Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

[Phil Lilley]

For Immediate Release

July 20, 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

New book details Oklahoma's frogs, snakes and turtles

Konawa Lake number one - eight years running

Guests to take aim at the Oklahoma Wildlife Expo

Controlled hunt results available online

Outdoor Calendar

Fishing Report

New book details Oklahoma's frogs, snakes and turtles

Have you ever seen a lizard with a blue tail? How about a turtle with red eyes or a snake that plays dead? You can find all these animals right here in the Oklahoma outdoors, and now you can find pictures and the names of these fascinating creatures in a new book produced by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.

"A Field Guide to Oklahoma's Amphibians and Reptiles" by Greg and Lynnette Sievert, covers 205 pages and includes colored tabs that make it easy to flip to each category of animal. Range maps and species descriptions help the reader identify and learn about the state's 160 species of amphibians and reptiles.

"This a fantastic book for anyone who spends time outdoors, such as parents, teachers, sportsmen or gardeners. Each of us has come across something that slithers, creeps or hops and wondered what it was," said Jenny Thom, information specialist with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. "This book has all the answers about Oklahoma's salamanders, frogs, turtles, lizards and snakes - with full-color pictures and an easy-to-read format. You no longer need wonder if that snake you saw was harmless. This field guide will show you," Thom said.

The 205-page book was printed by the University of Oklahoma Printing Services and was published by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation's Wildlife Diversity Program. The Wildlife Diversity Program conserves Oklahoma's rare, declining and common wildlife not fished or hunted for future generations. Natural places and healthy wildlife populations improve the quality of life for all Oklahomans.

"A Field Guide to Oklahoma's Amphibians and Reptiles" by Greg and Lynnette Sievert can be purchased through wildlifedepartment.com. The cost is $14 plus $2 shipping. Bulk quantity of 20 or more books sells for $10 per book. View excerpts from the book and print an order form at wildlifedepartment.com.

For more information about the Wildlife Diversity Program call (405) 521-4616.

-30-

Editor's note: Below is a link for accompanying photo and intended for newspaper publication. The ending link is .jpg for the photo. The photo will open in your browser. If you have a pc you should be able to right click, save picture as, choose the file type you want to save as and click save. The other way is on file in toolbar, save picture as, choosing the file type you want to save as and click save. Images can be viewed with the article at http://www.wildlifedepartment.com/wl_news.htm.

Caption: A 205-page book "A Field Guide to Oklahoma's Amphibians and Reptiles" by Greg and Lynnette Sievert can be purchased through wildlifedepartment.com. The cost is $14 plus $2 shipping.

Konawa Lake number one - eight years running

For the eighth year in a row Konawa Lake ranked number one in the number of bass caught per hour in reservoirs over 1,000 acres according to the 2006 spring electrofishing data recently released by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.

Covering 1,300 acres in Seminole County, Konawa produced 132 bass per hour of electrofishing during this year's surveys.

"It's really no surprise Konawa is number one again - it is simply a great bass lake. Not only does Konawa have good numbers of bass, the population is also well balanced - it ranked first in the number of larger bass (over 14 inches) among lakes over 1,000 acres in the survey," said Kim Erickson, fisheries chief for the Wildlife Department.

Coming in second was Ft. Gibson Lake, which produced 114 bass per hour during this year's electrofishing bass surveys. Sooner Lake, north of Stillwater, ranked third with 101 bass per hour. Ranking fourth was McGee Creek Lake (86 bass per hour), with Tenkiller Lake (69 bass per hour) rounding out the top five.

While Tenkiller Lake once again ranked in the top five, bass numbers were significantly lower than previous years according to Jim Burroughs, northeast region fisheries supervisor for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.

"The survey showed lower numbers at Tenkiller, but we don't think this is an accurate reflection of the health of the bass fishery. Sampling at Tenkiller was difficult this year because of low lake levels due to drought conditions and repairs being made to the dam," said Burroughs. "Many of the areas we normally sample were inaccessible and these conditions likely led to the lower than normal catch rates from spring electrofishing samples. The good news is that water levels have now returned to near normal conditions."

