Whatzup Outdoors (219)
Written by David Deaton
SOUTHEAST AREA FISHING REPORT FEB 24th
SOUTHEAST
A service of the Oklahoma Wildlife Department
Arbuckle: February 21. The lake is locked by Park. Water is frozen is some areas. No fishermen this week. Report submitted by Jack Melton.
Blue River: February 22. Elevation normal, water 40 and slightly stained. Rainbow trout good on in-line spinnerbaits, midges, nymphs and PowerBait along the river channel and rocks. Report submitted by Ethan Lovelace, technician at the Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area.
Broken Bow: February 19. Elevation normal, water 45. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass fair on bill baits, crankbaits, jigs and spoons around points. Crappie fair on jigs, minnows and spoons around brush structure and points. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Eufaula: February 20. Elevation above normal, water 39 and clear. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass good on crankbaits, jerk baits, jigs and small lures along channels, docks and main lake. Blue, channel and flathead catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, hotdogs, live bait and stinkbait along creek channels, dam, main lake, river channel and river mouth. Crappie good on hair jigs, jigs, live bait and tube jigs around brush structure, creek channels, main lake, river channel and river mouth. Report submitted by David deMontigny, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.
Hugo: February 18. Elevation normal, water 49 and murky. Blue, channel and flathead catfish good on cut bait, dough bait, live bait, punch bait, shad, stinkbait and sunfish below the dam, 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: February 21. Elevation normal, water 34 and clear. Largemouth bass slow on Alabama rigs, crankbaits, lipless baits and plastic baits in the main lake, river channel and weed beds. Striped bass slow on Alabama rigs, crankbaits and live shad in coves, discharge and river channel. Channel catfish slow on chicken liver, cut bait and shrimp in coves, discharge and weed beds. Report submitted by Garret Harley, game stationed in Seminole County.
Lower Mountain Fork: February 19. Elevation normal, water clear. Rainbow trout fair on PowerBait and tube jigs along creek channels and spillway. Fishing has been limited due to the recent winter storm event that occurred this week in the region. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
McGee Creek: February 19. Elevation below normal, water 46. Largemouth bass slow on flukes and jerk bait in the main lake. Crappie slow on minnows along creek channels, river channel and standing timber. Report submitted by Jay Harvey, game warden stationed in Atoka County.
Pine Creek: February 19. Elevation above normal, water clear. Largemouth bass and crappie slow on spoons along the river channel. Channel catfish fair on cut bait along creek channels and river channel. There was little activity this week due to winter storm in the region. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Robert S. Kerr: February 19. Elevation normal, water murky. Blue, channel and flathead catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, dough bait, goldfish, hotdogs, minnows, shrimp, stinkbait and sunfish along channels, dam, main lake, river channel, river mouth and tailwater. Crappie and white bass good on grubs, hair jigs, jigs and small lures along channels, creek channels, points, sandbars and standing timber. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on buzz baits, crankbaits, minnows, plastic baits and small lures in coves, around points, rocks, shallows, shorelines, standing timber and weed beds. Report submitted by Logan Shimp, game warden stationed in Haskell County.
Sardis: February 18. Elevation above normal, water 37. All fishing slow due to inclement weather. Report submitted by Dane Polk, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.
Texoma: February 21. Elevation normal, water 39. Striped bass fair on flukes and live shad along channels, main lake and points. Blue catfish fair on cut bait, live shad and sunfish along channels, creek channels, points and river channel. Blue cats are still being caught between 3—40 ft. of water on juglines and rod-and-reel. Crappie slow on jigs around docks and standing timber. Fishing this week has been slower due to the severe weather. Report submitted by Garrett Beam, game warden stationed in Bryan County.
Wister: February 19. Elevation normal, water frozen. Largemouth and spotted bass slow. Blue catfish slow. Crappie slow. Report submitted by Thomas Gillham, game warden stationed in LeFlore County.
Written by David Deaton
Tourism and ODOT partner to take Oklahomans fishing
Press Release
What better way to "reel" in the new year than by finding a great fishing spot? New Oklahoma Fishing Trail signs going up around the state will help make it even easier for anglers to find the state’s top fishing destinations.
In partnership with the Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation is erecting roadside signs indicating the location of the Oklahoma Fishing Trail loops. Designed to promote the state’s unique fishing opportunities and increase revenue, the trail highlights lakes and rivers around the state.
"I’m so excited to see these new signs going up around the state,” said Oklahoma Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell, who is also the state’s Secretary of Tourism & Branding. “We’ve been thrilled with the positive response and economic impact to the fishing trail so far, and these signs are such a great way for us to spread awareness about the trail and Oklahoma’s incredible fishing opportunities.”
The Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department selected the locations and ODOT is erecting 815 signs across the six fishing trail loops statewide that will alert visitors to prime fishing spots in the region.
Planning for the sign installation endeavor began in 2019. The first signs are currently being installed in southwestern Oklahoma with a statewide installation goal by the end of March. The markers will be placed under highway identification signs at state highway junctions and will indicate to anglers which loop of the fishing trail they are near. Each loop is designated by a color: northeastern (green), southeastern (orange), south central (blue), central (purple), southwestern (gold) and northwestern (red), each having a variety of fish available. The 18 inch x 24 inch signs are the same color as the designated region, display a rod with a lure and read “Oklahoma Fishing Trail.”
“ODOT is very excited to be a part of such a positive initiative driven by the Tourism Department and to be able to provide guidance to drivers seeking that special fishing spot,” said Secretary of Transportation and ODOT Executive Director Tim Gatz.
The signs initially cost OTRD $35 per sign, and ODOT will provide maintenance.
In June 2019, the state launched the Oklahoma Fishing Trail as a joint initiative between OTRD and the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. The trail highlights 40 of Oklahoma's top fishing lakes and rivers and an additional 20 fishing experiences that are part of the Wildlife Department's "Close to Home" fishing program. More information on the Close to Home fishing destinations can be found at www.wildlifedepartment.com.
Digital promotion of the Oklahoma Fishing Trail has resulted in $8.2 million in projected lodging revenue, creating a 90-to-1 return on investment based on digital spend.
For more information on the Oklahoma Fishing Trail, visit the OTRD website at FishinOK.com or order or download the Oklahoma Fishing Trail brochure at TravelOK.com/Brochures.
Written by David Deaton
Feral Swine Eradication Project is among key topics of Free Conservation Webinar, 1 p.m., Feb. 24
Oklahoma Conservation Commission Press Release
Time – whether you keep it on your watch, your phone or the dash of your pickup – is a very important resource for you as an agricultural producer. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Oklahoma Tribal Conservation Advisory Council (OTCAC) realize and appreciate that.
That’s why our NRCS and OTCAC FREE virtual webinar scheduled for 1 p.m., Feb. 24 is a perfect solution for getting the answers to your conservation questions and receiving new conservation information. The Feral Swine Eradication Project will be featured along with topics such as Locally-Led and the NRCS Application Process and USDA Program Updates.
You don’t have to leave the house, the field or the barn, we will bring it to you through a Zoom Meeting (Please see registration information below).
During this webinar on Feb. 24, you will receive information and have the opportunity to ask questions about conservation and how it pertains to your operation. NRCS State Conservationist Gary O’Neill will share NRCS Updates and Trey Lam, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission, will present information on the Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program. Several other topics will be highlighted as well.
The NRCS Team 13, which covers the counties of Comanche and Cotton, is the host for this particular webinar. However, we have found that producers from not only throughout Oklahoma, but throughout the region and the nation have joined our webinars to gather very important information. This certainly includes information about feral swine.
Feral hogs are a major problem for the agricultural community, as well as some urban communities, causing about $2 million in damage to U.S. land and crops each year. Feral hogs pose disease risks to livestock, pets and humans. This pilot project in this area is in Cotton County.
Lam said, “Feral hog damage to crops and natural resources has climbed to the top of local priority issues raised by local Conservation Districts. Assessing hog damage and identifying landowners needing feral hog control is a job ideally suited to the locally led Conservation Districts. OCC looks forward to working closely with Districts to deploy many electronic traps for State Trappers to use in this battle.”
Working together is a key aspect in every way.
“This webinar will offer producers and landowner information on USDA programs and in particular information about the Feral Hog Pilot Program which NRCS is funding through EQIP and the local conservation district,” said Jeff Davis, District Conservationist in Team 13.
“With some of the restrictions we are dealing with from COVID-19 it is more important than ever that USDA and partners identify ways to continue to communicate and provide information to farmers and ranchers,” said USDA NRCS Oklahoma State Conservationist Gary O’Neill. “These webinars are a way that information can be passed along to farmers and ranchers virtually and serve as a way to address their questions and concerns regarding available assistance and any upcoming new opportunities. I encourage landowners and operators to utilize these webinars as a way to learn of assistance opportunities and to see firsthand how this format can be an effective way of communication and the passing along of critical information.”
The webinar is open to the public. To attend participants will need to register in advance via the link below and follow the link in the email generated after registration to attend. It is that easy! If reasonable accommodation is needed, please notify Dr. Carol Crouch, NRCS, .
