Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

[Phil Lilley]

Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

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

Web site: www.wildlifedepartment.com

Wildlife Department seeks artists for waterfowl stamp design

Study suggests Konawa is still a hotspot

American Horse Lake access temporarily closed

Duck blind drawings slated

Outdoor Calendar

Fishing Report

Wildlife Department seeks artists for waterfowl stamp design

The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation is accepting entries for the Oklahoma Waterfowl Stamp design competition. The deadline to submit art is 4:30 p.m., Sept. 7.

The mallard will be featured on the 2008-09 stamp, and the winning art will be printed on the 2008-09 Oklahoma Waterfowl Stamp.

“There are going to be two big changes to this year’s waterfowl stamp design competition,” said Micah Holmes, information supervisor for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. “First, artists will have the option of including a retriever in their artwork. The mallard should be the featured element of the painting, but I am hoping some artists find a way to work their favorite sporting dog into the background or foreground of the image. After all, the only thing waterfowlers love as much as ducks and geese is their dogs.”

According to Holmes, the second change in this year’s competition will be the manner in which the artwork is judged.

“In all the previous years of the competition, a small panel of judges has voted on the winning artwork,” Holmes said. “This year, we’re going to let the public give their opinion. Selected entries will be on display at the Oklahoma Wildlife Expo Sept. 28-30 and visitors can come by and vote for their favorite image.”

Duck stamp sales help finance many projects that benefit ducks and geese. Since the duck stamp program began in 1980, thousands of acres of waterfowl habitat have been created through duck stamp revenues.

Artwork may be of acrylic, oil, watercolor, scratchboard, pencil, pen and ink, tempera or any other two-dimensional media. The illustration must be horizontal, six and a half inches high and nine inches wide. It must be matted with white mat board nine inches high by 12 inches wide with the opening cut precisely 6.5 x 9. Artwork may not be framed or under glass, but acetate covering should be used to protect the art. All artists must depict the mallard, and any habitat appearing in the design must be typical of Oklahoma. For complete entry guidelines, call (405) 521-3856.

Entries should be sent to the Duck Stamp Competition Coordinator, Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, P.O. Box 53465, Oklahoma City, OK 73152. Fed Ex, UPS and other ground deliveries should be sent to 1801 N. Lincoln, Oklahoma City, OK 73105.

Entries will be judged on anatomical accuracy, artistic composition and suitability for printing. The winner and three honorable mentions will appear in a future issue of Outdoor Oklahoma magazine.

A non-refundable entry fee of $20 (cash, money order or cashier’s check) must accompany each entry. No entries will be accepted after 4:30 p.m. Sept. 7.

The winning artist will receive a purchase award of $1,200. The winning entry will become the sole and exclusive property of the Wildlife Department.

A selection of waterfowl stamp art from previous years is currently on display in the lobby of the Wildlife Department headquarters located at 1801 N. Lincoln, in Oklahoma City.

Prints of previous winning waterfowl artwork can be purchased at wildlifedepartment.com/oklahomastampprogram.htm.

For more information about the contest call (405) 521-3856.

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Study suggests Konawa is still a hotspot

Konawa Lake needs little introduction as a bass fishing hotspot, and recent spring electrofishing data from the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation suggests the lake’s reputation is well deserved.

Every spring, Wildlife Department fisheries personnel collect bass using electrofishing equipment and then weigh and measure each fish before releasing them back into the water unharmed. The information collected is then used to help biologists decide which lakes would benefit from specialized management techniques, such as length restrictions and slot limits.

For the ninth year in a row, Seminole County’s 1,300-acre Konawa Lake beat out other state lakes over 1,000 acres in the number of bass sampled per hour, with 185 fish.

“It doesn’t surprise me that Konawa produced the most bass in this survey,” said Kurt Kuklinski, fisheries research biologist for the Wildlife Department. “The lake is a great place for anglers to catch bass, and this survey seems to confirm that every year during these surveys.”

Lake Arbuckle took the number two position with 130 bass sampled per hour, followed by Hudson Lake with 106 bass.

American Horse lead the way in lakes under 1,000 acres with 223 bass per hour, followed by Vian with 181 bass per hour and Wetumka with 167. Anglers should be aware that flood damage has temporarily closed access to American Horse Lake.

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.

