Weekly Wildlife Newsletter
For Immediate Release:
Sept. 11, 2008
A service of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation
News Contacts: Michael Bergin or Micah Holmes (405) 521-3856
Web site: www.wildlifedepartment.com
E-mail: info@odwc.state.ok.us
Waterfowl seasons set; STEP program expands
Two new bird species spotted in Oklahoma
“Ranch Conservation III” forum scheduled in Buffalo
ATV course shows Expo guests a thrill; one visitor to win a John Deere Gator
Lake Record Fish Program still adding to the books
Outdoor Calendar
Fishing Report
Waterfowl seasons set; STEP receives donation
Waterfowl hunters will get another generous duck and goose season now that the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission has set the dates and limits for the 2008-09 migratory bird hunting season.
The federal framework sets our guidelines for the season, and then we set our season according to our situation,” said Alan Peoples, chief of Wildlife for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. “This year nothing really has changed. We’re going back to the same seasons we had last year, only adjusting the calendar dates.”
In zone 1 (most of northwest Oklahoma), the first half of the duck season will run Oct. 25 through Nov. 30, with the second half beginning Dec. 13 and running through Jan. 18, 2009. Pintail and canvasback season will be open Oct. 25 - Nov. 30, and then re-open on Dec. 13 and run through Dec. 14. Youth waterfowl hunting days in zone 1 will be Oct. 11 and 12.
In zone 2, the duck season will run Nov. 1-30 and Dec. 13 - Jan. 25, 2009. Pintail and canvasback season will open Dec. 18 and run through Jan. 25, 2009. Youth waterfowl hunting days in zone 2 will be Oct. 25 and 26.
Panhandle counties will offer the longest duck season, running Oct. 11 through Jan. 7, 2009. Pintail and canvasback season for the Panhandle counties will be open Oct. 11 through Nov. 18. Youth waterfowl dates for the panhandle will be Oct. 4-5
Hunters will be allowed a daily limit of six ducks combined, no more than five of which can be mallards. Of those, only two mallards may be hens. No more than two scaup, two wood ducks and two redheads may be included in the daily limit, and no more than one pintail and one canvasback may be included during the specified time period in each of the established duck seasons.
The statewide Canada goose season will run Nov. 1-30 and Dec. 13 - Feb. 15, 2009. The daily limit is three birds. The season for white-fronted geese will run Nov. 1-30 and Dec. 13 - Feb. 6, 2009. The daily bag limit is one. The regular season for light geese (snows, blues and Ross’) will run Nov. 1-30 and Dec. 13 - Feb. 15, 2009. The daily bag limit is 20.
Sandhill crane season will be from Oct. 25 – Jan. 25, 2009, west of I-35 only. The daily limit is three birds.
“Fortunately, we’ve been able to stay in a liberal package with our duck seasons, and now all we have to do is wait for the season and the ducks to arrive,” Peoples said.
Hunters who wish to participate in the waterfowl season must have a resident or non-resident hunting license, a 2008 Federal Duck Stamp, and unless exempt, a 2008 Oklahoma Waterfowl License, a Fishing and Hunting Legacy Permit and a Harvest Information Program Permit. The federal duck stamp costs $15 and is available at U.S. Post Offices. Hunters pursuing sandhill cranes must also purchase a separate sandhill crane hunting permit.
Hunters should consult the “2008-09 Waterfowl Hunting Guide,” available soon at hunting and fishing license dealers statewide, for complete hunting regulations and license requirements. Hunters also can obtain complete regulation information from the Wildlife Department’s Web site at wildlifedepartment.com.
In other business, the Commission accepted an $8,400 donation from the Oklahoma Station Chapter of Safari Club International to build upon its Shotgun Training Education Program (STEP). Through STEP, the Wildlife Department offers a broad range of learning opportunities for beginners as well as experienced hunters with special emphasis on teaching basic shotgun shooting techniques and fundamentals. The program projects a positive image toward hunting and general acceptance of responsible gun ownership. Another important purpose for the program is the recruitment of new hunters for future interest in wildlife conservation and outdoor activities.
"The Oklahoma Station Chapter of SCI is pleased to contribute to the ODWC STEP program as it is vitally important that we introduce outdoor sporting activities to youth and the public in general if we want to pass on the heritage of hunting and conservation to our next generation,” said Scott Holmes, current president of Oklahoma Station Chapter of SCI.
The STEP program currently operates out of 12 STEP trailers, and this donation will be used to purchase two additional trailers with target throwers and equipment.
“Thanks to partnerships with groups like the Oklahoma Station of SCI, the Wildlife Department can do more to introduce newcomers to hunting,” Peoples said.
