Whatzup Outdoors (186)
Written by David Deaton
New World Record Paddlefish Hauled From Keystone Lake — Again!
ODWC News Release
A new world-record paddlefish has again been pulled from Keystone Lake near Tulsa, less than a month after the previous world record was snagged in the same lake by a client of the same fishing guide.
Angler Cody James Watters of Ochelata is the newest owner of the rod-and-reel world-record title, after snagging a 151-pound, 14.4-ounce giant Thursday morning. He and his son Stetson, 9, were fishing as clients of guide Jeremiah Mefford of Reel Good Time Guide Service.
Not only did the fish prove to be the new world record for the species, but it also had a very interesting backstory to tell, said Eric Brennan, Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation Northeast Region Fisheries technician.
Mefford called Fisheries Division staff about 10:20 a.m., saying he believed his client had just broken the current world and state paddlefish record.
Fisheries staff rushed to meet the angler at Keystone Lake. Once there, they began measuring the monster. “It weighed 151.9 pounds, had a total length of 71.5 inches, and eye-to-fork length of 54.75 inches,” Brennan said. (The standard scientific method of measuring a paddlefish’s length is the distance from the eye to the fork of the tail.)
Watters wasted no time sharing his accomplishment on social media.
“I'm excited and blessed to catch a fish this big. Bonus having the son there to witness this day. Thank you ODWC!” Watters wrote.
What’s more, the paddlefish had been caught in the past — as part of a research project. The fish had a band on its jaw. Once the fish was officially weighed, Brennan examined the band and “noticed it wasn’t one of our bands. It had an OSU reward tag in it.”
The band, identified as No. 667, was in poor condition and was collected by ODWC, then the fish was released in good shape.
“We only had the fish out of the water for the shortest time possible, about three minutes total. Other than that, we kept the fish moving in the water. It was a perfect release,” Watters wrote.
Brennan confirmed that upon its release, the fish was followed using Live Scope sonar and it appeared to be healthy and swimming well.
Later, a follow-up call to Oklahoma State University turned up information that the paddlefish was indeed part of research efforts by Craig Paukert, then a graduate student and currently a professor at the University of Missouri. Records indicate the fish was caught and banded in the Salt Creek arm of Keystone Lake on Jan. 4, 1997. When banded, this fish was about 2 years old, weighed 7.7 pounds and was about 2 feet long. So this world-record fish is about 25 years old!
Wildlife Department Paddlefish Coordinator Brandon Brown participated in Paukert’s paddlefish banding efforts in the mid-1990s at Keystone Lake. When Paukert heard the news, he contacted Brown. Paukert told Brown, “It’s possible you may have tagged this fish while working with me way back when!”
The news was exciting to Paukert. “This made my day! So, I guess this means that I caught the world-record paddlefish, but I didn’t realize it until 23 years later!”
On ODWC's Facebook page, Paukert shared some details with Watters. "I was the last person to handle that fish about 14 years before your son was born! This was part of my grad research at OSU. The fish most likely came from a net we set between the Jellystone Launch and the Keystone Marina north of the (State Highway) 51 bridge. ... It was common to set nets across the river channels.
"What made my day is hearing his son was with him today. Great story all the way around in a time when we need great stories. Wish I could have been there so we could have a pic with the last two people to touch that fish — 23 years apart!"
Watters’ paddlefish will become the officially recognized rod-and-reel world record for the species when it is entered in scientific journals by ODWC biologists. This record fish is just the latest in a string of actual or would-be record-setting paddlefish snagged at Keystone this year:
- On June 28, James Lukehart of Edmond snagged a world-record-setting 146.7-pound paddlefish, also while fishing with Mefford.
- On May 23, Mefford himself hauled in a 143-pound paddlefish at Keystone, setting a new state record but missing the then-world record by just a pound.
- On Feb. 14, Justin Hamlin of Kellyville boated a paddlefish that unofficially weighed 157 pounds, but the fish had to be immediately released because it was caught on a "no harvest" day as set in state regulations.
The largest American paddlefish on record, taken by a spearfisherman in Iowa in 1916, reportedly weighed 198 pounds.
The paddlefish is a primitive species, with a fossil record dating to the age of the dinosaurs about 75 million years ago. Resembling a shark, it has smooth skin and a skeleton mostly of cartilage.
A long paddle-like blade, called a rostrum, extends forward from the fish’s head. The rostrum is covered with tens of thousands of sensory receptors that enable the fish to detect weak electrical fields produced by zooplankton, its primary food.
The American paddlefish roams lakes and rivers of the Mississippi and Missouri basins. Paddlefish were once very abundant across their range but have declined in many areas. These fish can live up to 30 years, and they can grow to huge sizes.
Oklahoma’s paddlefish population is seen as among the healthiest in the nation, and the sport of snagging paddlefish draws anglers from many states. The Wildlife Department's paddlefish management program involves an extensive process of netting, weighing, measuring and marking paddlefish with metal bands on the lower jaw. For several months every year, the Department operates a Paddlefish Research Center near Miami, Okla.
Anglers wanting to experience battling these large fish are required to have a state fishing license (unless exempt) and a free paddlefish permit. Regulations for paddlefish snagging can be found here in the Oklahoma Fishing Regulations Guide.
And anyone wanting to arrange a guided paddlefish trip can find a list of state-licensed fishing guides here on the Wildlife Department’s website.
Written by David Deaton
Fishing Report for July 22, 2020
Northeast
Birch: July 19. Elevation normal, water 80’s and stained. Blue catfish fair on cut bait around points. White crappie fair on jigs and minnows below the dam and around creek channels. Report submitted by Jeremy Bersche, game warden stationed in Osage County.
Fort Gibson: July 20. Elevation normal, water 83 with 1’ visibility. White bass good on jigs, sassy shad, slabs, small lures, spoons, and top water around flats, main lake, and points. Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits and plastics around brush structure, main lake, points, rocks, and standing timber. Blue and channel catfish fair on cut bait and live shad around channels, main lake, and river channel. Trolling for white bass is a very consistent way for boaters to catch fish right now. Some anglers are having success catching white bass as they feed on or near the surface during late evening or early morning hours. As we near the end of spawning season, noodling activity is slowing down. Noodlers report that the amount of fish in the holes is fair at best. Report submitted by Ben Haff, game warden stationed in Wagoner County.
Greenleaf: July 19. Elevation normal, water 79 and clear. Largemouth bass slow on crankbaits around the main lake and points. Blue catfish fair on cut bait around the main lake. Bluegill sunfish good on jigs and worms around docks, shallows, and shorelines. Report submitted by Josey Branch, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.
Kaw: July 21. Elevation above average, water 1’ above, 80’s, and stained. Blue and channel catfish excellent on cut bait, grasshoppers, live bait, live shad, shad, stinkbait, and worms around channels, flats, main lake, and shallows. White bass and striped hybrid bass good on crankbaits, jigs, lipless baits, minnows, sassy shad, spinnerbaits, and top water below the dam, and around main lake, points, riprap, and bridges and submerged islands. White and black crappie good on grubs, jigs, minnows, and tube jigs around brush structure and standing timber. Report submitted by Spencer Grace, game warden stationed in Kay County.
Keystone: July 17, 2020. Elevation above average, water 85. Blue catfish good on cut bait below the dam. White bass fair on small lures around main lake and points. Report submitted by Karlin Bailey, game warden stationed in Creek County.
Lower Illinois River: July 17. Elevation normal, water 65 and clear. Rainbow trout fair on in-line spinnerbait, nymphs, and powerbait below the dam and around the Watts area. Fishing is fair during periods of low or no flow. Usually early morning or late evening. Report submitted by Brek Henry, game warden stationed in Sequoyah county.
Skiatook: July 19. Elevation normal, water clear and in the 80’s. Striped hybrid bass and white bass fair on cut bait, live shad, and spoons around the main lake and 20-30 ft deep. Black and white crappie fair on jigs and minnows around brush structure, creek channels, standing timber, and 10-15ft deep. Report submitted by Paul Welch, game warden stationed in Osage County.
Sooner: July 20. Elevation normal, water 80’s and murky. Striped hybrid bass fair on live bait and slabs around dam and main lake. Saugeye fair on crankbaits and jigs around points. Report submitted by Stephen Paul, game warden stationed in Noble County.
Spavinaw: July 19. Elevation normal, water 80 and clear. Largemouth bass good on crankbaits, jigs, and plastics around brush structure, docks, and points. Black and white crappie fair on jigs and minnows around brush structure, dam, and docks. Channel catfish fair on cut bait and shad around flats and main lake. Report submitted by Kody Moore, game warden stationed in Mayes County.
Tenkiller: July 19. Elevation above average, water 84 and clear. Largemouth and spotted bass good on crankbaits, jerk bait, jigs, and plastics around brush structure, channels, standing timber, drop offs, and ledges. Black and white crappie good on jigs and small lures around brush structure. White bass good on crankbaits, lipless baits, small lures, and spinnerbaits around channels, flats, and points. Report submitted by Cody Youngblood, game warden stationed in Cherokee County.
Webbers Falls: July 19. Elevation normal, water 78 and murky. Largemouth bass slow on plastics around shallows, standing timber, and weed beds. Blue and channel catfish fair on cut bait below the dam and around the main lake. Flathead catfish fair on live shad and snagging below the dam and around the main lake. Report submitted by Josey Branch, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.
Northwest
Canton: July 19. Elevation normal, water clear. Striped hybrid bass and white bass good on shad, slabs, and sunfish around the main lake. Report submitted by Mark Walker, game warden stationed in Blaine County.
Elmer: July 20. Elevation below average, water murky and in the upper 80’s. Channel and blue catfish slow on cut bait around channels and points. Report submitted by Brayden Hicks, game warden stationed in Caddo County.
Foss: July 20. Elevation 1.25 ft below, gates closed, water mid 70’s and clear. Bass fair to good with spinnerbaits. Striped bass hybrid fair along dam with hard baits. Walleye fair with worms. Crappie slow. Catfish fair to good along North side and into reserve. Report submitted by Eric Puyear, B & K Bait House.
Ft. Supply: July 21. Elevation below average, water 80’s and murky. Channel catfish good on dough bait below the dam, and around channels, main lake, and rocks. Report submitted by Jason Badley, game warden stationed in Harper County.
Southeast
Broken Bow: July 17. Elevation below average, water 89. Largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass fair on plastics around brush structure and points. White crappie fair on jigs and minnows around brush structure and standing timber. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Eufaula: July 17. Elevation normal, water 87 and clearing. White bass good on slabs around channels and main lake. Blue and flathead catfish good on cut bait, grubs, shad, and worms around main lake, river channel, and rocks. Black crappie slow on jigs and minnows around coves and docks. Report submitted by Cannon Harrison, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.
Hugo: July 17. Elevation normal, water 80 and murky. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, dough bait, live bait, punch bait, shad, stinkbait, and sunfish below the dam, and around channels, main lake, river channel, and shorelines. Black and white crappie fair on jigs and minnows below the dam, and around brush structure, channels, creek channels, main lake, river channel, and standing timber. Report submitted by Andrew Potter, game warden stationed in Choctaw County.
Konawa: July 20. Elevation normal, water 90 and clear. Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits and plastics around main lake, points, river channel, and weed beds. Striped hybrid bass and white bass fair on Alabama rig, crankbaits, and live shad around coves, main lake, and river channel. Channel catfish fair on chicken liver, cut bait, shrimp, and worms around coves, inlet, riprap, and weed beds. Report submitted by Garret Harley, game warden stationed in Seminole County.