“Some of our major lakes, such as Grand Lake and Eufaula Lake, didn’t get sampled because such high water levels and unusual environmental conditions created by the intense rains this spring would have resulted in inaccurate data,” Kuklinski said. “We knew the information would be skewed compared to normal years and wouldn’t be useful for long term management of those fisheries.”

Kuklinski added that conditions associated with Oklahoma’s high lake levels, such as submerged vegetation that had been growing on exposed shorelines before flooding, often prove beneficial to newly-hatched fish.

“Even though we didn’t sample some of our bigger lakes, we are confident that anglers can enjoy good populations of fish and great angling over the next year,” Kuklinski said.

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 also is collected during they surveys on the number of bass sampled per hour that measure more than 14 inches, and the heaviest fish from each lake are recorded as well.

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."

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 Sept. 28-30. Pre-registration is required and can be done by calling Carol Lee at (405) 521-3721 or by e-mailing clee@odwc.state.ok.us between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Space is limited on the trips, and sign-up is on a first-come, first-served basis. Five trips will be taken during Expo Sept. 28-30, including 5:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 28 and 9 a.m. or 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For more information, log on to wildlifedepartment.com.

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American Horse Lake access temporarily closed

Anglers looking to fish at American Horse Lake near Geary will not be able to access the lake over the next several days.

“Because of recent flooding, road conditions are too poor to access American Horse Lake,” said Barry Bolton, fisheries chief for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. “People in vehicles towing boats aren’t able to get to the lake because of the road damage, and those who do get part-way down the road have to find some way to turn their rigs around, which can be difficult on damaged roads. That’s why it’s better to keep off the roads until repairs are completed.”

Bolton said the lake will reopen once county roads are repaired. Signs have been placed on Hwy 281 to alert motorists of the access closures.

American Horse Lake is one of 15 small lakes owned and managed by the Wildlife Department. Information and maps for these lakes and their locations can be obtained in a booklet called “Department Lakes,” available for $2 from the Department’s fisheries division office. Special fishing regulations for these lakes can be found in the current “Oklahoma Fishing Guide.”

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Duck blind drawings slated

Drawings for permanent duck blinds at Fort Gibson, Eufaula, Webbers Falls, Waurika and W.D. Mayo will take place Saturday, Sept. 22.

Anyone wanting a permanent blind permit must be 16 years of age and they must be present at the drawings.

Registration and drawings for duck blinds at Fort Gibson, Eufaula and Webbers Falls will take place at the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation field office in Porter, located between Wagoner and Muskogee on Hwy. 69. Registration and drawings for Fort Gibson will be at 7 a.m. and 8 a.m., respectively; for Eufaula, 9:30 and 10:30, respectively; and for Webbers Falls, noon and 1 p.m., respectively.

Drawings for Waurika will be at 9 a.m. at the Corps of Engineers office at the Waurika Lake dam.

The drawing for duck blinds at W.D. Mayo will be at 10 a.m. at the Spiro City Council Chamber, 510 South Main St. (located at the south end of Main).

Applicants must have a current Oklahoma hunting or combination license and a valid state waterfowl license and a federal duck stamp, unless they are exempt. Additionally, they need a fishing and hunting legacy permit and valid Harvest Information Program (HIP) Permit. Consult the “2007-08 Oklahoma Waterfowl Guide,” available in September, for regulations and hunting information.

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OUTDOOR CALENDAR

SEPTEMBER

1- Oct. 30: Dove Season, statewide. Daily limit is 15, except for the Southwest Zone, where the daily limit is 12. The southwest zone also is open to dove hunting Dec. 26-Jan. 4. Be sure to consult the “2007-2008 Oklahoma Hunting Guide.”

1: Saturday Morning Birding: The program runs from 8 a.m.-9:45 a.m. and is open to all ages. Many birds are preparing for their move south. Others are feasting on fall fruits. Meet at Oxley Nature Center in Tulsa and bring binoculars if you have them. Admission is free, registration not required. For more information call (918) 669-6644 or e-mail oxley@ci.tulsa.ok.us.

Web site: www.oxleynaturecenter.org.

