Phil Lilley

Email from Chris Vitello, MDC I retrieved some updated information concerning hand fishing when I was in Jefferson City last week. A brief summary follows: 1. Since April 2000 a group of citizens has been campaigning for the legalization of hand fishing in Missouri, with a particular focus on flathead catfish. 2. During the past legislative session, the Department testified in opposition to the hand fishing bill. In considering the legalization of hand fishing, the Department's guiding principle, consistent with our mission, is to protect the long-term future of the species. The bill was not passed during the recently completed session. 3. An experimental hand fishing season for catfish began in 2005 to determine what effect hand fishing will have on catfish populations and whether such a season can be permitted without harm to the resource. This season is open only on selected waters (portions of the Fabius River system, portions of the Mississippi River and a part of the St. Francis River). We asked our biologists to lead a process to answer this question: "Will removing catfish from Missouri streams and rivers, while they are on the nest in June and July, have a long-term impact to the fishery resource?" A credible analysis of this question requires a multi-year effort. The Conservation Commission has implemented a study to find the answer to this and other related questions. CBV

What are you going to do for your get-to-gether this weekend? You're welcome to use our pavilion for a cookout one evening. Let me know.

Generation has been pretty consistant during the week- on about 3-4 pm and running till dark. How much has varied- 2-4 units from 705 to 708 ft. Weekends they've been running same time but less water and less time. Evening jig bite below the dam during generation is good. Depending on the volume of water - 1/16th to 1/8th oz jigs in sculpin, sculpin/ginger, olive/sculpin, brown, black and some white. Work them slow on close to the bottom. Rapalas also have been working good esp on browns. F-9's and 11's in gold, silver, rainbow and brown as well as pointers and other stick baits. Work them stop and go. I know of one guy who holds his boat in the current and runs deep divers down below the boat along channel cuts and into holes and has caught some nice browns in the last week. He runs a small 9.9 hp motor instead of anchoring so that he can manover back and forth, working the plug. Jim Johnson works deep divers on the Pere Marquette in his drift boat the same way- works the plug under trees and ledges along the banks. It works. Drifting egg flies below the dam will work great- use a split shot and a orange, yellow or white egg fly, drifting it on the bottom. This will work clear down to Fall Creek. I saw something that bothered my the other day at the dam. It was a guy fishing a drift rig using one of those laytex worms sold by Spirit River- you know the one we had a discussion about a couple of months ago. But he was fishing it dead in the water- no movement- just like bait. I didn't see him catch a fish but he acted like he had been- throwing it out just below the cable at the dam. If trout hit this like a real worm- no action what so ever- then what's the difference? The trout will swallow it like a real worm and it will kill 20% of what he catches- according to MDC stats. Off the box. Zebra midges- some new patterns have been brought to my attention. You'll see a thread talking about them. I guess they've been the hot ticket fly fishing below the dam lately. Quite a few nice rainbows being caught- minus a couple dozen taken out at outlet #1 tonight by 4 guys... but that's another post for later. Dries are also in the mix- #10 humpies I've heard are causing a splash below #2 and thru the rebar hole. Fishing from a boat from Lookout down has been spoty. Babler reports if the wind is blowing, they will absolutely eat up a ornage headed sculpin micro jig under a float fishing 4-5 feet deep. If the wind isn't blowing, sit in the boat will it does cause you won't get bit. Word is stockings have occured well below Cooper Creek lately and rainbows are being caught in that area and down to the bridges. Power Bait as well as cleos, jig and float using 1/80th oz ginger, brown, orange head/brown, black/yellow and white jigs under a float 5-6 feet deep and do look for wind/chop on the water.

