Oklahoma Department Of Wildlife Conservation

[Phil Lilley]

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

Web site: www.wildlifedepartment.com

Wildlife Department to use caviar to fund paddlefish management program

Wildlife Department fisheries division receives prestigious award

Top competitive youth shooters to visit with guests at Expo

Outdoor Calendar

Fishing Report

Wildlife Department to use caviar to fund paddlefish management program

At its September meeting, the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission approved an extensive business plan for a pilot paddlefish research and caviar processing program scheduled to begin operating in February. An overview of the plan was provided to the Commission by the Department’s Brent Gordon, northeast region fisheries supervisor, and Lt. Keith Green, game warden supervisor.

Wildlife Department personnel will collect eggs from sportsmen-caught female paddlefish and process them into caviar, which will then be sold by the Department to wholesalers for competitive prices. Funds generated from caviar sales will then be put back into paddlefish management in Oklahoma.

The primary functions of the paddlefish research and processing center will be collecting important data for the Department’s paddlefish management plan, processing paddlefish meat for anglers and salvaging paddlefish eggs.

The pilot program, which will be established near the Twin Bridges area of the Neosho River, will play an important role in paddlefish management, according to Gordon.

“Anglers who bring their paddlefish to the center will not only provide important data for fisheries biologists, but in return they’ll receive their fish’s freshly processed meat in an attractive, clean package to take home to the freezer,” Green said.

Green said the paddlefish research and processing center would be seasonally staffed by employees trained in proper handling and processing of fish products, and that if the pilot program was successful, other processing centers could be set up at future locations. Green added that Wildlife Department personnel will be available to offer the latest paddlefishing information to anglers as well as to offer a pick-up service to anglers who have caught a paddlefish and want to send it to the research center.

The center will be open during paddlefish snagging season, and anglers will be able to bring their catch to the center for cleaning and processing. They will take home meat from their own fish that has been safely cleaned and packaged.

“This is a fiscally sound and biologically viable effort,” Gordon said. “It’s good for the fish, good for anglers and good for the Wildlife Department. The bottom line is that this center will lead to better managed fish populations and improved fishing opportunities for anglers.”

This would be the first venture of its kind for the Wildlife Department, but other state wildlife agencies such as Montana and North Dakota have been successful in operating paddlefish processing centers for their fisheries management programs.

“Managing paddlefish is different than managing other trophy-sized fish,” Gordon said. “It’s not unusual for paddlefish to live 30 or 35 years in Oklahoma, but it takes eight to 10 years for females to mature, meaning it takes a while to begin seeing the results of management. Not only that, it’s very important that we know as much as possible about these fish and their populations in Oklahoma to improve future management strategies.”

Paddlefish, which date back to the Jurassic Period, regularly weigh over 50 pounds, and anglers who have caught them say the action is better compared to deep sea fishing than that of an Oklahoma river or lake.

Gordon spearheads the Department’s paddlefish management program, which has involved an extensive process of netting, weighing, measuring and marking paddlefish with metal tags on the front of the jaw before releasing them to be caught by anglers by way of snagging. Anglers who snag a tagged paddlefish are encouraged to report their catch to the Department through wildlifedepartment.com to not only help in the management of the paddlefish in Oklahoma, but also to provide anglers with unique information about the individual fish they caught.

Gordon said paddlefish populations are in trouble in some states, but Oklahoma holds healthy populations. In addition to the Neosho River, top paddlefish angling locations include the Kaw Lake tailwaters, Ft. Gibson Lake and Oologah Lake.

“The research center is going to benefit not only our management program, but also anglers,” Gordon said.

Surveys performed in top paddlefishing locations in Oklahoma showed that anglers largely supported the idea of paddlefish research and caviar processing center. About 99 percent of those surveyed said they would moderately or strongly support such a venture, and about 92 percent said they would likely participate by having their paddlefish processed at the center.

“This program will help accomplish what the Wildlife Department could not easily or affordably do on its own,” Gordon said. “It will gather information we need for managing paddlefish fisheries as well as provide anglers with a unique and helpful service.”

Commissioners approved implementing the pilot project, along with start-up funds for the project.

In other business, the Commission recognized Tom Wolf for 30 years of service to the Wildlife Department and central region wildlife supervisor Johnny Herd for 45 years of service. Herd is the longest tenured employee to ever serve the sportsmen of the state.