Lower Mountain Fork: July 17. Elevation normal, water clear. Rainbow trout good on caddis flies, powerbait, tube jigs, and worms around creek channels, rocks, and spillway. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
McGee Creek: July 17. Elevation normal, water 85. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on Alabama rig, crankbaits, flukes, and plastics around brush structure, coves, main lake, and points. White and spotted bass fair on Alabama rig, jigs, top water, and look for surfacing schools around coves, dam, flats, and main lake. Report submitted by Jay Harvey, game warden stationed in Atoka County.
Pine Creek: July 17. Elevation normal, water clear. Largemouth bass fair on spinnerbaits and top water around channels and coves. Black crappie good on jigs and minnows around brushes structure and standing timber. Channel catfish good on chicken liver and hot dogs around river channel and spillway. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Robert S. Kerr: July 17. Elevation normal, water murky. Largemouth and spotted bass good on buzz baits, minnows, plastics, small lures, and spinnerbaits around brush structure, docks, main lake, shallows, standing timber, and weed beds. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish good on cut bait, dough bait, goldfish, hot dogs, minnows, and shad below the dam, and around channels, main lake, river mouth, and shorelines. Black and white crappie good on jigs around rocks, shorelines, standing timber, tailwater, and weed beds. Report submitted by Logan Shimp, game warden stationed in Haskell County.
Sardis: July 18. Elevation normal, water 84. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on buzz baits, crankbaits, jigs, plastics, spinnerbaits, and top water around brush structure, channels, points, riprap, shorelines, standing timber, and weed beds. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish fair on cut bait, minnows, shad, and sunfish around creek channels, main lake, shallows, and shorelines. White crappie fair on hair jigs, jigs, minnows, and tube jigs around brush structure, channels, points, and standing timber. Report submitted by Dane Polk, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.
Texoma: July 17. Elevation normal, water 84. Striped bass good on Alabama rig, live bait, and top water around flats and main lake. Black crappie slow on jigs and minnows around brush structure and docks. Blue catfish fair on shad around the main lake and river channel. Topwater bite is on !! Anglers should get out early in the morning to find surface feeding striper, as the morning progresses anglers should switch to trolling A rigs after surface feeding fish have went into deeper water. Crappie have been very slow the past week. Catfish are still being caught near cleaning docks on cut bait. Report submitted by Trey Hale, game warden stationed in Marshall County.
Wister: July 17. Elevation below average, water 85 and cloudy. Largemouth and spotted bass good on bill baits, buzz baits, crankbaits, plastics, spinnerbaits, and top water around brushes structure, channels, coves, points, and shorelines. Blue and channel catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, shad, stinkbait, and worms below the dam, and around channels, main lake, points, and standing timber. White and black crappie good on jigs, minnows, small lures, and spinnerbaits around brushes structure, channels, points, shorelines, standing timber, and cedar brush. Report submitted by Thomas Gillham, game warden stationed in Leflore County.
Southwest
Ellsworth: July 20. Elevation below average, water upper 80’s and murky. Channel and blue catfish slow on cut bait around channels and points. Report submitted by Brayden Hicks, game warden stationed in Caddo County.
Ft. Cobb: July 20. Elevation below average, water cloudy and upper 80’s. Saugeye slow on jigs around points. Report submitted by Brayden Hicks, game warden stationed in Caddo County.
Lawtonka: July 20. Elevation below average, water clear and upper 80’s. Channel and blue catfish slow on cut bait around channels and points. Report submitted by Brayden Hicks, game warden stationed in Caddo County.
Waurika: July 21. Elevation normal, water 80’s and clearing. Largemouth bass good on spinnerbaits and spoons around docks, shorelines, and standing timber. Blue and channel catfish good on chicken liver and cut bait around channels, creek channels, and main lake. Report submitted by Matt Farris, game warden stationed in Jefferson County.
Written by David Deaton
Fishing Report for July 15, 2020
Northeast
Birch: July 12. Elevation above normal, water 80s and stained. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/BIRC.lakepage.html. Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits and plastic baits around brush structure and points. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around brush structure and standing timber. Report submitted by Jeremy Bersche, game warden stationed in Osage County.
Ft. Gibson: July 13. Elevation above normal, water 84 and less than 1 ft. of clarity. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/FGIB.lakepage.html. Largemouth bass good on plastic baits and spinnerbaits around docks, main lake and rocks. White bass good on grubs, sassy shad, slabs and spoons in the main lake, around points and river channel. Blue and channel catfish fair on goldfish and live shad along flats and river channel. Report submitted by Ben Haff, game warden stationed in Wagoner County.
Greenleaf: July 12. Elevation normal, water 78 and clear. Largemouth bass fair on plastic baits along flats and points. Blue catfish good on cut bait and hotdogs in the main lake. Bluegill good on worms along shallows and shorelines. Report submitted by Josey Branch, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.
Kaw: July 13. Elevation 1 ft. above normal and rising, water 80s and muddy. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/KAWL.lakepage.html. Blue, channel and flathead catfish good on crawfish, cut bait, goldfish, grasshoppers, live shad and punch bait, shad, stinkbait, sunfish and worms along channels, flats, river channel, river mouth, rocks and shallows. Striped bass hybrids and white bass slow on crankbaits, hair jigs, lipless baits, live shad, sassy shad, shad and topwater lures below the dam, main lake and points. Report submitted by Spencer Grace, game warden stationed in Kay County.
Keystone: July 9. Elevation above normal, water 85 and clear. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/KEYS.lakepage.html. Largemouth bass fair on plastic baits along shorelines. Striped bass, striped bass hybrids and white bass fair on small lures in the main lake. Blue catfish slow on cut bait along channels. Report submitted by Karlin Bailey, game warden stationed in Creek County.
Lower Illinois: July 11. Elevation normal, water 65 and clear. For current elevation conditions go to the US Geological Survey website at https://waterdata.usgs.gov/usa/nwis/uv?site_no=07198000. Rainbow trout fair on in-line spinnerbaits, nymphs and PowerBait below the dam and Watts Area. Fishing is best during periods of low or no flow. Report submitted by Brek Henry, game warden stationed in Sequoyah County.
Oologah: July 12. Elevation normal, water 83 and stained. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/webdata/gagedata/OOLO2.current.html. Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits and plastic baits in the main lake and around points. Blue catfish good on hotdogs and live shad below the dam. Crappie slow at 15 ft. in the main lake and standing timber. Report submitted by J.D. Stauffer, game warden stationed in Rogers County.
Sooner: July 13. Elevation normal, water 80s and murky. Largemouth bass good on plastic baits and topwater lures around brush structure and weed beds. Striped bass hybrids and white bass fair on cut bait, jigs, live shad and plastic baits in the discharge and main lake. Saugeye fair on jigs and plastic baits in the main lake and around points. Report submitted by Stephen Paul, game warden stationed in Noble County.
Spavinaw: July 12. Elevation normal, water 70s and murky. For current elevation conditions go to the US Geological Survey website at https://waterdata.usgs.gov/usa/nwis/uv?07191300. Largemouth and smallmouth bass good on crankbaits, jigs and plastic baits in coves and around points. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around brush structure and docks. Channel catfish fair on cut bait and shad along flats and shallows. Report submitted by Kody Moore, game warden stationed in Mayes County.
Tenkiller: July 12. Elevation above normal, water 84 and clear. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/TENK.lakepage.html. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass good on crankbaits, plastic baits and tube jigs around brush structure, flats and standing timber. White bass good on crankbaits and small lures along flats and river channel. Report submitted by Cody Youngblood, game warden stationed in Cherokee County.
Webbers Falls: July 12. Elevation normal, water 79 and murky. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/webdata/gagedata/WFLO2.current.html. Largemouth bass slow on plastic baits along weed beds. Blue and channel catfish good on cut bait and hotdogs below the dam and main lake. Flathead catfish fair on live shad and snagging below the dam. Report submitted by Josey Branch, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.
Northwest
Canton: July 11. Elevation normal, water clear. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/CANT.lakepage.html. Striped bass hybrids and white bass good on slabs and sunfish in the main lake. Channel and blue catfish good on shad and worms in the main lake. Report submitted by Mark Walker, game warden stationed in Blaine County.
Foss: July 13. Elevation 1 ft. below normal with gates closed, water 80s and clear. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/FOSS.lakepage.html. Striped bass hybrids fair on slabs in deep water. Walleye fair on worms. Catfish fair to good on trotlines around the north side. Crappie slow around marina. Report submitted by Eric Puyear, B & K Bait House.
Southeast
Arbuckle: July 11. Elevation normal, water 84 and clear. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/ARBU.lakepage.html. Fishing has entered summer heat and slowdown. Bass hitting topwater off points at dawn; shaky head worms and Ned rigs seem to be working. White bass being caught on small swim baits are working best where schooling near the dam. Crappie slow on minnow and jigs around docks at dawn and fair at 36 ft. around brush piles and knolls. Channel catfish good on dough bait. Report submitted by Jack Melton.
Blue River: July 14. Elevation normal, water 76 and clear. For current elevation conditions go to the US Geological Survey website at https://waterdata.usgs.gov/ok/nwis/uv?site_no=07332390. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass good on crankbaits, small lures and topwater lures around brush structure, rocks and shorelines. Channel catfish good on chicken liver and punch bait along the river channel. Report submitted by Ethan Lovelace, technician at the Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area.
Broken Bow: July 10. Elevation below normal, water 86. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/BROK.lakepage.html. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass good on crankbaits and plastic baits around brush structure and points. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around brush structure and standing timber. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Eufaula: July 10. Elevation normal, water 85 and murky. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/EUFA.lakepage.html. Striped bass good on cut bait, live bait, live shad, shad and topwater lures below the dam and along the dam. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows below the dam, around docks and shallows. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on bill baits, minnows and small lures in coves, main lake and along shorelines. Report submitted by Cannon Harrison, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.
Hugo: July 10. Elevation normal, water 78 and murky. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/HUGO.lakepage.html. Blue, channel and flathead catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, dough bait, punch bait, shad, stinkbait and sunfish below the dam, along channels, creek channels, main lake, river channel and shorelines. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows below the dam, around brush structure, channels, main lake, river channel and standing timber. Report submitted by Andrew Potter, game warden stationed in Choctaw County.
Konawa: July 13. Elevation normal, water 88 and clear. Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits, jigs and plastic baits in the main lake, along river channel and weed beds. Striped bass hybrids and white bass fair on Alabama rigs, crankbaits and live shad in coves, main lake and river channel. Channel catfish fair on chicken liver, cut bait, shrimp and worms in coves, inlet and riprap. Report submitted by Garret Harley, game warden stationed in Seminole County.
Lower Mountain Fork: July 10. Elevation normal, water clear. For current elevation conditions go to the US Geological Survey website at https://waterdata.usgs.gov/ok/nwis/uv?site_no=07339000. Rainbow trout fair on caddis flies, PowerBait and small lures along creek channels and rocks. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
McGee Creek: July 10. Elevation normal, water 83. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/MCGE.lakepage.html. Largemouth and spotted bass good on crankbaits, flukes, plastic baits, spinnerbaits and topwater lures around brush structure, flats, points and shorelines. Crappie and white bass fair on jigs and minnows around brush structure, creek channels and standing timber. Report submitted by Jay Harvey, game warden stationed in Atoka County.