Below are the upcoming events presented by the St. Louis County Department of Parks and Recreation. First, a personal note: I will soon be retiring from St. Louis County and moving on to new adventures. As my 30 year career with the department comes to an end I would like to thank all of you for your support and participation in our programs. It has been my distinct honor and privilege to be your public servant over the past three decades. In lieu of a traditional retirement party I have requested a fund raising roast to benefit a cancer charity that is personally important to me. Anyone interested in attending can get information by calling 636-391-3474. Again thanks for the good times and million great memories. Marty Koch Recreation Supervisor Now on to the event list! Faust Historic Village Open House Visitors to Faust Village may tour the 1850s Conway house home of Dr. Frederick and Lavinia Bates. Adjacent to the home is a period herb garden and outdoor kitchen. Also the circa 1848 log cabin of Ludwig and Salome Mertz, as well as, a dye and insect repellent garden, German vegetable garden, smokehouse, outhouse, and woodshed; the Davis House, which originally was a two story log cabin with it’s detached washhouse and smokehouse. On occasion, a blacksmith demonstrates in the Yokel Barn and blacksmith shop. In addition to the tours of these structures given by docents, visitors have the opportunity to examine the exteriors of the 1880s Hoch German brick house (currently under restoration), the Schlueter corn crib and the Sellenriek Barn. Call 636-532-7298 for more information. May 27-28, June 17-18, 24-25, July 22-23, 29-30 10 am-5 pm Free YOUTH FISHING LESSONS Instructors: Tim Emmons & Marty Koch Children ages 9-15 will learn the basics of fishing from an experienced outdoor professional. Kids will fish in a special pond open only to educational classes. Rods, reels, and bait are provided. Fishing is catch and release. Register early for this popular program. Call 636-391-0922 x 10. OA-14843 Wed May 31 6:30 -8 pm OA-14844 Wed Jun 7 6:30 -8 pm OA-14845 Wed Jun 14 6:30 -8 pm OA-14846 Wed Jun 21 6:30 -8 pm OA-14847 Wed Jun 28 6:30 -8 pm Suson Park, Spindler Shelter $5/child JUNE BASIC KAYAK COURSE Instructors: Alpine Shop One of our most popular clinics every year! No experience is necessary to learn how to kayak from three of Alpine Shop’s ACA Certified Instructors, but you must know how to swim. (You will get wet!). After you’ve spent four hours with us on the water, you’ll have all the basics of kayaking. This course teaches the basic strokes needed in flat or whitewater but emphasizes kayak touring. Boats and equipment provided. Students provide their own snacks, drinking water, hat, sunscreen and eyeglass retainers. This class is a prerequisite for the Intermediate and Advanced Kayaking courses. Minimum age requirement is 18. Advance registration required. On line registration for this course is not available. Call (636) 391-3474 to register. Discount package: Sign up for Basic, Intermediate, and Advance class at the same time and save $45. We strongly suggest attending one of our Intro to Kayaking: Dry Land Basics seminars before joining us on this trip. Ages 18 & Up OA-15090 Sat Jun 3 10:00 am-2:00 pm OA-15091 Sat Jun 3 2:30 -6:30 pm OA-15092 Sat Jun 10 10 am-2 pm OA-15093 Sat Jun 10 2:30 -6:30 pm OA-15094 Sat Jun 17 10 am-2 pm OA-15095 Sat Jun 17 2:30 -6:30 pm OA-15096 Sat Jul 8 10 am-2 pm OA-15097 Sat Jul 8 2:30 -6:30 pm OA-15098 Sat Jul 15 10 am-2 pm OA-15099 Sat Jul 15 2:30 -6:30 pm OA-15100 Sat Jul 29 10 am-2 pm OA-15101 Sat Jul 29 2:30 -6:30 pm OA-15102 Sat Aug 12 10 am-2 pm OA-15103 Sat Aug 12 2:30 -6:30 pm Simpson Park, Blue Heron Shelter $75/person BACKCOUNTRY NAVIGATION (MAP AND COMPASS) Instructor: Alpine Shop This class covers the basics of navigating with Topographical Maps and Compass in a remote environment. Learn to be confident of your position while traveling in the wilderness whether on or off trail. Join an experienced Alpine Shop Instructor for a class session and practical hike that will cover map reading, compass selection, route selection, lost position procedures, and efficiency of travel. Advance registration required. Call 636-391-3474 to register. On-line registration is not available for this course. OA-15061 Sat Jun 3 10 am-2 pm OA-15062 Sat Jul 15 10 am-2 pm OA-15063 Sat Sep 9 10 am-2 pm Greensfelder Park, Learning Center $20/person INTRODUCTION TO ORIENTEERING Orienteering is an exciting outdoor sport where you navigate using a map and compass to find a series of markers scattered throughout the forest and field. This course is designed to introduce the novice to the use of map and compass and the sport of Orienteering. All materials and supplies are included. Advance registration is required. Call 636-391-3474. OA-15267 Sat Jun 3 9:00 am-1:00 pm OA-15268 Sun Oct 1 9:00 am-1:00 pm Queeny Park, Mason Rd. Entrance $6/person BIG RIVER FISHING FLOAT While close to home the Big River is not heavily used. It is however, a first rate bass stream. We will float 6 miles of the river in the Smallmouth Bass special management area. Your fee includes canoe rental and expert hosts. We will self-shuttle our vehicles at the beginning and the end of the trip. Non-anglers are welcome. Advance registration is required. Call 636-391-3474. OA-15236 Sun Jun 4 9 am-6 pm Big River, Mamouth Access $22/person INTRO TO KAYAKING-DRY LAND BASICS Instructor: Alpine Shop This course is strongly recommended for anyone taking Alpine Shop’s Basic Kayaking course or any other introductory kayak clinic. Kayaks continue to explode in popularity throughout the Midwest and for good reason: they’re great fun and good exercise! But without knowing the basics, it’s hard to know where to start. Alpine Shop Paddlesports Director Rich Orr will help take care of that on dry land tonight. He’ll go over all the basics: from the equipment you’ll need, to the different styles of kayaks on the water. This clinic covers the basics of all kayaking but is geared towards touring and recreational kayaks. This course is free! Call the Alpine Shop at 314-962-7715 to register. June 6, July 11, August 1 7 -8:30 pm Alpine Shop, 440 N. Kirkwood Rd. (Lindbergh) Free YOUTH FISHING LESSONS Instructors: Tim Emmons & Marty Koch Children ages 9-15 will learn the basics of fishing from an experienced outdoor professional. Kids will fish in a special pond open only to educational classes. Rods, reels, and bait are provided. Fishing is catch and release. Register early for this popular program. Call 636-391-0922 x 10. OA-14844 Wed Jun 7 6:30 -8 pm OA-14845 Wed Jun 14 6:30 -8 pm OA-14846 Wed Jun 21 6:30 -8 pm OA-14847 Wed Jun 28 6:30 -8 pm Suson Park, Spindler Shelter $5/child KMOX FAMILY FISHING FAIR Don’t miss the KMOX Family Fishing Day. . Enjoy activities for the whole family. This FREE day of family fishing fun is hosted by KMOX’s Outdoors Dan Young. There will be food and snacks along with plenty of fun activities for the kids. Free fishing weekend-no license required. For information call 636-391-3474. OA-15270 Sat Jun 10 8:30 am-2:00 pm Suson Park. Free BASIC KAYAK COURSE Instructors: Alpine Shop One of our most popular clinics every year! No experience is necessary to learn how to kayak from three of Alpine Shop’s ACA Certified Instructors, but you must know how to swim. (You will get wet!). After you’ve spent four hours with us on the water, you’ll have all the basics of kayaking. This course teaches the basic strokes needed in flat or whitewater but emphasizes kayak touring. Boats and equipment provided. Students provide their own snacks, drinking water, hat, sunscreen and eyeglass retainers. This class is a prerequisite for the Intermediate and Advanced Kayaking courses. Minimum age requirement is 18. Advance registration required. On line registration for this course is not available. Call (636) 391-3474 to register. Discount package: Sign up for Basic, Intermediate, and Advance class at the same time and save $45. We strongly suggest attending one of our Intro to Kayaking: Dry Land Basics seminars before joining us on this trip. Ages 18 & Up OA-15092 Sat