Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

[Phil Lilley]

For Immediate Release

July 6, 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

Oklahoma volunteers recognized for their conservation efforts

Fishing and boating-related activities to abound at Wildlife Expo

Outdoor Calendar

Fishing Report

Texoma anglers encouraged to use caution when handling stripers

Anglers fishing on Lake Texoma are reporting excellent striped bass fishing over the last several weeks with large numbers of big fish being caught. However, warm water conditions can be stressful for stripers when they are caught in deep water.

Lake Texoma, located on the Red River along the Oklahoma and Texas border, has earned a reputation as being one of the top striper lakes in the nation. Known for their outstanding fighting abilities, striped bass are long-lived and fast growing. Stripers are voracious predators with a diet consisting mainly of threadfin and gizzard shad.

"This time of year schools of stripers will often move to deeper water to find cooler temperatures," said Paul Mauck, south central region fisheries supervisor for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. "There can be problems when you pull a big fish up quickly from 30 feet or deeper and then try release it. Their air bladders cannot compensate for the quick changes in pressure and the fish can die."

Anglers are allowed to keep two stripers 20 inches long or longer and Mauck is urging anglers to exercise caution once they catch a limit of fish over 20 inches.

"Everybody, including myself, loves catching stripers. But it is important that we as anglers are aware of this issue and take responsibility for our actions. When the fishing is good, it can be hard to move to another spot or try a different technique, but it is simply the right thing to do if the methods we are using are hard on the fish that we all love," Mauck said.

Larry Manering, law enforcement chief for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, pointed out that the issue goes beyond just good fishing ethics.

"No good angler wants to waste this great resource, but this is more than just an ethical issue, it is also a legal issue. In the state of Oklahoma it is against the law for an angler to release a dead or dying fish," Manering said.

Mauck offered several tips for releasing healthy striped bass during the summer months, including:

Fish as shallow as possible: If fish are in 60 feet of water try catching them at 30 feet rather than at a depth of 60 feet as this helps reduce the changes in air pressure as they come to the surface.

When bait fishing, use circle hooks, hooks specially designed to lodge in the corner of the fish's mouth. One that has been successful is the Mustad "Croker Hook" in the 1/0 to 2/0 size range.

Release fish along side of the boat to reduce handling stress. Be sure to wet hands and towels before grabbing the fish. Boga grips are good tools for holding fish while removing hooks.

Cut line and gently release deep hooked fish.

When you have caught a limit of big fish (2 fish 20 inches or longer in length), move and find a school of smaller "box fish" rather than staying and releasing fish that may die as a result of being caught.

As a last resort, "fizz" floating striped bass by using a #18 -1 1/2" or 2" hypodermic needle. This procedure involves releasing air from the fish's air bladder - go to www.wildlifedepartment.com/fizzingstripedbass.htm for complete details.

Those fishing Lake Texoma need either an Oklahoma or Texas annual fishing license, depending on which state's waters they will be fishing, or anglers can purchase a Lake Texoma Fishing License for $12. The Lake Texoma license allows an angler to fish the entire lake. Some anglers may also need a Fishing and Hunting Legacy Permit. Consult the "2006 Oklahoma Fishing Guide" for information on fishing at Lake Texoma.

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Oklahoma volunteers recognized for their conservation efforts

Oklahoma Ducks Unlimited (DU) volunteers took home a Silver State Award from DU's annual convention in Phoenix, Arizona. DU's State Awards recognize states whose volunteers excelled at growing and improving their fund-raising and conservation efforts on behalf of DU.

"It's a real pleasure to recognize Oklahoma's volunteers for their exceptional work last year," said Jim West, executive secretary of Ducks Unlimited. "In 2005, Oklahoma posted a 17-percent increase in adult membership, and 26 percent of its chapters qualified for Presidential Citation Awards. Their hard work enabled DU to conserve more habitat for waterfowl across North America."

DU and the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation have worked together on nearly 40 agreements to fund numerous aspects of duck stamp enhancement or restoration projects. These agreements have benefited over 17,000 wetland acres on public wildlife management areas throughout the state.

"In Oklahoma, DU has played a significant role in partnering with the Wildlife Department's Duck Stamp program since 1985," said Alan Stacey, wetland habitat biologist for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. "DU not only has generated significant dollars - over $3.5 million total to date - but they have also helped in restoring and enhancing Wildlife Department public wetland projects. They also bring to the table their technical expertise in surveying, designing and engineering many of the larger and more comprehensive Duck Stamp projects throughout the state."