Pine Creek: July 10. Elevation normal, water clear. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/PINE.lakepage.html. Largemouth bass good on topwater lures in coves. Crappie good on jigs and minnows around standing timber. Channel catfish good on hotdogs and stinkbait in the river channel and spillway. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Robert S. Kerr: July 10. Elevation normal, water murky. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/webdata/gagedata/KERO2.current.html. Largemouth and spotted bass good on crankbaits, minnows, small lures and topwater lures around brush structure, shallows, shorelines, standing timber and weed beds. Blue and channel catfish good on chicken liver, goldfish, hotdogs, minnows, shad, stinkbait and sunfish below the dam, along channels, main lake, river channel, river mouth and tailwater. Crappie good on goldfish and jigs around brush structure, in coves, shallows and weed beds. Report submitted by Logan Shimp, game warden stationed in Haskell County.
Sardis: July 9. Elevation normal, water 82. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/SARD.lakepage.html. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on buzz baits, jerk baits, plastic baits, spinnerbaits, topwater lures and tube jigs around brush structure, creek channels, points, shorelines, standing timber and weed beds. Blue, channel and flathead catfish fair on cut bait, live bait, shad and sunfish along creek channels, flats, main lake and shorelines. Crappie fair on hair jigs, jigs, minnows and tube jigs around brush structure, points, shorelines and standing timber. Report submitted by Dane Polk, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.
Texoma: July 10. Elevation normal, water 80. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/DENI.lakepage.html. Lake fishing has been good the past week. Striped bass good on Alabama rigs, live shad and topwater lures along flats, points and shallows. Early mornings have been the best time to catch striper. Surfacing fish have been present near Washita Point. While surface feeding, anglers should use topwater lures to catch striper. Look for birds and fish breaching the surface to get in on the topwater action. Blue catfish fair on cut bait, live bait and punch bait along flats, river channel and river mouth. Anglers wanting to catch blue cats should use fresh whole shad or cut shad. Crappie fair on jigs, minnows and tube jigs around brush structure and docks. Crappie are holding to brush structure in about 20 ft. of water. Report submitted by Trey Hale, game warden stationed in Marshall County.
Wister: July 10. Elevation below normal, water cloudy. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/WIST.lakepage.html. Largemouth and spotted bass good on bill baits, buzz baits, crankbaits, plastic baits, spinnerbaits and topwater lures around brush structure, channels, points, shorelines and coves. Blue and channel catfish good on crawfish, cut bait, grasshoppers, hotdogs, shad and stinkbait below the dam, around brush structure, channels, main lake, points and standing timber. Crappie good on jigs, minnows, small lures and spinnerbaits around brush structure, channels, points, shorelines, standing timber and cedar brush. Report submitted by Thomas Gillham, game warden stationed in LeFlore County.
Southwest
Ellsworth: July 12. Elevation below normal, water murky. For current elevation conditions go to the US Geological Survey website at https://waterdata.usgs.gov/usa/nwis/uv?07308990. Channel and blue catfish slow on cut bait around brush structure, channels and main lake. Report submitted by Brayden Hicks, game warden stationed in Caddo County.
Ft. Cobb: July 12. Elevation below normal, water 80s and cloudy. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/FCOB.lakepage.html. Channel catfish slow on cut bait along channels and main lake. Report submitted by Brayden Hicks, game warden stationed in Caddo County.
Lawtonka: July 12. Elevation below normal, water clear. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/webdata/gagedata/LTKO2.current.html. Channel catfish slow on cut bait around brush structure, channels and main lake. Report submitted by Brayden Hicks, game warden stationed in Comanche County.
Written by David Deaton
Fishing Report for July 8, 2020
Northeast
Birch: July 5. Elevation above normal, water 80s and murky. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/BIRC.lakepage.html. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around brush structure and standing timber. Report submitted by Jeremy Bersche, game warden stationed in Osage County.
Copan: July 5. Elevation normal, water 70s and clearing. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/webdata/gagedata/CPLO2.current.html. Blue, channel and flathead catfish fair on chicken liver, live shad, shad and worms below the dam, along riprap, river channel and shorelines. Crappie slow on hair jigs, jigs, minnows, PowerBait, tube jigs and worms around brush structure, docks and shorelines. Report submitted by Joe Alexander, game warden stationed in Washington County.
Eucha: July 4. Elevation normal, water upper 70s and clear. For current elevation conditions go to the US Geological Survey website at https://waterdata.usgs.gov/usa/nwis/uv?07191285. Largemouth bass good on Alabama rigs, buzz baits, crankbaits, plastic baits, spinnerbaits and topwater lures around brush structure, docks, rocks, shallows, shorelines, standing timber and weed beds. Channel catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, shad and shrimp below the dam, along channels, creek channels, docks and river channel. Crappie good on hair jigs, jigs, minnows and PowerBait around brush structure and docks. Crappie prefer minnows and can be found in decent numbers along brush piles. Report submitted by Riley Willman, game warden stationed in Delaware County.
Ft. Gibson: July 6. Elevation below normal, water 84 and 1 ft. of visibility. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/FGIB.lakepage.html. White bass good on crankbaits, in-line spinnerbaits, sassy shad, spoons and topwater lures along creek channels, main lake and points. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around brush structure. Largemouth bass good on plastic baits and topwater lures around docks, main lake, riprap, rocks and shallows. Report submitted by Ben Haff, game warden stationed in Wagoner County.
Grand: July 4. Elevation normal, water upper 70s and murky. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/PENS.lakepage.html. Largemouth bass good on Alabama rigs, buzz baits, crankbaits, jerk baits, plastic baits, spinnerbaits and topwater lures around brush structure, docks, shallows, shorelines, standing timber and weed beds. Largemouth bass are being caught in good numbers on crankbaits and worms. Blue catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, shad and shrimp along channels, creek channels, dam, docks, river channel, river mouth and spillway. Blue catfish are being caught in good numbers on the northern end of the lake in the Elk River arm on juglines using cut bait. Crappie good on hair jigs, minnows and PowerBait around brush structure and docks. Crappie that prefer minnows are staged around brush piles and docks. Report submitted by Riley Willman, game warden stationed in Delaware County.
Greenleaf: July 6. Elevation normal, water 79 and clear. Largemouth bass fair on plastic baits, spinnerbaits and topwater lures along flats and points. Blue and channel catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, shad and worms in the main lake and along shallows. Bluegill excellent on jigs and worms along shallows and shorelines. Report submitted by Josey Branch, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.
Hudson: July 5. Elevation above normal, water 81 and clear. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/HUDS.lakepage.html. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on crankbaits and plastic baits around brush structure and points. Blue catfish fair on cut bait below the dam. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around brush structure and docks. Report submitted by Monte Reid, game warden stationed in Mayes County.
Hulah: July 5. Elevation normal, water 70s and clearing. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/HULA.lakepage.html. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on bill baits, crankbaits and spinnerbaits around points and standing timber. Blue, channel and flathead catfish fair on chicken liver, live bait, live shad, shad, stinkbait, sunfish and worms below the dam, along riprap, river channel and shorelines. Crappie slow on hair jigs, jigs, minnows, PowerBait and tube jigs around brush structure, docks and shorelines. Report submitted by Joe Alexander, game warden stationed in Washington County.
Kaw: July 7. Elevation normal, water 80s and muddy. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/KAWL.lakepage.html. Flathead, blue and channel catfish fair on crawfish, cut bait, shad, stinkbait, sunfish and noodling along channels, riprap, river mouth, rocks, shorelines and in coves. White bass good on crankbaits, jerk baits, live shad and spoons in the main lake, along riprap, bridges and humps. Report submitted by Spencer Grace, game warden stationed in Kay County.
Keystone: July 2. Elevation above normal, water 84. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/KEYS.lakepage.html. Blue catfish good on cut bait along channels. Largemouth bass fair on plastic baits along shorelines. White bass good on small lures around points. Report submitted by Karlin Bailey, game warden stationed in Creek County.
Lower Illinois: July 5. Elevation normal, water 65 and clear. For current elevation conditions go to the US Geological Survey website at https://waterdata.usgs.gov/usa/nwis/uv?site_no=07198000. Rainbow trout fair on in-line spinnerbaits, nymphs and PowerBait below the dam and Watts area. Water flow is cycling and the best times are early morning and late evening. Report submitted by Brek Henry, game warden stationed in Sequoyah County.
McMurtry: July 6. Water 91 and clear. Bass fair on plastic baits, crankbaits and jerk baits along weed beds, shaded areas and in coves. Flathead catfish good on live bait, worms and cut bait along channels and in coves. Saugeye good trolling cut baits rock points and sandbars. Crappie slow on live bait and jigs around docks and brush piles. Report submitted by Lake McMurtry Staff.
Oologah: July 5. Elevation normal, water 80s and clear. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/webdata/gagedata/OOLO2.current.html. Largemouth bass fair on plastic baits and worms in the main lake and around points. Crappie slow scattered around the lake at 15 ft. around brush structure and river channel. Paddlefish good snagging below the dam. Report submitted by J.D. Stauffer, game warden stationed in Rogers County.
Skiatook: July 5. Elevation normal, water 80s and clear. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/skia.lakepage.html. Striped bass hybrids and white bass fair on live shad and spoons at 20-39 ft. along drop-offs in the main lake. Channel and blue catfish fair on chicken liver, cut bait and worms along flats. Report submitted by Paul Welch, game warden stationed in Osage County.
Sooner: July 5. Elevation normal, water 70s and murky. Striped bass hybrids and white bass fair on cut bait, live shad and slabs in the dam and discharge. Blue and channel catfish fair on cut bait and live bait in the main lake. Saugeye fair on jigs in the main lake. Report submitted by Stephen Paul, game warden stationed in Noble County.
Spavinaw: July 5. Elevation normal, water 70s and murky. For current elevation conditions go to the US Geological Survey website at https://waterdata.usgs.gov/usa/nwis/uv?07191300. Largemouth and smallmouth bass fair on crankbaits, plastic baits and topwater lures in coves and along shorelines. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows below the dam, around brush structure, dam and docks. Channel catfish good on cut bait and shad along flats and shallows. Report submitted by Kody Moore, game warden stationed in Mayes County.
Tenkiller: July 6. Elevation normal, water 84 and clear. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/TENK.lakepage.html. Largemouth and spotted bass excellent on crankbaits, plastic baits, rogues and tube jigs around brush structure, points, standing timber and ledges. White bass good on crankbaits and small lures along channels, flats and sandbars. Crappie good on jigs, minnows and small lures around brush structure, docks and standing timber. Report submitted by Cody Youngblood, game warden stationed in Cherokee County.
Webbers Falls: July 6. Elevation normal, water 78 and clear. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/webdata/gagedata/WFLO2.current.html. Largemouth bass good on plastic baits, spinnerbaits and topwater lures along weed beds. Blue and channel catfish good on cut bait below the dam. Flathead catfish fair on live shad, sunfish and snagging below the dam. Report submitted by Josey Branch, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.
Northwest
Canton: July 6. Elevation normal, water clear. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/CANT.lakepage.html. White bass good on crankbaits and slabs in the main lake. Striped bass hybrids good on sunfish in the main lake. Crappie good on minnows and worms in the main lake. Report submitted by Mark Walker, game warden stationed in Blaine County.
