Phil Lilley

Yes they were released.

Pics of the day-

Jan 11th in the building with the ice rink. Cost $6. 7:30 pm. It's the only program I do in St Louis.

For Immediate Release: January 5, 2007 A service of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation News Contacts: Michael Bergin or Micah Holmes (405) 521-3856 Web site: www.wildlifedepartment.com Southeast Oklahoma wildlife management area featured in national calendar Outdoor Oklahoma" magazine seeks reader's photos for special issue Outdoor Calendar Fishing Report Waterfowl Report Southeast Oklahoma wildlife management area featured in national calendar Oklahoma's own Red Slough Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is featured in a national calendar displaying 12 of the continent's premier wildlife viewing destinations. Watchable Wildlife, Inc. created the 2007 calendar in cooperation with the American Bald Eagle Foundation to showcase some of the best locations in North America for observing wildlife. The March page of the calendar features a scenic image of Red Slough WMA. Watchable Wildlife, Inc. calls the wildlife management area a "premier birdwatching area" and a "top waterfowl hunting destination." Red Slough WMA covers 7,800 acres in McCurtain County in southeast Oklahoma, just six miles south of Haworth. Over the past several years, wildlife biologists have made extensive efforts to restore over 1,500 acres of hardwoods that once flourished on the former rice farm. The area also includes thousands of acres of moist soil management units and open water habitat for migrating shorebirds and waterfowl. "Though still a work in progress, these areas are being restored once again to bottomland hardwoods and quality habitat that can be enjoyed by both wildlife and people," said Mike Smith, Wildlife Department biologist at Red Slough WMA. The calendar says Red Slough WMA is home "to over 288 species of birds." Other species spotted on the area include river otters, bald eagles and American alligators. Though wildlife-viewing opportunities abound at Red Slough, wildlife watchers are not the only ones with something to enjoy. The area is also home to healthy populations of deer, turkey, small game, furbearers, dove and waterfowl. For complete hunting regulations at Red Slough WMA, see the "2006-07 Oklahoma Hunting Guide." Red Slough is managed by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service and the Natural Resources Conservation Service. To purchase the 2007 Watchable Wildlife calendar, log on to watchablewildlife.org. To learn more about Red Slough WMA, log on to wildlifedepartment.com. -30- "Outdoor Oklahoma" magazine seeks reader's photos for special issue Readers of "Outdoor Oklahoma" magazine have an opportunity to see their own photography published this year in the magazine's annual Readers' Photography Showcase. Submissions are being accepted until March 31, 2007. The special July/August issue gives both professional and amateur photographers the chance to have their digital photos displayed in a magazine that consistently receives national recognition for its photography. According to Nels Rodefeld, "Outdoor Oklahoma" editor, this year's showcase marks the first year the magazine will be accepting only digital photograph submissions for the Readers' Photography Showcase. "The Readers' Photography Showcase is always one of our favorite issues because of the wide range of images that are submitted by readers from all across the state," Rodefeld said. "There are all kinds of landscapes, sunsets and wildlife species in Oklahoma that make for stunning photographs, and it is great to see our reader's getting out and enjoying it all. It's rewarding to share those images with our readers each year in this special issue." Rodefeld said that although reader submissions usually include a variety of subjects, the magazine has been focusing on "faces in the outdoors" to show hunters, anglers, kids and other outdoor enthusiasts enjoying the outdoors. "We are encouraging readers to submit outstanding photos of Oklahoma sportsman taking part in the outdoors," Rodefeld said. "The smile on a young deer hunter's face or two veteran anglers sharing a friendship and a love for fishing really captures what enjoying our state's outdoors is all about." Each participant may submit up to five digital images. Each submission must include a description of the photo, including the location taken, names and hometowns of subjects and what it took to get just the right shot. Photos should be in sharp focus, and images should be at least 300 dpi (dots per inch). The canvas size should be about 8 inches by 11 inches. Slides and print images will not be accepted. Hopeful photographers can mail a disk to: "Outdoor Oklahoma" magazine, ?Oklahoma