1: Search for Autumn: The program runs 8:30-10:30 a.m. and is open to all ages. We'll hike the trail at Redbud Valley Nature Preserve looking for, listening to, smelling and maybe even tasting the changing of the season. Fee: $2 for general public and free to members of Friends of Oxley Nature Center. Redbud Valley is located four miles north of I-44 on N. 161st East Ave., Catoosa, Okla. Please register in advance. For more information call (918) 669-6644 or e-mail oxley@ci.tulsa.ok.us. Web site: www.oxleynaturecenter.org.

2: Star Maps for Beginners: The program runs from 7:30-8:30 p.m. and is open to all ages. Make a star wheel that you can use as the sun sets a little earlier each week. You will have a few stars to find by the time the program ends. Fee: $2 for general public and free to members of Friends of Oxley Nature Center. Please register in advance. For more information call (918) 669-6644 or e-mail oxley@ci.tulsa.ok.us. Web site: www.oxleynaturecenter.org.

4: The Wildlife Conservation Commission meeting is set for 9 a.m. at the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation headquarters (auditorium) located at the southwest corner of 18th and North Lincoln, Oklahoma City.

4: Volunteer Naturalist Training: Do You Enjoy Children and Nature? Are you still curious about the marvelous wonders of nature? Do you enjoy being out of doors exploring in the forests and fields and wetlands? The heat of summer is tapering off, and the natural areas beckon. Sign up now for our Volunteer Training beginning Sept. 4 at Oxley Nature Center in Tulsa. For more information call at (918) 669-6644 or e-mail oxley@ci.tulsa.ok.us.

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

4 & 6: Hunter Education: Kiamichi Technology Center, Atoka; 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.

4 & 18: Hunter Education Home Study: Wakita High School Ag Building, Wakita.

4: Aquatic Resources Education Clinic at Arcadia Con. Ed Area. To register contact Damon Springer at (405) 521-3855.

5: Tree Leaf ID: The program runs 10:30 a.m. to noon and is open to all ages. Do you ever wonder what kind of tree leaves grow around you? Join us at Oxley Nature Center in Tulsa to try out our new Tree Leaf ID booklet. We will key out 12 species at the nature center. Fee: $2 for general public and free to members of Friends of Oxley Nature Center. Please register in advance. For more information call (918) 669-6644 or e-mail oxley@ci.tulsa.ok.us.

7 & 8: Hunter Education: Victory Life Church, Durant; Sept. 7 (6 p.m. - 9 p.m.) and Sept. 8 (8 a.m. - 2 p.m.).

8: Aquatic Resources Education Clinic: Harrah Days Clinic, Harrah Heritage Park Pond.

8: Hunter Education Home Study: Library, Midwest City; 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.; (405) 732-4828.

8: Hunter Education: Clayton School Cafeteria, Clayton; 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

8: Hunter Education: Heavener School Cafeteria, Heavener; 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

8: Hunter Education: High School Cafeteria, Smithville; 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

8: Hunter Education: County Fair Barn, Okemah; 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

8: Hunter Education: Seminole State College (Room 506), Seminole; 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

8: Hunter Education: Newcastle Storm Shelter, Newcastle; 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

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

8 & 22: Hunter Education Home Study: Silo Public School, Silo; 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

8: Discovery Club, Adventure Club and Junior Naturalist activities: The program runs from 10 a.m - 11 a.m. Meet at Oxley Nature Center in Tulsa. Fee: $2 for general public and free to members of Friends of Oxley Nature Center. Please register in advance. For more information contact us at (918) 669-6644 or oxley@ci.tulsa.ok.us.

8: Butterflies: The program runs 10:30 a.m. to noon and is open to all ages. Monarchs are beginning to migrate. Swallowtails, hairstreaks and fritillaries are also abundant. Bring binoculars if you have them, and meet us at Oxley Nature Center in Tulsa. Free, registration not required. For more information contact us at (918) 669-6644 or oxley@ci.tulsa.ok.us. www.oxleynaturecenter.org.

9: Bugling Elk Tours at the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge: Tours will take participants into the Refuge's Special Use Area during the height of the elk mating season. Tours will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Refuge headquarters located on the west side of the Refuge approx. six miles from the visitor center. Registration is required and a $5 fee will be collected. Registrations will start August 27 and can be made by calling (580) 429-3222 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

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

10 & 11: Hunter Education: Kiamichi Tech Center, Atoka; 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.; must attend both nights.