Foss: July 6. Elevation 3/4 ft. below normal with gates closed, water lower 80s and clear. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/FOSS.lakepage.html. Striped bass hybrids slow to fair on live bait in deep water. Walleye slow on worms. Crappie slow to fair on live bait. Catfish good on trotlines. Report submitted by Eric Puyear, B & K Bait House.
Ft. Supply: July 7. Elevation below normal, water 80s and murky. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/FSUP.lakepage.html. Channel catfish slow on chicken liver, cut bait, punch bait and stinkbait along channels, dam, discharge and river channel. Noodling has picked up. Report submitted by Jason Badley, game warden stationed in Harper County.
Southeast
Arbuckle: July 4. Elevation normal, water 84 and clear. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/ARBU.lakepage.html. Bass fair on square-billed crankbaits, topwater lures and shaky head worms during early morning hours. White bass good schooling near the dam using a Long John. Crappie good on Milk Monkey jig around brush piles and around docks early morning. Report submitted by Jack Melton.
Blue River: July 6. Elevation normal, water 76 and clear. For current elevation conditions go to the US Geological Survey website at https://waterdata.usgs.gov/ok/nwis/uv?site_no=07332390. Channel catfish good on chicken liver, dough bait and punch bait along channels. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass good on buzz baits, crankbaits and topwater lures around brush structure, rocks and shorelines. Bluegill, green and redear sunfish good on crickets, small lures and worms around brush structure, shorelines and weed beds. Report submitted by Ethan Lovelace, technician at the Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area.
Broken Bow: July 3. Elevation below normal, water 85. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/BROK.lakepage.html. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass fair on Alabama rigs, flukes and plastic baits around brush structure, points and standing timber. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around brush structure and standing timber. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Eufaula: July 3. Elevation normal, water 84 and clearing. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/EUFA.lakepage.html. Blue and flathead catfish good on goldfish, live bait, live shad and shad below the dam, along rocks, shallows and dam. Spotted bass good on bill baits, crickets and small lures around docks, main lake, shallows and shorelines. White bass fair on grasshoppers, in-line spinnerbaits, jigs and small lures along flats, main lake and sandbars. Report submitted by Cannon Harrison, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.
Hugo: July 3. Elevation above normal, water 78 and murky. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/HUGO.lakepage.html. Blue, channel and flathead catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, dough bait, live bait, PowerBait, punch bait, shad, stinkbait and sunfish below the dam, along channels, main lake, river channel and shorelines. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows below the dam, around brush structure, channels, creek channels, main lake, river channel and standing timber. Report submitted by Andrew Potter, game warden stationed in Choctaw County.
Konawa: July 5. Elevation normal, water 88 and clear. Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits, jigs and plastic baits in the main lake, river channel and weed beds. Striped bass hybrids and white bass slow on Alabama rigs, crankbaits and live shad in coves, main lake and river channel. Channel catfish fair on chicken liver, cut bait, shrimp and worms along riprap, weed beds and inlet. Report submitted by Garret Harley, game warden stationed in Seminole County.
Lower Mountain Fork: July 3. Elevation normal, water clear. For current elevation conditions go to the US Geological Survey website at https://waterdata.usgs.gov/ok/nwis/uv?site_no=07339000. Rainbow trout good on caddis flies, plastic baits, Power Bait and small lures along creek channels, rocks and spillway. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
McGee Creek: July 3. Elevation normal, water 80. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/MCGE.lakepage.html. Largemouth and spotted bass good on Alabama rigs, crankbaits and plastic baits along flats, points and rocks. White and spotted bass good on lipless baits and topwater lures along the dam, flats and riprap. Report submitted by Jay Harvey, game warden stationed in Atoka County.
Pine Creek: July 3. Elevation normal, water clear. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/PINE.lakepage.html. Largemouth bass fair on Alabama rigs, plastic baits and topwater lures in coves and creek channels. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around standing timber. Channel catfish good on chicken liver, hotdogs, shrimp, stinkbait and worms along channels, main lake and spillway. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Robert S. Kerr: July 3. Elevation normal, water murky. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/webdata/gagedata/KERO2.current.html. Largemouth and spotted bass good on buzz baits, grasshoppers, plastic baits and small lures around brush structure, rocks, shallows, standing timber and weed beds. Blue, channel and flathead catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, dough bait, goldfish, minnows, shad and sunfish below the dam, along channels, main lake, river channel, shorelines and tailwaters. Bluegill, green and redear sunfish good on jigs, minnows, small lures and worms along rocks, minnows, shorelines, weed beds and in coves. Report submitted by Logan Shimp, game warden stationed in Haskell County.
Sardis: July 4. Elevation normal, water 81. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/SARD.lakepage.html. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on buzz baits, crankbaits, hair jigs, jerk baits, jigs, spinnerbaits and topwater lures around brush structure, creek channels, points, rocks, shorelines, standing timber and in coves. Blue, channel and flathead catfish fair on cut bait, minnows, shad and sunfish along channels, flats, main lake and shorelines. Crappie fair on jigs, minnows and tube jigs around brush structure, points, shorelines and standing timber. Report submitted by Dane Polk, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.
Texoma: July 3. Elevation normal, water 78. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/DENI.lakepage.html. Lake fishing has been good the past week. Striped bass good on live shad, slabs and topwater lures along flats, main lake and river channel. Striper have been concentrated on the southern portion of the lake. Angers should get out early in the morning for the best bite. Smaller striper have been surface feeding in early mornings and late evenings. The larger striper are being caught mostly in deeper water along ledges. Crappie fair on hair jigs, live bait and minnows around brush structure and docks. Crappie are on deeper water brush piles and other structures in 20-30 ft. of water. Minnows are the best bait to use when targeting crappie. Report submitted by Trey Hale, game warden stationed in Marshall County.
Wister: July 3. Elevation below normal, water 82 and cloudy. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/WIST.lakepage.html. Largemouth and spotted bass good on buzz baits, bill baits, crankbaits, jigs, plastic baits, spinnerbaits and topwater lures along channels, points, shorelines and in coves. Blue and channel catfish good on chicken liver, crawfish, cut bait, goldfish, grasshoppers, hotdogs, shad, shrimp, stinkbait and worms below the dam, along channels, main lake, points, standing timber and tailwater. Crappie good on jigs, minnows, small lures, spinnerbaits and tube jigs around brush structure, channels, points, shorelines, standing timber and cedar brush. Report submitted by Thomas Gillham, game warden stationed in LeFlore County.
Southwest
Altus-Lugert: July 6. Elevation below normal, water 76 and clear. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/ALTU.lakepage.html. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around brush structure, docks and in coves. Walleye and white bass good on bill baits, crankbaits and minnows in the main lake. Channel catfish fair on grasshoppers, minnows, punch bait, stinkbait and worms below the dam, along flats, river channel and river mouth. Report submitted by Brandon Lehrman, game warden stationed in Greer County.
Ellsworth: July 5. Elevation below normal, water 77 and murky. For current elevation conditions go to the US Geological Survey website at https://waterdata.usgs.gov/usa/nwis/uv?07308990. Blue and channel catfish slow on cut bait, punch bait and shad in the main lake and around points. Saugeye slow on crankbaits and plastic baits trolling at 6-10 ft. in the main lake and around points. Report submitted by Mike Carroll, game warden stationed in Comanche County.
Ft. Cobb: July 5. Elevation normal, water 80s and clear. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/FCOB.lakepage.html. Channel and blue catfish slow on cut bait along channels. Report submitted by Brayden Hicks, game warden stationed in Caddo County.
Lawtonka: July 5. Elevation above normal, water 78 and clear. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/webdata/gagedata/LTKO2.current.html. Blue and channel catfish slow on chicken liver and dough bait in the main lake. White bass slow on small lures and tube jigs around points and riprap. Report submitted by Mike Carroll, game warden stationed in Comanche County.
Tom Steed: July 6. Elevation normal, water 78. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/TOMS.lakepage.html. White bass, striped bass hybrids and saugeye fair on crankbaits, jigs, minnows and trolling deep running crankbaits in the main lake and around points. Report submitted by David Smith, game warden stationed in Kiowa County.
Waurika: July 6. Elevation 3/4 ft. above normal, water 80s and murky. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/WAUR.lakepage.html. Blue and channel catfish good on chicken liver and cut bait along channels and main lake. Largemouth bass fair on spinnerbaits and spoons along shorelines and standing timber. Report submitted by Matt Farris, game warden stationed in Jefferson County.
Written by David Deaton
Tips to Keep You Safe at Lakes, Rivers, and Streams
DEQ press Release
With the Independence Day holiday approaching, the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) encourages Oklahomans to visit the state’s lakes, rivers, or streams. While recreating at these natural water bodies, DEQ reminds you to follow some simple tips to help keep you and your family safe while swimming, boating, canoeing, or enjoying other water activities.
Natural bodies of water, especially warm and stagnant water, can contain organisms that may cause illness. Bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms can cause skin, eye, and ear infections, respiratory infections, or gastrointestinal upset. Illness can range from mild to severe. While some microorganisms occur naturally, others are carried into surface waters from a variety of sources.
Please consider the following precautions to protect against water-borne sickness when recreating in natural waters:
Choose swimming areas carefully
- Pay attention to signage about water conditions
- Stay away from any area that has stagnant water, floating debris, scum, an oil sheen, or dead fish
- Avoid swimming near storm drains
- Do not swim in flooded areas
Take simple precautions
- Hold nose or wear nose plugs when jumping into the water
- Avoid swallowing water when swimming
- Wear ear plugs to prevent ear infections
- Wear swim goggles or masks to prevent eye infections
- Wash skin with soap and water after swimming
Prevent spread of illness to others
- Take children to the restroom frequently
- Use swim diapers on infants
- Rinse off prior to entering the water
- Avoid swimming if you are ill
Written by David Deaton
ODWC Fishing Report for July 1, 2020
Central
Arcadia: June 29. Elevation normal, water 81 and muddy. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/ARCA.lakepage.html. Channel and blue catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, dough bait, live bait, punch bait and worms below the dam, around points and rocks. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around points and standing timber. Report submitted by Dylan King, game warden stationed in Oklahoma County.
Draper: June 29. Elevation below normal, water low 80s and stained. For current elevation conditions go to the US Geological Survey website at https://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?site_no=07229445. Largemouth bass good on Alabama rigs, crankbaits and plastic baits around brush structure, points and standing timber. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around brush structure and standing timber. Report submitted by Chad Strang, game warden stationed in Cleveland County.
Hefner: June 27. Elevation normal, water 81 and clear. For current elevation conditions go to the US Geological Survey website at https://waterdata.usgs.gov/ok/nwis/uv?site_no=07159550. Channel and blue catfish slow on chicken liver, hotdogs, shad and shrimp along channels, dam and main lake. Walleye fair on small lures and worms along flats and sandbars. Largemouth bass good on Alabama rigs and plastic baits around brush structure and shorelines early morning. Report submitted by Tim Campbell, game warden stationed in Oklahoma County.
Overholser: June 30. Elevation normal, water 86 and stained. For current elevation conditions go to the US Geological Survey website at https://waterdata.usgs.gov/usa/nwis/uv?07240500. Striped bass hybrids fair on crawfish and shrimp in the main lake and around points. White bass slow on in-line spinnerbaits and jigs in the main lake. Channel and blue catfish fair on cut bait and worms in the main lake and along shorelines. Report submitted by Mark Murray, game warden stationed in Oklahoma County.