In lakes under 1,000 acres, Okmulgee Lake came in first place with an impressive 149 bass per hour. Coon Creek Lake, near Wilburton, came in a very close second with 148 bass per hour. American Horse Lake, a Wildlife Department lake near Geary, took third place with 133 bass per hour. Located south of Lawton near the Wichita Mountains, Lake Elmer Thomas claimed fourth place with 119 bass per hour. Carlton Lake, located in Robbers Cave State Park in southeast Oklahoma took fifth place with 107 bass per hour.

The electrofishing data shows that many smaller lakes are home to healthy bass populations. But, anglers should remember that high numbers of bass reported in the electrofishing results doesn't always guarantee quality size bass are present.

Data from the springtime bass survey is divided between that collected from lakes larger than 1,000 acres, and lakes smaller than 1,000 acres. The data is used to determine the health of individual bass fisheries and how bass populations change over time. Regional fisheries management personnel capture bass using electrofishing equipment, then they weigh and measure each fish before releasing them back into the water unharmed. The information helps biologists determine which lakes benefit from specialized management techniques such as length and slot limits.

Lakes are classified as "Quality" if they can produce good numbers of catchable bass (indicated by at least 40 bass per hour of electrofishing, with at least 10 of those bass 14 inches or longer). "High Quality" lakes produce excellent numbers of catchable bass (at least 60 bass per hour, with 15 or more of those fish 14 inches or longer). Lakes that have trophy potential (capable of producing two fish over 21 inches in length per hour of electrofishing) are rated as "Trophy Quality."

Variations in electrofishing catch rates can result from lake conditions at the time of sampling or from changes in reproduction, recruitment, growth and mortality caused by habitat alteration, environmental impacts, food fish production, disease or angling pressure. Not all lakes are surveyed each year.

Families can learn more about fisheries management techniques such as electrofishing and trap netting by attending a field trip at Guthrie Lake during the Oklahoma Wildlife Expo (Aug. 25-27). Pre-registration is required for this venue and anyone interested in participating should check the Department's Web site - wildlifedepartment.com - for more information.

To view the complete results of the 2006 electrofishing bass results, log onto www.wildlifedepartment.com/electrofishing2006.htm.

Guests to take aim at the Oklahoma Wildlife Expo

The second annual Oklahoma Wildlife Expo, Aug. 25-27, will feature more than 200 hands-on activities, including seven different activities where participants can take aim at a variety of shooting sports.

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 Expo is the perfect opportunity for you to bring a friend or family member and let them try several different shooting activities. The younger kids will really enjoy the air rifles and the adults and older kids will definitely want to try the 3-D archery and the shotgun shooting," said Bill Dinkines, assistant wildlife chief for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and one of the many Department employees working on the event. "Best of all, every one of these activities is absolutely free."

Instructors with the Wildlife Department's Shotgun Training and Education Program (STEP) will be on hand giving participants an opportunity to shoot clay targets. Expo attendees will also be able to participate in an interactive Oklahoma Archery in the Schools demonstration. This new Wildlife Department program helps schools teach students about archery by incorporating it into the physical education curriculum.

Jon McGrath, a 13-year old skeet shooting phenom, will be at the Expo to visit with shooters, both old and young alike. McGrath is the youngest person to be named Captain of the All America Skeet Shooting Team and last year he won three gold medals at the Junior World Skeet Shooting Championship.

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 live butterflies, to mountain bike riding, to dog training, to sampling wild game.

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.

Editor's note: Below are links for two accompanying photos and intended for newspaper publication. The ending link is .jpg for the photo. The photo will open in your browser. If you have a pc you should be able to right click, save picture as, choose the file type you want to save as and click save. The other way is on file in toolbar, save picture as, choosing the file type you want to save as and click save. Images can be viewed with the article at http://www.wildlifedepartment.com/wl_news.htm.

Caption: Participate in an interactive Oklahoma Archery in the Schools demonstration at the 2006 Wildlife Expo. This new Wildlife Department program helps schools teach students about archery by incorporating it into the physical education curriculum.

Caption: The second annual Oklahoma Wildlife Expo, Aug. 25-27, will feature more than 200 hands-on activities, including seven different activities where participants can take aim at a variety of shooting sports.

Controlled hunt results available online

Applicants can find out if they were drawn for any of the hunts offered through the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation's Controlled Hunt program by logging onto www.wildlifedepartment.com.