Who: Open to the Public
When: 1 p.m., Feb. 24
Registration: Register for the Zoom Webinar at
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_tB2k3-15To6P7g6nzfSTjw
While visitors are not currently allowed in USDA Service Centers in Oklahoma, our program delivery staff will be in the office, and they will be working with our producers by phone, and using online tools. More information can be found at http://www.farmers.gov/coronavirus" data-auth="NotApplicable">farmers.gov/coronavirus.
Written by David Deaton
Fishing Report for February 17, 2021
ODWC Press Release
NORTHEAST
Ft. Gibson: February 15. Elevation above normal, water 33. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/FGIB.lakepage.html. Current weather conditions have contributed to a very difficult fishing experience at the lake. Most of the bays and shallower areas of the lake are frozen. The shorelines are icy and snowy. In many places a rim of ice extends too far from the solid ground for anglers to fish from shore. Accessing the open areas of the lake with a boat is also very difficult. In many places the water in front of the boat ramp is frozen. Only boaters with extensive experience in icy conditions should try to operate a vessel under these conditions. Also, anglers who are accustomed to fishing from local docks should use extreme caution. Dock walkways and access routes are mostly covered with ice. Attempting to fish in many cases could be treacherous and anglers should exercise extreme caution this week. Blue catfish slow on shad below the dam. Crappie slow on jigs and minnows around brush structure and standing timber. Report submitted by Ben Haff, game warden stationed in Wagoner County.
Greenleaf: February 14. Elevation normal, water 40s and stained. Due to cold temperatures, no fishing activity was observed. Report submitted by Gary Wilcox, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.
Keystone: February 11. Elevation below normal, water 44. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/KEYS.lakepage.html. All fishing activities slow due to extreme cold weather. Report submitted by Karlin Bailey, game warden stationed in Creek County.
Lower Illinois: February 13. Elevation above normal, water 43 and clear. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Geological Survey website at https://waterdata.usgs.gov/usa/nwis/uv?site_no=07198000. Rainbow trout slow on PowerBait below the dam. Water flow 3800 cfs around the clock at the time of report. Report submitted by Brek Henry, game warden stationed in Sequoyah County.
Perry CCC: February 14. Elevation normal, water 30s and ice covered. As of 2/13/21 the lake has a layer of ice on it. DO NOT attempt to get out on the ice and fish. Report submitted by Stephen Paul, game warden stationed in Noble County.
Sooner: February 14. Elevation normal, water 30s and murky. Striped bass hybrids and saugeye slow on jigs in the discharge. Report submitted by Stephen Paul, game warden stationed in Noble County.
Webbers Falls: February 14. Elevation normal, water 40s 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. Due to the cold temperatures, no fishing activity was observed. Report submitted by Gary Wilcox, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.
SOUTHEAST
Arbuckle: February 13. Elevation 1 ft. below normal, water low 40s and clear. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/ARBU.lakepage.html. All fishing slow due to cold weather. Report submitted by Jack Melton.
Broken Bow: February 12. Elevation normal, water 49. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/BROK.lakepage.html. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass fair on bill baits, crankbaits, jigs and spoons around brush structure and points. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around brush structure and points. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Eufaula: February 13. Elevation above normal, water 40 and murky. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/EUFA.lakepage.html. Largemouth, smallmouth, spotted and striped bass good on crankbaits, jerk baits, small lures and spinnerbaits around brush structure, docks and main lake. Blue, channel and flathead catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, hotdogs and stinkbait below the dam, along channels, creek channel, discharge, inlet and river mouth. Crappie good on hair jigs, jigs, minnows and tube jigs around brush structure, creek channels, discharge and docks. Report submitted by David deMontigny, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.
Hugo: February 12. Elevation above normal, water 49 and murky. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. 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 and sunfish below the dam, along channels, main lake and river channel. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows below the dam, around brush structure, channels, river channel and standing timber. Report submitted by Andrew Potter, game warden stationed in Choctaw County.
Konawa: February 14. Elevation normal, water 38 and clear. Largemouth bass slow on Alabama rigs, crankbaits and plastic baits in the discharge, main lake and river channel. Striped bass hybrids and white bass slow on Alabama rigs, crankbaits and live shad in coves, discharge, main lake and river channel. Channel catfish slow on chicken liver, cut bait and shrimp in coves, discharge and weed beds. Report submitted by Garret Harley, game warden stationed in Seminole County.