Thunderbird: June 30. Elevation below normal, water 83 and stained. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/THUN.lakepage.html. Largemouth bass good on crankbaits and plastic baits around brush structure and points. Channel catfish fair on chicken liver and cut bait along flats. Report submitted by Zach Paulk, game warden stationed in Cleveland County.
Wes Watkins: June 29. Elevation below normal, water 79-81 and clear. For current elevation conditions go to the US Geological Survey website at https://waterdata.usgs.gov/ok/nwis/uv/?site_no=07241588&PARAmeter_cd=00065,00060. The south boat ramp is closed until further notice. Largemouth bass fair on lipless baits and spinnerbaits around brush structure and standing timber. Channel and blue catfish slow on chicken liver, punch bait and worms along riprap and shorelines. Crappie slow on jigs and minnows along creek channels and standing timber. Report submitted by Mike France, game warden stationed in Pottawatomie County.
Northeast
Bell Cow: June 28. Elevation normal, water 79 and murky. Largemouth bass good on crankbaits, plastic baits, spinnerbaits and topwater lures around brush structure, riprap, shallows, shorelines, standing timber and weed beds. Crappie slow on jigs and minnows around brush structure and docks. Channel catfish slow on worms around brush structure, docks and standing timber. Report submitted by Jacob Harriet, game warden stationed in Lincoln County.
Birch: June 28. Elevation above normal, water upper 70s and murky. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/BIRC.lakepage.html. Crappie good on minnows and jigs around brush structure, creek channels and standing timber. Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits and plastic baits around brush structure and points. Report submitted by Jeremy Bersche, game warden stationed in Osage County.
Carl Blackwell: June 29. Elevation below normal, water 77 and murky. Channel and flathead catfish fair on chicken liver, cut bait, minnows and stinkbait below the dam, around brush structure, channels, riprap, rocks, shorelines, standing timber and in coves. Crappie slow on hair jigs, jigs, minnows, plastic baits, small lures, tube jigs and worms around docks and shorelines. Fishing success has been intermittent due to high winds and warm temperatures. Report submitted by Emily Long, game warden stationed in Payne County.
Chandler: June 28. Elevation normal, water 80 and stained. Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits, plastic baits and spinnerbaits along rocks, shallows, standing timber and weed beds. Crappie slow on minnows and jigs around docks. Flathead catfish slow on sunfish around brush structure, shorelines and weed beds. Report submitted by Jacob Harriet, game warden stationed in Lincoln County.
Copan: June 27. Elevation below normal, water upper 60s and clearing. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/webdata/gagedata/CPLO2.current.html. Blue, channel and flathead catfish fair on chicken liver, live bait, live shad and sunfish below the dam, along creek channels, riprap and shorelines. Crappie slow on minnows, PowerBait and tube jigs around brush structure and docks. Report submitted by Joe Alexander, game warden stationed in Washington County.
Eucha: June 27. Elevation normal, water 70s and clear. For current elevation conditions go to the US Geological Survey website at https://waterdata.usgs.gov/usa/nwis/uv?07191285. Largemouth bass good on Alabama rigs, crankbaits, jerk baits, plastic baits, spinnerbaits and topwater lures around brush structure, docks, points, rocks, standing timber and weed beds. Channel catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait and shad below the dam, along channels, creek channels, docks, river channel, river mouth and rocks. Crappie good on hair jigs, jigs and minnows around brush structure, docks and shorelines. Report submitted by Riley Willman, game warden stationed in Delaware County.
Ft. Gibson: June 29. Elevation normal, water 80. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/FGIB.lakepage.html. Channel catfish good on live bait, shad and sunfish in the main lake. Crappie good on jigs and minnows around brush structure and standing timber. Green and bluegill sunfish good on crickets, hair jigs, hotdogs and small lures around docks. Report submitted by Ben Haff, game warden stationed in Wagoner County.
Grand: June 27. Elevation normal, water 70s and murky. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/PENS.lakepage.html. Largemouth bass good on Alabama rigs, crankbaits, jerk baits, plastic baits, spinnerbaits and topwater lures around brush structure, points, rocks, shallows, shorelines, standing timber and weed beds. Largemouth bass are being caught in good numbers on soft plastics. Blue catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait and shad below the dam, along channels, creek channels, docks, main lake, river channel, river mouth, rocks and in coves. Jug fishermen are having success using live bait. Crappie good on hair jigs, jigs and minnows around brush structure, docks and shorelines. Crappie are being caught in good numbers over brush piles and they seem to prefer minnows. Report submitted by Riley Willman, game warden stationed in Delaware County.
Greenleaf: June 28. Elevation normal, water 80 and clear. Largemouth bass fair on jerk baits, plastic baits, rogues and topwater lures along flats. Blue and channel catfish good on cut bait and worms along creek channels, flats and shorelines. Bluegill excellent on jigs and worms along shallows and shorelines. Report submitted by Josey Branch, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.
Hudson: June 27. Elevation normal, water 75 and clearing. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/HUDS.lakepage.html. Blue catfish good on cut bait below the dam. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around brush structure and docks. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on crankbaits and plastic baits around brush structure. Report submitted by Monte Reid, game warden stationed in Mayes County.
Hulah: June 27. Elevation below normal, water upper 60s and clearing. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/HULA.lakepage.html. Blue, channel and flathead catfish good on chicken liver, goldfish, live bait, live shad, sunfish and worms below the dam, along riprap, river channel and shorelines. Report submitted by Joe Alexander, game warden stationed in Washington County.
Kaw: June 29. Elevation 1/2 ft. above normal, water 80s and muddy. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/KAWL.lakepage.html. Flathead, blue and channel catfish good on crawfish, goldfish, live bait, live shad, sunfish, worms and noodling along rocks and shallows. White bass and striped bass hybrids fair on crankbaits, in-line spinnerbaits, jigs, lipless baits, live shad, sassy shad, shad, spoons and topwater lures in the main lake, around points and riprap. Crappie slow on jigs, minnows and tube jigs around brush structure and riprap. Report submitted by Spencer Grace, game warden stationed in Kay County.
Keystone: June 29. Elevation above normal, water 82 and murky. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/KEYS.lakepage.html. Striped bass slow on live shad in the main lake. Largemouth bass fair on spinnerbaits and topwater lures in coves and around points. Crappie slow on live bait around brush structure. Report submitted by Bradley Magby, game warden stationed in Creek County.
Lower Illinois: June 27. Elevation normal, water 65 and clear. For current elevation conditions go to the US Geological Survey website at https://waterdata.usgs.gov/usa/nwis/uv?site_no=07198000. Rainbow trout good on in-line spinnerbaits, nymphs and PowerBait below the dam and Watts area. Fishing is good during periods of no generation from the dam, mainly early in the morning or late evening. Report submitted by Brek Henry, game warden stationed in Sequoyah County.
McMurtry: June 29. Elevation above normal, water 82 and murky. Flathead and channel catfish good on live bait, cut bait, chicken liver and dough bait along weed beds, channels, main lake and standing timber. Crappie slow on live bait and jigs around docks and brush piles. Largemouth bass good on crankbaits, spinnerbaits and plastic baits in shady areas, along shorelines and grass beds. Saugeye good trolling crankbaits and plastic baits. Report submitted by Lake McMurtry Staff.
Oologah: June 28. Elevation normal, water stained. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/webdata/gagedata/OOLO2.current.html. Largemouth bass slow on crankbaits and topwater lures in the main lake and around points. Blue catfish good on shad in the main lake and along rocks. Crappie fair on minnows in the main lake and around points. Report submitted by J.D. Stauffer, game warden stationed in Rogers County.
Skiatook: June 28. Elevation normal, water 80s and clear. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/skia.lakepage.html. Striped bass hybrids and white bass fair on cut bait and live shad at 10-20 ft. in the main lake. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass slow on plastic baits around brush structure and shallows. Crappie slow on jigs and minnows around brush structure, standing timber and bridges. Report submitted by Paul Welch, game warden stationed in Osage County.
Sooner: June 29. Elevation normal, water 70s and murky. Striped bass hybrids and white bass fair on cut bait, live shad and spoons along the dam and discharge. Largemouth bass fair on plastic baits around brush structure and weed beds. Blue and channel catfish fair on cut bait and live bait in the main lake. Report submitted by Stephen Paul, game warden stationed in Noble County.
Spavinaw: June 28. Elevation normal, water 70s and clear. For current elevation conditions go to the US Geological Survey website at https://waterdata.usgs.gov/usa/nwis/uv?07191300. Largemouth and smallmouth bass fair on crankbaits, jigs, plastic baits and topwater lures along shallows and shorelines. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around brush structure, docks and shallows. Channel catfish good on cut bait, shad and worms along flats and shallows. Report submitted by Kody Moore, game warden stationed in Mayes County.
Tenkiller: June 29. Elevation normal, water 84 and murky. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/TENK.lakepage.html. Largemouth and smallmouth bass excellent on crankbaits, plastic baits and spinnerbaits around brush structure, points and ledges. Report submitted by Cody Youngblood, game warden stationed in Cherokee County.
Webbers Falls: June 28. Elevation normal, water 80 and murky. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/webdata/gagedata/WFLO2.current.html. Largemouth bass fair on jerk baits, plastic baits and topwater lures along flats, standing timber and weed beds. Blue and channel catfish good on cut bait and shad below the dam. Flathead catfish fair on shad, sunfish and snagging below the dam. Report submitted by Josey Branch, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.
Northwest
Canton: June 27. Elevation normal, water clear. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/CANT.lakepage.html. White bass and striped bass hybrids fair on crankbaits and slabs in the main lake. Report submitted by Mark Walker, game warden stationed in Blaine County.
Foss: June 29. Elevation 3/4 ft. below normal with all gates closed, water 75 and clear. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/FOSS.lakepage.html. Striped bass hybrids fair on live bait. Walleye fair on worms. Catfish fair on trotlines. White bass slow. Report submitted by Eric Puyear, B & K Bait House.
Ft. Supply: June 30. Elevation dropping, water 80s and murky. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/FSUP.lakepage.html. Channel catfish slow on chicken liver, cut bait, dough bait, minnows, shad, stinkbait and worms below the dam, along channels, dam and discharge. All fishing slow. Report submitted by Jason Badley, game warden stationed in Harper County.
Southeast
Arbuckle: June 27. Elevation normal, water 82 and clear to stained up creeks. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/ARBU.lakepage.html. Bass fair on worms, lizards and crankbaits. Smallmouth bass hitting topwater early morning. Crappie good on blue/chartreuse jigs at 12-24 ft. around brush piles and good around docks at daybreak. White bass being caught on curly tail grubs surfacing near mountain tops. Channel catfish being caught on dough bait. Report submitted Jack Melton.
Broken Bow: June 26. Elevation below normal, water 82. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/BROK.lakepage.html. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass good on Alabama rigs, crankbaits and plastic baits around brush structure, points and standing timber. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around brush structure and standing timber. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Eufaula: June 26. Elevation normal, water 88 and murky. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/EUFA.lakepage.html. Largemouth and spotted bass good on bill baits, crankbaits and small lures along rocks, shorelines, standing timber and in coves. Striped bass fair on live bait, live shad, shad and sunfish below the dam and along the dam. Flathead catfish excellent on live bait in coves, along rocks and shallows. Report submitted by Cannon Harrison, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.