Applicants anxious to know if they were drawn can access the Controlled Hunt drawing results through the Department's Web site at www.wildlifedepartment.com. Click on the "Controlled Hunts Results" banner and enter your last name, birthday, and the number (either their Social Security or driver's license number) the hunter used on the original application. The system will only access the Controlled Hunts results database when the correct number (Social Security Number or drivers license number) matches with the hunter's other information. This service is free, easy and the instant results it provides have proven very popular the last six years.

"Sportsmen have found that checking the results from the comfort of their home or office is very easy and is often the most efficient way to find out if you have been selected," said Melinda Sturgess-Streich, assistant director of administration and finance for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife. Sportsmen without readily available Internet access can check their results at computer terminals available at the Department's headquarters and regional offices during regular business hours. In addition, many local libraries offer Internet access to library cardholders. Check with your local library for Internet services and user-policies. Successful applicants will also be notified by mail."

The opportunity to hunt on some of Oklahoma's most unique and coveted properties have made the Department's controlled hunts program one of the most popular programs in the country.

OUTDOOR CALENDAR

JULY

25: 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.

27: 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.

27: Hunter Education Home Study, H & H Gun Range, OKC; 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. (405) 947-3888.

27 & 28: Shoreline Seining at Crow's Secret Nature Center at Lake Thunderbird State Park, Norman. The program starts at 2 p.m. Join naturalist at the Handicap Trail for a wet program where we see what can be found in the lake. Wear clothes and shoes to get into the lake with. For more information contact the Nature Center at (405) 321-4633.

28: Caterpillars and Butterflies at Crow's Secret Nature Center, Lake Thunderbird State Park, Norman. The program starts at 10 a.m. Join the naturalist in making your very own caterpillars and butterflies to take home with you. There is a $1.00 fee for this program. For more information contact the Nature Center at (405) 321-4633.

29: Hunter Education: Community Center, Owasso. 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.; (918) 299-2334.

29: Snakes Alive. Brian Jenni with Hanging Rock Camp will do a presentation on snakes as part of the Campground Program series at Round Hollow Public Access on Highway 10. Illinois River, Tahlequah. Program will begin at 6:30 p.m. For more information contact Oklahoma Scenic Rivers Commission at (918) 456-3251.

28: Deadline to RSVP for Quail Unlimited Conservation Dinner and Auction at the Islamorada Fish Company inside Bass Pro Shops, Broken Arrow. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. Single Tickets are $55 without membership and $30 for members. Couples are $85 without membership and $60 for members. To RSVP or more information contact Bob Peterson at (417) 359-5807.

29: Advanced Dutch Oven at Crow's Secret Nature Center at Lake Thunderbird State Park, Norman. The program starts at 9 a.m. and runs until noon. Join fellow Dutch oven cooks at the nature center for a chance to show off your favorite recipe(s) and learn some new tips from others who enjoy cooking outdoors. Bring all of your equipment, food ingredients and a copy of your recipe(s) to be shared with others. For more information contact the Nature Center at (405) 321-4633.

For a complete listing of upcoming outdoor activities and events, go to wildlifedepartment.com and check out the Outdoor Calendar.

FISHING REPORT FOR JULY 19, 2006

CENTRAL

Arcadia: Elevation normal, water 80-85 and semi-clear. Channel catfish fair to good down river out of boats on a variety of baits in the morning and evening just off bottom. Crappie, bass and sunfish being caught on small chartreuse beetle jigs in the evening in the northeast part of the lake by Kingsnake campground at 1-2 ft. Report submitted by Linnie Mason, gate attendant.

Hefner: Elevation 5 ft. below normal. Channel catfish slow on stinkbait, punch bait and cut baits tight lining on the east side. Walleye slow trolling with inline spinners baited with earthworms around points with drop offs. All boat ramps are useable. Report submitted by Bob Martin, Oklahoma City Fisheries Division.

Overholser: White bass being caught on rattletraps, crankbaits and jigs from boats. Channel catfish slow on cut bait and stinkbait. Crappie slow on jigs around structure and docks. Report submitted by Kelly Roberson, game warden stationed in Oklahoma and Canadian counties.