Dept. of Wildlife Conservation, ? P.O. Box 53465, Oklahoma City, OK 73152. Readers may also e-mail their entries to photoshowcase@odwc.state.ok.us. Individuals can subscribe to "Outdoor Oklahoma" 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. -30- OUTDOOR CALENDAR JANUARY 7: In Search of Eagles at the Wichita Mountains. This interpretive programs for the general public in the afternoon. The program will begin at the refuge headquarters at 1:30 p.m. and will last approximately two and a half to three hours. Due to the length of the program, all children must be at least eight years old. There will be a $5 per person reservation fee collected at check-in. Reservations can be made Dec. 18 from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. by calling (580) 429-3222. 8 & 9: Public Hearings held across the state by Wildlife Department regarding proposals for hunting and fishing regulation changes. For exact locations, times and agendas, log on to the Department's Web site at http://www.wildlifedepartment.com/2007_pub...g_locations.htm 9 & 11: Hunter Education: South Intermediate High School (601 S. Main), Broken Arrow; 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.; (918) 259-4580. 13: Dutch Oven Cooking for Beginners at Crow's Secret Nature Center at Lake Thunderbird State Park, Norman. Join the naturalist at the nature center to learn how to cook outdoors in a Dutch oven just like the pioneers did in the old west. There is an $8 fee per person and you must be registered by Jan. 10. Contact Julie Morris at (405) 321-4633 for registration and entry fees. 13-14: In Search of Eagles at the Wichita Mountains. This interpretive program is for the general public. The program will begin at the refuge headquarters at 1:30 p.m. and will last approximately two and a half to three hours. Due to the length of the program, all children must be at least eight years old. There will be a $5 per person reservation fee collected at check-in. Reservations can be made Dec. 18 from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. by calling (580) 429-3222. 13 & 20: Project WILD for college credit at Tulsa Community College (West Campus), Tulsa. Class runs from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. both days. For more information or to enroll call SPICE Program at (918) 595-8126. 15, 16 & 18: Hunter Education: Bass Pro Shop (101 Bass Pro Dr.), Broken Arrow; 6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.; (918) 355-7600, ask for promotion manager. 20: The Lake Arcadia Tournament will take place at the Spring Creek Ramp. Sign up will begin at 7 a.m. Start time is 8 a.m. Weigh in starts at 2 p.m. The lake charges $6 per vehicle for entrance into the park and $6 per boat. Entry Fee is $50. Big Fish Jackpot is additional $10 for those who feel lucky or just plain confident. Additional information can be found at http://www.catfishangler.com/chapters/node/82. Contact Mike Strawn for questions at (405) 601-0770 or (405) 417-1635. FISHING REPORT FOR JANUARY 3, 2007 CENTRAL Hefner: Crappie are being caught on jigs around the dam and rocks. Report submitted by Kelly Roberson, game warden stationed in Oklahoma County. Overholser: Crappie are being caught on jigs around docks and rocks. Report submitted by Kelly Roberson, game warden stationed in Oklahoma County. Thunderbird: Elevation 9 ft. below normal and clear. Crappie good on minnows and jigs on structure at 7-10 ft. Report submitted by Tony Woodruff, game warden stationed in Cleveland County. NORTHEAST Birch: Elevation 3 1/4 ft. below normal water in the 50s and clear. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around brush piles. Report submitted by Paul Welch, game warden stationed in Osage County. Eucha: Elevation 3 1/2 ft., water 45 and clear. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around brush and structure at 18-20 ft. Largemouth bass fair on plastic baits. Report submitted by Dwight Moore, City of Tulsa Fisheries. Ft. Gibson: Elevation 2 ft. above normal and rising, water 42 and muddy. Channel catfish good on creeks where water is flowing and in flooded grass. Report submitted Marvin Stanley, game warden stationed in Wagoner and Muskogee counties. Grand: Elevation below normal and clear. Crappie fair to good using minnow and jigs at 12 ft. Catfish fair to good at 20 ft. using cut shad on juglines and rod and reel. Report submitted by Jim Littlefield, game warden stationed in Delaware County. Spavinaw: Elevation 4 ft. below normal, water 46 and clear. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around dam area. Largemouth bass fair on plastic baits. Report submitted by Dwight Moore, City of Tulsa Fisheries. Tenkiller: Elevation 1/3 ft. above normal, water 49. Crappie fair around brush at 15-25 ft. on tube jigs and good around docks at 15-20 ft. on minnows or tube jigs. Sunfish good in docks on worm-tipped jigs at 10-20 ft. Report by Monte Brooks, Cookson Village Resort. NORTHWEST Canton: Elevation 6 ft. below normal. Crappie good on minnows and jigs near brush. White bass, striped bass hybrid and walleye fair on jigs along dam and on slabs near underwater islands. Report submitted by Mark Walker, game warden stationed in Blaine County. Ft. Supply: Elevation 2 1/4 ft. below normal. Crappie slow to fair around marina and boat docks. Report submitted by Mark Reichenberger, game warden stationed in Harper County. SOUTHEAST Arbuckle: Elevation 4 ft. below normal, water 49 and stained. Crappie good on drop-offs using spoons and Guy Sandy dock. White bass excellent under gulls and on creek drop-offs. Bass fair to slow on drop shot and jig and pig. Report submitted by Jack Melton. Broken Bow: Elevation is rising. Largemouth and smallmouth bass good in the mouths of creeks on jigs and crankbaits. Catfish good on juglines baited with sunfish or cut bait. Crappie fair in the upper end of the lake around structure on minnows and jigs. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County. Eufaula: Elevation normal and murky. Largemouth bass and smallmouth bass slow. Blue catfish fair on shad at 10-30 ft. drifting the flats. Crappie good on minnows or jigs at 10-25 ft. around boat docks. Report submitted Ed Rodebush, game warden stationed in McIntosh County. Hugo: Elevation 9 ft. above normal, water 51 and murky. Largemouth bass fair spinnerbaits. Crappie fair live on minnows. Blue catfish fair on cut bait and liver. Report submitted by Wendell Smalling, game warden stationed in Choctaw County. Konawa: Elevation normal, water 50 and clear. Largemouth bass good on crankbaits and plastic worms at 15 ft. off points and in the discharge channel. Channel catfish fair on chicken liver at 15 ft. in the discharge channel. Report submitted by Daryl Howser, game warden stationed in Seminole County. Lower Mountain Fork River: The fishing is generally good. The fishing last week was very good until the rain hit. This caused the river to muddy up and create some very difficult fishing conditions on the river downstream from Bee Creek. Zone 1: recently stocked, fishing was very good. Zone 2: muddy and fishing poorly. Zone 3: muddy/poor conditions. Best flies have been very small dry flies, Griffith's gnat, adult caddis flies, and a multitude of emerges. The lake has risen several feet and the powerhouse may release water at any time. Be very careful if you are fishing zones 2 or 3. Report submitted by Sid Ingram, Beavers Bend Fly Shop. Pine Creek: Elevation above normal, water clear. Bass excellent on crankbaits around points and good on Texas-rigged centipede worms. Crappie and walleye good below the dam. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County. Robert S. Kerr: Elevation above normal, water 46 and murky. Largemouth bass slow at 8-10 ft. using plastic baits fishing the deeper water in the riprap and rocky areas. Crappie fair at 8-10 ft. using minnows fishing the old creek channels. White bass slow at 10 ft. using jigs fishing below the dams. Blue catfish fair at 5-15 ft. using fresh cut bait and worms fishing the fresh water flowing into the lake. 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 running shallow. Report submitted by Allen Couch, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County. Texoma: Elevation 3 ft. below normal, water 54 and semi-clear. Largemouth and smallmouth bass fair on plastic baits at 15-20 ft. deep along riprap. Striped and white bass fair on live and cut shad at 15-20 ft. near the islands and good bank fishing off long points. Channel and blue catfish fair on cut shad at 10-15 ft. deep above the highway 70 bridge and bank fishing is good. Crappie fair on small minnows and jigs at 10-15 ft. near underwater brush and fish attractors. Report submitted by Danny Clubb, game warden stationed in Bryan County. Wister: Elevation 6 1/2 ft. above normal and murky. Crappie excellent on minnows and jigs below the dam. Channel catfish very good on cut shad below the dam. Report submitted by Randy Fennell, game warden stationed in LeFlore County. SOUTHWEST Ft. Cobb: Elevation 2 1/4 ft. below normal. Crappie slow to fair around marina and boat docks; Report submitted by James Edwards Jr., game warden station in Caddo County. WATERFOWL REPORT FOR JANUARY 3, 2007 For zone maps and complete waterfowl hunting regulations log on to wildlifedepartment.com. NORTHWEST Canton: Lake level is 5.60 ft. below normal. Habitat condition is poor. Water level has dropped below all vegetation along the shoreline due to water release. Winter wheat plantings are still in fair condition and improving