10 & 11: Hunter Education: School Cafeteria, Pawhuska; 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.; must attend both nights.

11: Hunter Education Home Study: Tulsa Technology Center (Peoria Campus, Council Oaks Room), Tulsa; 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.; (918) 299-2334.

12: Entry Deadline for the Second Annual Touchtone Energy Bass Fishing Tournament at Lake Carl Blackwell, Stillwater. The tournament will be held at Ski Point at 6:45 a.m. on Saturday, September 15. There will be cash prizes. First place is $600. Entry is $70 per boat and limited to 50 boats. For more information contact Central Rural Electric Company at (405) 533-4202.

13: Bugling Elk Tours at the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. Tours will take participants into the Refuge's Special Use Area during the height of the elk mating season. Tours will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Refuge headquarters located on the west side of the Refuge approx. six miles from the visitor center. Registration is required and a $5 fee will be collected. Registrations can be made by calling (580) 429-3222 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

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

14 & 15: Hunter Education: East Central University (Estep Room); Ada; Sept. 14 (6 p.m. - 9 p.m.) and Sept 15 (9 a.m. - 3 p.m.).

14 & 15: Hunter Education: High School Auditorium, Boswell; Sept. 14 (9 a.m. - 3 p.m.) and Sept. 15 (9 a.m. - 12 p.m.).

15: Hunter Education Community Center (301 S Cedar), Owasso; 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.; (918) 299-2334.

15: Hunter Education: Northeastern State University (Net Building Auditorium), Tahlequah; 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

15: Hunter Education: Public Library, Altus; 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

15: Hunter Education: Green Country Tech Center, Okmulgee; 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

15: Hunter Education: High School Auditorium, Antlers; 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

15: Hunter Education: Middle School Cafeteria, Broken Bow; 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

15: Hunter Education: School Cafeteria, Thackerville; 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

15: Hunter Education: Drummond School, Drummond; 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

15: Bugling Elk Tours at the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. Tours will take participants into the Refuge's Special Use Area during the height of the elk mating season. Tours will begin at 6:30 a.m. at the Refuge headquarters located on the west side of the Refuge approx. six miles from the visitor center. Registration is required and a $5 fee will be collected. Registrations will start August 27 and can be made by calling (580) 429-3222 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

15 & 16: Backwoods Bowhunters 3-D Archery Shoots (located seven and one half mile west of Hwy 4 on Britton Rd. between Yukon and El Reno). Shoot start at 8 a.m. Books close at 2 p.m. Scores in by 4 p.m. Cost is $10. Contact Johnny Pappan at (405) 350-1551 or Pat Finnigan (405) 262- 7559. E-mail jnlpappan@sbcglobal.net <mailto:jnlpappan@sbcglobal.net>

FISHING REPORT FOR AUGUST 29, 2007

CENTRAL

Hefner: Elevation normal, water 88 and clear. Largemouth bass being caught along the shoreline on buzzbaits, spinnerbaits and plastic worms. White bass being caught on minnows and jigs. Channel catfish being caught on punch bait, cut bait and stinkbait. Crappie being caught on minnows and jigs. Walleye being caught from boats trolling with deep diving crankbaits. Report submitted by Kelly Roberson, game warden stationed in Oklahoma County.

Overholser: Elevation above normal. Channel catfish fair on stinkbait and cut bait. Crappie being caught around docks. There is a little activity below the dam catching white bass and striped bass hybrids. Report submitted by Ron Comer, game warden stationed in Canadian County.

Thunderbird: Elevation 4 1/2 ft. above normal and murky. Channel catfish fair to good on cut bait and stinkbaits. Crappie good on minnows at 6-8 ft. around structure. Report submitted by Tony Woodruff, game warden stationed in Cleveland County.

NORTHEAST

Bell Cow: Elevation above normal and murky. Largemouth bass fair on plastics. Report submitted by Gary Emmons, game warden stationed in Lincoln County.

Birch: Elevation 3 ft. above normal, water 87. Largemouth bass good on plastics in creeks. Striped bass hybrids fair trolling main lake. Crappie good at 10-12 ft. Report submitted by James Williams, game warden stationed in Osage County.

Chandler: Elevation above normal and murky. Bass fair on plastics. Catfish fair at night on cut bait. Crappie slow. Report submitted by Gary Emmons, game warden stationed in Lincoln County.

