Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

[Phil Lilley]

For Immediate Release

July 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

Canine athletes sure to be a crowd favorite at the Oklahoma Wildlife Expo

Wildlife Department works to improve fishing across the state

Oklahoma boating access projects at all time high

Outdoor Calendar

Fishing Report

Canine athletes sure to be a crowd favorite at the Oklahoma Wildlife Expo

There were hundreds of popular activities and demonstrations at last year's Wildlife Expo, but there was a pair of undeniable stars. Every time the DockDog competitors hit the center stage, a crowd of people young and old gathered around to watch the canine athletes launch themselves into the pond inside the Lazy E Arena.

Ken Butler, of Tulsa, and his award-winning Chesapeake Bay retrievers are sure to be crowd favorites once again at the second annual Oklahoma Wildlife Expo, Aug. 25-27. Butler and his Chesapeake Bay retrievers are perennial winners in DockDog competitions; in fact they are multiple medalists at both of the last two ESPN Great Outdoor Games.

Butler will bring several hunting retrievers that are also competition jumpers and they will conduct exhibitions throughout all three days of the Expo at a pond inside the Lazy E Arena.

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.

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Wildlife Department works to improve fishing across the state

Oklahoma anglers enjoy some of the best inland fishing in the nation and fisheries biologists with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) are working hard to make sure the fishing remains top notch.

The state is home to thousands of acres of lakes and reservoirs, however, many of them are beginning to show their age. When the lakes were first impounded, trees and brush provided excellent cover for fish. As the decades passed, the flooded vegetation decayed leaving fewer places for fish to hide and fewer places for anglers to catch them.

Fisheries biologists across the state are working on innovative ways to provide man-made habitat in these man-made lakes. For instance, at Lake Carl Blackwell near Stillwater, biologists are performing a simple experiment to determine the best type of habitat to use under a popular fishing dock where local anglers target crappie.

"Under one side of the dock we will place the traditional oak and cedar brush and under the other side of the dock we're sinking a string of structures made out of plastic pipe and flower pots - we call them magnum fish magnets," said Bill Wentroth, northwest region fisheries biologist.

"Then through a voluntary survey we will ask fisherman which side of the dock is most productive. The natural brush works well but it has to be replaced every few years. We hope these new habitat structures will be just as effective and we know they will last for a very long time. As a bonus, they should be much easier to fish around since lures are less likely to snag on the small plastic pipe compared to a big oak tree."

At Lake Eufaula in eastcentral Oklahoma, Wildlife Department personnel recently partnered with several local FFA chapters to make hundreds of concrete and pipe contraptions called "spider blocks."

"We placed the spider blocks at several different areas of the lake, but we tried to focus on the areas with good bank access that were known as crappie hot spots," said Garland Wright, central region fisheries supervisor for the Wildlife Department.

Fisheries biologists are certainly not focused solely on lakes. Biologists are continuing work on stream habitat projects - such as the Evening Hole Restoration Project - one of the most ambitious stream restoration project ever undertaken in the country. Following two years of research and development, biologists have now begun the huge task of renovating the area known as the Evening Hole located on the Lower Mountain Fork River. The project also includes the re-creation of an ancient stream channel that will connect to the main river channel and offer almost a half-mile of new trout fishing opportunities. To learn more about the project log on to www.wildlifedepartment.com/hottopics.htm.

Many of these fisheries habitat projects are funded through the Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration program. Fishing tackle, as well as boat trolling motors, firearms, bows and arrows and other outdoor related equipment are subject to special federal excise taxes which help fund conservation efforts around the country. Additionally, federal fuel taxes attributed to motorboats are directed towards conservation.

The Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration programs are tremendous examples of true a partnership between private industries, state governments, the federal government and hunters, anglers and boaters. The federal government collects these taxes from manufacturers and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service administers and disburses the funds to the state fish and wildlife agencies like the ODWC.