Wes Watkins: Elevation 3 1/2-4 ft. below normal, water 79-87 and clear. Catfish fair to good on minnows and chicken liver, stink baits, fresh cut bait, shrimp and minnows throughout the lake especially back in timbered areas. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs at 13-15 ft. right off bottom, on deep-diving crankbaits and topwaters early morning and evening. Largemouth bass poor to fair on assorted dark colored soft plastics and on some topwater lures early morning and evening of the lip of the main lake channel at 8-10 ft. Report submitted M. M. Fowler at St. Gregory.

Wes Watkins: Elevation 4 ft. below normal, water 87. Largemouth bass slow on plastic worms and crankbaits at 6-8 ft. White bass fair trolling crankbaits off points. Channel catfish fair on stinkbaits and cut shad at 6-10 ft. Crappie slow around the dam at 12-14 ft. on minnows. Report submitted by Ronnie Arganbright, game warden stationed in Pottawatomie County.

NORTHEAST

Birch: Elevation 1/2 ft. below normal and murky. Catfish fair on cut shad off windy banks. Report submitted by Paul Welch, game warden stationed in Osage County.

Carl Blackwell: Elevation 1 ft. below normal, water 82 and murky. Striped bass hybrids fair trolling with crankbaits. Crappie fair around docks on minnows and jigs. Report submitted by Jon Cunningham, game warden stationed in Payne County.

Copan: Elevation 1/3 ft. below normal and clear. Channel and blue catfish fair on fresh shad in river and creek channels at 15-20 ft. White bass fair early and late on schooling fish with shallow running baits or spinners. Report by submitted by Jeff Brown, game warden stationed in Nowata County.

Eucha: Elevation 9 ft. below normal, water 83 and murky. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around brush and structure at 10-12 ft. Largemouth fair on plastic baits at 14-16 ft. Bluegill good on crickets and worms around grass beds. Catfish fair using cut shad. Report submitted by Dwight Moore, City of Tulsa Fisheries.

Ft. Gibson: Elevation normal, water 89 and clear. White bass good on spinners and rattle traps. Catfish good on cut baits. Crappie good at 20 ft. on minnows. Largemouth bass good on worms and plastic baits. Reported submitted Marvin Stanley, game warden stationed in Muskogee and Wagoner counties.

Grand: Elevation normal and murky. Channel catfish good on juglines at 15 ft. on all parts of the lake using cut and whole shad. Crappie biting fair in baited areas around docks using minnows and jigs. All other fishing is slow at this time. Report submitted by Jim Littlefield, game warden stationed in Delaware County.

Greenleaf: Elevation normal and clear. Largemouth bass fair on spinnerbaits and crankbaits. Catfish fair on cut shad and stinkbait on bottom. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around brush structure and fishing dock. Report submitted by Lark Wilson, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.

Hudson: Elevation normal and clear. White bass fair to good trolling with small diving lures. Channel catfish good on worms and shrimp. Report submitted by Steve Loveland, game warden stationed in Mayes County.

Hulah: Elevation 1/2 ft. above normal and clear. White bass fair early and late on schooling fish with shallow running baits or spinners. All other fishing is slow. Report submitted by Jeff Brown, game warden stationed in Nowata County.

Kaw: Elevation 2 1/2 ft. above normal and clear. Blue catfish good in upper Arkansas River between Traders Bend and Bear Creek Boat ramps on cut shad at 5-15 ft. White bass fair trolling around Pioneer and N.O.C. coves on crankbaits. Channel catfish fair at 10-15 ft. around standing trees north of Washunga Bay. Noodling fair with some of the fish already leaving their nests. Largemouth bass fair on spinnerbaits in flooded willows on lower end of lake around Osage Cove. White Bass fair in tailwaters on live minnows. Blue catfish fair in tailwaters during times of water release on whole shad. Report submitted by Marshall Reigh, game warden stationed in Kay and Grant counties.