Jun 10 10 am-2 pm OA-15093 Sat Jun 10 2:30 -6:30 pm OA-15094 Sat Jun 17 10 am-2 pm OA-15095 Sat Jun 17 2:30 -6:30 pm OA-15096 Sat Jul 8 10 am-2 pm OA-15097 Sat Jul 8 2:30 -6:30 pm OA-15098 Sat Jul 15 10 am-2 pm OA-15099 Sat Jul 15 2:30 -6:30 pm OA-15100 Sat Jul 29 10 am-2 pm OA-15101 Sat Jul 29 2:30 -6:30 pm OA-15102 Sat Aug 12 10 am-2 pm OA-15103 Sat Aug 12 2:30 -6:30 pm Simpson Park, Blue Heron Shelter $75/person TWILIGHT ICE GRASS SLEDDING AND DINNER FOR ADULTS Program Coordinator: Deborah Bohnert Ok folks, grab your honey & come to the park for a really unique evening of FUN! "Grass Ice Sled," without snow by torchlight, followed by a romantic dinner and live music under the moon and stars. Your delicious meal will include spring salad, baked potato, beans, smoked breast of chicken, dessert and a drink of your choice. Right after dinner there will be string musicians playing or you may continue grass sledding under torch light. Please wear old clothes, bring a heavy towel or carpet square and a lawn chair or blanket to gather around our musicians. Adults only please. Advance registration is required. Call 636-391-0922 for more information. OA-14787 Sat Jun 10 6 -9:30 pm Sioux Passage Park $17/person FAWN WALK Leader: Dennis Hogan Spring is the time when the new born elk, deer and bison join the herds of wildlife at Lone Elk Park. Join a Park Naturalist and search the hills and valleys looking for the new borns. In addition, learn about the history of the park and its days as a military installation during the 1940's and 50's. Participants will encounter steep, rocky trails. Advance registration is required. For more information about this program or to register call 636-391-0922. OA-14919 Sat Jun 10 10 am-12 pm Lone Elk Park, Visitor Center $3/person SECOND SATURDAY LATE NITGHT FISHING Every second Saturday of the month, April – October we leave Suson, Simpson, and Spanish Lake parks open till 11 pm for late night fishing. Bring your poles, baits and lanterns and fish until the wee hours. Fishing is permitted from the bank only. No fee for program. For information call 636-391-3474. OA-14984 June 10 6 -11 pm Suson Park Simpson Park Spanish Lake Park Free MERAMEC RIVER TROUT FLOAT The Meramec River near St. James is a really good trout stream. Join us for our annual float to fish for Rainbow and Brown Trout on this fabled stretch of water. Fee includes canoe rental and expert hosts. Advance registration is required. Call 636-391-3474 for information or reservations. Min. Age 12. OA-15237 Sun Jun 11 8:00 am-6:00 pm $22/person Meramec River, St. James, MO YOUTH FISHING DAY CAMP Camp Directors: Tim Emmons & Joel Monk St. Louis' only "fishing" day camp is a big hit with kids ages 9 to 14! St. Louis County Park Rangers will conduct the camp where children will spend the week learning to be good anglers. Each day the group will venture out to a new fishing location. Also included is an afternoon of swimming at one of the county pools and a pizza party on Friday. All fishing equipment will be provided. Advance registration is required. Ages 9 -14. Call 636-391-3474 for more information. OA-14665 Mon-Fri Jun 12 - Jun 16 8:30 am-3:30 pm Queeny Park OA-14868 Mon-Fri Jul 10 - Jul 14 8:30 am-3:30 pm Suson Park $130.00/5 sessions YOUTH FISHING LESSONS Instructors: Tim Emmons & Marty Koch Children ages 9-15 will learn the basics of fishing from an experienced outdoor professional. Kids will fish in a special pond open only to educational classes. Rods, reels, and bait are provided. Fishing is catch and release. Register early for this popular program. Call 636-391-0922 x 10. OA-14845 Wed Jun 14 6:30 -8 pm OA-14846 Wed Jun 21 6:30 -8 pm OA-14847 Wed Jun 28 6:30 -8 pm Suson Park, Spindler Shelter $5/child BASIC KAYAK COURSE Instructors: Alpine Shop One of our most popular clinics every year! No experience is necessary to learn how to kayak from three of Alpine Shop’s ACA Certified Instructors, but you must know how to swim. (You will get wet!). After you’ve spent four hours with us on the water, you’ll have all the basics of kayaking. This course teaches the basic strokes needed in flat or whitewater but emphasizes kayak touring. Boats and equipment provided. Students provide their own snacks, drinking water, hat, sunscreen and eyeglass retainers. This class is a prerequisite for the Intermediate and Advanced Kayaking courses. Minimum age requirement is 18. Advance registration required. On line registration for this course is not available. Call (636) 391-3474 to register. Discount package: Sign up for Basic, Intermediate, and Advance class at the same time and save $45. We strongly suggest attending one of our Intro to Kayaking: Dry Land Basics seminars before joining us on this trip. Ages 18 & Up OA-15094 Sat Jun 17 10 am-2 pm OA-15095 Sat Jun 17 2:30 -6:30 pm OA-15096 Sat Jul 8 10 am-2 pm OA-15097 Sat Jul 8 2:30 -6:30 pm OA-15098 Sat Jul 15 10 am-2 pm OA-15099 Sat Jul 15 2:30 -6:30 pm OA-15100 Sat Jul 29 10 am-2 pm OA-15101 Sat Jul 29 2:30 -6:30 pm OA-15102 Sat Aug 12 10 am-2 pm OA-15103 Sat Aug 12 2:30 -6:30 pm Simpson Park, Blue Heron Shelter $75/person WETLAND PRAIRIE DISCOVERY Leader: Dennis Hogan Join a Park Naturalist and explore the unique 700-acre restoration that is taking place at Little Creve Coeur. Once an ox-bow lake formed by the Missouri River, Little Creve Coeur Wetlands were drained and plowed eliminating what once was a rich natural community. Now it is time to restore one of the largest remaining natural wetlands in St. Louis County. We are going to explore the natural wetland basin and the surrounding prairies, with their unique flora and fauna. Bring a pair of binoculars, the birding is fabulous. Advance registration is required. For more information or to register for this program call 636-391-0922. OA-14922 Sat Jun 17 10 am-1 pm Creve Coeur Park, West Side Soccer Field Lot. $3/person Faust Historic Village Open House Visitors to Faust Village may tour the 1850s Conway house home of Dr. Frederick and Lavinia Bates. Adjacent to the home is a period herb garden and outdoor kitchen. Also the circa 1848 log cabin of Ludwig and Salome Mertz, as well as, a dye and insect repellent garden, German vegetable garden, smokehouse, outhouse, and woodshed; the Davis House, which originally was a two story log cabin with it’s detached washhouse and smokehouse. On occasion, a blacksmith demonstrates in the Yokel Barn and blacksmith shop. In addition to the tours of these structures given by docents, visitors have the opportunity to examine the exteriors of the 1880s Hoch German brick house (currently under restoration), the Schlueter corn crib and the Sellenriek Barn. Call 636-532-7298 for more information. June 17-18, 24-25, July 22-23, 29-30 10 am-5 pm Free WILDERNESS 1ST AID CERTIFICATION.- REMOTE AREA RESCUE Instructors: Alpine Shop This is a fourteen-hour, highly intensive class in Wilderness Medicine and basic rescue procedures. The certification meets the requirements for the American Camping Association, the Boy Scouts of America, and National Park Service. Senior instructors hold a minimum of an NREMT-W license and have significant experience in mountain rescue and backcountry travel. Students will receive rigorous instruction in assessment procedures as well as generalized and specific medical issues that are commonplace in a backcountry or remote setting. Topics include: body systems, hot/cold injuries, anaphylaxis, trauma, communication/extraction, expedition medical planning, and improvised vital monitoring. This course does NOT include CPR/AED training. Students will participate in highly realistic simulation scenarios that model actual backcountry emergencies. The curriculum is fast paced, but exciting and dynamic in scope and content. The knowledge provided in this class is a must for anyone who spends time in remote areas or undertaking outdoor activities. Ages 18 & up. Registrations are handled by phone only at 636-391-3474. On-line registration is not available for this program. OA-15074 Sat Jun 17 6 am-8 pm OA-15075 Sat Aug 12 6 am-8 pm OA-15076 Sat Nov 4 6 am-8 pm Alpine Shop, 440 N Kirkwood Rd. (Lindbergh) $125/person