The Commission also accepted a donation of $1,000 from the Lower Mountain Fork River Foundation to be used for the purchase of additional trout for the LMFR, voted to pursue the purchase of property located in Harper County, and declared the first weekend in June annually as Free Fishing Days in Oklahoma.

Additionally, the Commission approved a motion to establish a special antlerless deer gun hunt on the Camp Gruber Joint Maneuver Training Center on Oct. 6, 2007 to help correct a significant deer herd imbalance. Eligible hunters will include Oklahoma residents who are members of the Oklahoma National Guard deploying Oct. 19 with the 45th Infantry Brigade to Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Finally, the Commission declared flood damage to the American Horse Lake dam an emergency.

The Wildlife Conservation Commission is the eight-member governing board of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. The Wildlife Commission establishes state hunting and fishing regulations, sets policy for the Wildlife Department, and indirectly oversees all state fish and wildlife conservation activities. Commission members are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate.

The next scheduled Commission meeting is scheduled for 9 a.m. Oct. 1 at the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation headquarters (auditorium), at the southwest corner of 18th and North Lincoln, Oklahoma City.

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Wildlife Department Fisheries division receives prestigious award

The American Fisheries Society recently honored the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation Fisheries Division with a prestigious “Outstanding Project of the Year Award” for its renovation of the Evening Hole and Lost Creek areas of the Lower Mountain Fork River.

The award was given based on sport fisheries development and management, and the Evening Hole and Lost Creek areas in southeast Oklahoma fit the bill in more ways than one.

The labor- and research-intensive renovation of the Evening Hole and Lost Creek areas in southeast Oklahoma has been referred to as the most ambitious stream restoration project ever in the state.

“This was a huge project for all that were involved,” said Barry Bolton, chief of fisheries for the Wildlife Department. “We’re very proud of the team of people who made the project happen.”

The Evening Hole was once a wide, shallow area that was susceptible to summer heat and provided few stream obstructions, such as logs and boulders, to serve as points of concentration for trout to wait in ambush for passing insects.

“Basically, the area was capable of holding a few trout, but it wasn’t near what biologists envisioned it could be as a trout fishery,” Bolton said.

After several years of careful design and construction as well as the contributions of several agencies and anglers groups, Wildlife Department personnel completed the Evening Hole restoration project. After draining the water from the Evening Hole, heavy equipment was used to place tons of rock material into the streambed to help shape a narrower, swifter-flowing stream. Using extensive stream research and knowledge of trout habitat, Wildlife Department biologists and personnel carefully imbedded huge logs and rock material into the streambed. The end result was a faster-flowing stream with cooler water conditions and ideal habitat for trout.

During renovations, a nearby 1,200 ft. long stretch of wooded area was converted into a trout stream that empties into the Evening Hole.

Ambitious trout stocking efforts since the completion of renovations have kept the area a hot spot destination for anglers from Oklahoma and elsewhere.

“We’ve got a trout fishery in the Evening Hole and Lost Creek areas that can rival any other as far as quality trout habitat and angling opportunities,” Bolton said. “Not to mention the scenery is beautiful.”

The “Outstanding Project of the Year” award given to the Wildlife Department fisheries division is one of several Sport Fish Restoration project awards intended to recognize excellence in fisheries management, research and education as well as emphasize the success of the Sport Fish Restoration program, which is a tax collected on fishing tackle, boats and motorboat fuel that is returned to states for the enhancement of fisheries and boating opportunities. The program was created in 1950 and, according to the American Fisheries Society, has provided billions of dollars toward improved fishing and boating.

Additionally, southeast region fisheries supervisor Paul Balkenbush and biologist James Vincent were both given the American Fisheries Society’s “Award of Merit” for their work on the Evening Hole and Lost Creek projects.

According to the American Fisheries Society, the “Award of Merit” “can be given for outstanding leadership, administration or project-related accomplishment” in the fisheries profession.

At Lost Creek as well as the Evening Hole, brown and rainbow trout both have a one-fish-per-day limit, and fish must be 20 inches or longer. Also, anglers in the areas may only use artificial flies and lures and barbless hooks. For complete fishing regulations and license information, consult the current “Oklahoma Fishing Guide” or log on to wildlifedepartment.com.

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Top competitive youth shooters to visit with guests at Expo

Jon Michael McGrath, Tulsa, is a 15-year old skeet shooting phenom, currently holding 14 Junior World Skeet Titles, three Junior National Titles and a United States Junior National Championship. And though he is currently training at the United States Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo., he’s making time to visit with fellow Oklahoma shooters both old and young alike at this year’s Oklahoma Wildlife Expo.