with recent rains. Duck numbers are low to moderate, with most ducks leaving to find better forage. Goose numbers are high, with mostly Canadas, and a few Snow geese as well. Hunting activity is low in the area. The boat ramp west of Canton WMA headquarters is not usable due to low water levels. Ft. Supply: Lake level is 1.0 ft. below normal. Habitat conditions around the lake are poor, with lots of open shoreline. Local wheat crops are fair to poor. Duck numbers are fair. Goose numbers are low. Movement in the area has been slow. Hunting activity is low, with no reports of success. Area ponds and sloughs are mostly dry, and some boat ramps are closed due to low lake levels. SOUTHWEST Ft. Cobb: Lake level is 2.21 ft. below normal. Habitat condition is poor due to lake level. Winter wheat is good, with small amount of peanut residue in the field. Duck numbers are good, with mostly mallards. Goose numbers are good. Hunting activity is high, with good success. Mtn. Park: Lake elevation is 9.28 ft. below normal. Habitat condition is very poor due to lake level. Winter wheat is good on WMA and surrounding area. Duck numbers are low. Goose numbers are good, with a large number of Snow geese mixed in. Hunting activity is low, with no reports of success. NORTHEAST Copan: Lake level is 2.01 ft. below normal. Lake level is not flooding terrestrial vegetation. Soybeans and wheat in ag fields on WMA. Beans are cut, with wheat is up. Duck numbers are low. Goose numbers are low. Hunting activity is fair, with fair success. No significant migrations have been noted in the last week. Eufaula: Lake level is 1.50 ft. below normal. Current habitat condition is good to excellent. Vegetation is very good to excellent on the mudflats and suitable lake shore. Very little farming in the area. Duck numbers are fair. Few geese observed in the area. No significant bird movements have been observed. Hunting activity is moderate, with variable success. Ft. Gibson: Lake level is 2.75 ft. above normal. Habitat condition is good, with smartweed, barnyard grass, bidens, cut soybeans, corn, milo, and wheat in the area. Duck numbers are fair. Goose numbers are low. Some bird movement has been seen in the area. Hunting activity is high, with moderate success. Hulah: Lake level is 2.23 ft. below normal. Lake level is not flooding terrestrial vegetation. Soybeans and wheat in ag fields on WMA. Beans are now cut. Duck numbers are low. Goose numbers are low. No significant migrations have been noted in the last week. Hunting activity is low, with low success. Kaw: Lake level is 0.61 ft. below normal. Habitat condition is good, with millet and natural food available. Duck numbers are fair, with mostly mallard's and green-winged teal. Goose numbers are fair. Bird movement is slow at the moment, but expected to pick up with approaching cold fronts. Hunting activity in the area is moderate with good success. Keystone: Lake level is 1.3 ft. below normal. Habitat conditions are poor. Habitat condition is fair-good on Cottonwood Creak WDU. Very little vegetation is flooded on the lake. Habitat potential is fair on the mudflats, sloughs, potholes, and lower elevation. Both duck and goose numbers are low. Hunting activity is moderate, with low success. Duck numbers have decreased recently due to hunting pressure and low quality habitat. Some of the sloughs now have some water in them. The water level in the sloughs is not up the vegetation line. 3 mile slough is 20% full. Lake level needs to be normal for fair habitat and one foot above normal for good habitat. Webbers Falls: Lake level is 2.03 ft. above normal. Habitat condition is good, with smartweed, barnyard grass, bidens, cut soybeans, corn, milo and wheat in the area. Duck numbers are fair. Goose numbers are low. Some bird movement in the area. Hunting activity is high, with moderate success. SOUTHEAST Hugo: Lake level is 9.65 ft. above normal. Habitat condition is fair to good, with Japanese millet, sedges, and other native vegetation in the area. Ponds in the area are filling up. Duck numbers are good. Goose numbers are good, with Canada's mixed with light geese. Little River NWR: Water levels are good. Food conditions are good. Duck numbers: gadwall 260; mallard 220; wood duck 125; ring-neck 75. No geese were observed on the area. Texoma: Lake level is 2.28 ft. below normal. Habitat conditions are good, with smart weed, barnyard grass, and nutsedge in the area. Duck numbers are poor. Goose numbers are poor. No new waterfowl movement due to fair weather. Hunting activity is moderate, with poor success. Wister: Lake level is 9.21 ft. above normal. Duck numbers: mallard 75; gadwall 30; wigeon 10, shoveller 20, wood duck 30, redhead 20, scaup 20, ringneck 20, bufflehead 4, ruddy 6. No geese observed.