Hunters, anglers, shooters and boaters ultimately pay these taxes through the purchase of products. These same groups benefit from the funds as states must spend the money on sport fish and wildlife habitat restoration/development, populations management, user access and facilities and education.

The funds are used by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation for a wide range of important activities, including the purchase and maintenance of wildlife management areas, construction of fish hatcheries, research laboratories and user facilities, surveying and managing fish and wildlife populations, training volunteer instructors and educating young hunters and anglers in safe firearms handling, water safety, fish and wildlife resources and ethics afield.

For more information about the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, log on to wildlifedepartment.com.

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Oklahoma boating access projects at all time high

Anglers and boaters in Oklahoma have plenty of great destinations to choose from, and thanks to an ongoing Wildlife Department program, gaining access to the water is getting even easier. According to officials with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, (ODWC) there are 14 boat ramp construction or repair projects underway across the state, with another 19 slated to begin in 2007.

"Over recent months, we've seen many of our lakes with very low water levels, but this has actually been a great opportunity for us in terms of getting boating access projects completed," said John Stafford, ODWC federal aid coordinator. "Particularly over the past decade, we have been very successful in improving boating and fishing access across Oklahoma. In that time period we have completed literally dozens of projects such as boat ramps, parking areas, courtesy docks, and fish cleaning stations - but we certainly couldn't have built all of these amenities without our partnering cities and other groups."

Through the federal Sport Fish Restoration program, cities and other governmental agencies can apply for matching grants to construct boat ramps and other access projects. Enacted in 1950, the Sport Fish Restoration Act established special federal taxes, called excise taxes on fishing rods, reels and tackle. Anglers ultimately pay these taxes through their equipment purchases. Funds raised directly benefit fisheries management including fish stocking, habitat management, fisheries research, aquatic education programs and boating and fishing access projects.

In 1984, funding within the Sport Fish Restoration Program was significantly bolstered by the addition of excise taxes on motor boat fuels. And according to Stafford, anglers and boaters are often unaware that their purchases are being used to improve lakes for fishing and boating.

"When we construct a boat ramp, we always put up a sign that explains that anglers and boaters funded the construction of the ramp, but lots of folks still don't understand how that really works," said Stafford. "Every time you buy that new lure or fishing rod or purchase fuel at the marina, a percentage of your purchase price is being funneled back to the Wildlife Department to fund not only boat ramps but also a wide variety of other conservation projects. Next time you see one of the Sport Fish Restoration signs at the boat ramp, you should know that without their dollars, many of those boat ramps would have been too costly for a municipal government to build."

Current boating access projects are ongoing at the following locations.

Perry Lake- near Perry

Lake Carl Blackwell- near Stillwater

Oklahoma River- in Oklahoma City

Guthrie Lake- in Guthrie

Crowder Lake- near Crowder

Lake Lawtonka- near Lawton

Frederick Lake- in Frederick

Skiatook Lake- near Skiatook

Three forks Harbor (two projects) - near Muskogee on the Arkansas River Navigation System

Tenkiller- at Caney Creek, Burnt Cabin, and Cherokee Landing State Park

Deep Fork River- near Dewar

For more information about fishing in Oklahoma log on to wildlifedepartment.com or pick up a copy of the "2006 Oklahoma Fishing Guide."

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OUTDOOR CALENDAR

AUGUST

1: 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.

2: A Leopold Education Project (LEP) workshop is being offered at Oxley Nature Center in Tulsa. Workshop time is 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The workshop will be team-taught by Luann Waters, State Coordinator for LEP and Susie Ruby, Naturalist at Oxley Nature Center. Cost is: $35. Make checks to: "Oxley Nature Center Assoc." and send to: Attn: Susie, Oxley Nature Center, 5701 East 36th St. North, Tulsa Ok 74115.

3: 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.

4, 5: Hunter Education: Stephens County Fairgrounds, Duncan; Aug. 4 (6 p.m. - 10 p.m.) and Aug. 5 (9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.) must attend both nights.