Better watch the water- their runnin' some.

I think we'll go float the lower James... won't have to bother with Ark lisc for the others going.

Talked to Riverside Canoe Rental and the lady said the river was very low. She recommended I not float tomorrow unless we get some rain. Very honest people they are...

Sounds like hybrids but big whites could do the same. I've fished off Bird Island in the past- evening into the night over light- and done very well on whites and crappie.

Ours will not be open. There's a ramp right next door to us at Ozark Trout Resort or if you want to go to Cooper (less than a mile) one of us can run you down there and help out- no problem. Regardless, we'll get you in and out of the water.

I talked to a friend who talked to a friend (advid Spring River/Honey Creek/Elk River white bass angler) who said they tore up the whites Saturday in the Honey Creek area. No details but they caught whites on every cast practically. Wily- glad you refreshed my memory. I wanted to post the report. Now we have caught hybrids up in Elk starting about now into June before but haven't seemed to find them for several years now. May be this is the year for us!

Just the road from the dam- south side- down to rocking chair.

William McCorkle sent me a link to Gary Groman's site and an article he posted on several zebras created by Stan and Carolyn at River Run - http://www.bransoncourier.com/article.php?news_ID=525 P&R is in there.

That's what I heard. The whole thing. Guess we'll have to come up with a new name.. again.

Rusty came in the shop yesterday and showed us a zebra #18 with a flash body, copper bead head and x-sm copper wire wrap. That could be a Primrose and Pearl Zebra. He bought it at River Run but I'm sure we'll have some in our shop very soon. He said it was the best fly of the trip. It looked great. Copper Dunn - copper bead and wrap with a dunn thread body? I've seen real small midge larva - dunn color. Ugly- you got me. Rusty - ask Rusty. It could be his Pearl Zebra.

Welcome. How did your spring season go... for crappie and bass? Catfish should be getting good about now.

I've seen 2 browns but not at the same time. One is short and fat and the other is normal length. Both are over 4-5 pounds though. Big spots- very pretty. The camera is at the same place pointing the same direction. It's just getting clearer and we've been able to clear the moss from around the cleaning shack to let more light in.

Conservation Dinner? Wonder what that is about? Drove down the new street last evening... our church had a prayer walk thru the area but we didn't get out of the office till 7 so we were late. Didn't miss the custard afterwards though Different, almost erry, seeing all the new buildings up close. A totally different place. They've moved in a huge crane- I guess they are starting the highrises next. If you think it's different now, wait till they build the hotels and convention centers.

My guess would be the balance of numbers and size of both game fish and forage fish. If you keep the balance just right, targeting, say, crappie, then you can better control the outcome in a smaller body of water.

Just got in from church- come on down.

Don't have this gentleman's name but he caught this 4 lb rainbow yesterday off the dock using minnows- I think. I'll have to varify the facts tomorrow with Jerry. Rumors of a 9 lb rainbow caught last night are circurlating but no proof offered yes.

Nope- it will be crowded. Holiday weekends you can't avoid it. But I've found later in the day isn't bad at all. Most have caught their limit and headed for the shows.

I didn't go - I was in Springfield looking at new computers to drive more trout cams (important business you know). But I heard it's something else and looking at the pics in the Springfield paper, it looks it. http://www.news-leader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/a...EWS02/605270352 Did Bass Pro open? Didn't see where they did or didn't.

Paul Dallas... that's not his real name. Bass fishing hasn't really gotten tough as much as deep. If you're not use to fishing deep water, you may want to use a guide. First you will need a good depth finder to locate fish. Gravel flats are fairly easy to identify with a good topo map and if you do fish alone you'll need to get one. Hot Spots makes the best. There are alot of good spots close to Big Cedar but lately the best fishing has been more uplake according to our guides. Give is a couple of days and they should be on with a report. I know they're busy this weekend.