The new Ouachita Wildlife Management Area – Cucumber Creek Unit was established as a walk-in only area when Commission voted for the finding of an emergency to establish regulations for the area, which will be open to public hunting this fall. The property, which covers 3,270 acres in LeFlore County ’s Cucumber Creek area, is owned by The Nature Conservancy. The area will be used for public hunting, fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing and education purposes. Hunting seasons on the area will be the same as statewide season dates, and the agreement will be in place for 10 years with the possibility of renewal.
The Wildlife Department and The Nature Conservancy are also partnering with the US Forest Service, which owns approximately 13,000 acres on three sides of the Cucumber Creek WMA. The three organizations will work cooperatively on a variety of habitat projects. Combined, the area will provide about 16,000 acres of walk-in public access.
Southwest Oklahoma’s trophy-bass-designated Crowder Lake will be drained for repairs later this year, and while anglers will still be allowed to fish the lake, the Commission approved a resolution to close the lake to bass harvest until repairs are finished. Anglers can still catch and release bass.
According to Barry Bolton, fisheries chief for the Wildlife Department, the lake will not permanently remain closed to bass harvest.
The Commission also accepted sealed bids to lease portions of the Department’s mineral interests on the Washita County Wildlife Management Area in Washita Co. and the Stringtown Wildlife Management Area in Atoka Co.
Several Wildlife Department employees were recognized by the Commission for tenure, including John Stahl, northwest regional fisheries supervisor, for 30 years of service; Bill Wentroth, north central region fisheries supervisor, for 30 years; Rod Smith, southwest region wildlife supervisor, for 30 years; Craig Endicott, northeast region wildlife supervisor, for 25 years; Jon Cunningham, warden supervisor, for 25 years; and Steve O’Donnell, fisheries research lab technician, for 20 years.
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 set for 9 a.m. Oct. 6 at the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation headquarters (auditorium), located at the southwest corner of 18th and North Lincoln , Oklahoma City.
Two new bird species spotted in Oklahoma
On Wednesday, Sept. 3, seven species of birds that are rare in Oklahoma were spotted at Red Slough Wildlife Management Area in southeast Oklahoma . Two of these – Cory’s Shearwater and Sooty Tern - had never been seen in the state before. The Cory’s Shearwater and the Sooty Tern are both open-ocean species, meaning that they are usually found around islands in the ocean and not along coastlines, let alone inland as far as Oklahoma .
David Arbour, the biologist aid for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation who documented these birds, said open-ocean birds sometimes get caught in the high winds of hurricanes that can carry them for hundreds of miles across the ocean and even inland. Since the eye of Hurricane Gustav passed directly over Red Slough WMA Sept. 3, these birds almost certainly must have been on a long ride.
The unusual birds documented on that day included a Cory’s Shearwater, a Magnificent Frigatebird, two Red-necked Phalaropes, three Sabine’s Gulls, a Royal Tern, ten Sooty Terns and a Parasitic Jaeger. All of these birds are rare in our area and are typically found along the Gulf Coast or in the open ocean. This was only the second time a Royal Tern had been spotted in Oklahoma and one of only a handful of Magnificent Frigatebird and Parasitic Jaeger observations in the state.
“In the case a hurricane comes inland, you will never know what you could spot. Seeing these birds here in Oklahoma was the treat of a lifetime,” Arbour said.
But when an open-ocean bird is that far inland, how does it make its way back out to sea? Arbour says that is simple.
“Birds that travel across the open ocean have a well-developed sense of direction and can quickly re-orient themselves. Additionally, they tend to orient toward water and can easily follow the major river drainages like the Red and the Mississippi back to the gulf coast and further out to sea. Their sense of direction is genuinely impeccable,” Arbour said.
It is rare to see oceanic birds in Oklahoma , but coastal species occasionally stray inland. Because Red Slough is the closest location a person can get to the gulf coast while still being in Oklahoma , there is always a chance to view unusual visitors. Other rare coastal birds that have been observed at Red Slough this summer include several dozen Wood Storks, a few Roseate Spoonbills and at least three Tri-colored Herons and four Laughing Gulls. Covering 7,800 acres, Red Slough has always been a great spot for birding. With more than 260 species of birds confirmed, there are now seven more reasons to travel to the southeast part of the state.
Besides bird watching, there are many other activities available, including hunting and fishing. Waterfowl are present in good numbers along with deer, rabbits, and furbearers. There are also plenty of opportunities for fishing for bass, sunfish and catfish. For more information about the area, log on to wildlifedepartment.com.
