature Center, Tulsa. The program runs 8:00-9:45 a.m. and is open to all ages. Join an Oxley Naturalist to explore the trails in search of March birds. Meet in the Oxley Nature Center parking lot promptly at 8:00 a.m. Bring binoculars if you have them. Free. Registration not required. For more information or to register contact the staff at 918-669-6644 or if you prefer by email at oxley@ci.tulsa.ok.us. 1: Red River Limb Hangers Chapter of National Wild Turkey Federation Banquet and Auction at Heritage Hall, Ardmore. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and auctions starts at 7:00 p.m. For more information contact Dale Graves at (580) 677-9223 or email me dgraves@oklahomasteel.com 3: A Quail Forever chapter has formed on the Oklahoma-Arkansas border. The chapter will focus its conservation and habitat efforts along the central border of each state. For more information on the Arklahoma chapter, call Sheckelford at (479) 459-7068 or Ron Briscoe at (918) 427-2333. WATERFOWL REPORT FOR MARCH 22, 2006 For zone maps and complete waterfowl hunting regulations log on to wildlifedepartment.com. Ducks season closed statewide. Conservation order light goose season open through March 31. NORTHEAST Ft. Gibson: Lake level is 0.25 ft. above normal. Habitat condition is fair, with smartweed, barnyardgrass, bidens, cut soybeans, corn, milo and wheat in the area. Duck season is closed. Goose numbers are low. Hunter activity is slow, with low success. Bird movement in the area is slow. Kaw: Lake elevation is at 1009.20. Habitat condition is fair. Duck season is closed. No geese observed. Hunter activity is low, with low success. Bird movement in the area is slow. Webber Falls: Lake level is 2.16 ft. above normal. Habitat condition is fair, with smartweed, barnyardgrass, bidens, cut soybeans, corn, milo and wheat in the area. Duck season is closed. Goose numbers are low. Hunter activity is slow, with low success. Bird movement in the area is slow. FISHING REPORT FOR MARCH 22, 2006 NORTHEAST Birch: Elevation 6 ft. below normal, water 40 and clear. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around brush at 8-10 ft.; white bass good in the creek channels on plastic shad. Report submitted by Ben Bickerstaff, game warden stationed in Osage County. Copan: Elevation below normal and clear. Crappie fair in and around creek channels on medium minnows and jigs at shallow depths. Report submitted by Jason Cain, Copan Handi Mart. Eucha: Elevation 11 ft. below normal, water 47 and murky. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows on the lower end of the lake; largemouth bass fair on rogues. Report submitted by Dwight Moore, City of Tulsa Fisheries. Grand: Elevation below normal and clear. White bass fair to good off rocky points and in river and creek tributaries; channel catfish fair on cut shad or worms in the tributaries; crappie fair on minnows and jigs at 10-15 ft. around brush piles; paddlefish snagging good at 30 ft. around Sailboat Bridge. Report submitted by Jim Littlefield, game warden stationed in Delaware County. Greenleaf: Elevation normal and clear. Largemouth bass fair on spinnerbaits and crankbaits; catfish fair on cut bait on bottom; crappie fair on jigs and minnows around fishing docks and brush structure. Report submitted by Lark Wilson, game warden stationed in Muskogee County. Kaw: Water 50 and clear. Blue Catfish fair in tail waters on cut shad and shad guts and in north end of the lake at 5-10 ft. on cut shad. Report submitted by Marshall Reigh, game warden stationed in Kay and Grant counties. Keystone: Elevation 4 1/2 ft. below normal, water clear to murky. Largemouth bass fair on jig and chunk and crankbaits at 6-10 ft. coves and creeks; smallmouth bass fair on jig and chunk at 6-10 ft. in mouth of coves; spotted bass fair on jig and chunk and crankbaits at 6-10 ft. in main lake; white bass fair on sassy shad and small crankbaits at 6-10 ft. in creeks and river channels; striped bass good on jerk baits and sassy shad at 4-6 ft. below dam; channel catfish fair on worms and shrimp at 6-10 ft. in creeks; blue catfish good on shad and large minnows at 15-30 ft. around humps and river ledges; flathead catfish fair on shad at 15-30 ft. off steep banks; crappie good on jigs or minnows at 8-15 ft. around docks and brush piles in creeks; walleye and saugeye slow on jigs and large minnows at 4-6 ft. below river dam; paddlefish good at 4-10 ft. in mouths of creeks on treble hooks. Report submitted by Larry Sellers, Woody's Bait and Tackle. Oologah: Elevation 1 ft. below normal, water 50 and clear. White bass fair in the Verdigris River above the lake; crappie fair on minnows and jigs around brush piles 15 ft. Report submitted by Brek Henry, game warden stationed in Rogers County. Spavinaw: Elevation 4 ft. below normal, water 48 and murky. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around the dam area; largemouth fair on spinnerbaits. Report submitted by Dwight Moore, City of Tulsa Fisheries. Tenkiller: Elevation 6 ft. below normal, water 54 and clear. Smallmouth bass fair off points at 15 ft. on rogues or bass jigs; crappie fair on jigs around brush and docks at 12-20 ft.; white bass fair in the upper end on spinners or spoons on gravel banks and trolling deep runners in the Cherokee landing area. Report submitted by Monte Brooks, Cookson Village Resort. Webbers Falls: Elevation normal and murky. Largemouth bass fair on spinnerbaits along riprap; catfish fair on cut bait on bottom; crappie fair on minnows and jigs around bridges and around brush structure. Report submitted by Lark Wilson, game warden stationed in Muskogee County. NORTHWEST Canton: Elevation 1/2 ft. below normal. Walleye good along dam after sundown on jigs and crankbaits; walleye, white bass and striped bass hybrids good along windy north shore on live bait. Report submitted by Mark Walker, game warden stationed in Blaine County. SOUTHEAST Arbuckle: Elevation 4 ft. below normal, water 56 and clear. Crappie good on docks and brush piles; white bass good up in the creeks under gulls on roadrunners and jigs; bass fair to good on worms, crankbaits and spinnerbaits at 6-12 ft. Report submitted by Jack Melton. Blue River: Elevation normal, water 52 and muddy to murky. Largemouth bass fair on minnows and flies; catfish fair on liver and worms; trout fair to good on super dupers, rooster tails and power baits. Report submitted by Charles Baker, technician at Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area. Eufaula: Elevation 6 ft. below normal and clear. Largemouth bass good on jerk baits at 4-10 ft. around rocks; blue catfish good on shad at 3-10 ft. on the flats; crappie good on jigs at 5-15 ft. around boat docks and riprap areas. Report submitted Ed Rodebush, game warden stationed in McIntosh County. Hugo: Elevation 1 3/4 ft. above normal, water 55 and murky. Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits and soft plastic lures; white bass good on jigs, grubs and small spinners; crappie fair on live minnows and light colored jigs; channel catfish fair on chicken liver. Report submitted by Wendell Smalling, game warden stationed in Choctaw County. McGee Creek: Elevation 2 ft. below normal, water 54 and clear. Largemouth bass fair to good on soft plastic lures at 6-14 ft. in creek channels. White bass fair on spinners and sassy shad. Report submitted by Larry Luman, game warden stationed in Atoka County. Lower Mountain Fork River: Lake is rising and clearing. Trout good in Zone 2 on various streamers. Report submitted by Sid and Peggy, Beavers Bend Fly Shop. Pine Creek: Elevation below normal and murky. The fishing was heating up on the lake until the 6-7 inches of rain last week. Crappie good on minnows in the upper end of the lake at 8 ft.; catfish fair on chicken liver and cut bait. White bass good up on the river shoals. Report Submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County. Robert S. Kerr: Elevation normal, water 54 and clear. Largemouth bass fair at 5-6 ft. using spinner baits and plastic baits fished in the areas with some weed cover; crappie slow at 10 ft. using minnows fishing in the creek channels; white bass good using shad imitation lures. Fish are moving up the major creeks and are below the dams on their spawning run. Blue catfish fair at 5-10 ft. using cut shad fishing the fresh water flowing into the lake. Report submitted by Rick Olzawski, game warden stationed in Haskell County. Texoma: Elevation 2 ft. below normal, water 56 and clear. Largemouth bass good on deep diving plastic baits at 15-20 ft. in the mouth of creek channels; white bass good on sassy shad and slabs at 15-20 ft. near the islands; catfish fair to good on cut baits at 10-15 ft. in Washita River arm of the lake; crappie fair to good on minnows and jigs at 5-10 ft. around structure. Report submitted by Danny Clubb, game warden stationed in Bryan County. Wister: Elevation 2 ft. above normal and rising, water 56 degrees and muddy. White bass fair on rattletraps up in the creeks and rivers; channel catfish good on worms and stinkbaits at 6-10 ft. Report submitted by D.G. Belcher, game warden stationed in Latimer County. SOUTHWEST Ellsworth: Elevation 9 1/2 ft. below normal and murky. Crappie fair to good at Ralph's Resort at 6-10 ft. on minnows and jigs. Report submitted by Mike Carroll, game warden stationed in Comanche County.

