Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

[Phil Lilley]

For Immediate Release

April 27, 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

Weather may alter trout stocking schedule

Last chance to apply for controlled hunts

Fish with your family today - make memories for a lifetime

Outdoor Calendar

Fishing Report

Weather may alter trout stocking schedule

The recent storm fronts, although welcome, may not be enough to provide cool water for trout in Oklahoma this summer, according to the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. A combination of warm temperatures and lack of rainfall in recent months may force the Wildlife Department to alter its trout stocking schedule on the lower Illinois and the Lower Mountain Fork rivers.

"Low water levels accompanied by unseasonably warm weather is creating a situation where trout kills can become likely if steps aren't taken to minimize the risks," Gary Peterson, northeast region fisheries biologist. "Our goal is to continue providing quality fishing opportunities for anglers on these areas while minimizing the potential for a fish kill."

Tenkiller Lake, located immediately above the Lower Illinois River, is approximately 10 feet below normal. Water used for electric hydropower generation is released from the lake which provides cool enough water to support the downstream trout fishery. Low lake levels have slowed generation and therefore decreased water releases. The lack of regular flows and the increase in daily air temperatures have increased water temperatures to levels that may become lethal for trout.

Last August, hot, dry weather forced Wildlife Department officials to suspend trout stocking on the Lower Mountain Fork River. Rains in early April raised Broken Bow Lake nearly 10 feet allowing a greater reservoir of cool water to be released into the Lower Mountain Fork River in the early summer months. However, the reservoir is already at a lower elevation than this time last year. Wildlife Department officials are monitoring the water levels and temperatures at both locations very closely to determine if trout stocking schedule alterations will become necessary. As temperatures increase, trout may have to be stocked upstream (closer to the dam) where cooler water temperatures exist, or if conditions warrant, not stocked at all. Wildlife Department officials are working with other agencies to investigate solutions for current and future water needs.

Anglers who want to monitor the status of trout stocking should check the trout stocking schedule on the Wildlife Department's Web site at www.wildlifedepartment.com/trtstok.htm.

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Last chance to apply for controlled hunts

Hunters have until May 5 to submit their applications for the "2006-07 Controlled Hunts" over the Internet by logging onto www.wildlifedepartment.com/controlhunt.htm. Not only can hunters save a stamp by applying online, they can also confirm that their application has been received as soon as they apply.

"When it comes right down to it, applying online is the way to go. It's fast, it's easy and the program will help ensure that you don't make any mistakes on your application," said Melinda Sturgess-Streich, chief of administration for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.

Controlled hunts booklets are now available at hunting and fishing license dealers located throughout the state. However, this will be the final year that hunters can apply via the mailed-in application. Beginning next year (2007), the only method of applying for the controlled hunts will be via the Internet.

Administered by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, the Controlled Hunts Program offers a wide variety of highly desirable hunts through a random drawing. Some hunts are held to provide high-quality hunting experiences on high-profile areas where it is necessary to regulate hunting pressure. Others are held to achieve management goals for certain species, and others are held to provide hunting experiences in areas where access is otherwise limited.

A $5 fee is required of all applicants including lifetime hunting or lifetime combination license holders. This fee is good for ALL 2006-07 controlled hunt applications submitted by each sportsman. Since the fee is per person and not per application, hunters should decide to apply for all their hunt categories either by mail or online, but not both. Hunters who choose to mail in their applications must complete the processing fee payment form on page 24 of the controlled hunts booklet. Payment can be made by the following methods: cashier's check, money order, Visa or MasterCard.

For complete application instructions, including tips on enhancing your chances of being selected, log on to www.wildlifedepartment.com/controlhunt.htm or consult the "2006-07 Oklahoma Controlled Hunts" booklet.

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Fish with your family today - make memories for a lifetime

There is no better way to make family memories this spring than an afternoon of fishing. Oklahoma is blessed with a tremendous number of lakes, ponds and creeks that can provide some great family fishing.

"Fishing is a great way to spend time with your family and friends. When you go fishing as a family you can make memories that you just can't make with video games or a trip to the movies," said Gene Gilliland, senior fisheries biologist at the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.