Here's a rough map I had on file. I've marked the cities and distances. If you have acrobat, here are some more maps. http://ozarkanglers.com/taneycomo/bee.pdf http://ozarkanglers.com/taneycomo/big_hole.pdf http://ozarkanglers.com/taneycomo/dam-ramp.pdf http://ozarkanglers.com/taneycomo/dam-monkey.pdf http://ozarkanglers.com/taneycomo/full.pdf http://ozarkanglers.com/taneycomo/monkey_bee.pdf http://ozarkanglers.com/taneycomo/rocking_chair.pdf

For Immediate Release May 25, 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 Top bass pros coming to Grand Lake See fish, catch fish at the Oklahoma Aquarium Leave new born animals alone Outdoor Calendar Fishing Report Top bass pros coming to Grand Lake Over the years there have been hundreds of bass tournaments at Grand Lake in northeast Oklahoma, but there has never been one quite like this. The CITGO Bassmaster Elite 100 Series "Sooner Run" tournament, taking place on June 1 through 4, will be one of the biggest events in the history of Grand Lake. The tournament will feature 106 of the world's top professional BASS fisherman competing for almost $700,000 in prize money, including a $100,000 grand prize. The Elite Series is comprised of the world's top professional bass fishing pros competing in 11 events between March and September for a total of $7.4 million. In his second year in the Bassmaster Elite Series, Terry Butcher of Talala, Oklahoma, said fishing at this level of competition is a "dream come true." "This is what just about every bass fisherman wants - to be able to go fishing for a living," Butcher said. And Butcher said he is glad to be fishing close to home. "Its nice to not have to drive a thousand miles to a tournament," he said. "And being on a lake I am familiar with may help a little, although the guys fishing this tournament are really good. It doesn't take them long to find the fish no matter what lake they are on." With water levels up, the fishing should be good on Grand Lake said Gene Gilliland, senior fisheries biologist for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. "There may be a very few bass on the tail end of the spawn, but most anglers will likely be looking for bass in a post-spawn pattern," Gilliland said. "I expect the fishing to be very competitive and it could take as much as 20 pounds a day to win the tournament." The fact that a Bassmaster Elite Series tournament is taking place on Grand Lake is not just a coincidence. "In this series they are trying to put the best anglers on the best lakes at the best times of the year. The selection of Grand Lake is a great testament to the bass fishery and to Oklahoma's reputation as a bass fishing destination," Gilliland said. Anglers are fishing for more than just the prize money, Elite pros are competing in a points race for the CITGO Bassmaster Classic, the Super Bowl of bass fishing. Halfway through the season, Butcher is in the running for one of the 36 coveted spots in the Classic. He is currently 39th in the points race and a solid showing at Grand could move him up the points ladder. Oklahoma will be well represented at the Elite tournament. In addition to Butcher, nine other Bassmaster pro anglers call Oklahoma home including Jimmy Houston of Cookson, Edwin Evers of Talala, Jeff Kriet of Ardmore, Kenyon Hill of Norman, Dave Smith of Del City, Bradley Hallman of Norman, Ken Cook of Lawton, Jeff Reynolds of Idabel and Tommy Biffle of Wagoner. About 8,000 people are expected to attend the family-friendly event. Both the daily launches and weigh-ins are free and open to the public at North Beach Development Area (61201 East 270 Road). Each day the launch begins at 6 a.m. and weigh-ins take place at 3 p.m. Spectators will also have a chance to get angler autographs, participate in a kids casting contest and shop for Bassmaster merchandise. The newly-designed North Beach Development Area is located east of Wolf Creek just north of Grove. Additionally, fans can catch all the action on ESPN2 the following weekend, Saturday, June 10 at 9 a.m. With an estimated 1,200 tournaments held each year in the state, Oklahoma offers virtually unlimited fishing opportunities. To learn more about bass fishing in Oklahoma log on to wildlifedepartment.com. -30- See fish, catch fish at the Oklahoma Aquarium The Oklahoma Aquarium in Jenks is offering two-fold family fun this summer. First, families can stroll through the 200 exhibits and see exotic fish from around the world. Next, families can try their hand at catching a fish at one of the free fishing clinics coordinated by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. The Aquarium, located along the bank of the Arkansas River in Jenks, features many educational displays, highlighted by a 400,000-gallon shark tank. The facility also showcases many of Oklahoma's native fish species, including the current state record blue catfish. Anglers will want to be sure to visit the Karl and Beverly White National Fishing Tackle Museum located at the Aquarium. The Museum houses an historic collection of over 20,000 antique lures and tackle pieces. The $4 million collection is the most complete and comprehensive collection of vintage fishing tackle in existence. On most Tuesday and Thursday nights throughout the summer, free fishing clinics are offered at the Aquarium. The kid-friendly clinics consist of several educational stations such as fish identification, proper casting technique, outdoor ethics and knot tying. After completing the education portion, participants test their newly acquired knowledge at the Casting Pond located right out the back doors of the Aquarium. "The family fishing clinics are always a lot of fun. We love to introduce kids and adults both to fishing," said Colin Berg, education supervisor for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. "During business hours visitors can stop in and pick up a Fishing Guide, buy a fishing license or find out about other Department services." For more information about the Oklahoma Aquarium call (918) 296-FISH (3474), or go to their Web site at okaquarium.org. The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation's Tulsa-area offices are located at the Aquarium complex. To learn more about the free fishing clinics call the Wildlife Department's office (918) 299-2334 or log on to wildlifedepartment.com. -30- Leave new-born animals alone Good intentions do not