4, 5: Hunter Education: Technology Center, Hugo; Aug. 4 (6 p.m. - 9 p.m.) and Aug. 5 (8 a.m. - 4 p.m.) must attend both nights.

5: Aquatic Education Clinic: Metro Tech, OKC Parks and Rec.. Pre-registration is required. Register by calling Bob Martin at (405) 755-4014.

5: Hunter Education: Police Department, Guymon; 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.;

5: Hunter Education: High School, Cheyenne; 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.;

5: Hunter Education: Northeast Tech Center, Claremore; 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.;

5: Hunter Education: High School Cafeteria, Ft. Gibson; 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.;

5, 6: Hunter Education: VFW Hall, El Reno; Aug. 5 (9 a.m. - 6 p.m.) and Aug. 6 (2 p.m. - 4 p.m.) must attend both days.

5: National Wild Turkey Federation sanctioned wild turkey calling contest. The contest will take place in the seminar room at the Bass Pro Shops Broken Arrow store on the upper level next to footwear. The divisions include: Jakes, Amateur, Local, Friction, Owling and Open. There will be plaques and prizes. Sponsored by the Broken Arrow Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation. Registration begins at 10 am and the competition will begin at noon.

5: Saturday Morning Birding. The program runs 8:00 - 9:45 a.m. and is open to all ages. Join an Oxley Naturalist to explore the trails in search of birds. Meet in the Oxley Nature Center parking lot promptly at 8:00 a.m. Bring binoculars if you have them. Free. Registration not required. For more information or to register contact the staff at (918) 669-6644 or if you prefer by email at oxley@ci.tulsa.ok.us.

6: Quail Unlimited Day at the Broken Arrow Bass Pro Shops. Activities include seminars in the seminar room and various dog clubs on the grounds. More information to come.

6: 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 is $85 without membership and $60 for members. To RSVP or for more information contact Bob Peterson at (417) 359-5807.

7, 8, 10: Hunter Education: Bass Pro, Broken Arrow; 6 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.; (918) 299-2334. Must attend all three nights.

7: Sturgeon Moon. The program runs 7:00-8:30 p.m. and is open to all ages. Named for a good time to cast lines for fish,

we may seek out aquatic life along some of our water habitats. The cost is $2 per person and free to members of Friends of Oxley. Please register in advance. For more information or to register contact the staff at (918) 669-6644 or if you prefer by email at oxley@ci.tulsa.ok.us.

8: 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.

8, 9: Hunter Education: Moss High School, Holdenville; 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. must attend both nights.

10: 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.

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

FISHING REPORT FOR JULY 26, 2006

CENTRAL

Hefner: Elevation 7 1/2 ft. White bass good trolling fire tiger or chartreuse crankbaits on the east side of the lake. Channel catfish good slip corking on punch bait and stinkbait and crawfish at 9-12 ft. off dam evening to midnight. Walleye good trolling fire tiger or chartreuse crankbaits on the east side of the lake. Report submitted by Bob Martin, Oklahoma City Fisheries Division.

Overholser: Elevation rising, water murky. Channel catfish being caught on worms and shrimp. Crappie slow 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. White bass fair to good early on jigs, medium divers, look for surfacing activity. Thunderbird has only three of nine boat ramps open due to low water conditions. The open ramps are: The Little Axe ramp, Fisherman's Point ramp and Hog Creek ramp. Report submitted by Tony Woodruff, game warden stationed in Cleveland County.

Wes Watkins: Elevation 4- 4 1/2 ft. below normal, water 78-88 and clear. Crappie fair to good on small minnows, jigs along roadbeds, brush piles, structure and along railroad tracks at 8-10 ft. Catfish good on stinkbaits, shrimp, chicken livers and fresh cut bait in deeper water. White bass schooling throughout the day on crankbaits. Largemouth bass fair on assorted colors soft plastics in deeper water with Carolina and Texas rigging off various points and along lip of main lake channel at 8-10 ft. Report submitted M. M. Fowler at St. Gregory.