Lower Mountain Fork: February 12. Elevation normal, water clear. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Geological Survey website at https://waterdata.usgs.gov/ok/nwis/uv?site_no=07339000. Rainbow trout good on jigs, plastic baits, PowerBait, tube jigs and worms below the dam, along creek channels and spillway. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
McGee Creek: February 12. Elevation below normal, water 46. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/MCGE.lakepage.html. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on Alabama rigs, crankbaits and jigs in coves, along the dam and flats. Crappie and white bass slow on minnows along creek channels and standing timber. Report submitted by Jay Harvey, game warden stationed in Atoka County.
Pine Creek: February 12. Elevation above normal, water murky. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/PINE.lakepage.html. Largemouth bass fair on plastic baits and spoons in coves and along creek channels. Crappie good on jigs, small lures and spoons around brush structure and creek channels. Channel catfish good on chicken liver and stinkbait along the river channel and spillway. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Robert S. Kerr: February 12. Elevation normal, water murky. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/webdata/gagedata/KERO2.current.html. Crappie good on hair jigs, jigs, minnows and small lures along creek channels, river channel, standing timber and tailwater. Blue, channel and flathead catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, dough bait, grubs, hotdogs, minnows, punch bait, shad, shrimp, sunfish and worms below the dam, along creek channels, main lake, river channel, river mouth and tailwater. White bass, bluegill and green sunfish good on hair jigs, jigs and small lures below the dam, around brush structure, creek channels and river channel. Report submitted by Logan Shimp, game warden stationed in Haskell County.
Sardis: February 11. Elevation above normal, water 41. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/SARD.lakepage.html. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on crankbaits, jigs, plastic baits and spinnerbaits around brush structure, creek channels, points, shorelines and standing timber. Report submitted by Dane Polk, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.
Texoma: February 12. Elevation normal, water 44. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/DENI.lakepage.html. Fishing has still been good this week. Striped bass good on flukes, live shad and sassy shad along channels, main lake and points. Striper have been caught on the western and northern part of the lake. Blue catfish fair on cut bait, live shad and sunfish along creek channels, main lake and river channel. Blue cats are being caught on juglines, rod-and-reel in the 30-40 ft. of water. Crappie slow on jigs and minnows around brush structure and docks. Report submitted by Garrett Beam, game warden stationed in Bryan County.
Wister: February 12. Elevation normal, water 40 and cloudy. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/WIST.lakepage.html. Largemouth bass slow. Blue catfish slow on shad and worms below the dam and main lake. Crappie slow on jigs and minnows below the dam. Report submitted by Thomas Gillham, game warden stationed in LeFlore County.
SOUTHWEST
Ft. Cobb: February 14. Elevation below normal, water 40s and cloudy. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/FCOB.lakepage.html. Channel catfish slow on cut bait along channels. Report submitted by Brayden Hicks, game warden stationed in Caddo County.
Waurika: February 15. Elevation above normal, water 40s and cloudy. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/WAUR.lakepage.html. Striped bass hybrids and white bass fair on cut bait and shad along channels and main lake. Blue and channel catfish good on chicken liver and cut bait along creek channels. Crappie slow on minnows and tube jigs around brush structure, docks and rocks. The spillway is open with a release of 23 cfs as of 2/15/21. Report submitted by Matt Farris, game warden stationed in Jefferson County.
Written by David Deaton
Fishing Report for February 3, 2021
Press Release
Click to go to The Dock to share you fish photos or see other's photos.
NORTHEAST
Ft. Gibson: February 1. Elevation above normal, water 40 with less than one foot of visibility. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/FGIB.lakepage.html. Blue and channel catfish good on shad along flats, main lake, points and shorelines. Look for catfish feeding on shad on windy days; they will be on the windblown shorelines. Paddlefish slow snagging along the river channel. Crappie slow on grubs, jigs and minnows at 15-25 ft. around brush piles and standing timber. Report submitted by Ben Haff, game warden stationed in Wagoner County
Grand: January 29. Elevation above normal, water lower 40s and murky. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/PENS.lakepage.html. Largemouth bass fair on Alabama rigs, crankbaits, plastic baits and spinnerbaits around brush structure, docks, points, rocks and coves. Blue and channel catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, live bait, live shad and stinkbait below the dam, along channels, creek channel, docks, main lake, river channel and river mouth. Paddlefish fair snagging along channels and main lake. Paddlefish are being caught in good numbers on the main lake using divers. Crappie are also being caught in good numbers in deeper water, approximately 20-25 ft. Report submitted by Riley Willman, game warden stationed in Delaware County.
Greenleaf: February 1. Elevation 42 and stained. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around brush structure and docks. Largemouth bass slow on crankbaits around brush structure. Report submitted by Gary Wilcox, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.