Gilliland added that you can just about drive any direction and find good fishing in Oklahoma.

"The fishing is really picking up right now all across the state," Gilliland said. "But you don't have to travel to one the big reservoirs to find fish, often some of the best fishing can be found on smaller bodies of water such as municipal lakes or Wildlife Department lakes."

Those looking for more family fishing fun may want to wet a line in one of the following lakes.

Hunter Park Lake, located in Tulsa at 5804 East 91st Street between Yale and Sheridan, is an ideal place for the family to spend an entire day. This city park pond not only has three fishing docks on it, but the park also features a water playground where kids can cool off after a morning of fishing. The Wildlife Department offers several fishing clinics at the park each year - for more information go to www.wildlifedepartment.com.

Pretty Water Lake in Sapulpa offers year-round fishing fun. The 20-acre spring fed lake has several additional amenities including three fishing piers, picnic tables and a recreation trail. In addition to a state fishing license, a $7.50 Sapulpa summer fishing license is needed. For more information, contact the Sapulpa Parks and Recreation Department at (918) 227-1534.

Dolese Youth Park Lake located at NW 50th and Meridian in Oklahoma City is a great Close to Home fishing spot and is the site of many kid's fishing clinics each year. Children can learn how to identify certain fish species, how to cast a fishing line before then getting an opportunity to catch a fish. For more information about Dolese Lake fishing regulations or other Oklahoma City fishing opportunities call the Oklahoma City Parks and Recreation Department at (405) 755-4014.

Lake Scott King, operated by the city of Ardmore, is snuggled up against the scenic Arbuckle mountains. The lake has an excellent population of crappie and catfish and offers picnic areas and a fishing dock. Children under the age of 16 are not required to purchase the $12.50 city fishing license. For more information concerning Lake Scott King or other Ardmore City lakes contact the Ardmore Parks and Recreation Department at (580) 223-4844.

American Horse Lake, located in Blaine County 10 miles west of Geary, has long been known for its outstanding panfish population. The 100-acre Wildlife Department owned lake also has a nice population of largemouth bass. With picnic tables, grills and a boat ramp, the lake is the perfect spot for a family to spend the day.

No matter where you choose to go, fishing with family and friends can be a great way to spend an evening or weekend. It is fun and relaxing and allows everyone the opportunity to connect with each other. Many lakes are located in the most scenic areas the state has to offer.

If you are planning a trip, be sure to get a copy of the "2006 Oklahoma Fishing Guide." The regulations, as well as additional fishing information, are also available on the Department's Web site at www.wildlifedepartment.com.

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OUTDOOR CALENDAR

MAY

2, 4, 9: Hunter Education: Intermediate School, Broken Arrow; 6 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.; (918) 299-2334. Must attend all three nights.

4: Yukon chapter of Ducks Unlimited will hold its 21st annual banquet at the Yukon American Legion building. Banquet starts at 6:00 pm. For more information on how you can support your local Duck's Unlimited chapter or to purchase tickets for the event, contact Dan Tappa at (405) 324-6582.

5 & 6: Fifth Annual Smallmouth Rendezvous and Fly-tying Extravaganza Hosted by the Northeastern Oklahoma Flyfishing Club. The event will be held at the Tahlequah Community Building. Admission is free.

3-7: The Green Country Retriever Club (GCRC) will be hosting a National Field Retriever Association (NFRA) Licensed Field Test. The test will be held at the Ft Gibson Wildlife Management Area north of Wagoner, OK. This is a double event offering stakes on each day for Junior, Senior, Master, Derby and Open. The test will be run in accordance with the NFRA Rules and Regulations, which are available on their website at www.nfra.us. Premiums, entry forms, and additional information about the GCRC can be found at www.greencountryretrieverclub.com.

7: Sportmen's Banquet at the Bethel Baptist Church in Anadarko. The banquet will run from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

8, 9,11: Hunter Education: Bass Pro, Broken Arrow; 6 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.; (918) 299-2334. Must attend all three nights.