Copan: Elevation normal, water murky. Crappie good on minnows and jigs at 8-10 ft. near structure. Report submitted by Joe Alexander, game warden stationed in Washington County.

Eucha: Elevation 3 ft. below normal, water 84 and murky. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around brush and structure at 16-18 ft. Largemouth bass fair on topwater baits early morning and late evening. Catfish fair on juglines using cut shad. Report submitted by Dwight Moore, City of Tulsa Fisheries.

Ft. Gibson: Elevation 2 1/2 ft. above normal, water 92 and murky. Largemouth bass good in flooded grass and at night on a variety of lures. White bass good trolling bridges and rocky points and flat areas. White bass are schooling. Catfish good on cut bait and shad on juglines or drift fishing on the flats. Report submitted by Marvin Stanley, game warden stationed in Wagoner County.

Grand: Elevation above normal, water clear. Channel catfish fair on whole and cut shad using juglines in about at 10-15 ft. White bass biting fair on spinnerbaits in lake tributaries. Report submitted by Jim Littlefield, game warden stationed in Delaware County.

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

Hulah: Elevation normal, water murky. Crappie good on minnows and jigs at 10-12 ft. near structure. Catfish fair below dam on cut shad. Report submitted by Joe Alexander, game warden stationed in Washington County.

Kaw: Elevation 1 ft. above normal, water 86 and stained. White bass are being caught trolling crankbaits along sandy beaches and points and under the bridges on slabs and jigs. Blue catfish are being caught in the upper end of the lake by jug fishermen on fresh cut bait or whole small shad. The flathead catfish have finished spawning, ending the noodling season. Kaw Dam has finally closed the floodgates and returned to a normal power generation schedule; fishing should remain good when Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority is releasing water. Report submitted by Larry Green, game warden stationed in Osage County.

Oologah: Elevation is normal, water in the upper 70s to low 80s and murky. White bass fair trolling shad- colored lures off flats on the main lake at 10-15 ft. Crappie fair around brush piles on minnows at 20 ft. Blue and channel catfish fair on shad drifting flats near the main river channel at 20-25 ft. Report submitted by Brek Henry, game warden stationed in Rogers County.

Skiatook: Elevation normal, water lower 90s and clear. White bass and striped bass hybrids fair on shad while drifting. Crappie fair on minnows in timber. Report submitted by Greenwood Fishing Center.

Sooner: White bass fair on topwaters. Striped bass hybrids fair on slabs on shad. Report submitted by Doug Gottschalk, game warden stationed in Noble County.

Spavinaw: Elevation slightly above normal, water 84 and murky. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around the dam area. Largemouth fair on crankbaits. Catfish fair on juglines using cut shad. Report submitted by Dwight Moore, City of Tulsa Fisheries.

Tenkiller: Elevation 3 ft. above normal, water 89 and clear. Largemouth bass slow with some action on 20 ft. ledges with deep-diving crankbaits or plastic worms. Catfish good on stinkbaits at 18-21 ft. Sunfish good in coves or near docks on night crawlers. Crappie slow with some action at 25 ft. around brush on roadrunner jigs. Report submitted by Monte Brooks, Cookson Village Resort.

Webbers Falls: Elevation 3 ft. above normal, water murky. Largemouth bass fair on spinnerbaits and crankbaits along creek channels and riprap. Catfish good on sunfish, stinkbaits and cut baits on bottom and along rock ledges. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs at brush structure. Report submitted by Lark Wilson, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.

NORTHWEST

Canton: Elevation 1 ft. above normal. White bass and striped bass hybrids good drifting shad and slabs. Walleye fair drifting night crawlers and trolling deep diving crankbaits. Channel catfish good on shad and crawdads in upper end of lake. Report submitted by Mark Walker, game warden stationed in Blaine County.

SOUTHEAST

Arbuckle: Elevation normal, water 88 and stained. Channel catfish good. Crappie fair to good on marked brush piles using jigs and minnows. White bass slow with some surface activity early and late. Bass fishing has been best at night, using Carolina-rigs with lizard; most are being caught in less than 12 ft. Report submitted by Jack Melton.

Blue River: Elevation normal, water 76 and clear. Largemouth bass fair on minnows and flies. Channel catfish fair on liver, worms and stinkbait. Report submitted by Charles Baker, technician at Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area.