“Ranch Conservation III” forum scheduled in Buffalo
Land owners, land managers and others interested in learning more about the updated status of the lesser prairie chicken will have an opportunity at the “Ranch Conversation III” scheduled for 6 p.m., Sept. 23, 2008 at the Community Building, Harper County Fairgrounds in Buffalo.
“Almost ten years ago, High Plains Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Council, together with many other partners in the five state historical habitat area of the lesser prairie chicken undertook an effort which involved the creation of an open forum for all stakeholders, called ‘Ranch Conversations,’ followed by extensive efforts to place acres under voluntary habitat management as well as research,” says Tom Lucas, coordinator for the High Plains Resource Conservation and Development Council.
Two of those Ranch Conversations were held in Buffalo and several others around the five state area.
“We are now in the tenth year of that effort, and much has happened,” Lucas says. “We feel that it is now time to hold Ranch Conversation III in order to update the stakeholders on the status of the lesser prairie chicken and provide everyone an opportunity to speak and chart a course for the future.”
Speakers for the event include Doug Schoeling, Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, who will provide the current status of the lesser prairie chicken. The implications of an Endangered Species Act Listing will be presented by Jerry Brabander, US Fish and Wildlife Service. Don Wolfe, Sutton Avian Research Center , will give an update on Lesser Prairie Chicken research activities in northwest Oklahoma . Dwayne Elmore, Oklahoma State Cooperative Extension Service, will speak about opportunities for Landowners in the conservation of the lesser prairie chicken. Jay Pruett with The Nature Conservancy will be speaking about habitat fragmentation. Kenny Knowles, Ellis County Rancher, will offer his landowner’s perspective on lesser prairie chicken conservation and management. There will also be an opportunity for all attendees to participate in round table discussion. Andrea Braeutigam, Program Manager, Oklahoma State University Institute for Dispute Resolution, will be the moderator for the meeting.
The meal will be served at 6 p.m., and the meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. Registration for the meeting is free, and a meal will be provided. Please RSVP by September 19 for food planning purposes. Registration is available by e-mail to the High Plains RC&D at hprcd@pldi.net, phone at (580) 735-2033, Ext 4, or online at the High Plains RC&D website at highplainsrcd.com.
The meeting is being hosted by the High Plains RC&D, Oklahoma State University Extension Service, Quail Forever, Oklahoma Wildlife & Prairie Heritage Alliance, The Nature Conservancy, G.M. Sutton Avian Research Center and the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. The meal is sponsored by Bank Seven, Central National Bank, First American Bank, Harper County Conservation District, Northwestern Rural Electric Cooperative, Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts, OGE Energy Corp, Save our Prairies, and Stock Exchange Bank.
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ATV course shows Expo guests a thrill; one visitor to win a John Deere Gator
Many outdoorsmen know the value of a good utility vehicle, but those who don’t can test-drive one at this year’s Oklahoma Wildlife Expo, and one lucky sportsman will take one home with them.
The fourth annual Oklahoma Wildlife Expo is slated for Sept. 26-28 at the Lazy E Arena, just north of Oklahoma City , but those planning to attend can pre-register for the event online and be eligible to win a John Deere Gator utility vehicle, courtesy of Expo sponsor P&K Equipment. Then they just have to show up one day at the Expo to secure their chance to win. To pre-register, log on to the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation’s Web site at wildlifedepartment.com.
“Everyone at the Expo needs to swing by the ATV course at the Expo and see a John Deere Gator in action,” said Rhonda Hurst, Expo coordinator for the Wildlife Department. “But first they need to make sure they pre-register for the event so they can have a chance to win one.”
Along with the Gator, those who pre-register become eligible to win a lifetime combination hunting and fishing license, a $775 value.
Other prizes will be given away every hour at the Expo to guests who enter drawings during their visit. Stop by the prize registration booth at the Expo to enter.
The Expo is a free three-day event hosted by the Wildlife Department and designed to perpetuate an interest in the outdoors and conservation through hands-on education and learning opportunities. Visitors to the Expo have the opportunity to shoot shotguns and archery equipment, catch a fish, ride a mountain bike, float in a kayak, build a birdhouse and more. More than a hundred booths and activities are available that are designed to expose visitors to different outdoor pursuits and educational opportunities, and seminars are held on a number of wildlife and outdoor topics ranging from land management to training hunting dogs.
Expo visitors can also shop for outdoor gear at the Expo’s Outdoor Marketplace and hear music from native country music singer Devin Derrick on Saturday and Sunday and Ada musician Clancy Davis on Sunday.