Cal Manske caught a 23 inch brown this am on a rapala down across the lake from Bass Pro. He has it in one of our live tanks on the dock- pic to come. He hopes to release it if it survives. They don't have a live well and had to keep stopping to keep it alive on the boat ride back.

SOWBUG ROUNDUP BY JOHN BERRY The North Arkansas Fly Fishers will host the tenth annual Sowbug Roundup at the Redeemer Lutheran Church Family Life Center located at 307 W. North Street Mountain Home, Arkansas on March 15, 16 and 17. This is a Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The hours are 9:00AM to 4:00 PM. This is the first time that Sowbug has lasted for three days. The Sowbug Roundup is a celebration of fly fishing. There will be demonstrations by over 100 expert fly tyers. There will be several seminars presented by local professional guides. There is free tying and casting instruction presented by renowned instructors and there will be drawings and auctions throughout all three days of the event. Admission for adults is only $5.00 for all three days. Children under 16 years of age will be admitted free when accompanied by their parents. Anyone desiring more information can call (870) 491-5520, email at sowbug@northarkansasflyfisher.org or go to the North Arkansas Fly Fisher’s website, http://northarkansasflyfishers.org . See you there!

For those who are interested... I will be speaking for the St Louis County Parks Gone Fishin' Program next week at Queeney Park. Not going to be real fancy... just talk.

Talked to guys just now- fishing is better today. Water running slightly. Drifting jigs under a float from Fall Creek to Short Creek 5 ft deep. Jig- 1/80th oz brown/orange. One guy is trailing the jig with an orange glow ball (egg fly) and catching more rainbows on it than the jig but they are smaller in size.

Whodat- they aren't running much today so far. You can fish without waders above #1. T/t a guy this am that said he fish there this am and caught a dz trout on a gold/black rapala throwing in the eddie there. Jig should work too. Ducky- nothing will change due to generation. But when it is running, bank fishing isn't the easiest and there's only a few places one can fish from the bank and do half-way good.

Quick update... I've put a rough blog-type website together for posting updates to Kevin's condition. Please forward this to anyone you think might be interested as I obviously don't have a conclusive list of email addresses. The website is http://stickythis.com/kj

Water running hard- 4 units- early in the am which told me something was happening with the DO. I called the hatchery and sure enough, Bill told me the DO had risen from 3 to almost 5 over night. Great sign- and he agreed. So Table Rock is in the process of turning finally, slow as it is, it's a welcomed occurance. We may see a change in generation patterns now that the Corp doesn't have to worry about injecting liquid O2 into the turbines each time they run water. They may use hydro over fossil, esp if it gets cold. Vince and I boated up to the dam about 4 pm yesterday for some drift fishing. It's been along time since either of us had seen that much water. The fish too... and as usual they didn't like the change- esp that quick and that dramatic. They didn't want to eat anything. We threw jigs- white was the best but it only boated one small brown. Sculpin, black and olive didn't bring anything to the boat. Vince drifted a purple/gray #10 scud on the bottom using a drift rig style rig and caught maybe 10 for the evening. I tried an egg fly and finally a scud and caught one on the scud. Reports all day yesterday were the same- slow. Gotta give the fish a day or so to get used to their new surroundings. The water isn't running as hard today... will be much better today and tomorrow!

Update- On behalf of Jeff, I just wanted to send out another update on Kevin. Two neurosurgeons in the country agreed to take on Kevin's case: one in Chicago and one in San Francisco. Both have excellent reputations, and everyone felt blessed to have two options. After much prayer and discussion, the family has chosen the doctor in San Francisco. Kevin will be flying out with Amanda on a private mediflight jet sometime tomorrow. Jeff is flying out early tomorrow morning, hoping to beat Kevin and Amanda there. Karen and Gene will arrive to San Francisco later tomorrow, and Amy and Amanda's mom will fly out on Sunday. Kevin's employer, Stryker, has generously offered to cover the family's flight expenses. As far as the surgery goes, they don't know a lot of details right now...how long it will take, how long recovery will be, etc. until they meet the neurosurgeon in San Francisco. However, if all goes as planned the procedure will take place on Monday. Jeff plans on taking his computer and will do his best to keep everyone up-to-date. They appreciate so much everyone's prayers and just ask for continued spiritual support. Pray for a safe journey to San Francisco, for everyone, especially Kevin. Pray for surrender of the situation to the Lord and that He will work a miracle in Kevin. Pray for wisdom and skill for the doctors involved. Pray for peace for the family. And above all, pray that God will be glorified in the midst of Kevin's difficult journey.

jd- if you get anything on other rivers, esp rivers on the forum, please post the info you get... I'd appreciate it. But make sure it's ok with the biologists you get it from. Thanks!

Synthetic are soft plastic. Egg flies are made of yard.

I expect the Table Rock forum to go balistic in a month or so... hopefully lots of reports and good information.

I've written the West Plains office and asked for any info they can send me. So far this is all I've gotten. I doubt if it's on any MDC website... may so. They sent it to me on Word, not a link... What rivers are you interested in and I'll ask.