Young female shooters who come to the Expo will have a rising star to visit with as well. Amber English, 17, is an International Skeet shooting competitor and a member of the United States National Development Team. She is also in training at the United States Olympic Training Center.

“This is a good chance for shooters to meet and talk with some of the best youth shooters in competition today,” said Bill Dinkines, assistant chief of wildlife for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. “And while they’re there, they can try their own hand at shooting a shotgun.”

Instructors with the Wildlife Department’s Shotgun Training and Education Program (STEP) will be on hand at the Expo giving participants an opportunity to shoot clay targets.

The free Wildlife Expo, which drew about 80,000 people from around the state in its first two years, will offer hands-on learning opportunities at nearly 200 booths and activities, including shotgun shooting and other shooting sports like pellet gun shooting and archery.

. Expo attendees will also be able to participate in an interactive Oklahoma Archery in Schools demonstration. This Wildlife Department program helps schools teach students about archery by incorporating it into the physical education curriculum.

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. Every visitor will be sure to find something that interests them, from live butterflies to mountain bike riding, dog training, wild game tasting, fishing and more.

For more information regarding activities available at the Oklahoma Wildlife Expo, or to pre-register for the event and become eligible to win one of several prizes from Expo sponsors, log on to wildlifedepartment.com.

****Photo*****

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Caption: Olympic training shotgun shooters John Michael McGrath, 15, of Tulsa, and Amber English, 17, will be at the Oklahoma Wildlife Expo Sept. 28-30 at the Lazy E Arena visiting with Expo guests and enjoying the outdoors.

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OUTDOOR CALENDAR

SEPTEMBER

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.

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, Sept. 15. There will be cash prizes. First place prize is $600. Entry fee 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 can be made by calling (580) 429-3222 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

15: Sand Springs Chapter of Ducks Unlimited Dinner: Sand Springs Plaza Community Center, 420 E. Plaza Ct. Doors open at 6 p.m. Dinner starts at 6:45 p.m. Auction starts at 7:45 p.m. Tickets on sale. For more information, call Dan Trout at (918) 245 1477.

15 & 16: Backwoods Bowhunters 3-D Archery Shoots (located seven and one half miles 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> .

16: Amazing Invertebrates. The program runs from 1-2:30 p.m. and is open to all ages. Meet at Oxley Nature Center in Tulsa to discover some of the amazing adaptations invertebrates have developed to survive in their habitat. 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 <mailto:oxley@ci.tulsa.ok.us> .

16: 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.

17 & 18: Hunter Education: Tri County Tech Center, Bartlesville; 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.;

17 & 18: Hunter Education: Kiamichi Tech Center, Atoka; 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.;

17 & 18 & 20: 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.

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

18: Hunter Education Home Study: ODWC Jenks Office, Jenks; 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.; (918) 299-2344.

18 & 20: Hunter Education: South Intermediate High School, Broken Arrow; 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.

19 & 20: Hunter Education: Francis Tuttle Tech Center (12777 N Rockwell), OKC; 5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.; (405) 521-4636.

19 & 20: Hunter Education: Fairgrounds, Watonga; 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.

FISHING REPORT FOR SEPTEMBER 5, 2007

CENTRAL

Hefner: Water 88 and clear. Largemouth bass being caught on crankbaits, spinnerbaits and plastic worms from boats and shorelines. Channel catfish being caught on worms, shrimp, cut bait and stinkbait. Crappie being caught on minnows and jigs around docks. Walleye being caught trolling and jigging from boats. Report submitted by Kelly Roberson, game warden stationed in Oklahoma County.

Overholser: Water 88 and muddy. Largemouth bass being caught on crankbaits, stinkbaits and plastic worms from boats and along the shoreline. White bass being caught below the dam on worms and jigs. Crappie being caught on jigs along the shoreline. Walleye being caught on jigs from boat. Report submitted by Kelly Roberson, game warden stationed in Oklahoma County.

Wes Watkins: Elevation 1/2 ft. above normal, water 81-85 and clearing. White bass good on crankbaits while trolling, especially around sandy cove areas. Crappie fair on minnows and jig around stickups and back west around timbered areas and around structures and boat docks. Catfish good on shrimp, worms, fresh cut bait, chicken liver and assorted stinkbaits at 10-14 ft. Largemouth bass poor with a few being caught on spinnerbaits, brush hogs and other appendage baits, with some action on topwater early morning. Report submitted by M.M. Fowler, St. Gregory’s.