Keystone: Elevation 4 1/2 ft. above normal, water 85 and clear to murky. Largemouth bass fair on topwaters early off points with flooded brush and around brush piles in coves and eight inch plastic worms from the surface to 12 ft. Smallmouth bass fair on crankbaits and jig and chunk at 6-12 ft. off points in deep coves. Spotted bass fair on topwaters early and small crankbaits from the surface to 8 ft. around main lake rocks. White bass good on rooster tails and small white crankbaits at 4-8 ft. off main lake points. Striped bass good below the dam on topwaters and bucktails from the surface to 4 ft. on topwaters on the south side and buck tails on the north side. Striped bass fair in the lake on deep crankbaits and big swim baits at 12-18 ft. around main lake points and near river channel. Channel catfish fair on worms and stinkbaits at 6-12 ft. in coves. Blue catfish fair on shad guts and punch baits at 10-20 ft. on the flats along the river channel. Flathead catfish fair on live shad and goldfish at 10-20 ft. around steep rock banks. Crappie fair on medium minnows and garland jigs at 12-18 ft. around brush piles and bluffs. 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 on shad colored crankbaits and jigs on flats near the main lake at 10-15 ft. Watch for schooling white bass. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around brush piles at 20 ft. Blue catfish fair on jugs baited with shad near the river channel at 20-25 ft. Report submitted by Brek Henry, game warden stationed in Rogers County.

Sooner: White bass fair schooling early and late on topwaters in upper end of cold side of the lake. Striped bass good at 15-20 ft. on live shad and fair on chartreuse slabs. Channel catfish fair around rocks at 5-10 ft. on stinkbaits and cut bait. Report submitted by Marshall Reigh, game warden stationed in Kay and Grant counties.

Spavinaw: Elevation 4 ft. below normal, water 85 and clear. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around dam area. Largemouth fair on deep-diving crankbaits. Catfish fair on cut shad. Report submitted by Dwight Moore, City of Tulsa Fisheries.

Tenkiller: Elevation 1/3 ft. below normal, water 83 and clear. Largemouth bass slow with some action on crankbaits at 3-10 ft. early and late. Crappie fair around brush at 10-20 ft. on tube jigs. Catfish good on juglines at 25-35 ft. on cut shad or small sunfish. Sunfish good in coves or near docks on night crawlers. Report by Monte Brooks, Cookson Village Resort.

Webbers Falls: Elevation normal. Largemouth bass slow on crankbaits and spinnerbaits along creek channels and riprap. Catfish fair on cut bait and stinkbait on bottom. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs at 12-14 ft. around brush. Report submitted by Lark Wilson, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.

NORTHWEST

Canton: Elevation 1 ft. below normal. White bass and striped bass hybrids good on shad and slabs early morning. Channel catfish good on cut bait, stinkbait and shad along red bluffs and in upper end of lake. Walleye fair drifting night crawlers over submerged islands. Report submitted by Mark Walker, game warden stationed in Blaine County.

Ft. Supply: Elevation 2 1/2 ft. below normal and clear. Channel catfish being caught on cut bait and stinkbait at 2 ft. Report submitted by Mark Reichenberger, game warden stationed in Harper County.

Great Salt Plains: Elevation slightly below normal. Channel catfish good around the island on cut shad while drift fishing or trotlining. Fishing in the spilling basin is currently slow. Report submitted by Ben Bickerstaff, game warden stationed in Alfalfa County.

SOUTHEAST

Arbuckle: Elevation 1 1/2 ft. below normal, water 84 and clear. Crappie fair around brush piles and docks. White bass slow. Hot weather has slowed bass down. Bass fair on drop shot off points, crankbaits and Texas rigged worms off main lake points. Report submitted by Jack Melton.

Blue River: Elevation normal, water 86 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: Elevation 5 ft. below normal and clear. Fishing has began to slow due to summer temps. Bass good in the mornings and evenings in calm waters on topwater baits. Crappie good around structure in coves and in the upper end of the lake on minnows at 15-20 ft. Catfish is still slow. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.

Eufaula: Elevation 2 1/2 ft. below normal and clear. Largemouth bass fair on plastic baits and Carolina rigs off deep points White bass good on slab spoons at 8-20 ft. on the flats. Blue catfish fair on shad drifting the flats. Crappie fair on jigs at 10-20 ft. around standing timber off points and under bridges. Report submitted Ed Rodebush, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.

Hugo:. Elevation 1/2 ft. above normal, water 83 and murky. Largemouth bass fair on spinnerbaits. Crappie fair on live minnows. Channel catfish fair on liver and cut bait. Report submitted by Wendell Smalling, game warden stationed in Choctaw County.

Konawa: Elevation 1 ft. below normal, water 94 and clear. Largemouth bass good on topwaters at 5-8 ft. in weed beds. Channel catfish good on chicken liver and shad around the dam and points and at 10-12 ft. Report submitted by Daryl Howser, game warden stationed in Seminole County.