I've fished Sooner a few times with John Johnson from Kingfisher but always from a boat. I know it's private access- fences all around- except to the boat ramp and that's a long way from the plant. Sorry I can't help you with bank access.

2007 Fishing Prospects - Dave Mayers - Ozark Region Current River (upper) (Ozark Region - Dent and Shannon Counties) Information: 417/256-7161 Camping, trout fishing, canoeing, the 19 miles of river from Montauk State Park to Akers Ferry has it all. Visitors have the choice of three areas to visit. Montauk State Park Rainbow trout are stocked daily in the 2.3 miles of water within Montauk State Park. If you don't mind the company of other anglers, this is the place to catch trout. The state park here also offers lodging, and restaurant facilities. See the Trout Fishing section of this publication for more information. Blue Ribbon Trout Area The 9.0 miles from the state park downstream to the Cedargrove bridge is managed for large size brown trout on a put-grow-and-take basis. Trout must be at least 18" to keep and the daily limit is one. See Trout Fishing Section for more information. Brown trout, 8-10", are stocked each spring but do not reach legal size until at least two or three years later. Density of brown trout found in fall of 2005 and 2006 averaged 416 fish per mile and is up 11% from the 2001 to 2004 average. Cooler water temperatures and near normal flows during the past two summers has helped with trout survival, as well as the increase in the minimum size limit from 15” to 18” in March of 2005. About 24% of the brown trout population will be made up of brown trout 15” and larger, up 5% from the 2001 to 2004 average. Browns over 18” will make up about 6% of the population. Anglers wanting to catch rainbow trout should concentrate in the upper two miles of the Blue Ribbon Area from Montauk Trout Park boundary downstream to Baptist Access. Rainbow trout here make up about 25% of the trout population with the vast majority of them 11 - 15” long. These fish are the result of stocked trout moving out of the Trout Park. Downstream of Baptist Access the rainbows make up less than 10% of the trout population. White Ribbon Trout Area The 9.0 miles from the Cedargrove bridge to Akers Ferry are managed with rainbow trout on a put-and-take basis. This section has no minimum length limit and four fish per day limit. See Trout Fishing Section for more information. Rainbows, 10-12" are stocked once a month and twice a month from March through June. During the months of July and August, and when river levels are low, trout stocking is limited to the cooler section from Welch Spring downstream to Akers Ferry. Fishing in the White Ribbon Area is less crowded than in the trout park and the stream can be easily waded or floated in a canoe. Current River (middle) (Ozark Region - Shannon and Carter Counties) Information: 417/256-7161 This 70-mile stretch offers some spectacular scenery, easy floating and great smallmouth bass fishing. Look for deep rocky runs and pool with rootwads and boulders. A canoe or jon boat is recommended to get to the best water. The National Park Service has camping and access sites at Pultite, Round Springs, Two Rivers, Powder Mill, and Watercress at Van Buren. 2006 saw an increase in percent of smallmouth bass over 12” as well as those over 15”. Smallmouth fishing in 2007 should be excellent. Goggle-eye (Rock Bass) populations did not improve as well. In 2007 anglers will see similar catches to those in 2006. For an Ozark Riverways map of these and other access sites contact the National Park Service in Van Buren at 573/323-4236. Current River (lower) (Ozark Region – Carter and Ripley Counties) Information: 417/256-7161 The 52 miles reach from Van Buren to the Arkansas state line offers some big water for smallmouth bass, walleye, and suckers. Look for smallmouth in deep bluff holes or areas with large boulders or rootwads in the summer. Springtime anglers may find the smallmouth in the faster water of the rocky shoals. Walleye, although not present in extremely high numbers, can be found in the deepest part of the river, with the best population found in the Ripley County waters above and below Doniphan. MDC is working aggressively to boost walleye numbers with annual spring stocking. In 2003 about 76,000 1 to 2 inch walleye were stocked. Walleye anglers should see increase catch rate of 18 inch walleye in 2007 as these stocked fish reach the four year old mark. Suckers probably make up the most of the total pounds of fish in this section of the Current River. Hog suckers and several species of redhorse suckers are the most common. Anglers should expect above average numbers of hog suckers due to good spawns in 2003 and 2004. The abundance of 3 and 4 year old suckers should be up in 2007. Summer time fishing can be excellent for these tasty species. A weighted line holding a number 4 or 6 size hook tipped with a worm can be very effective. Gigging of these fish from the front of a boat at night is a very popular tradition from September 15 through January 31.

