Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

[Phil Lilley]

For Immediate Release:

March 2, 2007

A service of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

News Contacts: Michael Bergin or Micah Holmes (405) 521-3856

Web site: www.wildlifedepartment.com

Oklahoma bass fishing heats up; 12-pound largemouth caught at McGee Creek

March offers full schedule of events for outdoor enthusiasts

Youth Hunter Education Challenge events begin this month

Outdoor Calendar

Fishing Report

Oklahoma bass fishing heats up; 12-pound largemouth caught at McGee Creek

One Sooner angler has already proven that now is the time to be bass fishing in Oklahoma. Clayton Dorris, Blanchard, landed a 12 lb., 6 oz. largemouth bass Feb. 23 out of McGee Creek Lake in Atoka County.

The fish measured over 28 inches in length and had a 21-inch girth. Dorris caught the fish while preparing for an upcoming tournament at McGee Creek. The fish missed being one of the top 20 heaviest largemouth bass caught in Oklahoma by only seven ounces.

"My intent was not to catch a big fish, but it just happened that I was in the right spot at the right time," Dorris said.

Dorris probably didn't realize just how true his words were when he spoke them. According to fisheries biologists with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, right now through the next month is among the best time all year for catching big bass.

"We are entering prime trophy bass fishing season," said Paul Mauck, southcentral region fisheries supervisor for the Wildlife Department. "Since we are coming out of this colder weather, bass are actively feeding and putting on weight for spawning, and that means they will be found in shallower waters and may bite an angler's line more often."

Officials at the Wildlife Department say bass are the most sought after game fish in Oklahoma.

"Something about this time of year gets people excited about things like bass fishing, and that's good because it's one of the best times of the year to go," Mauck said. "Another great thing about bass is that they are powerful fighters and are easy to find in Oklahoma. They do well in ponds, lakes, rivers and streams and will hit anything from a worm on a child's hook to a surface lure worked by a seasoned angler."

Dorris caught his trophy bass by fishing 16-20 ft. deep with a shad-colored spinnerbait. He used a "yo-yo" technique to attract the fish, but he claims the catch was more a result of getting out there and fishing than being a highly skillful angler. He is active in two clubs and said he will fish about 4-7 days a month between now and November. He claims anybody can have luck bass fishing in Oklahoma if they learn a few simple tips and simply go fishing.

"You don't have to be a professional. You just have to be on the water," Dorris said. "You'll never catch a big fish sitting at home."

****Photo*****

Editor's note: Below is a link for an accompanying photo that is 300 DPI 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.

http://www.wildlifedepartment.com/newsrele...022807/bass.jpg

Photo Credit: Mackey Keener, McGee Creek State Park Ranger

Caption: Clayton Dorris, Blanchard, caught this 12 lb., 6 oz. largemouth bass Feb. 23 that measured over 28 inches in length, confirming claims from Wildlife Department officials that now is a great time for trophy bass fishing. Dorris caught the bass at McGee Creek Lake.

-30-

March offers full schedule of events for outdoor enthusiasts

March is full of activities and events catered to Oklahoma's outdoorsmen, like the Oklahoma Station of the Safari Club International's annual banquet March 3. The event features a live auction where bidders have a chance to buy guided hunts all over Oklahoma and the world, as well as art, firearms, camping equipment, vacations, jewelry and more. The banquet generates revenue for the organization, which supports local causes that benefit the sportsmen and wildlife in Oklahoma.

Learn more about this event and others on the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation's Outdoor Calendar by logging on to wildlifedepartment.com.

The Outdoor Calendar is updated daily and can help sportsmen plan outings all across the state.

"The Outdoor Calendar is a great way for people to learn about events all over Oklahoma," said Nels Rodefeld, chief of the information and education division of the Wildlife Department. "For example, the calendar could be used to plan a family getaway to Tulsa this weekend for the NatureWorks Art Show Saturday and Sunday or the Tulsa Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation's annual banquet and fundraiser."