NORTHEAST

Bell Cow: Elevation normal and murky. Largemouth bass good on plastics. Catfish slow. Crappie good on minnows and jigs. Report submitted by Gary Emmons, game warden stationed in Lincoln County.

Carl Blackwell: Elevation normal, water 80 and murky. Crappie fair on small minnows and small jigs. Catfish fair on live and cut bait. Report submitted by Jon Cunningham, game warden stationed in Payne County.

Chandler: Elevation normal and murky. Largemouth bass good on plastics. Channel catfish fair on cut bait. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs. Report submitted by Gary Emmons, game warden stationed in Lincoln County.

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

Ft. Gibson: Elevation 2 1/2 ft. above normal, water 87. Largemouth bass good in flooded areas on worms, salt craws and good at night on spinnerbaits under black lights. White bass good surfacing topwater lures and trolling shad and minnows over deep drop offs and around bridge structure. Catfish good on cut bait, shad, minnows and jug fishing. Report submitted by Marvin Stanley, game warden stationed in Wagoner County.

Grand: Elevation normal and clear. White bass good in lake streams and tributaries using spinnerbaits and spoons. Channel catfish can still be caught using juglines at 10 ft. on cut and whole shad. Report submitted by Jim Littlefield, game warden stationed in Delaware County.

Greenleaf: Elevation normal, water clear. Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits, spinnerbaits, jigs and worms along creek channels and points. 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.

Hudson: Elevation normal. Largemouth bass good on soft baits. White bass good on small lures around bridge pillars. Blue and channel catfish good on cut shad. Report submitted by Steve Loveland, game warden stationed in Mayes County.

Hulah: Elevation normal and moderately clear. Crappie good on minnow and jig 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 normal, water 86 and stained. White bass are being caught trolling crankbaits along sandy beaches and points, and white bass are still being caught under the bridges on slabs and jigs. Crappie fishing has picked up since the water has stabilized; fish are being caught at 5-15 ft. around submerged brush piles on jigs or minnows. Blue catfish are being caught in the upper end of the lake by jug fishermen using fresh cut bait or whole small shad. Flathead catfish have finished spawning, ending the noodling season. Kaw Dam has finally closed the flood gates 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.

Lower Illinois: Water 51 and clear. Largemouth bass and spotted bass fair on live bait, crankbaits and spinnerbaits at 1-5 ft. Striped bass good on shad and red fin at 1-20 ft. around woody piles and deep holes during generations. Channel catfish good on cut shad at 10-20 ft. in deep holes. Walleye and saugeye good on minnows and crankbaits at 5-10 ft. at night in deep holes and drifting. Trout excellent on wooly buggers, spinners and any color power bait at 5-10 ft. in deep moving water. Report submitted by MarVal Family Camping Resort.

Oologah: Elevation normal, water mid-70 and murky. Crappie good on minnows and jigs around brush piles at 10-15 ft. White bass fair trolling shad-colored lures on flats near the main lake at 10- 15 ft. Largemouth bass fair on topwater baits early and late. Channel and blue catfish fair drifting shad on flats near the main channel at 20-25ft. Report submitted by Brek Henry, game warden stationed in Rogers County.

Sooner: White bass fair on topwaters toward the dam. Striped bass hybrids fair on live shad and slabs in deep water. Channel catfish fair on cut and live bait in channels and off points. Report submitted by Doug Gottschalk, game warden stationed in Noble County.

Tenkiller: Elevation 1 ft. above normal, water 89 and clear. Largemouth bass slow with some action at 20 ft. off ledges with Carolina-rigged plastic worms or large chrome crankbaits. Catfish fair at 18-21 ft. on stinkbaits. Sunfish good in coves, along bluffs or in docks on night crawlers. Report submitted by Monte Brooks, Cookson Village Resort.

Webbers Falls: Elevation 2 ft. above normal, water murky. Largemouth bass good on spinnerbaits and crankbaits along creek channels. Catfish good on stinkbaits, cut baits and sunfish on bottom. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs at brush structure and bridges. Report submitted by Lark Wilson, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.

NORTHWEST

Canton: Elevation 1/2 ft above normal. White bass and striped bass hybrids good drifting shad and slabs. Channel catfish good drifting shad and slabs. Channel catfish good drifting shad. Walleye good drifting night crawlers and trolling crankbaits. Report submitted by Mark Walker, game warden stationed in Blaine County.