Hugo: June 26. Elevation above normal, water 71 and murky. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/HUGO.lakepage.html. Blue, channel and flathead catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, dough bait, live bait, punch bait, shad, stinkbait and sunfish below the dam, along channels, creek channels, main lake, river channel and shorelines. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows below the dam, around brush structure, channels, creek channels, main lake, river channel and standing timber. Report submitted by Andrew Potter, game warden stationed in Choctaw County.
Konawa: June 29. Elevation normal, water 88 and clear. Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits, jigs, plastic baits and topwater lures in the main lake, around points and river channel. Striped bass hybrids and white bass fair on Alabama rigs, crankbaits and live shad in coves, main lake and river channel. Channel catfish fair on chicken liver, cut bait, shrimp and worms along riprap, weed beds and inlet. Report submitted by Garret Harley, game warden stationed in Seminole County.
Lower Mountain Fork: June 26. Elevation normal, water clear. For current elevation conditions go to the US Geological Survey website at https://waterdata.usgs.gov/ok/nwis/uv?site_no=07339000. Rainbow trout good on small lures, tube jigs and worms along creek channels, rocks and spillway. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
McGee Creek: June 26. Elevation normal, water 77. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/MCGE.lakepage.html. Largemouth, spotted and white bass good on spinnerbaits and topwater lures in coves, along creek channels, flats and points. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around brush structure, creek channels and standing timber. Report submitted by Jay Harvey, game warden stationed in Atoka County.
Murray: June 30. Elevation above normal, water 80 and clear. Largemouth and smallmouth bass fair on crankbaits, flukes, jigs, lipless baits and plastic baits around brush structure, docks, points, rocks and shallows. Channel catfish slow on chicken liver, minnows and stinkbait along flats and sandbars. White bass fair on jigs and topwater lures in the main lake. Report submitted by Jaylen Flynn, game warden stationed in Carter County.
Pine Creek: June 26. Elevation normal, water clear. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/PINE.lakepage.html. Largemouth bass fair on plastic baits and topwater lures in coves and around standing timber. Crappie good on jigs, minnows, small lures and tube jigs around brush structure and standing timber. Channel catfish good on hotdogs, punch bait and worms below the dam, along channels and spillway. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Robert S. Kerr: June 26. Elevation normal, water murky. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/webdata/gagedata/KERO2.current.html. Largemouth and smallmouth bass good on minnows, small lures, spinnerbaits and topwater lures around brush structure, shallows, shorelines, standing timber and weed beds. Blue, channel and flathead catfish good on cut bait, hotdogs, minnows, shad, stinkbait and sunfish below the dam, along channels, main lake, river mouth, shorelines and tailwater. Crappie good on jigs and minnows around brush structure, channels, shallows, standing timber, tailwater, weed beds and in coves. Report submitted by Logan Shimp, game warden stationed in Haskell County.
Sardis: June 25. Elevation normal, water 82. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/SARD.lakepage.html. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on buzz baits, crankbaits, jigs, plastic baits, spinnerbaits and topwater lures around brush structure, channels, points, riprap, rocks, shorelines, standing timber and weed beds. Blue, channel and flathead catfish fair on cut bait, shad and sunfish along flats, main lake and shorelines. Crappie fair on hair jigs, jigs, minnows and tube jigs around brush structure, points, shorelines and standing timber. Report submitted by Dane Polk, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.
Texoma: June 26. Elevation normal, water 78. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/DENI.lakepage.html. Striped bass good on live shad, slabs and topwater lures in the main lake and river channel. Blue catfish fair on shad in the main lake and river channel. Striper fishing has been great the past week. Fish are feeding best in the early morning. Topwater fishing has started picking up but not every day. Anglers should focus efforts on the south end of the lake as well as near the islands. Blue catfish are being caught on fresh caught shad in or near the river channels. Report submitted by Trey Hale, game warden stationed in Marshall County.
Wister: June 26. Elevation normal, water cloudy. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/WIST.lakepage.html. Largemouth and spotted bass good on bill baits, buzz baits, crankbaits, plastic baits, spinnerbaits and topwater lures around brush structure, points, shorelines and in coves. Blue and channel catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, hotdogs, stinkbait and worms below the dam, around brush structure, channels, main lake and points. Crappie good on jigs, minnows, small lures and spinnerbaits around brush structure, standing timber and cedar brush. Report submitted by Thomas Gillham, game warden stationed in LeFlore County.
Southwest
Altus-Lugert: June 29. Elevation below normal, water mid-70s and clear. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/ALTU.lakepage.html. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows in coves, docks and rocks. Channel catfish good on live bait, minnows, punch bait, stinkbait, sunfish and worms below the dam, along flats, river channel, river mouth, sandbar and in coves. White bass fair on bill baits, crankbaits and minnows around docks and main lake. Report submitted by Brandon Lehrman, game warden stationed in Greer County.
Ellsworth: June 28. Elevation above normal, water 73 and murky. For current elevation conditions go to the US Geological Survey website at https://waterdata.usgs.gov/usa/nwis/uv?07308990. Saugeye good on crankbaits and plastic baits at 6-10 ft. trolling the main lake and points. Blue and channel catfish fair on cut bait, punch bait and shad in the main lake and around points. Report submitted by Mike Carroll, game warden stationed in Comanche County.
Ft. Cobb: June 28. Elevation normal, water 70s and clear. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/FCOB.lakepage.html. Striped bass hybrids fair on topwater lures in the main lake and around points. Report submitted by Brayden Hicks, game warden stationed in Caddo County.
Lawtonka: June 28. Elevation above normal, water 74 and clear. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/webdata/gagedata/LTKO2.current.html. Largemouth bass fair on in-line spinnerbaits and plastic baits around brush structure, docks and riprap. Blue and channel catfish slow on chicken liver and dough bait in the main lake and around points. Report submitted by Mike Carroll, game warden stationed in Comanche County.
Tom Steed: June 29. Elevation normal, water 78. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/TOMS.lakepage.html. Blue, channel and flathead catfish fair on juglines baited with cut bait, live bait and punch bait in the main lake and around points. Striped bass hybrids, white bass and saugeye fair on crankbaits, jigs, live shad and trolling deep crankbaits in the main lake and around points. Report submitted by David Smith, game warden stationed in Kiowa County.
Waurika: June 29. Elevation above normal, water 80s and murky. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/WAUR.lakepage.html. Striped bass hybrids and white bass good on cut bait and shad along channels and dam. Blue and channel catfish good on chicken liver and cut bait along channels, main lake and shorelines. Largemouth bass fair on small lures and spinnerbaits along shallows and shorelines. Report submitted by Matt Farris, game warden stationed in Jefferson County.
Written by David Deaton
Edmond Angler Snags New State-Record Paddlefish at 146.7 Pounds
From the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife
POTENTIAL WORLD RECORD!
The world record for paddlefish taken with rod and reel will likely fall to a giant 146.7-pound Oklahoma monster snagged at Keystone Lake on June 28 by James Lukehart of Edmond.
The massive fish was confirmed as the official new state record for that species, beating the previous record of 143 pounds set just over a month ago by Jeremiah Mefford of Kiefer, who was on hand to see his state record fall by the wayside. Mefford is a fishing guide, and Lukehart was his client when he snagged the huge paddlefish. Mefford provided a witness signature on the record fish affidavit. The standing rod-and-reel world-record American paddlefish, taken from a Kansas pond in 2004, is listed at 144 pounds.
The largest American paddlefish on record, taken by a spearfisherman in Iowa in 1916, reportedly weighed 198 pounds. Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation Senior Fisheries Biologist Jason Schooley and Fisheries Technician Eric Brennan were able to quickly travel to Keystone Lake to weigh and certify the potential world-record fish. Lukehart's monster measured 70.5 inches in length and 45 inches in girth. Under the guidance of ODWC, the fish was released and monitored after official measurements were taken. Paddlefish are filter feeders and do not go after bait, so the preferred method to catch them is by snagging. Most fishing record-keepers do not recognize fish caught by snagging. Schooley said Lukehart's catch will become the recognized rod-and-reel world record after publication in scientific literature.
Several variables lined up in order for the record paddlefish to be certified by the Wildlife Department. The fish was snagged on a Sunday, a day when harvest is allowed. (Paddlefish regulations prohibit harvest on Mondays and Fridays, and ODWC will not certify any paddlefish records on those days.)
Also, ODWC employees were nearby and were able to respond in a timely manner to certify the fish and complete the affidavit. The paddlefish is a primitive species, with a fossil record dating to the age of the dinosaurs about 75 million years ago. Resembling a shark, it has smooth skin and a skeleton mostly of cartilage. A long paddle-like blade, called a rostrum, extends forward from the fish’s head.
The rostrum is covered with tens of thousands of sensory receptors that enable the fish to detect weak electrical fields produced by zooplankton, its primary food. Oklahoma’s paddlefish population is recognized as among the healthiest in the nation, and the sport of snagging paddlefish draws anglers from across the country.
The Wildlife Department's paddlefish management program involves an extensive process of netting, weighing, measuring and marking paddlefish with metal bands on the lower jaw. For several months every year, the Department operates the Paddlefish Research Center near Miami, Okla.
The American paddlefish roams lakes and rivers of the Mississippi and Missouri river basins. Paddlefish were once abundant across their range but have declined in many areas. These fish can live 25-30 years in Oklahoma. Anglers wanting to experience battling these large fish are required to have a state fishing license (unless exempt) and a free paddlefish permit.
Regulations for paddlefish snagging can be found here in the Oklahoma Fishing Regulations Guide. Several state-licensed fishing guides offer paddlefish snagging trips. A list of state-licensed fishing guides can be found here on the Wildlife Department’s website.
The Wildlife Department is working with the Oklahoma Health Department to craft messaging that promotes responsible outdoor recreation during the COVID-19 outbreak. The Department and health authorities agree that safeguarding mental health is important and spending time outdoors is a great way to do so, while following guidelines issued by federal and state authorities.
Written by David Deaton
Fishing Report for June 24, 2020
Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation Press Release
Central
Arcadia: June 22. Elevation normal, water 80 and murky. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/ARCA.lakepage.html. Blue and channel catfish good on cut bait, punch bait and stinkbait along the dam, rocks and points. Crappie good on minnows and jigs around points, rocks and standing timber. Report submitted by Dylan King, game warden stationed in Oklahoma County.
Draper: June 22. Elevation below normal, water upper 70s and stained. For current elevation conditions go to the US Geological Survey website at https://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?site_no=07229445. Largemouth bass good on crankbaits, jigs and plastic baits in coves and along shallows. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around brush structure and in coves. Channel catfish fair on cut bait and shad along flats and shallows. Report submitted by Chad Strang, game warden stationed in Cleveland County.
Overholser: June 23. Elevation normal, water 86 and stained. For current elevation conditions go to the US Geological Survey website at https://waterdata.usgs.gov/usa/nwis/uv?07240500. White bass fair on in-line spinnerbaits around docks and shorelines. Channel and blue catfish fair on cut bait and minnows in the main lake. Report submitted by Mark Murray, game warden stationed in Oklahoma County.