The NatureWorks Art Show and Sale, to be held at the Tulsa Renaissance Hotel and Convention Center (6808 South 107th East Avenue) features the work of nationally and internationally known outdoor artists and, in recent years, has generated matching grants to assist a variety of state wildlife conservation projects. The show runs 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Tulsa's NWTF chapter lays claim to being the oldest and longest running chapter and banquet in the state's NWTF history. The group's event begins at 6 p.m. Saturday and will include a patriotic ceremony as well as dinner, games, prizes, an auction and kids activities. Tickets can be purchased by calling (918) 688-9446.

Other NWTF chapter events are featured on the Outdoor Calendar, as are hunter education courses, hunting season dates, eagle viewing events, wildlife seminars, outdoor cooking classes, hunting and fishing events and more.

"Basically anything related to Oklahoma's strong tradition of enjoying the outdoors can be found on the Outdoor Calendar," Rodefeld said. "You can't beat it as a source for what's happening in the outdoors across the state."

To have your outdoor event placed on the Department's Outdoor Calendar, e-mail kgillman@odwc.state.ok.us, fax (405) 521-6898 or mail details to Kristen Gillman, PO Box 53465, OKC, OK 73152. Please include the date, time and location of the event as well as a contact person and information on registering for the event.

Sportsmen can receive the current week's Outdoor Calendar events by e-mail when they subscribe to the Wildlife Department's weekly news release at http://www.wildlifedepartment.com/wl_news.htm.

-30-

Youth Hunter Education Challenge events begin this month

Youth can sharpen their outdoor skills this year by participating in the National Rifle Association's Oklahoma Youth Hunter Education Challenge (YHEC) events.

"We're ready to get the 2007 season going and are looking to have a lot more participation across the state," said Carey Pribil, Oklahoma YHEC state coordinator.

YHEC is a program developed exclusively for hunter education course graduates from North America up to 19 years of age. YHEC provides graduates with a unique opportunity to test their abilities at a variety of hunting techniques, including shotgun, archery, and rifle events. The event is divided into youth and senior competitions with both groups competing at the same level of difficulty. Participants also are tested on their knowledge of wildlife species, knowledge of regulations and hunting ethics. Knowledge is tested on the hunter safety trail where participants are led through simulated hunting scenarios and must not only determine when it is legal to harvest game, but also must make correct decisions about whether to shoot at all.

This training ensures the future of the American hunting tradition as a safe, viable, recreational activity the entire family can enjoy. Though participants are scored and ranked in all YHEC events, the real challenge focuses on personal improvement.

Pribil said the competition aspect should not scare off participants because the events focus on educating youth and give them an opportunity to improve.

"It gives them another avenue to test their skills," Pribil said, adding that the events help youth measure what they learned in their hunter education course and in the field.

For more information about the hunter education course offered by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, log on to wildlifedepartment.com.

The first YHEC event will be March 31 at the Stillwater Gun Club in the Lake McMurtry area in Stillwater. For more information and a schedule of events, log on to yhec.org or call Carey Pribil at (405) 613-8755.

-30-

OUTDOOR CALENDAR

MARCH

12 & 13 & 15: Hunter Education: Bass Pro Shop (101 Bass Pro Dr.), Broken Arrow; 6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.; (918) 355-7600, ask for promotion manager.

12 & 13 & 15: Hunter Education: Bass Pro Shop (101 Bass Pro Dr.), Broken Arrow; 6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.; (918) 355-7600, ask for promotion manager.

14 & 15: Hunter Education: Francis Tuttle 1400A (12777 N Rockwell), OKC; 5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.; (405) 521-4636.

16 & 17: Stars over the Wichitas interpretive program. The public is invited to participate in an evening with the stars where they will study major constellations and other heavenly bodies with the assistance from an amateur astronomer. The two hour program begins 30-minutes after sunset. Participants will meet at the Boulder/Lost Lake picnic area. Program is limited to 15 people and participants must be at least eight years of age. Registration is required and a $5 fee will be collected. Reservations can be made by call (580) 429-3222.