Oklahoma was one of three states to take home the Silver State Award. To receive this award, a state must demonstrate at least a five-percent increase in grassroots income. In addition, each state must meet certain criteria in other categories such as new volunteer recruitment, adult membership increases and major goal achievement.

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Fishing and boating-related activities to abound at Wildlife Expo

For three fun-filled days next month, Aug. 25-27, visitors to the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation's Wildlife Expo at the Lazy E Arena can learn about a dizzying variety of outdoor opportunities.

"It is very exciting to see so many outdoor-related activities come together at one place - from shotgun shooting, to mountain biking to bird watching," said Kim Erickson, fisheries chief for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and one of the many Department employees working on the Expo. "I may be a little biased, but I think some of the top attractions will be the many different water-related events like kayaking on the indoor ponds or the family fishing clinic on the outdoor pond."

Participants will be able to try their hand at kayaking in one of the massive, 155,000-gallon indoor ponds. In the other indoor pond, dog lovers won't want to miss the special Big Air Dog demonstration by Tulsa's own Ken Butler, a former Gold and Silver Medalist at the ESPN Great Outdoor Games, and his award-winning Chesapeake Bay retriever. Butler will bring several hunting retrievers that are also competition jumpers and will conduct exhibitions in the pond inside the Lazy E Arena.

Young and old alike can try their hand at fishing during the Expo.

"We're offering special clinics at the large pond on the grounds of the Lazy E. We'll provide the rod and reel and bait - you don't even need a fishing license at this special education event," Erickson said. "On the other end of the pond, visitors can take a ride in a boat and participate in a hands-on bow fishing demonstration."

According to Erickson, there will also be an opportunity for visitors to learn about fly-fishing and other specialized fishing techniques at seminars and clinics during all three days of the Expo. Families can also learn more about fisheries management techniques such as electrofishing and trap netting by attending a field trip at nearby Guthrie Lake. Pre-registration is required for this venue and anyone interested in participating should check the Department's Web site - wildlifedepartment.com - for more information.

The free Wildlife Expo, which drew more than 45,000 people from around the state last year, will offer hands-on learning opportunities at nearly 200 booths and activities. The Expo is designed as an entertaining and educational event for both avid outdoor enthusiasts and those new to hunting, fishing and other outdoor activities. Every visitor will be sure to find something that interests them, from shotgun shooting, to mountain bike riding, to dog training, to sampling wild game.

The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation is partnering with a wide range of other state agencies, private individuals and outdoor-related companies to host this huge event. The Expo is designed to promote and perpetuate the appreciation of Oklahoma's wildlife and natural resources and provide hands-on learning opportunities for all types of outdoor enthusiasts.

The Wildlife Expo will take place Aug. 25-27 on the expansive grounds of the Lazy E Arena, just north of Oklahoma City. Expo hours will be from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday, and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday.

For more information regarding activities available at the Oklahoma Wildlife Expo log on to wildlifedepartment.com.

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OUTDOOR CALENDAR

JULY

13: Aquatic Education Fishing Clinic: Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation Family Fishing Clinic, Casting Pond at the Oklahoma Aquarium, Jenks. Pre-registration required. Register by calling the Wildlife Department at (918) 299-2334.

13: Hunter Education Home Study, Sportsman's Warehouse, OKC; 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. (405) 302-4800.

15: Aquatic Education Fishing Clinic: Dolese Youth Park Pond, OKC Parks and Rec. Pre-registration required. Register by calling Bob Martin at (405) 755-4014.

15: Hunter Education: Mangum High School, Mangum. 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

15: Deadline to register for Woman's Fun Shoot at Oklahoma City Gun Club, Arcadia, Oklahoma. This shoot is intended to provide information and hands on instruction in the safe and proper handling of firearms. Registration fee is $10 for adults and $5 for those 18 and under. For more information contact Suzi Rouse in the Women's Division at (405) 842-8828.

15: The fifth annual Keystone appreciation at Keystone ramp. The event's goal is to place fish habitat into the lake working from the middle area of the lake out. A free lunch will be provided for everyone there. The Tulsa Fire fighter Educational Clowns will be on hand doing safety shows. There will be rides and games for the children will be on hand with lots of good information from the ODWC, Corps of Engineers and the Coast guard as well as local law enforcement agencies, Lake Patrol, state troopers, sheriffs department and others. For more information call Brenda at (918) 855-9762 or Vic Leake at (918) 855-9682.