Wes Watkins: June 23. Elevation below normal, water 86 and clearing. For current elevation conditions go to the US Geological Survey website at https://waterdata.usgs.gov/ok/nwis/uv/?site_no=07241588&PARAmeter_cd=00065,00060. White bass slow on lipless baits and sassy shad in the main lake. Channel catfish slow on chicken liver, punch bait and worms along riprap and shorelines. Crappie slow on jigs and minnows along creek channels and standing timber. Report submitted by Mike France, game warden stationed in Pottawatomie County.
Northeast
Bell Cow: June 20. Elevation normal, water 79 and murky. Largemouth bass good on buzz baits, spinnerbaits, topwater lures and worms around brush structure, docks, shorelines, standing timber and weed beds. Crappie slow on jigs and minnows around brush structure and docks. Channel catfish fair on grasshoppers, stinkbait, sunfish and worms around brush structure, rocks and standing timber. Report submitted by Jacob Harriet, game warden stationed in Lincoln County.
Birch: June 21. Elevation above normal, water 70s and murky. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/BIRC.lakepage.html. Striped bass hybrids and white bass fair on cut bait and live shad at 10-20 ft. in the main lake. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around brush structure and standing timber. Report submitted by Paul Welch, game warden stationed in Osage County.
Carl Blackwell: June 23. Elevation below normal, water 74 and murky. Channel and flathead catfish slow on Alabama rigs, chicken liver, cut bait, dough bait, hotdogs, stinkbait and worms around brush structure, main lake, riprap, shorelines, standing timber, weed beds and in coves. Crappie slow on hair jigs, jigs, minnows, plastic baits, small lures, tube jigs and worms around docks, riprap and shorelines. Report submitted by Emily Long, game warden stationed in Payne County.
Chandler: June 20. Elevation normal, water 80 and stained. Largemouth bass fair on buzz baits, crankbaits, plastic baits and worms around brush structure, rocks and weed beds. Flathead catfish fair on sunfish around brush structure, rocks and weed beds. Green sunfish good on jigs, small lures and worms along shallows and weed beds. Report submitted by Jacob Harriet, game warden stationed in Lincoln County.
Copan: June 21. Elevation normal, water high 60s and clearing. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/webdata/gagedata/CPLO2.current.html. Blue, channel and flathead catfish fair on chicken liver, crawfish, dough bait, live shad, stinkbait, sunfish and worms below the dam, along riprap, river channels and shorelines. Largemouth bass slow on crankbaits and jerk baits around points and standing timber. Report submitted by Joe Alexander, game warden stationed in Washington County.
Eucha: June 21. Elevation normal, water 70s and clear. For current elevation conditions go to the US Geological Survey website at https://waterdata.usgs.gov/usa/nwis/uv?07191285. Largemouth bass fair on Alabama rigs, buzz baits, crankbaits, in-line spinnerbaits, jerk baits, plastic baits and spinnerbaits around brush structure, docks, points, riprap, shallows, shorelines, standing timber and in coves. Channel catfish fair on chicken liver, cut bait and shad below the dam, along channels, creek channels, docks, river channel and river mouth. Crappie good on hair jigs, jigs and minnows around brush structure, docks and shorelines. Crappie are in the summer pattern. Report submitted by Riley Willman, game warden stationed in Delaware County.
Ft. Gibson: June 22. Elevation normal, water 81 and 1 ft. of clarity. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/FGIB.lakepage.html. Largemouth bass good on plastic baits and topwater lures around docks, riprap and shorelines. Paddlefish slow snagging below the dam. White bass good on crankbaits, grubs, jigs, sassy shad, slabs and spoons in the main lake and around points. Report submitted by Ben Haff, game warden stationed in Wagoner County.
Grand: June 21. Elevation normal, water 70s and murky. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/PENS.lakepage.html. Largemouth bass good on Alabama rigs, buzz baits, crankbaits, jerk baits, spinnerbaits and topwater lures around brush structure, docks, flats, shorelines, standing timber and weed beds. Blue catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait and shad below the dam, along channels, creek channels, docks, main lake, river channel, river mouth, rocks and spillway. Crappie good on hair jigs, jigs, minnows and PowerBait around brush structure, docks and shorelines. Crappie are in the summer pattern and are being found in good numbers on brush piles. Crappie seem to prefer minnows. Report submitted by Riley Willman, game warden stationed in Delaware County.
Greenleaf: June 22. Elevation normal, water 78 and clear. Largemouth bass fair on lipless baits and topwater lures around brush structure and flats. Blue and channel catfish good on shad along flats and main lake. Bluegill excellent on worms along shorelines. Report submitted by Josey Branch, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.
Hudson: June 21. Elevation below normal, water 75 and clearing. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/HUDS.lakepage.html. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on crankbaits and plastic baits around brush structure. White bass and striped bass hybrids fair on jigs below the dam. Blue catfish good on cut bait below the dam. Report submitted by Monte Reid, game warden stationed in Mayes County.
Hulah: June 21. Elevation above normal, water upper 60s and clearing. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/HULA.lakepage.html. Blue, channel and flathead catfish good on chicken liver, crawfish, cut bait, live bait, live shad, shad, sunfish and worms below the dam, along riprap, river channel and tailwater. Crappie slow on hair jigs, jigs, minnows, PowerBait and tube jigs around brush structure, docks and shorelines. Bowfishing opportunity for gar has been good below the dam near the iron footbridge. Report submitted by Joe Alexander, game warden stationed in Washington County.
Kaw: June 22. Elevation 2 1/2 ft. above normal, water 78 and stained. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/KAWL.lakepage.html. Striped bass and striped bass hybrids slow on live shad, sassy shad and topwater lures below the dam. White bass and crappie fair on crankbaits, grubs, in-line spinnerbaits, live shad, minnows, shad, spoons and tube jigs in the main lake, around points, riprap and bridges. Blue, channel and flathead catfish fair on crawfish, cut bait, goldfish, punch bait, shad, stinkbait, sunfish, worms and noodling along channels, riprap, rocks and shorelines. Report submitted Spencer Grace, game warden stationed in Kay County.
Keystone: June 23. Elevation above normal, water 80s and murky. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/KEYS.lakepage.html. Largemouth bass good on spinnerbaits and worms around brush structure and in coves. Crappie slow on jigs and minnows around brush structure. Report submitted by Bradley Magby, game warden stationed in Creek County.
Lower Illinois: June 19. Elevation normal, water 63 and clear. For current elevation conditions go to the US Geological Survey website at https://waterdata.usgs.gov/usa/nwis/uv?site_no=07198000. Water flow has begun to cycle at the river. Fishing is good during those periods of low or no flow. Rainbow trout good on in-line spinnerbaits, nymphs and PowerBait below the dam and Watts area. Report submitted by Brek Henry, game warden stationed in Sequoyah County.
McMurtry: June 23. Elevation above normal. Saugeye good trolling crankbaits in 10-14 ft. of water around rock points, sandbars and dam. Bass good on plastic baits and topwater lures in the main lake and around points. Flathead and channel catfish good on shad, chicken liver and cut bait in the main lake, along the dam, channels and in coves. Report submitted by Lake McMurtry Staff.
Oologah: June 19. Elevation normal, water low80s and stained. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/webdata/gagedata/OOLO2.current.html. Largemouth bass fair on buzz baits and crankbaits around brush structure and in coves. Blue catfish good on shad below the dam and along riprap. Crappie excellent on minnows around brush structure and main lake. Report submitted by J.D. Stauffer, game warden stationed in Rogers County.
Skiatook: June 21. Elevation normal, water 80s and clear. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/skia.lakepage.html. Striped bass hybrids and white bass good on cut bait, live shad and spoons in the main lake. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs at 10-15 ft. around brush structure, standing timber and bridges. Report submitted by Paul Welch, game warden stationed in Osage County.
Sooner: June 22. Elevation normal, water 70s and murky. Blue and channel catfish fair on cut bait and live bait in the discharge and main lake. Striped bass hybrids and white bass fair on jigs and live shad in the discharge and main lake. Report submitted by Stephen Paul, game warden stationed in Noble County.
Spavinaw: June 18. Elevation normal, water 70s and murky. For current elevation conditions go to the US Geological Survey website at https://waterdata.usgs.gov/usa/nwis/uv?07191300. Largemouth and smallmouth bass good on crankbaits, jigs and plastic bats in coves and shallows. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around brush structure and in coves. Channel catfish fair on cut bait and shad along flats and shallows. Report submitted by Kody Moore, game warden stationed in Mayes County.
Tenkiller: June 21. Elevation normal, water 83 and murky. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/TENK.lakepage.html. Largemouth and spotted bass excellent on crankbaits, plastic baits and spinnerbaits around brush structure and points. Crappie good on jigs and minnows around brush structure and docks. White bass good on crankbaits and small lures along channels and points. Report submitted by Cody Youngblood, game warden stationed in Cherokee County.
Webbers Falls: June 22. Elevation normal, water 82 and murky. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/webdata/gagedata/WFLO2.current.html. Largemouth bass fair on plastic baits and topwater lures along flats and weed beds. Blue and channel catfish good on shad below the dam. Paddlefish good snagging below the dam. Report submitted by Josey Branch, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.
Northwest
Canton: June 20. Elevation normal, water clear. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/CANT.lakepage.html. Walleye and white bass fair on crankbaits in the main lake. Channel catfish good on minnows along the dam and riprap. Report submitted by Mark Walker, game warden stationed in Blaine County.
Foss: June 23. Elevation 3/4 ft. below normal, water mid-70s and clear. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/FOSS.lakepage.html. Walleye fair on worms close to rocks on the dam. Striped bass hybrids fair in deep water. Catfish fair to good on trotlines on the north side. Crappie fair around fishing dock. Report submitted by Eric Puyear, B & K Bait House.
Ft. Supply: June 23. Elevation normal, water 81. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/FSUP.lakepage.html. Bluegill fair on worms in the discharge and main lake. Drum good on worms in the main lake. Report submitted by Jason Badley, game warden stationed in Harper County.
Southeast
Arbuckle: June 23. Elevation normal, water 82 and clear to stained up creeks. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/ARBU.lakepage.html. White bass good on grubs and small jigs; they are schooling and on the move. Bass good on crankbaits, worms and topwater lures. Crappie good on chartreuse jigs around marked brush piles and fair on minnows and jigs around docks. Channel catfish excellent on dough bait. Report submitted by Jack Melton.
Blue River: June 23. Elevation normal, water 72 and clear. For current elevation conditions go to the US Geological Survey website at https://waterdata.usgs.gov/ok/nwis/uv?site_no=07332390. Channel catfish good on chicken liver, dough bait and stinkbait along the river channel and river mouth. Smallmouth and spotted bass good on crankbaits, spinnerbaits and topwater lures around brush structure, rocks, shallows, shorelines, above and below falls behind current breaks like boulders. Try concentrating on shady areas provided by overhanging trees later in the morning and afternoon. Bluegill, green and redear sunfish good on in-line spinnerbaits and worms around brush structure, shallows and shorelines. Report submitted by Ethan Lovelace, technician at the Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area.