always produce good results. Such is often the case when it comes to young wildlife. The best thing to do is to stand back, stay out of the way and let nature take care of itself. Birds and squirrels can be blown out of their nest in storms, and although they appear alone and helpless, the parents will often find these youngsters and care for them wherever they might be. People sometimes even find whitetail deer fawns. "It is not uncommon for a doe to leave a fawn alone while she is feeding a short distance away. The safest thing for a fawn is to remain hidden. When people interfere it can cause complications. Disturbing a young deer, no matter how good your intentions, can actually compromise the fawn's ability to survive in the wild," said Mike Shaw, wildlife research supervisor for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. In Oklahoma, most fawns are born in May and June, and start becoming visible in mid to late June. Not only is it illegal to pick up wildlife, but you're actually hurting its' chances of survival. Log onto www.wildlifedepartment.com for more information about the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. -30- OUTDOOR CALENDAR JUNE 1-4: Bassmaster Elite Series at Grand Lake. 1: Aquatic Education Clinic: ODWC Family Clinic, Casting Pond at ODWC, Jenks. Pre-registration is required. Register by calling ODWC- Jenks at (918) 299-2334. 3: Wildflower Biology workshop at the Sam Noble Museum. The workshop runs from 9 a.m. to noon. For more information call (405) 325-4712. 3 & 4: Frontier Days at Crows Corral at Clear Bay Area, Lake Thunderbird State Park. Admission is free. You can learn about dutch oven cooking, bow making, hide tanning and much more. For more information contact Julie Tarver at (405) 321-4633. 3-4: Free Fishing Days in Oklahoma. Resident and non-resident fishing licenses (including trout licenses and fishing and hunting legacy permits) are not required on the free fishing days, although anglers should note that local or municipal permits might be required on those days. Texoma Lake anglers should be aware that the Texas free fishing day is June 3 only. 3: Aquatic Education Clinic at Wildhorse Pond, Mustang Parks and Rec. Pre-registration is required. Register by calling Mustang Parks Department at (405) 376-3411. 3: Aquatic Education Clinic: Wal-Mart Clinic, Cypress Lake, Norman. Pre-registration is required. Register by calling Gene Gilliland at (405) 325-7288. 3: Aquatic Education Clinic: Wal-Mart Clinic, Willow Pond, Norman. Pre-registration is required. Register by calling Gene Gilliland at (405) 325-7288. 3: Aquatic Education Clinic: Crystal Lake Clinic, Backwater Bassin' Clinic. Pre-registration is required. Register by calling Chuck Drake at (405) 354-9468. FISHING REPORT FOR MAY 24, 2006 CENTRAL Arcadia: Blue catfish are being caught on worms and cut shad. Crappie being caught on chartreuse and white jigs. Report submitted by Tim Campbell, game warden stationed in Oklahoma County. Draper: Elevation 2 ft. above normal and clear. Largemouth bass good in coves with structure at 4-6 ft. on plastic worms, medium divers and tandem spinners. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs in 4-6 ft. around structure. Report submitted by Tony Woodruff, game warden stationed in Cleveland County. Hefner: Elevation 3 ft. below normal, water 74. Channel catfish are being caught around the lake shallow and at 4-8 ft. on crickets, large minnows, punch bait and grasshoppers. They are being caught on the south end of the lake, Lighthouse Point and around east Warf restaurants on bottom tight lining and around the west end of the dam slip corking. Report submitted by Bob Martin, OKC Fisheries. Overholser: Crappie are being caught on jigs on the south side of the lake. Catfish are being caught on cut shad. Report submitted by Tim Campbell, game warden stationed in Oklahoma County. Thunderbird: Elevation 5 ft. below normal and clear. Crappie good on minnows and jigs at 4-6 ft. around structure. White bass good on jigs, sassy shad, medium divers and spinners off points at 4-8 ft. wading or trolling. Largemouth bass good on medium divers, tandem spinners and plastic worms in coves with structure at 4-6 ft. Saugeye are hitting on green medium divers, jigs and sassy shad off points early and late day at 4-8 ft. Catfish slow. Report submitted by Tony Woodruff, game warden stationed in Cleveland County. Wes Watkins: Elevation 2 1/2 ft. below normal, water 74. Channel catfish excellent at 3-4 ft. on cut shad, goldfish and stinkbait. Bass good at 5-8 ft. on spinners and sassy shad. Crappie good at 8 ft. on minnows. White bass very good on rattle traps, slabs and medium-diving crankbaits. Report submitted by Ronnie Arganbright, game warden stationed in Pottawatomie County. NORTHEAST Bell Cow: The only fishing method allowed at Bell Cow is rod and reel fishing. Elevation 2-3 ft. below normal, water 75 and murky. Largemouth bass fair on plastics at 5 ft. Catfish slow. Crappie good on minnows and jigs around fishing dock. Report submitted by Gary Emmons, game stationed in Lincoln County. Birch: Elevation normal and clear. Crappie good off the fishing docks using minnows and jigs. Catfish good near the creek channel on cut fish and shad. Striped bass hybrids good while trolling around the lake on live shad or crankbaits. Largemouth bass fair around the lake using spinnerbaits and plastic baits. Report submitted by Ben Bickerstaff, game warden stationed in Osage County. Carl Blackwell: Elevation 1 ft. below normal, water 72 and murky. Crappie fair on jigs moving back out to deeper water. Saugeye fair on minnows and jigs. Catfish excellent at night near rock structures on all baits. Report submitted by Jon Cunningham, game warden stationed in Payne County. Chandler: Elevation 3 ft. below normal, water 75 and clear. Largemouth bass slow to fair on plastics. Catfish slow. Crappie good off dam and around fishing dock on minnows and jigs. Report submitted by Gary Emmons, game warden stationed in Lincoln County. Copan: Elevation 1 ft. above normal and murky. Crappie fair on live bait at a 6 ft. Catfish and white bass are biting on large minnows, shad, and worms. Report submitted by Jason Cain, Copan Handi Mart. Eucha: Elevation 6 ft. below normal, water 72 and clear. Crappie good on jigs and minnows around brush and structure at 6-10 ft. Largemouth bass good on spinnerbaits and