17: Hunter Education: High School, Sallisaw; 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

17: Hunter Education: Civic Center, Wagoner; 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.;

23-25: The Third Annual Oklahoma Selfbow Jamboree, hosted by the Rutter family. The farm has a three-acre pond next to the campsite, where those who wish can fish. A small covered pavilion will serve as the center of activities. Portable out-houses will be provided, and limited trailer camping is available. There is sufficient room for primitive (tent) camping. For directions and additional information go to www.ojam.org.

26: Hunter Education, High Plains Tech Center, Woodward. 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

26: Hunter Education Home Study, Bass Pro (200 Bass Pro Drive), OKC; 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. (405) 218-5200

30: Standardized Employment Exam, at Rose State College, Tom Steed Building, Auditorium, I-40 & Hudiburg Rd, Midwest City. Exam starts at 10 am. Bring a photo ID.

30 & 31: Project WILD for college credit at Oklahoma State University, Stillwater. Class runs from 4 p.m. - 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.. For more information or to enroll call Education Outreach at 800-765-8933.

FISHING REPORT FOR FEBRUARY 28, 2007

CENTRAL

Arcadia: Elevation below normal. Crappie being caught at 8 ft. on red and white jigs. Channel catfish caught on cut shad drift fishing. Report submitted by Tim Campbell, state game warden stationed in Oklahoma County.

Hefner: Water 44 and clear. Crappie fair on jigs off the dam. Report submitted by Kelly Roberson, game warden stationed in Oklahoma County.

Overholser: Water 55 and murky. Crappie fair on jigs around docks. Report submitted by Kelly Roberson, game warden stationed in Oklahoma County.

Wes Watkins: Elevation 5 1/2 ft. below normal, water 51. White bass fair off points on rattle traps and crankbaits. Channel catfish fair on cut baits around the shoreline. Report submitted by Ronnie Arganbright, state game warden stationed in Pottawatomie County.

NORTHEAST

Birch: Elevation 2 3/4 ft. below normal and clear. Crappie fair on soft plastic jigs and minnows along creek channels. Report submitted by Paul Welch, game warden stationed in Osage County.

Carl Blackwell: Elevation 4 ft. below normal, water 42 and murky. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs at 15-25 ft. Report submitted by Jon Cunningham, game warden stationed in Payne County.

Copan: Elevation is 1 1/2 ft. below normal and clear. Crappie good at 14-15 ft. on chartreuse or black/pink tube jigs from the banks. Catfish fair to good on juglines in or near the river channel. Report submitted by Marni Loftis, state game warden stationed in Washington County.

Eucha: Elevation slightly above normal, water 45 and clear. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around brush and structure at 14-16 ft. Largemouth bass fair on spinnerbaits. Report submitted by Dwight Moore, City of Tulsa Fisheries.

Ft. Gibson: Elevation 2 ft. above normal and murky. Channel catfish good in creek channels and around drop offs and on juglines baited with whole shad. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around brush at 10-12 ft. Report submitted Don Cole, game warden stationed in Wagoner County.

Grand: Elevation normal, water clear. Crappie fair around brush piles on minnows and jigs. Channel catfish fair in river channels using cut or whole shad. Report submitted by Jim Littlefield, game warden stationed in Delaware County.

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

Hulah: Elevation 1 ft. below normal and clear. Crappie good at 14-15 ft. on chartreuse or black/pink tube jigs from the bank. Catfish fair to good on juglines in or near the river channel. Report submitted by Marni Loftis, state game warden stationed in Washington County.