Wes Watkins: Elevation 4 ft. below normal, water 88. Largemouth bass slow on plastic worms and crankbaits around structure at 8-12 ft. Channel catfish fair on stinkbaits and cut baits at 4-6 ft. Crappie slow on minnows around the dam and deep structure. White bass fair on crankbaits of points. Report submitted by Ronnie Arganbright, game warden stationed in Pottawatomie County.

NORTHEAST

Bell Cow: Elevation 2 ft. below normal and clear. Crappie fair around the fishing dock at night. Report submitted by Gary Emmons, game stationed in Lincoln County.

Carl Blackwell: Elevation 2 ft. below normal, water 84 and murky. Largemouth bass slow. Striped bass hybrids good on live bait at 20-25 ft. Channel catfish good on live bait at night. Report submitted by Jon Cunningham, game warden stationed in Payne County.

Copan: Elevation 1/2 ft. below normal, water 80-90 and clear. Blue catfish fair on fresh shad at 12-15 ft. Report by submitted by Jeff Brown, game warden stationed in Nowata County.

Eucha: Elevation 9 ft. below normal, water 85 and murky. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around brush and structure at 12-14 ft. Largemouth fair on plastic baits on rocky points. Bluegill fair on crickets and worms around grass beds. Catfish fair using cut shad. Report submitted by Dwight Moore, City of Tulsa Fisheries.

Ft. Gibson: Elevation 2 ft. below normal, water 85 and clear. Largemouth bass good on salt craws and worms. White bass good on rattletraps, slabs and spinners off drop offs, bridges and rock points. Channel catfish good on cut bait, shad, punch bait around drop offs, submerged roads and creek beds. Reported submitted Marvin Stanley, game warden stationed in Muskogee and Wagoner counties.

Grand: Elevation normal and murky. White bass fair in mouth of streams and tributaries using spinnerbaits and spoons. Blue catfish fair in deeper water at 30 ft. using cut and whole shad. 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 crankbaits, spinnerbaits, jigs and worms. Channel catfish fair on bottom with cut bait. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around fishing dock and brush structure. Report submitted by Lark Wilson, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.

Hudson: Elevation normal and clear. Channel catfish good on shrimp. White bass schooling. Largemouth bass being caught on plastic baits. Report submitted by Steve Loveland, game warden stationed in Mayes County.

Kaw: White bass fair trolling crankbaits in southern part of main lake. Channel catfish excellent north of Coon Creek all the way to Traders Bend on stinkbait at 5-10 ft. Blue catfish good on juglines baited with shad and perch in upper end of lake at 10-20 ft. and drifting in Coon Creek on blood bait and fresh cut shad at 5-12 ft. Crappie fair on minnows under Sarge Creek bridge. Kaw Tailwaters: Tailwaters have good sand bass fishing during times of water release on jigs and minnows. A few walleye have also been caught during times of water flow on 3/16-1/4 oz chartreuse or white jigs. Blue catfish fair on cut shad with very few large fish being caught. Bowfishing excellent at night out of a boat below the 1,000 ft. mark. Report submitted by Marshall Reigh, game warden stationed in Kay and Grant counties.

Keystone: Elevation 3 1/3 ft. above normal, water 85 and clear to murky. Largemouth bass fair on topwaters and plastics from surface to 10 ft. around flooded brush and brush piles. Smallmouth bass fair on crankbaits and jig and chunk at 6-12 ft. in deep coves and points. Spotted bass fair on topwaters and crankbaits from surface to 10 ft. in main lake. White bass good on rooster tails and small crankbaits at 4-10 ft. trolling main lake points. Striped bass good on topwaters and buck tails from surface to 4 ft. on topwaters on the south side below the dam and bucktails on the north side below the dam. Striped bass fair on deep crankbaits and shad at 12-20 ft. trolling and drifting main lake points. Channel catfish fair on worms and stinkbaits at 6-12 ft. in coves and creeks,. Blue catfish fair on cut shad and punch baits at 12-20 ft. in river channels and the flats. Flathead catfish fair on goldfish and shad at 12-20 ft. around rocky banks. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs at 15-20 ft. around docks, bluffs and brush piles. Report submitted by Larry Sellers, Woody's Bait and Tackle.