crankbaits off rocky points. Bluegill good on crickets and worms in coves. Catfish good on shad. Report submitted by Dwight Moore, City of Tulsa Fisheries. Ft. Gibson: Elevation 3 ft. above normal, water 70 and murky. Largemouth bass good on spinnerbaits in flooded timber and grass. White bass good around structure and trolling points. Catfish good to excellent on shad, worms and cut bait. Reported submitted Marvin Stanley, game warden stationed in Muskogee and Wagoner Counties. Grand: Elevation normal and clear from dam to Shangri-la while murky Shangri-la north. Bass fishing good. Two tournaments over the weekend took 18-20 lbs.,5 fish limit to win. White bass being caught over most of the lake trolling. Catfish fair. Crappie fair at 12-16 ft. suspended over 20-30 ft. Blue catfish good below Grand Dam. Report submitted by Keith Green, game warden stationed in Craig County. Greenleaf: Elevation normal and clear. Largemouth bass good on spinnerbaits along shoreline. Channel catfish good on cut bait on bottom. Crappie good on minnows around brush structure and fishing dock. Report submitted by Lark Wilson, game warden stationed in Muskogee County. Hudson: Elevation 1 ft. above normal and murky. Largemouth bass good on jig and craw combination and spinnerbaits. White bass fair to good in the upper end of the lake in the river on small lures. Blue catfish good on cut shad. Report submitted by Steve Loveland, game warden stationed in Mayes County. Hulah: Elevation 6 ft. above normal and murky. Catfish good around the lake on cut fish and shad. Catfish good below the dam. Crappie fair near brush piles using minnows and jigs. Report submitted by Ben Bickerstaff, game warden stationed in Osage County. Kaw: Elevation 2 ft. above normal and falling, water 76 and stained. Blue catfish good in Coon Creek flats and Arkansas River on juglines baited with whole and cut shad. Channel catfish good in the Coon Creek area around brush piles on stink bait at 3-8 ft. White bass fair in Beaver Creek area on jigs. Crappie good along riprap at 5-10 ft. on minnows. Flathead catfish fair in rocky coves on trotlines and juglines baited with live sunfish. Paddlefish are fair in tailwaters during times of water release. Blue catfish are fair in tailwaters on shad. Report submitted by Marshall Reigh, game warden stationed in Kay and Grant counties. Keystone: Elevation 3 1/2 ft. above normal, water 70 and murky. Largemouth bass fair on plastics and spinnerbaits at 3-6 ft. in flooded brush in the backs of coves. Smallmouth bass fair on crankbaits and jig and chunk at 5-10 ft. in deep coves. Spotted bass fair on small crankbaits and plastics at 5-10 ft. off points. White bass fair on minnows and sassy shad at 6-12 ft. off points and around bridges. Striped bass fair on live shad and buck tails at 3-6 ft. below the dam. Channel catfish fair on worms and stinkbait at 4-8 ft. in creeks and shallow coves. Blue catfish good on cut shad and shad guts at 5-10 ft. in creek and river channels and in the flats. Flathead catfish fair on live shad at 8-12 ft. off steep rocky banks. Crappie fair on minnows and yellow and white jigs at 6-10 ft. around brush piles and off rocky banks. Report submitted by Larry Sellers, Woody's Bait and Tackle. Lower Illinois River: Trout are being caught on power baits, flies and worms. Report submitted by Marval Trout Camp. Oologah: Elevation 6 ft. above normal, water upper 60 and muddy on the north end and murky on the south end. Channel catfish good on worms and dough bait around flooded willows. Largemouth bass fair on soft plastic baits around flooded brush. Blue catfish fair on shad drifting flats at 10-15 ft. Channel and blue catfish also fair on shad below the dam. White bass fair on jigs below the dam. Report submitted by Brek Henry, game warden stationed in Rogers County. Skiatook: Elevation 4 1/3 ft. below normal, water 73 and stained. Smallmouth and largemouth bass fair, in the shallows, on crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and in deeper water around structures, with plastics. Crappie fair to good on small and medium minnows at 10-20 ft. around bridges and other structure, and in the creeks. Striped bass hybrids fair on points and in mouths of creeks. Catfish fair on trotlines with very large minnows. Sooner: Water 77 and clear. Hybrid striped bass and striped bass excellent in the upper end of the lake on live shad on humps at 15-20 ft. Largemouth bass good on buzzbaits and soft plastic jerk baits around weed beds. Crappie fair at 5-10 ft. around brush next to riprap on minnows. Channel and blue catfish fair around riprap at 10-20 ft. on shad and stinkbait. Report submitted by Marshall Reigh, game warden stationed in Kay and Grant counties. Spavinaw: Elevation 4 ft. below normal, water 72 and clear. Crappie good on jigs and minnows around dam area. Largemouth bass fair on plastic baits. Catfish good on cut shad. Report submitted by Dwight Moore, City of Tulsa Fisheries. Tenkiller: Elevation 1 ft. below normal, water 74 and clear. Largemouth bass slow some action shallow on spinners or crankbaits. Crappie fair around brush piles t 10-15 ft. on tube jigs or roadrunners. White bass fair evenings surfacing near Chicken Creek. Catfish fair on cut baits or worms at 10-15 ft. Sunfish good on worms along bluffs or in docks. Report by Monte Brooks, Cookson Village Resort. Webbers Falls: Elevation normal and murky. Largemouth bass good on spinnerbaits and crankbaits along shoreline and riprap. Catfish good on cut bait on bottom. Crappie good on minnows and jigs around brush structure. Report submitted by Lark Wilson, game warden stationed in Muskogee County. NORTHWEST Canton: Elevation normal. Walleye good drifting night crawlers over submerged islands. White bass and striped bass hybrids good trolling crankbaits. Channel catfish good along the dam on minnows, stinkbait and cut shad largemouth bass good in upper end of lake on soft plastics and spinnerbaits. Report submitted by Mark Walker, game warden stationed in Blaine County. Great Salt Plains: Elevation normal, water 74 and muddy. Channel catfish excellent on trotlines around the island on whole and cut shad. and fair drifting with shrimp and cut shad. Small channel catfish are being caught below the dam in the weirs on stinkbait. Flathead catfish fair below the dam on live sunfish at night. Report submitted by Marshall Reigh, game warden stationed in Kay and Grant counties. SOUTHEAST Arbuckle: Elevation normal, water 73 and stained. Crappie slow. White bass are schooling on top and off points. Bass fair on topwaters and good on soft plastics off points. Report submitted by Jack Melton. Blue River: Elevation normal, water 78 and clear. Largemouth bass fair to good on minnows and flies. Catfish fair to good on liver and worms. Report submitted by Charles Baker, technician at Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area. Broken Bow: Elevation normal, water 71 and clear. Largemouth bass good off rocky points on dark soft plastics. Crappie good in south Holly Creek on minnows and jigs around standing timber. Walleye fair in Egypt Creek south towards main body of lake off rocky points after dark on deep running crankbaits. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County. Eufaula: Elevation 1 3/4 ft. below normal and clear. Largemouth bass good on plastic baits at 2-8 ft. around brush. White bass very good on jigs at 4-10 ft. around bridges. Blue catfish very good on worms at 2-6 ft. along the rocks. Crappie very good on jigs at 4-10 ft. along bridges. Report submitted Ed Rodebush, game warden stationed in McIntosh County. Hugo: Elevation 2 ft. above normal, water 71 and murky. Largemouth bass fair on spinnerbaits. Crappie fair on live minnows. Channel catfish fair on cut bait. Report submitted by Wendell Smalling, game warden stationed in Choctaw County. Konawa: Elevation normal, water 79 and clear. Largemouth bass good on jerk baits and spinner baits in weed beds at 5-8 ft. Channel catfish good on chicken liver and stinkbait along points at 10-12 ft. Report submitted by Daryl Howser, game warden stationed in Seminole County. McGee Creek: Elevation 1 1/2 ft. above normal, water 70 and clear. Largemouth bass good on soft plastic lures at 2-6 ft. in upper end of lake around standing timber. Channel catfish fair to good on red worms and liver off rip rap, also fair to good on jug lines on live bait. Flathead catfish fair on live bait on trotlines. Report submitted by Larry Luman, game warden stationed in Atoka County. Lower Mountain Fork River: Trout fair to good and slow in some areas and really hot in others. Zone 3 has been producing lots of fish, but many of them have not been trout mostly bass, bluegills, sunfish and carp. Zone 2 has been very challenging for many anglers. There are two way to approach this problem one being extreme stealth and finesse, the other tactic that sometimes works is to use a (relatively) large and brightly colored streamer. This sometimes generates aggressive strike. Report submitted by Sid Ingram, Beavers Bend Fly Shop. Murray: Water 72 and clear. Largemouth and smallmouth bass good on spinnerbaits and crankbaits. White bass good on jigs. Channel catfish fair on stinkbaits. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs at 10-15 ft. Report submitted by Jeremy Brothers, game warden stationed in Carter County. Pine Creek: Elevation above normal and murky. Crappie good on jigs around timber. Bass fair around points on crankbaits. Catfish good on cut shad in creek channels. Report Submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County. Robert S. Kerr: Elevation above normal, water 74 and murky. Largemouth bass fair at 4-6 ft. using plastic baits, spinnerbaits and small crankbaits fishing the edge of the deeper water that has some weed, wood or rock structure. Crappie good at 10 ft. using minnows fishing the edge and bends of the old submerged creek channels. White bass good at 8-10 ft. using jigs fishing below Webbers Falls and Kerr dams. Blue catfish good at 3-6 ft. using fresh cut bait and goldfish fishing the rocky areas around the lake. Flathead catfish good at 3-10 ft. using live bait jug line fishing around the rocky areas. Report submitted by Rick Olzawski, game warden stationed in Haskell County. Sardis Lake: Elevation 1 ft. above normal and murky. Catfish good on cut bait. Bass fair on weed beds. Crappie good around bridges and brush piles. Report submitted by Allen Couch, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County. Texoma: Elevation 1/2 ft. below normal, water 75 and clear to the south and murky to the north. Largemouth bass fair to good on spinnerbaits at 5-15 ft. around points. Striped bass and white bass fair on sassy shad and live bait at 5-25 ft. off Washita Point. Catfish fair to good on cut bait at 15-25 ft. in the Platter Flats. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs at 15-20 ft. around structure. Report submitted by Danny Clubb, game warden stationed in Bryan County. Wister: Elevation 1 ft. above normal, water 69 and muddy. Crappie fair up the Poteau River Arm on minnows around standing brush at 3-8 ft. Largemouth bass fair on salt craws at 4-10 ft. Channel and blue catfish good around the shallow flats on shad. Report submitted by D.G. Belcher, game warden stationed in Latimer County. SOUTHWEST Altus-Lugert: Elevation 13 ft. below normal and murky. North shore boat ramp is high and dry. Crappie are being caught using minnows. White bass and hybrid striped bass fair to good. Walleye fair to good. Catfish being caught using shad. Report compiled by Quartz Mountain Grocery. Ellsworth: Elevation 10 ft. below normal, water 74 and murky. Crappie slow. Blue catfish fair to good on rod and reel and jugs with cut bait. Striped bass hybrids and white bass fair to good. Report submitted by Mike Carroll, game warden stationed in Comanche County. Foss: Elevation 1 1/2 ft. below normal, water 72 and clear. Striped bass hybrids excellent on live bait. Walleye good on live bait. Catfish good on cut bait and stinkbait. Crappie and bass fair in early mornings and late evenings. Report submitted by Eric Puyear, B & K Bait House. Ft. Cobb: Elevation normal. Catfish fair on cut baits. Saugeye fair drifting night crawlers. Report submitted by James L. Edwards, Jr., game warden station in Caddo County. Tom Steed: Elevation 4 ft. below normal, water 70 and murky. Catfish are good on worms and cut bait near the islands. Report submitted by David Smith, game warden stationed in Kiowa County. Waurika: Elevation below normal, water 70 and murky. White bass good on jigs and shad off windy points. Catfish good on juglines or trotlines baited with shad and goldfish. Crappie slow. Report submitted by Phillip Cottrill, game warden stationed in Jefferson County.