Kaw: Elevation 1 ft. above normal, water 45 and clear. Crappie are picking up on Kaw at 20-25 ft. around brush piles that have been placed in areas close to natural structure, drop-offs, riprap, and both marinas. The riprap on the Washunga Bay bridge and the Sarge Creek bridge are historically good areas. Washunga bay has been producing the best the last part of February, although fishing is good from the upper Arkansas River to the dam. There are brush piles that have been placed by the Wildlife Department, and these areas are marked with fishing buoys. When most fishing is done from a boat, a depth finder is necessary to find the brush. Generally if your lure or minnow is not in close proximity to the brush, the fish wont see your bait 2 ft. or closer. 1/8 oz jigs with 2" bodies work well, black and green; 10 lb. super line (fire line) helps the abrasive effects of the zebra mussels. Blue catfish will pick up as the water temps edge closer to 50. Jug fishing with cut bait is a very effective technique setting the hooks at five inch intervals at 5-30 ft. When fish are caught, concentrate hooks and bait in the productive zone. The best areas are the upper portion of the lake in the river channel, and trotlines are also very effective. Most anglers use fresh gizzard shad cut into pieces caught with a cast net in the same area. Fishing below Kaw dam has picked up with the recent release of water, with a few white bass showing up. Report submitted by Larry Green, game warden stationed in Osage County.

Keystone: Elevation 2 1/2 ft. above normal, water 45-48 and clear to murky. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass slow to fair on jig and chunk and suspended baits at 8-15 ft. off points and bluffs. White bass fair on spoons and minnows at 10-15 ft. in mouths of creeks. Striped bass below the dam good on Red Fins and Long-A-Bombers at 2-4 ft. when discharging. Striped bass in the lake fair on live shad and big swim baits at 12-20 ft. along Hwy 64 riprap. Channel catfish good on worms and shrimp at 6-10 ft. in creeks. Blue catfish good on shad and worms at 12-20 ft. in mouth of coves. Flathead catfish fair on live shad and worms at 12-20 ft. along rocky bluffs in creeks. Crappie good on small jigs and minnows at 10-20 ft. around docks and brush piles. Report submitted by Larry Sellers, Woody's Bait and Tackle.

Oologah: Elevation normal, water in the lower 40's and clear. Crappie fair on jigs around brush piles at 20 ft. Report submitted by Brek Henry, game warden stationed in Rogers County.

Skiatook: Elevation 12 ft. below normal, water 43-52 and clear. Crappie fair to good, on jigs and minnows, in creek channels and on structure. Largemouth bass fair, in relatively shallow water on jigs and crankbaits. Smallmouth bass fair to poor, suspended over deeper water on stick baits and crankbaits. Report submitted by Greenwood Fishing Center.

Sooner: White bass and striped bass hybrids fair on sassy shad and topwater lures in the discharge channel. Channel and blue catfish fair on live and dead shad in the discharge channel. Report submitted by Doug Gottschalk, game warden stationed in Noble County.

Spavinaw: Elevation slightly above normal, water 45 and clear. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around the dam area. Largemouth bass fair on jerk baits. Report submitted by Dwight Moore, City of Tulsa Fisheries.

Tenkiller: Elevation 1/3 ft. above normal, water 44-46 and clear. Largemouth slow with some action on soft plastic jigs on drop-offs. Crappie slow with some action in docks in the mornings on tube jigs.

Webbers Falls: Largemouth fair on jig and worms in creek channels and brush structure on cut bait and stink bait. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs at 12 ft. around brush structure. Report submitted by Lark Wilson, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.

NORTHWEST

Canton: Elevation 8 ft below normal. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs near brush piles. White bass and striped bass hybrids fair on lake side of spillway on minnows and jigs. Report submitted by Mark Walker, game warden stationed in Blaine County.

Ft. Supply: Elevation below normal. Crappie fair on jigs around gate tower. Report submitted by Mark Reichenberger, game warden stationed in Harper County.