15-16: Sporting Clays Weekend 2006 at Bass Pro shop in Broken Arrow. Trap or Skeet or Sporting Clays. This weekend will have something for everyone. Every avid shotgunner will want to mark his or her calendar for this blazing weekend. Several area Gun Clubs have been invited

15 & 29: Hunter Education: OSU Extension Bldg, Madill; July 15 (8:30 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.) and July 29 (8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.).

17, 18, 20: Hunter Education: Bass Pro, Broken Arrow; 6 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.; (918) 299-2334. Must attend all three nights.

17-21: Fishing Camp at Crow's Secret Nature Center at Lake Thunderbird State Park, Norman. The program starts at 9 a.m. and runs until noon. This is the camp for people who don't know anything about fishing or those who want to know more of the basics. Each day will be devoted to a different topic and will end with one hour of actual fishing using our equipment. There is a limit to this program so you must register. For more information contact the Nature Center at (405) 321-4633.

18: Aquatic Education Fishing Clinic: Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation Family Fishing Clinic, Casting Pond at the Oklahoma Aquarium, Jenks. Pre-registration required. Register by calling the Wildlife Department at (918) 299-2334.

FISHING REPORT FOR JULY 5, 2006

CENTRAL

Overholser: Water murky. Channel catfish good on punch bait and stinkbait. Crappie good on jigs. Report submitted by Kelly Roberson, game warden stationed in Oklahoma and Canadian counties.

Thunderbird: Elevation 5 1/2 ft. below normal and clear. Largemouth bass fair to good early mornings on topwaters in coves around structure. Report submitted by Tony Woodruff, game warden stationed in Cleveland County.

NORTHEAST

Greenleaf: Elevation normal and clear. Largemouth bass fair on spinners and crankbaits and good on topwaters in the early morning. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs at 14 ft. around brush structure. Catfish good on bottom. Report submitted by Lark Wilson, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.

Hudson: Elevation normal and clear. Largemouth bass good on plastic baits. White bass good on small crankbaits. Channel and blue catfish good on juglines baited with cut shad. Report submitted by Steve Loveland, game warden stationed in Mayes County.

Kaw: Elevation 3 ft. above normal and clear. Largemouth bass fair in flooded willows in main lake areas on spinnerbaits and crankbaits. Blue Catfish fair in upper end of lake on juglines baited with cut bait. Report submitted by Marshall Reigh, game warden stationed in Kay and Grant counties.

Keystone: Elevation 5 ft. above normal, water clear to murky. Largemouth bass fair on plastic worms and crankbaits at 6-10 ft. in coves and creeks with brush piles. Smallmouth bass fair on small tubes and crankbaits at 8-12 ft. in mouths of deep coves. Spotted bass fair on small crankbaits and topwaters from surface to 10 ft. around rocky main lake areas. White bass good trolling small crankbaits and rooster tails at 4-8 ft. off main lake points. Striped bass good on buck trails and topwaters from surface to 4 ft. below the dam and deep crankbaits at 12-18 ft. off main lake points. Channel catfish fair on chicken livers, worms and stinkbaits at 5-8 ft. in coves. Blue catfish good on punch bait and shad at 10-15 ft. in the flats off the river channel. Flathead catfish fair on live shad and goldfish at 10-20 ft. off steep banks. Crappie fair on medium minnows and jigs at 15-20 ft. around brush piles in deep coves. Report submitted by Larry Sellers, Woody's Bait and Tackle.

Oologah: Elevation 1 1/2 ft. above normal, water 80 and clear. White bass good trolling shad-colored lures on flats at 10-15 ft. watch for schooling fish early and late and use silver spoons and slabs after schools go under. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs at 15-18 ft. Blue and channel catfish fair on jugs baited with shad on flats near the river channel at 15-20 ft. Report submitted by Brek Henry, game warden stationed in Rogers County.

Sooner: White bass good early and late schooling on topwaters. Striped bass hybrids fair in upper end of main lake on slabs and live shad at 10-20 ft. Report submitted by Marshall Reigh, game warden stationed in Kay and Grant counties.

Tenkiller: Elevation 1 ft. above normal, water 82 and clear. Largemouth bass slow with some action on plastic worms at 3-10 ft. Crappie fair around docks on minnows or jigs at 10-15 ft. Catfish good on stinkbaits at 17-21 ft. and good on cut baits drifting flat areas. Sunfish good on worms around docks 10-20 ft. Report by Monte Brooks, Cookson Village Resort.

Webbers Falls: Elevation normal and murky. Largemouth bass fair on spinners and crankbaits along riprap and channels. Crappie fair at 12 ft. on minnows and jigs around brush piles. Catfish good on cut bait, worms and stinkbait. Report submitted by Lark Wilson, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.