9: Hunter Education Home Study, Bass Pro, OKC; 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. (405) 218-5200.

11: Oklahoma Quail Forever Chapter banquet will be held at the Embassy Suites, OKC (1815 S Meridian). Doors open at 6 p.m. and seating is limited. Tickets are $50 and includes annual membership. For more information or to purchase tickets contact James Dietsch at (405) 721-9405 or Frank Lambert at (405) 990-4033.

FISHING REPORT FOR APRIL 26, 2006

CENTRAL

Arcadia: Elevation slightly below normal, water 69 and clear. Largemouth bass good on spinnerbaits, rattletraps and plastic worms at 5-10 ft. to just off bottom along south trees and around north banks, rocks and around the dock. Channel catfish fair to good on cut baits and sunfish just off bottom in the morning and along north banks. Crappie good on minnows and jigs at 5-6 ft. morning and late evening around north coves and docks. Report submitted by Linnie Mason, gate attendant.

Draper: Elevation 2 ft. above normal and clear. Crappie good on minnows and jigs in coves and areas with structure in water less than 4 ft. Largemouth bass good on spinners and plastic worms in coves and areas with structure in water less than 4 ft. Report submitted by Tony Woodruff, game warden stationed in Cleveland County.

Hefner: Elevation 2-3 ft. below normal, water 69. Channel catfish are being caught in Inlet Cove, and on the north and west side of the dam on cut shad and shrimp and slip corking stinkbait and punch bait. Walleye being caught off the dam at Britton Road on bottom to 12 ft. on large minnows. Report submitted by Bob Martin, OKC Fisheries.

Thunderbird: Elevation 5 ft below normal and clear. Crappie good on minnows and jigs in shallow areas around structure. Largemouth bass good on spinners and plastic worms in coves and other areas with structure. Saugeye fair to good on old roadbeds and points on medium-diving crankbaits and green jigs, early and late day. Report submitted by Tony Woodruff, game warden stationed in Cleveland County.

Wes Watkins: Elevation 4 1/2 ft. below normal, water 68-74 and clear. Catfish fair on chicken livers, fresh cut bait, minnows, chicken livers and blood baits at 7-9 ft. White bass fair to good on crankbaits while trolling with some being caught in the creek channel around the south cove. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs at 16-18 ft. in deep timbered area at the west end of the lake and along road beds area north of the south boat ramp. Largemouth bass being caught on various soft plastics, spinnerbaits lizards, tubes and worms in assorted colors and on topwater lures early morning and evening. Report submitted by M.M. Fowler.

NORTHEAST

Bell Cow: The only fishing method allowed at Bell Cow is rod and reel fishing. Elevation 3 1/2 ft. below normal, water 63 and murky. Crappie good on minnows at 3-6 ft. around docks. Catfish fair on dough baits at 10 ft. off riprap. Report submitted by lake ranger.

Carl Blackwell: Crappie good on minnows and jigs around boat ramps and land bridge in the shallows at night. Catfish good on stinkbait and sponge bait around Ski Point, land bridge in the evening. Hybrid striped bass good on crankbaits trolling. Report submitted by Tyler Gann, lake ranger.

Copan: Elevation below normal and clear. Crappie good on minnows in Cotton Creek and off Copan Point at 3-6 ft. Flathead catfish fair on juglines using small sunfish. Report submitted by Jason Cain, Copan Handi Mart.

Eucha: Elevation 12 ft. below normal, water 55 and stained. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows at 4-5 ft. before cold front. Largemouth bass fair on rogues off rocky points. Catfish being caught from the bank using night crawlers. Report submitted by Dwight Moore, City of Tulsa Fisheries.

Greenleaf: Elevation 1 1/2 ft. below and clear. Largemouth bass good on crankbaits and spinnerbaits along shoreline. Catfish good on cut bait on bottom. Crappie good on minnows and jigs around fishing dock. Report submitted by Lark Wilson, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.