Kaw: February 2. Elevation 5 ft. above normal, water 40s and muddy. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/KAWL.lakepage.html. Blue and channel catfish good on cut bait, shad and worms along creek channels, flats, river channel and river mouth. Paddlefish fair snagging below the dam. Report submitted by Spencer Grace, game warden stationed in Kay County.
Keystone: January 28. Elevation above normal, water 45 and clear. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/KEYS.lakepage.html. Largemouth bass fair on plastic baits along shorelines. Blue catfish good on cut bait below the dam. Crappie good on jigs and minnows around brush structure and docks. Report submitted by Karlin Bailey, game warden stationed in Creek County.
Lower Illinois: January 31. Elevation normal, water 46 and clear. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. 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 water, usually early morning or late evening. Report submitted by Brek Henry, game warden stationed in Sequoyah County.
Oologah: January 31. Crappie slow on jigs around brush structure and channels. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/webdata/gagedata/OOLO2.current.html. The lake level is very low for U.S. Corps of Engineers shoreline projects. Boaters should use extreme caution in shallow areas and when around standing timber. Largemouth bass fair on Alabama rigs, crankbaits, rogues and underspins along the river channel, standing timber and channel swings in deep water. Report submitted by J.D. Stauffer, game warden stationed in Rogers County.
Perry CCC: January 31. Elevation below normal, water 40s and muddy. Rainbow trout slow on PowerBait and small lures in coves and along the dam. The most recent trout stocking was on January 29. Report submitted by Stephen Paul, game warden stationed in Noble County.
Sooner: January 31. Elevation normal, water 40s and murky. Saugeye fair on crankbaits and jigs around points and riprap. Striped bass hybrids slow on jigs and live shad in the discharge and main lake. Blue and channel catfish slow on cut bait in the discharge and main lake. Report submitted by Stephen Paul, game warden stationed in Noble County.
Tenkiller: January 31. Elevation above normal, water 40s 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. Crappie good on crankbaits, jigs, small lures and tube jigs around brush structure, docks and standing timber. Blue and channel catfish fair on cut bait and shad along channels and points. Report submitted by Cody Youngblood, game warden stationed in Cherokee County.
Webbers Falls: February 2. Elevation above normal, water 40s 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. Blue catfish good on shad below the dam and along channels. Largemouth bass slow on crankbaits and plastic baits around brush structure. Report submitted by Gary Wilcox, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.
SOUTHEAST
Arbuckle: January 31. Elevation normal, water 46 and clear. Bass slow on Alabama rigs, crankbaits and shaky head worms in June bug. Crappie and white bass being caught on spoon with jigs in mid-lake on 34-60 ft. ledges. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/ARBU.lakepage.html.
Broken Bow: January 29. Elevation normal, water 51. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/BROK.lakepage.html. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass fair on bill baits, crankbaits, hair jigs and spoons around brush structure and points. Channel catfish fair on chicken liver, punch bait, stinkbait and worms along channels, coves and river channel. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Eufaula: January 29. Elevation above normal, water 37 and murky. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/EUFA.lakepage.html. Crappie good on hair jigs, jigs, live bait, minnows and tube jigs around brush structure, creek channels, docks and main lake. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass good on crankbaits, jerk baits, jigs, small lures and spinnerbaits around brush structure, coves, docks, main lake, points and standing timber. Blue, channel and flathead catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, hotdogs, live shad and stinkbait below the dam, along channels, creek channels, flats, main lake and river channel. Report submitted by David deMontigny, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.
Hugo: January 29. Elevation above normal, water 47 and murky. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/HUGO.lakepage.html. Blue, channel and flathead catfish good on cut bait, dough bait, live bait, punch bait, shad, stinkbait and sunfish below the dam, along channels, main lake, river channel and shorelines. Crappie good 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: January 31. Elevation normal, water 41 and clear. Largemouth bass slow on Alabama rigs, crankbaits, lipless baits and plastic baits in the main lake, around points, 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 slow on chicken liver, cut bait and shrimp in coves, discharge, riprap and weed beds. Report submitted by Garret Harley, game warden stationed in Seminole County.
Lower Mountain Fork: January 29. Elevation normal, water clear. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Geological Survey website at https://waterdata.usgs.gov/ok/nwis/uv?site_no=07339000. Rainbow trout good on small lures and tube jigs along creek channels, river channel and spillway. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
McGee Creek: January 29. Elevation below normal, water 47. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/MCGE.lakepage.html. Largemouth and spotted bass slow on Alabama rigs, crankbaits and plastic baits in coves, around docks, rocks and flats. Report submitted by Jay Harvey, game warden stationed in Atoka County.