SOUTHEAST

Arbuckle: Elevation normal, water 78 and clear. Largemouth bass fair on spinners and crankbaits at 5-10 ft. Crappie good on jigs and live bait at 8 ft. White bass fair from surface to 4 ft. on spinners and crankbaits. Channel catfish fair on live bait, stinkbait, and worms at 10 ft. Flathead catfish fair on live bait at 10 ft. Report submitted by Roy Roundtree, game warden stationed in Murray County.

Blue River: Elevation normal, water 84 and clear. Largemouth bass fair on minnows and flies. Channel catfish fair on worms and liver. Report submitted by Charles Baker, technician at Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area.

Broken Bow: Water in the mid 80's and clear. Bass slowing down due to warmer weather, fair in the mornings and evenings on topwater lures. Crappie fair on the upper end of the lake on minnows and jigs around structure. Catfish slow. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.

Hugo: Elevation 1 ft. above normal, water 83 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.

McGee Creek: Elevation normal, water 84. Largemouth bass fair on soft plastic lures at 6-20 ft. Report submitted by Larry Luman, game warden stationed in Atoka County.

Lower Mountain Fork River: Trout good in spillway creek. Fishing in zone 2 has been a little spotty, but overall very good on colorful (large) streamers and tiny midge patterns (size 20 and smaller). Night time fishing has been productive, but it is suggested that you not fish alone as a basic safety precaution. Also be alert at all times for rising water. Report submitted by Sid Ingram, Beavers Bend Fly Shop.

Lower Mountain Fork River: Zone 1 is good on bead head pheasant tails and y2k. Zone 2 good on size 14-6 wooly buggers and various colored soft hackles in sizes 18-14, midges and muddler minnows. Zone 3 is good on size 14-6 wooly buggers and various colored soft hackles in sizes 18-14. Report submitted by Jesse King, Three Rivers Fly Shop.

Pine Creek: Elevation normal, water 80 and clear. Bass good on topwater baits in the early morning hours. Bass fair on shad imitation baits around creeks in the late morning hours. Catfish good on night crawlers on rod and reel. Crappie fair on jigs at 10-12 ft. around submerged timber. Report Submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.

Robert S. Kerr: Elevation normal, water 82 and clear. Largemouth bass fair at 4-6 ft. using plastic baits and shad imitation crankbaits fishing the grassy, woody and rip-rapped areas. Crappie fair at 10 ft. using minnows fishing the bends in the old submerged creek channels. White bass good surface to 5 ft. on jigs and crankbaits fishing in the Applegate Cove and Short Mountain areas. Blue and flathead catfish fair at 3-6 ft. using goldfish and fresh cut shad fishing the rocky areas. Report submitted by Rick Olzawski, game warden stationed in Haskell County.

Texoma: Elevation 2 1/2 ft. below normal, water 83 and clear. Largemouth and smallmouth bass fair to good on plastic baits at 10-15 ft. near creek channel and points. Striped bass and white bass fair to good at 10-20 ft. on live shad and sassy shad at Washita point and Burns Run. Channel and blue catfish fair to good on cut shad and live sunfish at 10-20 ft. at Newberry Creek and lower Washita River. Crappie fair to good on minnows and jigs at 10-15 ft. deep around structure and fishing docks. Sunfish good on worms 5-10 ft. deep around fishing docks. Report submitted by Danny Clubb, game warden stationed in Bryan County.

Wister: Elevation normal, water 83 and murky. Largemouth bass good mornings and evenings on buzzbaits worked around the points and in the coves. Blue and channel catfish good on juglines at 12-18 ft. baited with whole or cut shad. Flathead catfish fair on trotlines baited with live sunfish or goldfish. Crappie fair on minnows around standing timber or brush piles up the Poteau River arm of the lake at 6-10 ft. Report submitted by D.G. Belcher, game warden stationed in Latimer and LeFlore counties.

SOUTHWEST

Ellsworth: Elevation 13 ft. below normal and murky. Crappie are being caught at 12-15 ft. in flooded timber fishing out of boats. Catfish are being caught on jugs and trotlines. Report submitted by Mike Carroll, game warden stationed in Comanche County.

Foss: Elevation 1 1/2 ft. below normal, water 79 and clear. Striped bass hybrids and white bass good in mornings and evenings on live bait. White bass surfacing in evenings. Walleye slow to fair in deep water with slabs. Catfish good with stinkbait or liver. Bass fair on artificials. Report submitted by Eric Puyear, B & K Bait House.