The Wildlife Department works with a range of organizations, individuals and outdoor-related companies to host the Expo — an event intended to promote and develop appreciation for Oklahoma ’s wildlife and natural resources.
To pre-register for the Oklahoma Wildlife Expo, log on to wildlifedepartment.com.
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Lake Record Fish Program still adding to the books
Anglers are still adding to the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation Lake Record Fish program’s record books this year, most recently with the landing of a 22.3-lb. striped bass at Kaw Lake Sept. 10 and a 43.2-lb. flathead catfish at Lake Eufaula on Aug. 20.
The striped bass was caught by Luke Cobb, Ponca City , in the Kaw Lake tailwaters. The fish measured 37.25 inches in length and had a 21.75-inch girth.
The Lake Eufaula record flathead was caught by Mickey L. Stallings, Oklahoma City , from the back of a houseboat at the No. 9 Marina. The fish went 42.75 inches in length and had a 26.5-inch girth.
The Lake Record Fish Program started Feb. 1 to recognize the biggest fish from certain reservoirs and the anglers who catch them. Currently, thirteen major lakes are included in the pilot program, including Arbuckle, Broken Bow, Canton , Eufaula, Ft. Cobb , Grand, Kaw, Keystone, Sardis , Skiatook, Tenkiller, Texoma and Thunderbird.
Species eligible for spots in the lake records book include blue, channel and flathead catfish and largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass in addition to crappie, paddlefish, striped bass, striped bass hybrids, sunfish (combined) walleye/saugeye and white bass. Minimum weights are set for each species are detailed on the Wildlife Department’s Web site at wildlifedepartment.com.
Anglers who catch a potential record from a participating lake should contact designated business locations around the lake that are enrolled as lake record keepers. A listing of official lake record keepers is available on wildlifedepartment.com.
Once it has been determined that an angler has landed a record fish, the media is notified and the public will be able to view information about the catch on the Wildlife Department’s Web site at wildlifedepartment.com.
An easily-operated search feature is available on the Web site that allows those interested to view a wealth of lake record fish information, ranging from the size of record fish caught to what kind of bait or rod and reel was used to catch them.
All past and current state record fish are registered in the Lake Record Fish Program as records for their respective lakes.
For pictures and more information about these and other lake record fish, log on to the following Web pages or wildlifedepartment.com.
Kaw Lake striped bass: http://lake-record.ou.edu/fishsite/public/fishView.php?id=520
Lake Eufaula flathead catfish: http://lake-record.ou.edu/fishsite/public/fishView.php?id=519
OUTDOOR CALENDAR
SEPTEMBER
16: Hunting seminar at the Broken Arrow Bass Pro Shop - Advanced thermal and scent control. Seminar starts at 7 p.m. in the seminar room.
18: Bugling Elk Tour at the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. The tours will take participants into the Refuge's Special Use Area during the height of the elk mating season, offering a unique opportunity for wildlife viewing. At this time of year the bull elk compete for available females to form their harems. The bull elk produces a high-pitched whistling sound. Tour participants have the opportunity to hear the bugling and to search for elk in their natural habitat. Other species of wildlife such as bison, whitetail deer and wild turkey are not uncommon during the tour although weather conditions make wildlife viewing opportunities unpredictable. Bugling Elk Tours will depart promptly at 5 p.m. each tour will last approximately two and a half to three hours. Reservations are required and can be made by calling the Visitor Center at (580) 429-3222. A $5 reservation fee per participant is collected prior to the program.
19: Good Ol Boys Sponsor Chapter of Ducks Unlimited Banquet. For more information contact Bill Dodd at (918) 488-7600. Please check with the contact person as dates are subject to change.
19: Quail Unlimited/OK Sporting Clays Open - Fundraiser to support quail habitat projects in Oklahoma . Starts at 11 a.m. at Quail Ridge Hunting & Sporting Clays in Tecumseh. Fees are $100 per shooter, and the event includes prizes, raffles, lunch and more! Open to the general public (ages 18 and over) For more information call Bob Peterson, QU Regional Director at (417) 359-5807, or visit qu.org or http://www.qu.org/content/news/press_room/article.cfm?id=689.
20: Note: Date Change - Permanent duck blind permits will be issued by a public drawing for Eufaula, Fort Gibson , Waurika, W.D. Mayo (L & D 14), Webbers Falls (L & D 16), and Ft. Supply . For locations and times check out the Wildlife Department's Web Site at http://www.wildlifedepartment.com/coeblind.htm
20: Kingfisher Chapter of Ducks Unlimited Banquet. For more information contact Nathan Brown at (405) 650-0042. Please check with the contact person as dates are subject to change.