Pine Creek: January 29. Elevation above normal, water murky. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/PINE.lakepage.html. Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits along the river channel. Crappie fair on spoons around brush structure and river channel. Channel catfish good on chicken liver and cut bait in the main lake and river channel. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Robert S. Kerr: January 29. Elevation normal, water murky. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/webdata/gagedata/KERO2.current.html. Crappie fair on hair jigs, jigs and minnows along channels, creek channels, river channel, tailwater and weed beds. Blue, channel and flathead catfish good on chicken liver, dough bait, hotdogs, minnows, shad, shrimp, sunfish and worms below the dam, along channels, main lake, river channel, river mouth and tailwater. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass fair on crankbaits, minnows, plastic baits, small lures and spoons around brush structure, docks, rocks, weed beds and in coves. Report submitted by Logan Shimp, game warden stationed in Haskell County.
Sardis: January 30. Elevation above normal, water 54. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/SARD.lakepage.html. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on crankbaits, in-line spinnerbaits, jerk baits, lipless baits, sassy shad and spinnerbaits around brush structure, channels, points, riprap, shorelines and standing timber. Blue and channel catfish fair on cut bait and shad along channels, flats, main lake and shorelines. Crappie fair on jigs, minnows and tube jigs around brush structure, points and standing timber. Report submitted by Dane Polk, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.
Texoma: January 29. Elevation normal, water 46. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/DENI.lakepage.html. Winter fishing has been good this week. Striped bass good on flukes, sassy shad and shad in the main lake, around points and river channel. Striper are still being caught on the northern and western part of the lake. Blue catfish good on live shad, shad and sunfish along channels, creek channels, main lake and river channel. Blue cats have been good on juglines at 30-40 ft. of water. Crappie slow on jigs and minnows around brush structure and docks. Report submitted by Garrett Beam, game warden stationed in Bryan County.
Wister: January 29. Elevation normal, water cloudy. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/WIST.lakepage.html. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on bill baits, crankbaits, plastic baits and spinnerbaits around brush structure, channels, points and shorelines. Blue, channel and flathead catfish good on cut bait, shad, stinkbait sunfish and worms below the dam, around brush structure, channels, main lake and standing timber. Crappie fair on jigs, minnows and small lures around brush structure, channels, points, shorelines, standing timber and cedar brush. Report submitted by Thomas Gillham, game warden stationed in LeFlore County.
SOUTHWEST Ft. Cobb: February 1. Elevation below normal, water 50s and clear. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/FCOB.lakepage.html. Channel catfish slow on cut bait along creek channels and points. Report submitted by Brayden Hicks, game warden stationed in Caddo County.
Waurika: February 2. Elevation above normal, water 40s and murky. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/WAUR.lakepage.html. Reservoir release is open and at 369 cubic feet per second. Blue and channel catfish good on cut bait and punch bait along creek channels. Striped bass hybrids and white bass fair on cut bait and shad along channels and main lake. Report submitted by Matt Farris, game warden stationed in Jefferson County.
Written by David Deaton
Outdoor Oklahoma Magazine Digital Archive Arrives!
ODWC Press Release
Digital Outdoor Oklahoma Archive Arrives! Outdoor Oklahoma Journal Blog Also Online
It was 75 years in the making, and now it’s here! You can view every issue of Outdoor Oklahoma magazine online!
The Outdoor Oklahoma Digital Archive from 1945 to present is available on the website of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. Just go to www.wildlifedepartment.com/outdoor-oklahoma/outdoor-oklahoma-magazine-archive to peruse or search through the entire history of the Wildlife Department’s official magazine.
This new digital archive includes every issue of the magazine's entire 75 years, beginning as the Oklahoma Game & Fish News, then renamed Oklahoma Wildlife, and finally becoming Outdoor Oklahoma. The archive was created in cooperation with the Oklahoma Department of Libraries. Issues from 1970 and before are housed on the ODL’s Digital Prairie website. A second section offers issues from 1971 to 2019. The most recent issues also can found on the archive page.
And by the way, the Outdoor Oklahoma TV show also has past programs ready to view online. Just go to youtube.com/user/OutdoorOklahoma.
Take a look, dig around, and rekindle some great outdoor memories today!
• • •
While you are enjoying the retro magazines online, why not support future of fish and wildlife conservation as well by starting your own subscription to Outdoor Oklahoma magazine? You’ll get a “coffee table version” in print every other month, and it’s only $10 for a year — certainly one of the best deals around!