Broken Bow: Elevation normal and clear. Largemouth bass schooling in the morning, good on buzzbaits and at night on worms at 8-10 ft. Catfish good on cut shad and sunfish on juglines and trotlines. Crappie good on minnows and jigs in the upper end of the lake around structure. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.

Eufaula: Elevation 4 ft. above normal and murky. Largemouth bass fair on plastic baits and Carolina-rigging off points. White bass good on jigs below the dam. Blue catfish good on fresh shad below the dam. Crappie slow. Report submitted by Ed Rodebush, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.

Hugo: Elevation 10 ft. above normal, water 85. Largemouth bass fair on plastics and spinnerbaits in the flooded brush and willows. Crappie fair on minnows near standing timber. Catfish fair to good on cut shad in lake and in tail waters. Report submitted by Jay Harvey, game warden stationed in Choctaw and Bryan counties.

McGee Creek: Elevation 1 1/3 ft. above normal, water 85 and clear. Largemouth bass fair on soft plastic lures at 3-10 ft. along cover. White bass fair on shad-colored crank baits in open water. Report submitted by Larry Luman, game warden stationed in Atoka County.

Murray: Elevation above normal, water 84. Bass good on jerk baits and worms in early morning and evenings. White bass fair on topwaters early morning. Channel catfish fair. Report submitted by Jeremy Brothers, game warden stationed in Carter County.

Pine Creek: Elevation normal, water clear. Bass are schooling again. Anglers are using spinnerbaits, grubs, and topwater lures to land a good number of bass. Crappie fair on minnows around tops. Catfish fair on shrimp and cut shad on trotlines and juglines. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.

Robert S. Kerr: Elevation normal, water 89 and murky. Largemouth bass fair at surface to 6 ft. using topwater baits early morning and late evening and plastic baits during the day fishing the weed and rock cover next to deeper water. Crappie fair on minnows at 10 ft. fishing in the edge of the old creek channels. White bass fair on crankbaits at 6-8 ft. fishing in the Applegate and Short Mountain cove areas. Blue and flathead catfish fair on live bait and fresh cut shad at 10-20 ft. on trotlines and juglines fishing along the old Arkansas River channel. Report submitted by Rick Olzawski, game warden stationed in Haskell County.

Sardis Lake: Elevation 2 ft. above normal. Largemouth bass good in flooded timber on spinnerbaits. Catfish good on cut bait or live shad. Crappie good on minnows around bridges, brush piles and dam tower. White bass good trolling the islands. Report submitted by Allen Couch, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.

Texoma: Elevation 7 ft. above normal, water 85 and clear. Largemouth bass fair to good on topwater baits and deep diving crankbaits from the surface to 10 ft. Striped and white bass fair to good on surface baits and live bait from the surface to 15 ft. near the islands. Channel and blue catfish are fair to good on live bait and catfish baits at 10-15 ft. from Platter Flats to above the highway 70 Bridge. Report submitted by Danny Clubb, game warden stationed in Bryan County.

Wister: Elevation normal and muddy. Largemouth bass fair on soft plastic worms and topwater lures. Crappie fair on live minnows around timber. Channel catfish fair on cut baits and liver with jugs and trotline. Flathead catfish fair on live sunfish with trotline. Report submitted by Randy Fennell, game Warden stationed in LeFlore County.

SOUTHWEST

Altus-Lugert: Elevation 7 ft. below normal and dropping. Irrigation canal is running. Fishing is spotty. Striped bass hybrids being caught in deep water. Catfish are most active in the river above the low water bridge. Report submitted by Sue Hokanson, Quartz Mountain State Park.

Ellsworth: Elevation normal and muddy. Three floodgates open. Catfish fair to good on cut bait behind the dam and in the lake. Report submitted by Mike Carroll, game warden stationed in Comanche County.

Foss: Elevation 1/4 ft. below normal, water 83 and clear. Striped bass hybrids and white bass good. Walleye fair. Catfish good on stinkbait. Report submitted by Eric Puyear, B & K Bait House.

Waurika: Water 70 and clear. Blue catfish very good on cut bait in the spillway. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs at 23-26 ft. Boat ramps are closed and there is water in the spillway. Report submitted by Phillip Cottrill, game warden stationed in Jefferson County.