Ft. Supply: Elevation normal, water clear. Channel catfish good on stinkbait all over lake. All other fishing slow. Report submitted by Mark Reichenberger, game warden stationed in Harper County.

SOUTHEAST

Arbuckle: Elevation normal, water 87 and stained. Crappie fair to good on marked brush piles and docks. White bass slow with some surface activity in late evening. Bass good at night on Carolina-rigged lizard. Channel catfish good. Report submitted by Jack Melton.

Blue River: Elevation normal, water 77 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 at 8-10 ft. on worms. Catfish good on juglines and trotlines on cut shad and sunfish. 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 2 ft. below normal. Largemouth bass fair on plastic baits and Carolina rigging off points. White bass good on topwaters early and late in the day and on slab spoons in the flats. Blue catfish good on fresh shad below the dam. Crappie fair on jigs at 15-20 ft. in standing timber. Report submitted by Ed Rodebush, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.

Hugo: Elevation 4 ft. above normal, water 85. Bass fair on spinners and jigs. Crappie good on minnows and jigs around brush. Catfish fair on cut bait. Crappie and blue catfish fair to good below the dam. Report submitted by Jay Harvey, game warden stationed in Choctaw and Bryan counties.

Konawa: Elevation normal, water 91 and clear. Largemouth bass good on topwater lures around weed beds and off points at 4-8 ft. Channel catfish good on shad in the south coves at 5-15 ft. Report submitted by Daryl Howser, game warden stationed in Seminole County.

Lower Mountain Fork River: August 21. Zone 2 good with smallish trout but an occasional 18" - 20" fish being caught. Best flies reportedly have been: grasshoppers, egg patterns, light cahills, soft hackles, wooly buggers, prismatic emergers, hares ears and prince nymphs. Report submitted by Sid Ingram, Beavers Bend Fly Shop.

McGee Creek: Elevation 1 ft. above normal, water 87 and clear. Largemouth bass fair on soft plastic lures along weed beds. Crappie fair over cedar brush at 16-25 ft. Report submitted by Larry Luman, game warden stationed in Atoka County.

Pine Creek: Elevation normal and clear. Bass fair on white spinnerbaits. White bass good on white roadrunners and grubs. Crappie fair on jigs at the "old bridge". Catfish good on shad below the spillway. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.

Robert S. Kerr: Elevation below normal, water 88 and murky. Largemouth bass fair at 4-8 ft. on topwater baits early in the morning and late evening, plastic baits during the day in the weeds and woody lay downs. Crappie fair at 10 ft. using minnows fishing the edges of the old creek channels. White bass fair at 6-8 ft. using crankbaits and jigs fishing the rock jetties and around the mouth of the Illinois River. Flathead and blue catfish fair at 15-20ft. using fresh cut bait and live bait fishing in the Arkansas River channel. Report submitted by Rick Olzawski, game warden stationed in Haskell County.

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

Texoma: Elevation 5 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. around points. Striped and white bass fair to good on surface lures, slabs and live bait from the surface to 20 ft. at south end of lake. Channel and blue catfish fair to good on live bait, cut shad and stink baits at 10-15 ft. from Platter Flats north. Report submitted by Danny Clubb, game warden stationed in Bryan County.

Wister: Elevation normal and muddy. Largemouth bass fair to slow on soft plastic worms and topwaters. Crappie fair on live minnows around timber. Channel catfish being caught on cut shad and liver. Report submitted by Randy Fennell, game Warden stationed in LeFlore County.

SOUTHWEST

Altus-Lugert: Elevation 9 ft. below normal and dropping. Irrigation canal is running. Fishing is slow. A few good-sized hybrids are 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 with one floodgate open. Catfish fair on cut bait. Report submitted by Mike Carroll, game warden stationed in Comanche County.

Foss: Elevation 1/4 ft. below normal, water 82 and clear. Striped bass hybrids fair on live bait. Walleye slow.

White bass fair. Catfish good. Report submitted by Eric Puyear, B & K Bait House.

Ft. Cobb: Elevation 5 1/3 ft. above normal. All fishing slow at this time. Caution is still urged while water is above normal. Report submitted by James Edwards, Jr., game warden stationed in Caddo County.

Waurika: Elevation 3-4 ft. above normal, water 80 and clear to the south and murky to the north. White bass and striped bass hybrids slow. Blue catfish good on fresh and cut bait. Chisholm and Wichita boat ramps are open. Report submitted by Phillip Cottrill, game warden stationed in Jefferson County.