New features added this year include a “Conservation For Kids” section that gives the youngsters fun facts, puzzles and a coloring page about our natural resources, and “Wild About Cooking” that provides a wild game recipe in every issue.
Whether your outdoor interests lean toward hunting, fishing, photography, hiking, camping or just taking in Oklahoma’s natural beauty, Outdoor Oklahoma is the magazine for you. Award-winning photography and articles provide entertainment and education from the folks who live for, work with and protect Oklahoma’s wildlife resources and habitat. Subscriptions are just a few clicks away at license.gooutdoorsoklahoma.com/Shop/Inventory?groupId=17 or call (800) 777-0019. Single copies are also sold online or in person at select Department offices statewide.
And by the way, the entry period is now open for the magazine's annual Readers' Photography Showcase, which will be published in the July/August issue. Submit your best images and see if your work is selected among the best outdoor images in Oklahoma! Go to tinyurl.com/EnterRPS.
Still can’t get enough about Oklahoma’s wonderful outdoors? Look no further than the Outdoor Oklahoma Journal, a blog from your Wildlife Department. From videos and insider information to great hunting, fishing and wildlife stories, the OOJ is all about helping you pursue and engage in Oklahoma's vibrant outdoor lifestyle.
Follow us for tangible details on how to go out and be a hunter, angler and conservationist. Tags at the bottom of each OOJ article help you connect with more stories about your favorite outdoor topic.
So don’t miss out. The Outdoors Are Always Open!
Written by David Deaton
Fishing Report for January 27, 2021
Press Release
NORTHEAST
Greenleaf: January 24. Elevation normal, water stained. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around brush structure and docks. Largemouth bass slow on crankbaits and plastic baits around brush structure. Report submitted by Gary Wilcox, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.
Kaw: January 26. Elevation 1 1/3 ft. above normal, water 40s and muddy. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/KAWL.lakepage.html. Blue and channel catfish excellent on cut bait, punch bait, shad, stinkbait and worms along flats, river channel and river mouth. Striped bass hybrids slow on hair jigs, jerk baits, jigs and sassy shad below the dam. Paddlefish good snagging below the dam. Report submitted by Spencer Grace, game warden stationed in Kay County.
Keystone: January 21. Elevation above normal, water 45 and clear. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/KEYS.lakepage.html. Largemouth bass fair on plastic baits in coves and along shorelines. Blue catfish good on cut bait below the dam and along channels. Crappie good on jigs and minnows around brush structure. Report submitted by Karlin Bailey, game warden stationed in Creek County.
Lower Illinois: January 24. Elevation normal, water 47 and clear. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Geological Survey website at https://waterdata.usgs.gov/usa/nwis/uv?site_no=07198000. Rainbow trout fair on in-line spinnerbaits, nymphs, PowerBait and spoons below the dam and Watts area. Best times are during low water, usually early morning or late evening. Report submitted by Brek Henry, game warden stationed in Sequoyah County.
Oologah: January 24. Elevation 2 1/2 ft. below normal, water 40. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/webdata/gagedata/OOLO2.current.html. The lake level is being lowered for shoreline projects. Please use extreme caution when boating in shallow areas and when around underwater obstructions. Some boat ramps may not be usable. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows at 15-20 ft. around brush structure in the main lake. Larger crappie are scattered. Blue catfish slow on live shad below the dam and river channel. Largemouth bass good on crankbaits and crawdad red crankbaits in the main lake, around points, riprap and rocks. Report submitted by J.D. Stauffer, game warden stationed in Rogers County.
Perry CCC: January 24. Elevation below normal, water 40s and muddy. Rainbow trout slow on PowerBait, spinnerbaits and spoons in coves and around docks. Report submitted by Stephen Paul, game warden stationed in Noble County.
Sooner: January 24. Elevation normal, water 40s and murky. Striped bass hybrids and saugeye slow on crankbaits and live shad in the main lake and along riprap. Blue catfish slow on cut bait in the discharge. Report submitted by Stephen Paull, game warden stationed in Noble County.
Tenkiller: January 24. Elevation above normal, water mid-40s 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. Crappie good on hair jigs, plastic baits, small lures and tube jigs around brush structure, main lake and standing timber in deep water. Blue and channel catfish fair on cut bait and shad along channels and points. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on crankbaits, jigs, plastic baits and small lures around brush structure, docks, shorelines and standing timber. Report submitted by Cody Youngblood, game warden stationed in Cherokee County.
Webbers Falls: January 24. Elevation normal, water low 40s. 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. Blue and channel catfish fair on shad below the dam and along channels. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around brush structure. Report submitted by Gary Wilcox, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.