May be. But I'll never tell. I thought it was the dogwoods and white bass- or was it crappie. Probably both!

Same thing happened to me on a small pond in north Missouri- catching small crappie and got broke off twice by big bass taking the crappie as I was reeling them in. Never saw the bass but I'm sure that's what it was. I've been up there twice since and still can't catch those devils. Will try again this spring.

Blender... I put dogs and mink in my blender.

I posted a report today- it's pinned at the top of the page.

Drove up the powersite side of the lake at the advice of someone who knows... started at the gravel bar at the mouth of Silver Creek. That's the place we slayed the whites and walleye the last time water was this low. Nothing. We were joined by a small group of guys so we left all the fish to them. Next time I'm taking waders though. Drove on up to the dam just to see... no one there. Walked on up to the wing wall. Was followed by a shadowy figure- turned out to be Buck Nofsinger, our friendly MDC agent. We talked alittle- he said fishing had been spotty- best when the water was running and it wasn't. So we almost decided to turn back without fishing but Buck said go ahead and try. Tom's (Timbumkin) first cast using a purple swimming minnow earned him a 19 inch walleye- his first walleye ever. Then he snagged (I think he snagged) 2 fish that just headed downstream- hook pulled out. Nothing more. I kidded Tom- here's a guy who is from Minnesota- never caught a walleye- caught his first in Missouri. That's along way to come and along time to wait for your first walleye! We started about 10 pm and left at 11 pm.

Hummm... I was just up there and there wasn't any water where I thought they'd be. See my fishing report.

I think they are hard to pinpoint for most anglers and therefore not targeted. I have a friend who lives in Neosho that fishes Grand- mainly the Spring and Elk branches. He and I have chased hybrids some but haven't done well at it, catching mainly whites in the process. Hopefully I'll be heading to a couple of OK's waters to try my luck at some hybrids- Arkansas River and Sooner Lake- later this spring.

Yea- it seems you always lose the first 50 feet of line right off the bat, then it settles down. Right now all my reels are down to the last bit (most of the line is out on a cast and you can see the reel spool) but I'm too busy to change it.