20: Sand Springs Chapter of Ducks Unlimited Banquet. For more information contact Dan Trout at (918) 241-7336. Please check with the contact person as dates are subject to change.
20 & 21: Bugling Elk Tour at the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. The tours will take participants into the Refuge's Special Use Area during the height of the elk mating season, offering a unique opportunity for wildlife viewing. At this time of year the bull elk compete for available females to form their harems. The bull elk produces a high-pitched whistling sound. Tour participants have the opportunity to hear the bugling and to search for elk in their natural habitat. Other species of wildlife such as bison, whitetail deer and wild turkey are not uncommon during the tour although weather conditions make wildlife viewing opportunities unpredictable. Bugling Elk Tours will depart promptly at 5 p.m. each tour will last approximately two and a half to three hours. Reservations are required and can be made by calling the Visitor Center at (580) 429-3222. A $5 reservation fee per participant is collected prior to the program.
20-21: Backwoods Bowhunters 3-D Hunters for the Hungry shoot. The Backwoods Bowhunters Range is located seven and a half miles west of Hwy 4 or four and a half miles east of Hwy 81 on Britton Road between Yukon and El Reno . For more information contact Pat Finnigan at (405) 262-7559 or Johnny Pappan at (405) 863-5736.
20: Tulsa Fly Fishers, Trout Unlimited and Federation of FlyFishers outing to Elk River , MO. For more information contact Billy Howard at (918) 259-5287 or (918) 282-7621.
25: Bugling Elk Tour at the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. The tours will take participants into the Refuge's Special Use Area during the height of the elk mating season, offering a unique opportunity for wildlife viewing. At this time of year the bull elk compete for available females to form their harems. The bull elk produces a high-pitched whistling sound. Tour participants have the opportunity to hear the bugling and to search for elk in their natural habitat. Other species of wildlife such as bison, whitetail deer and wild turkey are not uncommon during the tour although weather conditions make wildlife viewing opportunities unpredictable. Bugling Elk Tours will depart promptly at 5 p.m. each tour will last approximately two and a half to three hours. Reservations are required and can be made by calling the Visitor Center at (580) 429-3222. A $5 reservation fee per participant is collected prior to the program.
26: Oklahoma Department of Wildlife standardized employment exam. Test starts at 10 a.m. You need to be there before 10 a.m. at Professional Training and Education Center , Rose State College ( 1720 S Hudiburg Dr. , Midwest City ). There is no pre-registration or cost to take the exams. If you are interested in the positions of biologist, game warden, technician or assistant hatchery manager, you will need to take the exam. Individuals may take the exam once in a 12-month period. For more information about employment with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation check out our Web site at www.wildlifedepartment.com/employ.htm.
26-28: Oklahoma Wildlife Expo 2008. For more information check out the Web site at www.wildlifedepartment.com/wildlifeexpo.htm.
26: McAlester Chapter of Ducks Unlimited Banquet. For more information contact Dale Fisher at (918) 429-0056. Please check with the contact person as dates are subject to change.
27: Bugling Elk Tour at the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. The tours will take participants into the Refuge's Special Use Area during the height of the elk mating season, offering a unique opportunity for wildlife viewing. At this time of year the bull elk compete for available females to form their harems. The bull elk produces a high-pitched whistling sound. Tour participants have the opportunity to hear the bugling and to search for elk in their natural habitat. Other species of wildlife such as bison, whitetail deer and wild turkey are not uncommon during the tour although weather conditions make wildlife viewing opportunities unpredictable. Bugling Elk Tours will depart promptly at 5 p.m. each tour will last approximately two and a half to three hours. Reservations are required and can be made by calling the Visitor Center at (580) 429-3222. A $5 reservation fee per participant is collected prior to the program.
28: Woodward Archers 3-D Shoot. Range Directions from 48th St. and Oklahoma Ave : go one mile west, turn left off Hwy 15 and go south two and a half miles west. For more information contact Ed Kinney at (580) 256-3320 or Frank Patterson, Jr. at (580) 256-6613. Memberships available; shoots are open events. Sign in begins at 7:30 a.m. and closes at 2:30 p.m.
28: Bugling Elk Tour at the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. The tours will take participants into the Refuge's Special Use Area during the height of the elk mating season, offering a unique opportunity for wildlife viewing. At this time of year the bull elk compete for available females to form their harems. The bull elk produces a high-pitched whistling sound. Tour participants have the opportunity to hear the bugling and to search for elk in their natural habitat. Other species of wildlife such as bison, whitetail deer and wild turkey are not uncommon during the tour although weather conditions make wildlife viewing opportunities unpredictable. Bugling Elk Tours will depart promptly at 5 p.m. each tour will last approximately two and a half to three hours. Reservations are required and can be made by calling the Visitor Center at (580) 429-3222. A $5 reservation fee per participant is collected prior to the program.