McGee Creek: Elevation normal, water 84 and clear. Bass fair on shad colored lures when schooling bass are surfacing and on soft plastic lures Carolina or Texas rigged and fished at 10-20 ft. off rocky points. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs at 10-20 ft. around cedar tree tops at 10-40 ft. Report submitted by Joe Young, game warden stationed in Atoka County.

Lower Mountain Fork River: Zone 2 was great on various caddis dry flies, soft hackled flies, and brown woolly buggers until the powerhouse started to release water. Report submitted by Sid Ingram, Beavers Bend Fly Shop.

Lower Mountain Fork River: Dry fly fishing is good in all zones on stimulators, caddis, light cahills, wooly buggers, pheasant tails and egg patterns. Zone 1 good midges, dry flies, bead head pheasant tails, #6 wooly buggers and y2k. Zone 2 good in the evening on big dry flies. Zone 3 slow on size 14-6 wooly buggers and streamers. Report submitted by Jesse King, Three Rivers Fly Shop.

Murray: Elevation slightly below normal, water 83 and clear. Channel catfish good on stinkbait and shrimp. White bass fair on topwaters early morning and late evening. Largemouth bass good on soft plastics early morning off rocky points. Report submitted by Jeremy Brothers, game warden stationed in Carter County.

Pine Creek: Elevation normal, water 85 and clear. Crappie fair on minnows and earthworms jigged at 12-18 ft. off the "old bridge". Bass good on pumpkinseed colored 4 inch worms Texas rigged at 15 ft. around points. Catfish fair on night crawlers at the old bridge and up in the river channel on trotlines. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.

Robert S. Kerr: Elevation normal, water 84 and clear. Largemouth bass slow at 8 ft. using shad imitation crankbaits fishing the riprap jetties and rocky areas around the lake. Crappie fair at 10 ft. using minnows fishing the edges of the old creek channels. White bass fair surface to 8 ft. using jigs and shad imitation crankbaits fishing the Applegate cove areas. Flathead and blue catfish fair at 5-15 ft. using live bait and fresh cut shad using trotlines and juglines. Walleye and sauger fair at 5-8 ft. using minnows and jigs fishing at the mouth of the Illinois River. Report submitted by Rick Olzawski, game warden stationed in Haskell County.

Sardis Lake: Elevation below normal and clear. Largemouth bass and walleye good around islands. Channel catfish fair on trotlines and juglines. Crappie good around bridges and brush piles on minnows. Report submitted by Allen Couch, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.

Wister: Elevation normal, water 87 and murky. Fishing slowed this past week. Blue catfish fair drifting with whole shad in main part of the lake. Largemouth bass fair on buzzbaits and other topwater lures early in the mornings and at night try using jig and pig or soft plastics. Crappie slow. Flathead catfish being caught on trotlines baited with sunfish or goldfish but success has slowed in the last few days. Report submitted by D.G. Belcher, game warden stationed in Latimer and LeFlore counties.

SOUTHWEST

Altus-Lugert: Elevation 18 1/2 ft. below normal and dropping. North shore boat ramp is high and dry. Water murky. Crappie have been biting on minnows. Striped bass hybrids fair to good. White bass good biting on minnows near Lakeview boat ramp north shore. Catfish fair on shad. Walleye fair. Report compiled by Quartz Mountain Grocery.

Foss: Elevation 3 ft. below normal, water 85 and clear. Striped bass hybrids fair on live bait and slabs. White bass surfacing in late evenings. Walleye and saugeye slow. Catfish fair. Bass slow. Report submitted by Eric Puyear, B & K Bait House.

Ft. Cobb: Elevation 1/2 ft. below normal and water stained. Catfish slow on cut baits or hotdogs on juglines. Report submitted by James Edwards Jr., game warden station in Caddo County.

Tom Steed: Elevation 6 ft. below normal, water 79 and murky. White bass fair early morning on topwaters. Report submitted by David Smith, game warden stationed in Kiowa County.

Waurika: Elevation below normal and water 80. White bass and striped bass hybrids fair on jigs and shad. Channel catfish fair on punch bait. Blue catfish good on juglines and trotlines baited with shad. Crappie slow. Report submitted by Phillip Cottrill, game warden stationed in Jefferson County.