SOUTHEAST

Arbuckle: Elevation normal, water 44-47 and stained. Crappie good off docks and brush piles around dam. White bass slow. Bass fair to good at 12-14 ft. with some bass moving up in shallow in afternoon and caught on spinnerbaits and jigs. Report submitted by Jack Melton.

Blue River: Elevation normal, water 51 and clear. Largemouth bass fair on minnows and flies. Catfish fair on liver and worms. Trout good on power bait, super dupers, rooster tails and meal worms. Report submitted by Charles Baker, technician at Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area.

Broken Bow: Elevation above normal, water clear. Crappie good on jigs around submerged timber. Bass great on spoons at 30 ft. in creek channels. Catfish good on trotlines with cut bait. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.

Eufaula: Elevation 1 ft. above normal and murky. Blue catfish fair on shad at 5-25 ft. off the flats. Crappie fair on minnows or jigs at 15-20 ft. around boat docks. Report submitted Ed Rodebush, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.

Hugo: Elevation 1/4 ft. above normal, water 46 and murky. Largemouth bass fair on spinnerbaits. Crappie fair on minnows. Blue catfish fair on dead minnows and liver. Report submitted by Wendell Smalling, game warden stationed in Choctaw County.

Konawa: Elevation normal, water 45 and clear. Largemouth bass good on crankbaits along points and roadbeds at 15 ft. White bass and striped bass hybrids fair on minnows and jigs at 15 ft. in discharge channel. Report submitted by Daryl Howser, game warden stationed in Seminole County.

McGee Creek: Elevation 1/2 ft. above normal, water 46 and murky. Largemouth bass fair on soft plastic lures over deep water drop-offs. White bass fair on grubs along windy points. Report submitted by Larry Luman, game warden stationed in Atoka County.

Lower Mountain Fork River: Trout good on midges and mayflies, March brown mayflies, San Juan worms, egg patterns and midge patterns. The powerhouse has been releasing water daily. Report submitted by Sid Ingram, Beavers Bend Fly Shop.

Pine Creek: Elevation above normal water clear. Crappie excellent on jigs around points. Bass fair on crankbaits around creek channels. Catfish fair on trotlines baited with shad. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.

Robert S. Kerr: Elevation normal, water 44 and murky. Largemouth bass slow at 8-10 ft. using jigs and plastic baits fishing the rock and riprapped areas next to the old creek channels. Crappie good at 10 ft. using small minnows fishing the edges of the old creek channels of Dirty, Big Sans Bois and Sallisaw creeks. White bass fair at 10 ft. using jigs fishing below Webbers Falls dam. Blue catfish good at 20-30 ft. using fresh cut shad fishing the old Arkansas River channel. Report submitted by Rick Olzawski, game warden stationed in Haskell County.

Texoma: Elevation normal, water 46 and clear. Striped bass and white bass fair to good on sassy shad and live bait at 10-20 ft. in the coves. Crappie fair on small minnows and jigs at 10-15 ft. in Widow Moore Creek. Report submitted by Danny Clubb, game warden stationed in Bryan County.

Wister: Elevation 1/2 ft. above normal and murky. Crappie good on minnows and jigs. Channel catfish good on cut shad. Report submitted by Randy Fennell, game warden stationed in LeFlore County.

SOUTHWEST

Ellsworth: Elevation 13 ft. below normal. Crappie fair at Ralph's Resort at 10-12 ft. Report submitted by Mike Carroll, game warden stationed in Comanche County.

Foss: Elevation 5 ft. below normal, water 38 and clear. Striped bass hybrids and walleye fair. Crappie good. Catfish fair. Report submitted by Eric Puyear, B & K Bait House.

Ft. Cobb: Elevation 1 3/4 ft. below normal. Crappie slow to fair around marina and boat slips. Saugeye slow to fair along east end of dam. Report submitted by James Edwards Jr., game warden station in Caddo County.

Tom Steed: Crappie fair on jigs around brush piles. Report submitted by David Smith, game warden stationed in

Kiowa County.