28: BOOM Outdoors 3D Bow Shoot at 3:30 p.m. in Muskogee . The shoot is free and open to everyone and all ages. We will have traditional, compound and youth (16 and under) divisions. This is a “for fun” shoot, with free hotdogs and sodas for all! The shoot will be held a half mile south of Hwy 64 on Smith Ferry Road . For more information, contact Brent at (918) 869-6446.
29: Whitetails Unlimited Monthly Meeting at Schuster Man Library (32nd and Harvard). Meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. For more information call (918) 381-2837.
30: Hunting Seminar at Bass Pro Shop in Broken Arrow - Bird Dog Prep. Seminar starts at 7 p.m. in the seminar room.
FISHING REPORT FOR SEPTEMBER 10, 2008
CENTRAL
Arcadia: Elevation normal, water 80 and clear. Channel catfish good on punchbaits and worms just off bottom at north points in the evening. Catfish fair to good at enclosed fishing dock in the morning and evening. Crappie fair to good on worms, punchbaits and jigs at 3-7 ft. at fishing docks in morning and evening. All other fishing is fair. Report submitted by Linnie Mason, gate attendant.
Overholser: White bass and walleye good on cut shad along the dam. Striped bass hybrids fair on live bait and good on cut shad along the dam. Channel catfish good on worms. Report submitted by Blake Pearson, game warden stationed in Kingfisher County .
Wes Watkins: Elevation normal, water 78-83 and clear. Catfish good on chicken liver, worms, fresh cut bait, shad, shrimp and some stinkbaits. Crappie fair to good on minnows and jigs at 5-7 ft. around structure. White bass good trolling the north shore area by the dam, some schooling. Largemouth bass fair on assorted soft plastics, June bug color and smoke colored sinkoes. Report submitted by M. Fowler.
NORTHEAST
Copan: Elevation normal and murky. Crappie good on minnow and jigs near submerged structure at 10-12 ft. Channel catfish good on rod and reel, juglines with shad, stinkbait and worms. Flathead and channel catfish fair below the dam on fresh cut bait, live shad and worms. Report submitted by Joe Alexander, game warden stationed in Washington County .
Eucha: Elevation slightly above normal, water 76 and dingy. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around brush and structure at 10-12 ft. Largemouth bass fair on plastic baits at night. Bluegill fair on crickets and worms around grass beds. Report submitted by Dwight Moore, City of Tulsa Fisheries .
Ft. Gibson: Bass good to fair on plastics around points and creek channels and on spinnerbaits around cover. Crappie good off of Jack Fork Bridge with minnows and off the tower. Flathead catfish slow on juglines and trotlines with live bait. Blue and channel catfish good on juglines and trotlines with cut bait or shrimp. White bass good trolling around islands and on plugs and when found surfacing. Walleye fair trolling on plugs around islands. Report submitted by Rick Stafford, 3riverguideservice.com.
Grand: Upper end: Elevation below normal, water clear to murky. Largemouth bass good on black angel jigs and red 11 inch worms at 15 ft. Small mouth bass good on small spinnerbaits in the rivers. White bass good on small spinnerbaits and slab spoons at 20 ft. Catfish good on goldfish, shrimp, shad and dip bait at 20-25 ft. Crappie good on minnows and grandpa jigs with red heads and chartreuse tails at 17-20 ft. around docks and brush piles. Report submitted by Sam Williams, Grand Lake Sports Center .
Grand: Elevation normal, water 78-83 and above Sailboat Bridge stained, Sailboat Bridge to Horse Creek slightly colored to clear and Horse Creek to the dam clear. Bass great on buzzbaits and spooks around docks, deeper structure and brush piles. Crappie slow. Catfish good on juglines with sunfish, shad and goldfish at 20-25 ft. White bass are biting really good, they are surfacing and stay up in Elk River, Horse Creek, Patricia Island , and Drowning Creek. Report submitted by Littlefield’s Sporting Goods and Greg Lamb’s Guide Service.
Greenleaf: Elevation normal, water clear. Largemouth bass good on spinnerbaits, crankbaits and plastic worms. Catfish good on stinkbaits and crankbaits on bottom. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs at fishing docks and brush structure. Report submitted by Lark Wilson, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.