Broken Bow: June 19. Elevation normal, water 85 and clear. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/BROK.lakepage.html. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass good on crankbaits and plastic baits around brush structure and points. Crappie good on jigs, minnows and spoons around brush structure, points and standing timber. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Eufaula: June 19. Elevation normal, water 88 and murky. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/EUFA.lakepage.html. Striped bass good on jigs, live bait, live shad, small lures and topwater lures below the dam and along the dam. White bass good on jigs, slabs, small lures and spoons in the main lake, around points, sandbar and shorelines. Blue catfish excellent on live bait, live shad and worms in the main lake, river mouth, rocks and shallows. Blue catfish are on the rocks spawning. Report submitted by Cannon Harrison, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.
Hugo: June 19. Elevation above normal, water 76 and murky. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/HUGO.lakepage.html. Blue, channel and flathead catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, dough bait, live bait, punch bait, shad, stinkbait and sunfish below the dam, along channels, creek channels, main lake, river channel and shorelines. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows below the dam, around brush structure, channels, creek channels, main lake, river channel and standing timber. Report submitted by Andrew Potter, game warden stationed in Choctaw County.
Konawa: June 21. Elevation normal, water 87 and clear. Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits and plastic baits in the main lake, around points, river channel and weed beds. Striped bass hybrids and white bass fair on Alabama rigs, crankbaits and live shad in coves, main lake and river channel. Channel catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, shrimp and worms along riprap, weed beds and inlet. Report submitted by Garret Harley, game warden stationed in Seminole County.
Lower Mountain Fork: June 19. Elevation normal, water clear. For current elevation conditions go to the US Geological Survey website at https://waterdata.usgs.gov/ok/nwis/uv?site_no=07339000. Rainbow trout excellent on caddis flies, small lures, tube jigs and worms along creek channels and rocks. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
McGee Creek: June 19. Elevation normal, water 78. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/MCGE.lakepage.html. Largemouth and spotted bass good on crankbaits, flukes, lipless baits and plastic baits around brush structure, points, rocks and in coves. White and spotted bass fair on crankbaits, lipless baits and topwater lures in coves, along flats and main lake; look for surfacing schools. Crappie and spotted bass fair on minnows and jigs around brush structure and standing timber. Report submitted by Jay Harvey, game warden stationed in Atoka County.
Murray: June 22. Elevation above normal, water 80 and clear. White bass excellent on crankbaits, jigs and topwater lures in coves and main lake. Largemouth and smallmouth bass fair on jigs and plastic baits around brush structure, riprap, shallows and in coves. Report submitted by Jaylen Flynn, game warden stationed in Carter County.
Pine Creek: June 19. Elevation normal, water clear. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/PINE.lakepage.html. Largemouth bass good on Alabama rigs and topwater lures in coves. Crappie fair on jigs around brush structure and standing timber. Channel catfish excellent on chicken liver, hotdogs and shrimp along channels and main lake. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Robert S. Kerr: June 19. Elevation normal, water murky. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/webdata/gagedata/KERO2.current.html. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass good on buzz baits, crankbaits, plastic baits and small lures along creek channels, points, shallows, shorelines, standing timber and weed beds. Channel, blue and flathead catfish excellent on chicken liver, cut bait, minnows, shad, sunfish and worms below the dam, along creek channels, main lake, river mouth, shorelines and tailwater. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows below the dam, along creek channels, shallows, tailwater and weed beds. Report submitted by Logan Shimp, game warden stationed in stationed in Haskell County.
Sardis: June 20. Elevation normal, water 79. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/SARD.lakepage.html. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on bill baits, buzz baits, crankbaits, plastic baits, spinnerbaits and topwater lures around brush structure, creek channels, points, shorelines, standing timber and weed beds. Blue, channel and flathead catfish fair on cut bait, shad and sunfish along flats, main lake and shorelines. Report submitted by Dane Polk, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.
Texoma: June 19. Elevation normal, water 72. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/DENI.lakepage.html. White bass good on live bait, sassy shad, slabs and topwater lures along flats, main lake and points. Striped bass good on live shad, sassy shad, slabs and topwater lures along the dam, flats, main lake and river channel. Report submitted by Trey Hale, game warden stationed in Marshall County.
Wister: June 19. Elevation normal, water cloudy. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/WIST.lakepage.html. Largemouth and spotted bass good on bill baits, buzz baits, crankbaits, plastic baits and spinnerbaits around brush structure, channels, points and shorelines. Blue and channel catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, hotdogs, stinkbait and worms below the dam, around brush structure, main lake and points. Crappie good on jigs and minnows below the dam, around brush structure, channels, standing timber and cedar brush. Report submitted by Thomas Gillham, game warden stationed in LeFlore County.
Southwest
Altus-Lugert: June 22. Elevation below normal, water mid-70s and clear. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/ALTU.lakepage.html. Channel catfish good on cut bait, minnows, stinkbait and worms below the dam, along flats, river channel and river mouth. Crappie and white bass fair on jigs and minnows around brush structure, docks and rocks. Report submitted by Brandon Lehrman, game warden stationed in Greer County.
Ellsworth: June 21. Elevation above normal, water 70s and murky. For current elevation conditions go to the US Geological Survey website at https://waterdata.usgs.gov/usa/nwis/uv?07308990. Blue and channel catfish fair on cut bait, shad and punch bait in the main lake and around points. Saugeye good trolling crankbaits and plastic baits in 6-10 ft. of water. Report submitted by Mike Carroll, game warden stationed in Comanche County.
Ft. Cobb: June 21. Elevation normal, water clear. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/FCOB.lakepage.html. Striped bass hybrids fair on topwater lures around points. Report submitted by Brayden Hicks, game warden stationed in Caddo County.
Lawtonka: June 21. Elevation above normal, water 71 and clear. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/webdata/gagedata/LTKO2.current.html. Crappie slow on jigs and minnows around brush structure and docks. Blue catfish fair on chicken liver and dough bait along channels, points and rocks. Report submitted by Mike Carroll, game warden stationed in Comanche County.
Tom Steed: June 22. Elevation normal, water 76. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/TOMS.lakepage.html. White bass, striped bass hybrids and saugeye good trolling crankbaits in the main lake and around points. Blue and channel catfish fair on cut bait, punch bait and stinkbait along flats and points. Report submitted by David Smith, game warden stationed in Kiowa County.
Waurika: June 23. Elevation above normal, water low 80s and murky. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/WAUR.lakepage.html. Blue and channel catfish good on chicken liver and cut bait along channels and main lake. Striped bass hybrids and white bass fair on cut bait, sassy shad and shad along channels, dam and main lake.
Written by David Deaton
Wildlife Commission Trims, Alters Turkey Hunting Bag Limits
PRESS RELEASE
Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commissioners voted to reduce or alter wild turkey hunting bag limits in large areas of western Oklahoma during their regular June 17 meeting in Oklahoma City.
Starting this fall, turkey gun hunters will be allowed to harvest one tom only in the 14 counties that previously permitted either-sex harvest. Archery hunters will still be allowed one turkey of either sex statewide in the fall.
Next spring, all counties outside the Southeast Region will have a one tom limit. The spring turkey season limit remains unchanged at three toms. None of the changes made will affect existing regulations in the Southeast Region for turkey hunting, where the season limit is one tom turkey for all eight counties combined.
Chief of Wildlife Bill Dinkines told Commissioners declining turkey numbers during the past two years, especially in southwestern Oklahoma, prompted the bag limit changes.
Also during Wednesday’s meeting, Commissioners voted to immediately prohibit all recreational hunting of feral swine on four wildlife management areas: Kaw, Sandy Sanders, Hackberry Flat, and Waurika. The prohibition supports efforts of the Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program operated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in those areas. Officials said eradication efforts in those areas will be more effective without feral hog hunting.
In other business, Commissioners:
- Approved a Fiscal Year 2021 budget totaling $63.8 million, which is a 17 percent decrease from the FY 2020 budget of $76.8 million.
- Approved emergency rules establishing regulations for the new Sandhills Wildlife Management Area, which will allow hunting and public use of the 5,200-acre WMA in Woods County.
- Heard Director J.D. Strong’s regular Department report, including a notice that this meeting would be the final regular meeting for John D. Groendyke of Enid, who decided not to seek another appointment after serving 44 years on the Wildlife Conservation Commission. Strong said a formal recognition of Groendyke’s service to the Wildlife Department is planned this fall.
- Approved re-appointment of four directors to the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Foundation.
To view a recording of the meeting, go to https://youtu.be/b9KNv93mipI.
The Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission is the eight-member governing board of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. The 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 Oklahoma Senate.
The next scheduled Commission meeting is set for 9 a.m. Monday, Aug. 3, 2020, at Wildlife Department headquarters, 1801 N. Lincoln Blvd., Oklahoma City.
Written by David Deaton
Enter Now to Win Guided Fishing Trip
Press Release
Oklahoma Fishing Trail Marking 1st Year With Guided Fishing Trip Giveaway
Today, June 18, is National Go Fishing Day, when people are encouraged to take a break from daily routines, bait a hook, drop a line into a nearby lake, pond or river, and have some relaxing time fishing.
Also today, the Oklahoma Fishing Trail marks its first year with a special giveaway.
Anglers can go here to enter for a chance to win a prize package that includes a guided fishing trip with Oklahoma Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell and J.D. Strong, Director of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, along with a one-year parking pass for Oklahoma State Parks and a selection of Oklahoma Fishing Trail gear. Giveaway entries will be accepted for two weeks.
“We have been thrilled with the success of the Oklahoma Fishing Trail, and we expect things to only get better,” said Pinnell, who is also the state’s Secretary of Tourism and Branding. “Those of us who live here already know that Oklahoma is one of the country’s best fishing states, and we wanted to show the rest of the United States why they need to come fish in Oklahoma.”
A year ago today, the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department and the Oklahoma Wildlife Department launched the Oklahoma Fishing Trail, a joint initiative designed to make Oklahoma the No. 1 fishing state in the nation and increase tourism revenue. In that time, fishing license sales have increased and tourism revenues have been positive.
The Oklahoma Fishing Trail highlights 38 lakes and rivers across the state along with an additional 20 fishing destinations that are part of the Wildlife Department’s Close to Home Fishing Program. The lakes and rivers on the trail are divided into six loops, one for each region of the state.
Information about the Oklahoma Fishing Trail is available on FishinOK.com, a section of TravelOK.com that features information on each trail loop and surrounding amenities. A free Oklahoma Fishing Trail brochure may be ordered at TravelOK.com/Brochures.
A popular part of the Oklahoma Fishing Trail promotion has been the Grand Slam Challenge. Anglers can complete the challenge by catching five of the many species found in Oklahoma waterways and submitting photos of their catches at TravelOK.com/GrandSlam. So far, 40 anglers have completed the Grand Slam Challenge. Each person who completes the challenge receives a special Oklahoma Fishing Trail Grand Slam decal.
Remember, in Oklahoma, the outdoors is always open! And fishing is a great way to get outdoors to relax and enjoy nature. Here are some tips to stay healthy while fishing during the current COVID-19 outbreak:
- Try a new fishing spot. If your regular fishing location is popular and busy, try out a new one where fewer people are fishing. You can find a list of places to try out here.
- Once you find your spot, keep at least 6 feet of distance — about a fishing rod’s length — between you and other groups.
- Stick with your immediate family, but keep groups to fewer than 10 people.
- Bring hand sanitizer and wash your hands often.
- Buy your fishing license online (if you haven't already) at GoOutdoorsOklahoma.com, either online using your home computer or smartphone, with the Go Outdoors Oklahoma app available for Apple or Android users, or at license vendors statewide.