Eleven Point River - Oregon County by John Ackerson Fisheries Management Biologist Missouri Department of Conservation The Eleven Point River is one of the most scenic and diverse fishing streams in the state. Special regulations on shadow bass (goggle-eye) (8 inch minimum length limit) and smallmouth bass (15 inch minimum length limit) has protected important sizes of these fish. These regulations are for the 50 miles of river from the Thomasville Access to the Arkansas state line. Daily limits are 1 for smallmouth bass (6 total for black basses combined) and 15 for shadow bass. Gigging (Sept. 15th through Jan. 31st) of suckers is a favorite tradition but is prohibited in the 5.5 mile section of the Blue Ribbon Trout Area. The 17 miles from Thomasville to Greer Spring offer excellent fishing for warm-water species. Smallmouth bass, largemouth bass and shadow bass are the most sought after species in this section. As part of the U.S. Forest Service's Scenic River program, access to this area is limited to Thomasville, Cane Bluff, and Greer so plan on bringing a canoe to help get to the better fishing spots. According to the 2006 surveys, 25% of shadow bass and 2% of smallmouth bass are legal sized. Float early spring when water levels are higher, or plan on dragging over shoals in summer months. On days when bass are not biting, a good population of longear sunfish will shorten the time between bites. Greer Spring instantly transforms the river into a coldwater fishery, and the next 5.5 miles downstream to Turner Mill Accesses is home to some large rainbow trout. This area is designated as a Blue Ribbon Trout Area. Special regulations include an 18 inch minimum length limit, one fish per day, no gigging, and flies and artificial lures only. Synthetic eggs and soft plastic lures are specifically prohibited. Numbers of trout are down from last year (120 trout/mile) but trout 15 inches and greater still account for 17% of the population. In 2006, we supplemented the population by stocking 6,375 rainbow trout. This is another great section for catching smallmouth bass (9% legal sized) and shadow bass, make sure to use the approved artificial baits. Public access is limited to Highway 19 crossing at Greer and U.S. Forest Service gravel roads to Turner Mill North and Turner Mill South. If launching a boat, don’t use the Turner Mill South Access due to excessive gravel deposits. The next 14 miles from the Turner Mill accesses downstream to Highway 160 at Riverton is managed as a put-and-take rainbow trout fishery (White Ribbon Trout Area). From March to October, 18,000 10-12 inch rainbow trout were stocked. Statewide regulations of four fish per day and no size limit apply. Access is provided at Turner Mill North, Turner Mill South, Whitten and Highway 160. The 13.5 miles from Highway 160 downstream to the Arkansas state line offer great fishing for smallmouth bass and shadow bass. Smallmouth bass population density in 2006 was about 340 fish/mile with 6% of these being legal sized (15 inches or greater). Numbers of larger smallmouth is on the rise as we continue to see the effect of the smallmouth bass regulation. Smallmouth numbers will vary throughout the river. Look for smallmouth in cover provided by rocks, bluffs, or rootwads with plenty of water current. Shadow bass density in 2006 was about 590 fish/mile with approximately 25% being legal sized (8 inches or greater). Shadow bass can be found in rootwads and submerged vegetation in the tail end of riffles where the current begins to slow or pools with adequate water flow. Chain pickerel are becoming popular on this section of river. Best fishing is in the spring in backwaters and around structure before the aquatic vegetation becomes too thick. On slow fishing days try live bait or spinnerbaits to enjoy a fierce fight from a hungry pickerel. A few walleye can be found in the deepest pools. The minimum length for walleye and sauger is 18 inches and the daily limit is 4 fish. Several hundred walleye have been tagged with angler reward tags. Sending a tag back to the address on the tag will yield a $10-100 reward for aiding us with valuable catch information. Wade fishing on the Eleven Point is possible; however, the deep pools can make it difficult getting from shoal to shoal. A leisurely float in a canoe or jon boat will help make fishing on this scenic river more enjoyable. The Eleven Point River is always floatable downstream from Greer Spring but expect some dragging if floating downstream of Thomasville Access in the late summer months. Best bet in 2007: Rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, shadow bass (goggle-eye), and chain pickerel.