Oologah: Elevation 1 ft. above normal, water 80 and clear. White bass fair trolling with shad-colored crankbaits on flats near the main lake. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around brush piles at 15 - 20 ft. Channel and blue catfish fair on juglines baited with shad at 20 - 25 ft. Report submitted by Brek Henry, game warden stationed in Rogers County.

Skiatook: Elevation 6 1/2 ft. below normal, water 85 and clear. Crappie good on minnows at 20-30 ft. around structure and in creeks, Highway 20 bridge and east bank, north of bridge. Largemouth bass fair, but are suspended over deeper water around brush piles and other structures on jig and chunk, some plastics and Carolina rigging. Smallmouth bass fair on crankbaits, jigs or plastics. Catfish fair on trotlines with perch and very large minnows. Striped bass hybrids fair to good, early morning and late evening, on points and mouths of creeks on shad, very large minnows and pearl white sassy shad. Report submitted by Greenwood Fishing Center.

Sooner: Largemouth bass fair on chartreuse and white buzzbaits around grass and rocky banks. Striped bass hybrids

fair on slabs and live shad at 18-24 ft. White bass good early schooling on topwater on cold side of lake. Report submitted by Marshall Reigh, game warden stationed in Kay and Grant counties.

Spavinaw: Elevation 4 1/2 ft. below normal, water 85 and clear. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around dam area. Largemouth fair on crankbaits. Catfish fair using cut shad. Report submitted by Dwight Moore, City of Tulsa Fisheries.

Tenkiller: Elevation 1 1/2 ft. below normal, water 83. Largemouth bass slow with some action in brush on bass jigs. Crappie slow some action in brush on tube jigs and around docks on minnows or jigs. Catfish good at 25-35 ft. on cut baits. Sunfish good on worms around at 10-20 ft. Report by Monte Brooks, Cookson Village Resort.

Webbers Falls: Elevation normal and murky. Largemouth bass fair on spinnerbaits, crankbaits and jigs around creek channels and rip rap. Channel catfish fair on bottom with cut bait. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around brush structure and bridges. Report submitted by Lark Wilson, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.

SOUTHEAST

Arbuckle: Elevation 2 ft. below normal, water 86 and clear. White bass slow but try topwater torpedo in mid lake area. Crappie slow. Bass slow but try drop shot rigs, Carolina rigged ring fry, crankbaits off main lake points late evening. Night fishing is best right now. Report submitted by Jack Melton.

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: Elevation 4-5 ft, below normal, water in the mid 80's and clear. Largemouth bass fair on topwater baits in the mornings and evenings. Crappie good on minnows and jigs along structure in mouths of creeks and the upper end of the lake. No reports of catfish. Fishing is slow due to extreme heat during the day. Mornings and evenings are the best times for fishing. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.

Eufaula: Elevation 2 ft. below normal and clear. Largemouth bass fair on Carolina rigged soft plastics at 4-10 Ft. White bass good on slab spoons at 8-20 ft. on the flats. Crappie fair on jigs at 10-20 ft. around bridges and standing timber. Report submitted Ed Rodebush, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.

Hugo: Elevation slightly above normal, water 83 and murky. Largemouth bass fair on buzz baits and plastic worms. Crappie fair on minnows. Channel catfish fair on 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 1 ft. below normal, water 84 and clear. Largemouth bass fair on shad-colored lures early and late on schooling bass in open water and fair on soft plastic lures at 10-20 ft. along rocky points. Crappie fair on minnows and 10-20 ft around cedar brush off of main creek channels. Report submitted by Joe Young, game warden stationed in Atoka County.