Kaw: Elevation is normal, water 62 and clear. White bass good in the tailwaters on minnows, jigs and small spoons. Channel Catfish good at 5-10 ft. on cut bait and stinkbait. Crappie fair at 5-10 ft. on minnows. Blue catfish good in upper end of the lake on shad and goldfish. Paddlefish in tailwaters poor. Report submitted by Marshall Reigh, game warden stationed in Kay and Grant counties.

Keystone: Elevation 3 ft. below normal, water 60 and clear to murky. Largemouth bass fair on plastics and spinnerbaits at 2-6 ft. in creeks and coves. Smallmouth fair on crankbaits at 4-10 ft. in deep coves. Spotted bass fair on crankbaits and small plastics at 5-12 ft. in main lake coves. White bass fair on minnows and sassy shad at 3-6 ft. below dam. Striped bass good on sassy shad and buck tails at 4-8 ft. below dam. Channel catfish good on worms and minnows at 3-6 ft. in shallow coves. Blue catfish good on crawdads and cut shad at 4-10 ft. in coves in the upper end of the lake. Flathead catfish fair on shad at 8-15 ft. in deep coves. Crappie excellent on jigs and minnows at 1-4 ft. in coves. Report submitted by Larry Sellers, Woody's Bait and Tackle.

Oologah: Elevation 1 1/2 ft. below normal, water 60 and clear. Crappie good on minnows and jigs at 2-8 ft. along rocky shorelines. Largemouth bass fair on spinnerbaits and shad colored crankbaits at 2-8 ft. Channel and blue catfish fair on shad on flats at 10-15 ft. Report submitted by Brek Henry, game warden stationed in Rogers County.

Spavinaw: Elevation 4 1/2 ft. below normal, water 66 and murky. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around dam area. Largemouth bass fair on spinnerbaits. Report submitted by Dwight Moore, City of Tulsa Fisheries.

Tenkiller: Elevation 9 ft. below normal, water 66 and clear. Smallmouth bass and spotted bass fair at 3-10 ft. on bass jigs, spinnerbaits, or crankbaits off points. Crappie good trolling deep runners in main channel on jigs or minnows at 3-8 ft. and night fishing under lights at 25-40 ft. White bass good trolling main lake with deep runners and night fishing at 25-40 ft. on minnows. Sunfish good shallow using worms on gravel banks. Report submitted by Monte Brooks, Cookson Village Resort.

Webbers Falls: Elevation 1 1/2 ft. below normal and murky. Largemouth bass good on spinnerbaits along shoreline and riprap. Catfish good on cut bait on bottom. Crappie good on minnows and jigs around structure. Report submitted by Lark Wilson, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.

NORTHWEST

Canton: Elevation slightly above normal. Crappie good in upper end of lake on minnows and jigs. White bass and striped bass hybrids excellent along dam late afternoon and early evening on jigs and crankbaits. Channel catfish fair in upper end of lake on cut bait and stinkbait. White bass good in river above the lake. Report submitted by Mark Walker, game warden stationed in Blaine County.

Ft. Supply: Crappie fair on jigs and spinners along riprap. Catfish fair on bottom with cut bait. Report submitted by Mark Reichenberger, game warden stationed in Harper County.

SOUTHEAST

Blue River: Elevation normal, water 70 and clear. Largemouth bass fair on minnows and flies. Catfish fair on liver and worms. Report submitted by Charles Baker, technician at Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area.

Broken Bow: Elevation 10-12 ft. below normal, water 50 and clear. Largemouth bass good on spinnerbaits in the mouths of creeks. White bass good on white and yellow grubs and rooster tails along Panther Creek. Crappie good on minnows and jigs around structure and in the upper-end of Holly Creek. Walleye good on rouges late evening and early morning in the upper end of Holley Creek. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.

Eufaula: Elevation 5 1/2 ft. below normal and clear. Largemouth bass good on plastic baits at 1-8 ft. along the banks. White bass good on crankbaits at 5-10 ft. trolling. Blue catfish good on shad at 3-10 ft. on the flats. Crappie good on jigs at 1-8 ft. along the banks. Report submitted Ed Rodebush, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.