Hudson: Elevation normal. Largemouth bass good on topwater lures and plastic baits. Blue catfish fair to good on cut shad. Crappie good on small lures and minnows in brush pile areas. Report submitted by Steve Loveland, game warden stationed in Rogers and Mayes Counties.
Hulah: Elevation 1 ft. above normal and murky. Crappie good on minnows and jigs near submerged structure 10-14 ft. Channel are good on cut shad. Blue, flathead and channel catfish are fair below the dam on live or fresh cut shad. Report submitted by Joe Alexander, game warden stationed in Washington County.
Keystone: Water clear to murky. Largemouth bass good on shaky-head rigs and crankbaits at 8-12 ft. around docks and brush piles. Smallmouth bass fair on crankbaits and finesse jigs at 8-12 ft. around sloping gravel points. Spotted bass fair on crankbaits and finesse jigs at 8-12 ft. around bluffs and banks with large boulders. White bass fair on minnows and spoons at 8-12 ft. around bridges and below the dam. Striped bass good on bucktails and topwater lures at 1-4 ft. below the dam. Channel catfish fair on worms and prepared baits at 6-12 ft. in creeks and coves. Blue catfish fair on cut shad and punchbaits at 8-15 ft. over flats along river channel and neck down areas around culverts. Flathead catfish fair on goldfish and live shad at 10-15 ft. around steep rocky banks. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs at 10-15 ft. around docks and bush piles. Report submitted by Woody’s Bait and Tackle.
Lower Illinois: Elevation normal, water 64 and murky. Largemouth bass good on topwater lures on the surface in moss beds and around rocky points. Striped bass excellent on live baits at 2-8 ft. all along the river. Channel catfish excellent on live shad and cut baits in deep holes all along the river. Walleye good on minnows and jigs on bottom at the mouth of the river. Saugeye good on minnows on bottom, best at the mouth of the river. Trout slow, all stocking held up due to water temperature. Check generation times, important for striped bass. Report submitted by D. Tracy, Town of Gore.
Oologah: Elevation normal, water 80 and murky. Blue catfish good on juglines and trotlines baited with shad on the north end of the lake. Crappie fair around brush piles using minnows and jigs at 10-15 ft. White bass good trolling shad colored crankbaits and using jigs at 10-15 ft. in the main lake early and late. Blue and channel catfish are fair below the dam on shad. White bass fair below the dam on jigs. Report submitted by Brek Henry, game warden stationed in Rogers County.
Skiatook: Elevation normal, water low 80’s and clear. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs at 12-15 ft. around stumps in the back of coves and creek channels. Largemouth bass fair on soft plastics over brush piles. Striped bass hybrids fair drifting live shad over open water. Report submitted by Paul Welch, game warden stationed in Osage County.
Sooner: White bass and striped bass hybrids good on topwater lures from boats in the discharge. Catfish fair on cub baits and live baits around points and channels. Report submitted by Doug Gottschalk, game warden stationed in Noble County.
Spavinaw: Elevation slightly above normal, water 77 and murky. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around the dam area. Largemouth bass fair on spinnerbaits. Report submitted by Dwight Moore, City of Tulsa Fisheries.
Webbers Falls: Elevation 2 ft. above normal, water murky. Largemouth bass good on spinnerbaits, crankbaits and top water lures in creek channels and riprap. Catfish good on stinkbaits and crankbaits on bottom. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs in brush structure around bridges. Report submitted by Lark Wilson, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.
NORTHWEST
Canton: Elevation normal. Crappie fair near deep brush. Channel catfish good on shad and waterdogs. White bass and striped bass hybrids excellent trolling crankbaits or drifting shad or slabs near drop offs. Walleye fair trolling crankbaits. Report submitted by Mark Walker, game warden stationed in Blaine County.
Ft. Supply: Elevation above normal, water clear. Channel catfish fair on stinkbaits. Report submitted by Mark Reichenberger, game warden stationed in Harper County.
SOUTHEAST
Arbuckle: Elevation 2 ft. below normal, water 82 and stained. Crappie fair on docks and at night under lights. White bass are chasing shad in mid-lake areas. Channel catfish good at baited holes. Sunfish excellent using fly rod. Bass are hitting crankbaits, drop shot in weeds and Carolina-rigs slow Report submitted by Jack Melton.
Blue River: Elevation normal, water 72 and clear. Smallmouth bass fair on soft plastics and crawfish imitating baits. Spotted bass good on spinners, soft plastics, and minnows. Channel catfish fish on minnows, crawfish, stinkbait, and redworms. Report submitted by Matt Gamble, biologist at the Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area.