Lower Mountain Fork River: July 25. Trout fishing has slowed. Fishermen Zone 2 are catching/releasing lots of fish on WD-40, Zebra Midge, small light mayfly patterns, various caddis adult patterns and some brightly colored streamers. The power house has been releasing water daily, so be prepared to vacate the river when the water starts to rise. Report submitted by Sid Ingram, Beavers Bend Fly Shop.

Murray: Elevation 2-3 ft. below normal, water 84 and clear. Largemouth and smallmouth bass good on topwaters early morning, plastic jerk baits and plastic worms on bottom. White bass fair late evenings and early morning on plastic worms on bottom. Crappie and channel catfish fair. Report submitted by Jeremy Brothers, game warden stationed in Carter County.

Pine Creek: Elevation normal and clear. Bass good on Pop R's and buzzbaits late in the evening. Crappie fair on purple and pink jigs around the old bridge and submerged tops. Catfish fair on cut bait on juglines. Sunfish good throughout the lake on red worms. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.

Robert S. Kerr: Elevation normal, water 84 and clear. Largemouth bass slow at 6-8 ft. using plastic baits and crankbaits fishing the rip rapped dikes and rocky areas around the lake. Crappie fair at 12 ft. using minnows fishing the bends in the old creek channels. White bass fair surface at 8 ft. fishing the Applegate cove areas. Blue and flathead catfish fair at 3-10 ft. using live bait and fresh cut shad fishing the old creek and river channels. Walleye and sauger fair at 5-8 ft. using minnows and jigs fishing the mouth of the Illinois River. Report submitted by Rick Olzawski, game warden stationed in Haskell County.

Sardis Lake: Elevation below normal and clear. White bass and walleye trolling deep running crankbaits around islands. Blue catfish and flathead fair on juglines and trotlines baited with cut shad and baits. Crappie good on minnows around bridges and brush piles. Largemouth bass slow. Report submitted by Allen Couch, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.

Texoma: Elevation 3 3/4 ft. below normal, water 83 and clear. Largemouth and smallmouth bass fair to good on topwaters and deep diving baits from the surface to 15 ft. around underwater structures and points. Striped bass and white bass very good on topwaters, slabs and live shad from the surface to 30 ft. from Catfish Bay to Caney Creek. Channel and blue catfish fair to good on cut shad and shrimp at 15-25 ft. near Platter Flats and Little Glasses Creek and Newberry Creek. Crappie slow on minnows around sunken brush piles. Report submitted by Danny Clubb, game warden stationed in Bryan County.

Wister: Elevation normal, water 81. Largemouth bass good, salt craws and dark-colored spinnerbaits at 3-8 ft. in the evenings. Channel and blue catfish fair on stinkbaits around the rip rap areas or rocky points. All other fishing was slow this past week. Report submitted by D.G. Belcher, game warden stationed in Latimer and LeFlore counties.

SOUTHWEST

Altus-Lugert: Elevation 21 ft. below normal. Lake level is dropping very quickly. North shore boat ramp is high and dry. Water murky. Crappie fair on minnows. Striped bass hybrids and white bass fair on minnows around Lakeview boat ramp.

Catfish fair on shad. Walleye fair. Report compiled by Quartz Mountain Grocery.

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

Ft. Cobb: Elevation 2/3 ft. below normal and water stained. Catfish fair on cut baits on juglines. Report submitted by James Edwards Jr., game warden station in Caddo County.

Waurika: Elevation 4 ft. below normal, water 84. White bass and striped bass hybrids fair on live bait and deep water. Channel catfish good on punch bait. Crappie fair around standing timber. Report submitted by Phillip Cottrill, game warden stationed in Jefferson County.