Hugo: Elevation 1/2 ft. below normal, water 61 and murky. Largemouth bass fair on spinnerbaits. Crappie good on live minnows and light colored jigs. Channel catfish fair on cut bait. Report submitted by Wendell Smalling, game warden stationed in Choctaw County.

Konawa: Elevation 1 ft. below normal, water 74 and clear. Largemouth bass good on plastic worms around weed beds at 4-6 ft. White bass fair on jigs at 10-15 along the creek channel. Channel catfish good on chicken liver at 5-10 ft. along points and around the dam. Report submitted by Daryl Howser, game warden stationed in Seminole County.

McGee Creek: Elevation 2 ft. below normal, water 64 and clear. Largemouth bass good on soft plastic lures at 2-6 ft. around standing timber. Channel catfish fair on juglines baited with live bait. Report submitted by Larry Luman, game warden stationed in Atoka County.

Pine Creek: Elevation normal water murky. Bass fair on spinnerbaits around points. Crappie fair on minnows at night. Catfish fair on cut bait on jugs. Report Submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.

Robert S. Kerr: Elevation normal, water 70 and stained. Largemouth bass good at 2-5 ft. using spinnerbaits and plastic baits in weeds, wood and rock shorelines. Crappie good at 2-4 ft. on minnows fishing the spawning cover. White bass good at 5-10 ft. on shad imitation lures and jigs fishing below Webbers Falls and Kerr dams and near the mouth of the Illinois River. Blue catfish fair at 3-6 ft. on fresh cut bait fishing the windy shorelines. Report submitted by Rick Olzawski, game warden stationed in Haskell County.

Sardis Lake: Elevation normal. White bass good in Jack Fork Creek. Crappie good on minnows around bridges and tower. Report submitted by Allen Couch, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.

Texoma: Elevation 1/2 ft. below normal, water 68 and clear. Largemouth bass good on plastic baits at 10-15 ft. in creek channels. White bass and striped bass good on sassy shad and slabs at 15-20 ft. in Burns Run. Catfish good on cut bait at 5-10 ft. in Little Glasses Creek. Crappie fair to good on minnows and jigs at 5-10 ft. around structure. Report submitted by Danny Clubb, game warden stationed in Bryan County.

Wister: Elevation normal, water 61 and murky. Crappie good close to the banks minnows and jigs at 2-5 ft. Largemouth bass good at 3-8 ft. soft plastics and jig and pig. Channel and blue catfish fair on cut shad at 8-12 ft. Report submitted by D.G. Belcher, game warden stationed in Latimer County.

SOUTHWEST

Altus-Lugert: Elevation 14 ft. below normal and murky. North shore boat ramp is high and dry. Crappie good on minnows. Striped bass hybrids good off swim beach. White bass good on minnows. Report compiled by Quartz Mountain Grocery.

Ellsworth: Elevation 11 ft. below normal, water 65 and murky. Crappie very good in shallow water around structure on minnows and jigs. Catfish fair on cut bait and juglines. Report submitted by Mike Carroll, game warden stationed in Comanche County.

Foss: Elevation 2 ft. below normal, water 70 and clear. Walleye and saugeye good in front of dam on jigs. White bass good on live bait. Crappie fair on minnows. Catfish good on cut bait. Report submitted by Eric Puyear, B & K Bait House.

Ft. Cobb: Elevation normal. Crappie fair on minnows in jigs in shallow water near structure. Catfish fair on cut baits on jug lines. Saugeye slow to fair on night crawlers drifting submerged islands and jigs around shallow water near structure. Report submitted by James L. Edwards, Jr., game warden station in Caddo County.

Tom Steed: Elevation 5 ft. below normal, water 60 and murky. Crappie fair on jigs at 4-8 ft. around rocks and brush. White bass good off points on minnows. Report submitted by David Smith, game warden stationed in Kiowa County.

Waurika: Elevation below normal, water 67. White bass and striped bass hybrids good on jigs and shad off windy points. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around Walker Creek bridge and Washita Ridge boat dock. Catfish good on shad and minnows. Report submitted by Phillip Cottrill, game warden stationed in Jefferson County.