Broken Bow: Largemouth and smallmouth bass fair on 10-12 inch worms, Texas or Carolina-rigged from daylight to evening in mouths of points and mouths of creeks. Catfish fair on juglines and trotlines with cut bait. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around structure and standing timber. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Eufaula: Elevation normal, water clear. Largemouth bass fair on plastic baits off points and crankbaits in rocky areas. Blue catfish fair on fresh shad drifting the deeper flats. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs at 12-20 ft. in standing timber. Report submitted by Ed Rodebush, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.
Hugo: Elevation 1 ft. above normal, water 83. Largemouth bass fair to good on spinnerbaits in button brush. Catfish slow to fair on trotlines. Blue Catfish good on cut baits and worms below the dam. Crappie fair on minnows in creek channels and brush piles. Report submitted by Jay Harvey, game warden stationed in Choctaw and Bryan Counties.
Konawa: Elevation normal, water 78 and clear. Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits at 8-10 ft. along points. Channel catfish fair on chicken livers at 5-8 ft. in south cove. Report submitted by Daryl Howser, game warden stationed in Seminole County.
Lower Mountain Fork River: Trout good on small dryflies. Report submitted by Beavers Bend Fly Shop.
McGee Creek: Elevation 1 ft. above normal, water 83 and clear. Largemouth bass fair on plastic craws and crawfish colored crank baits at 6-18 ft. along rocky points and also on topwater lures early and late. Report submitted by Larry Luman, game warden stationed in Atoka County
Murray: Elevation normal, water clear. All fishing is starting to pick up due to cooler temperatures. Largemouth and smallmouth bass being caught. White bass fair trolling crankbaits early and late when schooling topwater. Channel catfish fair on chicken liver, stinkbaits and worms. Crappie slow on minnows and jigs at 15 ft. around brush piles. Walleye slow. Report submitted by Jeremy Brothers, game warden stationed in Carter County.
Pine Creek: Elevation normal and clear. Crappie good on minnows and tube jigs. Bass fair on soft plastics when fished near rocky structures and riprap. Crappie fair on minnows. Catfish fair on magic bait. Report Submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Robert S. Kerr: Elevation above normal, water 76 and murky. Largemouth bass fair on plastic baits and crankbaits at 5-6 ft. in the weed and rock cover. Crappie slow on minnows at 10 ft. around brush structure in the old creeks. White bass slow trolling crankbaits at 8 ft. in the Applegate cove area. Blue and flathead catfish good on fresh cut shad and live bait at 10-20 ft. Report submitted by Rick Olzawski, game warden stationed in Haskell County.
Sardis Lake: Bass good to fair on plastics around points and creek channels and on spinnerbaits around cover. Crappie good off of Jack Fork Bridge with minnows and off the tower. Flathead catfish slow on juglines or trotlines with live bait. Blue and channel catfish good on jugs and trotlines on cut bait or shrimp. White bass good trolling around islands and on plugs and when found surfacing. Walleye fair on plugs trolling around islands. Report submitted by Allen Couch, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.
Texoma: Elevation normal, water 82 and clear. Largemouth and smallmouth bass fair to good on topwater lures around riprap. Striped and white bass fair to good on live bait slabs and topwater lures at East Burns Run. Channel and blue catfish fair to good on cut bait and live bait north of the Hwy 70 Bridge. Crappie fair on minnows in Little Glasses Creek. Sunfish good on worms around the fishing docks. Report submitted by Danny Clubb, game warden stationed in Bryan County.
Wister: Elevation 9 ft. above normal and murky. Largemouth bass fair on topwater lures early and late. Crappie fair on small spinnerbaits and jigs. Channel catfish fair on earth worms, cut shad and liver with jugs. Report submitted by Randy Fennell, game warden stationed in LeFlore County.
SOUTHWEST
Foss: Elevation normal and gates closed, water 78. Striped bass hybrids fair. Walleye fair. White bass good on live bait. Catfish good. Report submitted by Eric Puyear, B & K Bait House.
Lawtonka: Elevation below normal and clear. Walleye and white bass fair to good at the pipeline on minnows. Report submitted by Mike Carroll, game warden stationed in Comanche County.
Waurika: Elevation normal, water 81 and murky. Catfish good on punchbaits. Report submitted by Phillip Cottrill, game warden stationed in Cotton County.
This program operates free from discrimination on the basis of political or religious opinion or affiliation, race, creed, color, gender, age, ancestry, marital status or disability. A person who feels he or she may have been discriminated against or would like further information should write: Director, Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, P.O. Box 53465 , Oklahoma City , OK 73152 , or Office of Equal Opportunity, U.S. Department of Interior, Washington , D.C. 20240.