Friends & Family- Just a quick update on Kevin. For those who don't know, 3 nights ago, Kevin (my younger brother) suffered a ruptured aneurism. He is currently in Mercy Hospital ICU in OKC. The good news is that it has clotted itself for the time being and is currently not bleeding. He is heavily sedated and on a number of meds to keep his blood pressure down, but when he does wake up and talk there are no signs of neurological damage whatsoever. However, the doctors are very clear that surgery is needed. What's complicating matters is a combination of the aneurism's size (it was categorized as "giant"), its location (right at the base of the brain...a "basal tip aneurism") and lastly the shape (instead of just encompassing 1 artery, it encompasses 2). We have been in contact with just about every neurosurgeon in the state of Oklahoma over the past 2 days. Everyone locally readily admits that what we're dealing with is well beyond their level of expertise...not to say that it can't be operated on, just that it's going to take someone very specialized and experienced to handle Kevin's case. We have been given 3-4 names of world-renouned neurosurgeons from all across the country. Today will be spent bringing them all up to speed on Kevin's condition and seeing who is available to take his case. We also have a new level of comfort in the fact that Dr. Stan Pelofsky, the neurosurgeon who performed my back surgeries, has agreed to step in as Kevin's attending physician until we can transfer him to his next destination. We are also grateful beyond words for Erin Holloman, a dear HS friend of mine who is now a Doctor in OKC. She was a God-send yesterday when she showed up at a time when all of our spirits were at rock bottom. Her involvement, among many other positive impacts, has helped clarify our next step in Kevin's treatment. As for the time frame...apparently with aneurisms, there are 2 windows of opportunity for treatment...in other words, there is one window of "inopportunity" when Dr's do NOT want to treat the aneurism. We approaching the end of the first window for treatment (0-72 hours) and fully expect that any surgery will not be performed until the 2nd window presents itself...sometime after 12-14 days post episode. This is not without risk, as doctors have told us that his aneurism could rupture again at any time. Once we do decide where to transfer Kevin, the next obstacle is the transportation itself. For obvious reasons due to changes in cabin pressure, many of the doctors are hesitant to recommend flying Kevin to his next destination. They've all agreed that it would not be impossible, just not the preferred route. However, the top doctor in the world for treating aneurisms is located in Pheonix, AZ, so please keep this decision making process and possible subsequent trip in your prayers as well. The most important thing for the time being is to keep Kevin stable. As I mentioned earlier, he is receiving medication to keep his blood pressure down. This was difficult to accomplish in the beginning, but they seem to have found the right mixture of medication. However, we have decided as a family to strictly limit visitors to Kevin's room for fear of getting him too excited. This is all some heavy, heavy information I've just dumped on everyone, but let me just say that Kevin is in good spirits. He's sleeping a lot (thanks to the morphine) but when he does wake up, he's his normal goofy self. That is a very good sign and a blessing we are not willing to overlook. Obviously, those of you who know Kevin realize that for him to sit still for more than 20 minutes is abnormal...let alone 2 weeks. Those of you who know Kevin also know that he is without a doubt a man of enormous faith as well. It's very hard for me to have anything other than a short-sighted view of this event at the present time. However, when I force myself to look beyond the immediate panic, fear and bewilderment of what's just happened to our family, I cannot and will not deny the fact that God has had His hand in this from the beginning...and that is a comforting thought. One of my favorite passages from the Bible, and one that I have called on numerous times over the past 48 hours is I Peter 5:6-7... "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that He might lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxieties on Him because He cares for you." I realize that many of you who are receiving this email are hurting right along with the rest of us, and I pray that you might find some peace in this passage. I would simply ask for prayers of wisdom for the doctors, peace/patients for friends and family...especially myself, my parents and Kevin's wife (Amanda)...and most importantly, that Kevin might be healed to the glory of God. I know that so many of your are already praying for Kevin and we thank you for that. As soon as we have our next step figured out, we will let everyone know. -- Jeff Johnson

Hunters- it's a software problem, not yours. Still trying to fix it. Here on Ozarkanglers, it should work.

You can strip them just as the same as anything else. Hop it like a... jig.

Let's make one thing clear- you guys got this together... I just joined in. It was the best attended "get-together" we've ever had at the dam- 25-30 I think. The food and the fellowship was great- thanks! There was a grill left at the pavilion- was that yours duckydoty? I can run up there tonight and get it- didn't know you left- didn't know what to do with it but I'd hate for you to lose it. The fishing was slow for me late evening. But if I'd tied on a soft hackle earlier I'd done better. There was one guy across from #2 that was killing them- at least he was getting strikes almost every cast. I missed a dz strikes fishing a green brassie #18 soft hackle below #2 and landed one small rainbow. Caught one brown against the bank below #2 on a #20 marabou olice scud (Rader's). Here are some pics of the day-

Isn't it incredible... you just don't realize how big this planet is unless you get out and just go. Take lots of pics for us, Tim!!

Rolan Duffield taught me to whip finish when I first started tying flies. Not sure if it's faster or not. And it's not that hard either.