NORTHWEST
Canton: January 23. Elevation above normal, water clear. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/CANT.lakepage.html. Crappie good on jigs on the lake side of the spillway gates and around brush structure near the Canadian boat ramp. Report submitted by Mark Walker, game warden stationed in Blaine County.
Foss: January 25. Elevation 3 ft. below normal with gates closed, water lower 40s and clear. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/FOSS.lakepage.html. Striped bass hybrids slow to fair in deep water. Walleye slow on live bait. Catfish fair on cut bait. Crappie fair on live bait and small jigs around docks. Report submitted by Eric Puyear, B & K Bait House.
SOUTHEAST
Arbuckle: January 25. Elevation normal, water 47 and clear. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/ARBU.lakepage.html. Largemouth and smallmouth bass fair on Alabama rigs, jerk baits, Ned rigs and shay head worms in the main lake. White bass, crappie, channel catfish and the occasional bass are being caught on spoons with jigs above it near ledges in 34-60 ft. of water. Electronics are very important to find these areas. Largemouth and smallmouth bass being caught on Alabama rigs, jerk baits, Ned rigs and shaky head worms.
Blue River: January 26. Elevation normal, water 42 and slightly stained. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Geological Survey website at https://waterdata.usgs.gov/ok/nwis/uv?site_no=07332390. Rainbow trout good on in-line spinnerbaits, midges, nymphs, PowerBait and spoons along channels and rocks. Report submitted by Ethan Lovelace, technician at the Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area.
Broken Bow: January 22. Elevation normal, water 50. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/BROK.lakepage.html. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass fair on bill baits, crankbaits, jigs and spoons around brush structure, main lake, points and standing timber. Channel catfish fair on chicken liver, punch bait, stinkbait and worms along channels and in coves. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Eufaula: January 22. Elevation above normal, water 40 and murky. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/EUFA.lakepage.html. Crappie good on jigs, minnows, small lures and tube jigs below the dam, along channels, creek channels, docks, main lake and river channel. Largemouth, smallmouth and white bass fair on crankbaits, jerk baits and jigs below the dam, around brush structure, channels, discharge, docks, main lake and standing timber. Blue, channel and flathead catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, hotdogs, live shad, minnows and stinkbait below the dam, along channels, discharge, main lake, river channel and river mouth. Report submitted by David deMontigny, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.
Hugo: January 22. Elevation normal, water 49 and murky. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. 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, 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, main lake, river channel and standing timber. Report submitted by Andrew Potter, game warden stationed in Choctaw County.
Konawa: January 24. Elevation normal, water 42 and clear. Largemouth bass slow on Alabama rigs, crankbaits, lipless baits 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, discharge and river channel. Channel catfish slow on chicken liver, cut bait and shrimp in coves, discharge, riprap and weed beds. Report submitted by Garret Harley, game warden stationed in Seminole County.
Lower Mountain Fork: January 22. Elevation above normal, water murky. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Geological Survey website at https://waterdata.usgs.gov/ok/nwis/uv?site_no=07339000. Rainbow trout slow on small lures below the dam. Water levels have been high due to scheduled releases into Spillway Creek. Water levels will be adjusted toward normal levels on Friday. Please consult with posted warnings from Oklahoma State Parks and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers before planning your outings in this area. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
McGee Creek: January 22. Elevation below normal, water 48. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/MCGE.lakepage.html. Largemouth and spotted bass slow on Alabama rigs, crankbaits and plastic baits in coves, along the dam and around points. Crappie slow on minnows along creek channels and standing timber. Report submitted by Jay Harvey, game warden stationed in Atoka County.
Pine Creek: January 22. Elevation above normal, water murky. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/PINE.lakepage.html. Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits and spoons along creek channels and points. Crappie slow on spoons and tube jigs around brush structure and points. Channel catfish fair on chicken liver, hotdogs and punch bait along creek channels. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Robert S. Kerr: January 21. Elevation normal, water murky. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/webdata/gagedata/KERO2.current.html. White bass and crappie good on grubs, hair jigs, jigs, minnows and small lures along channels, creek channels, river channel, river mouth, shallows, standing timber and weed beds. Blue, channel and flathead catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, dough bait, goldfish, hotdogs, minnows, shad, shrimp, stinkbait and sunfish below the dam, along creek channels and main lake. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on crankbaits, minnows, small lures and spoons around brush structure, docks, points, rocks, sandbars, shorelines, standing timber, weed beds and in coves. Report submitted by Logan Shimp, game warden stationed in Haskell County.
Sardis: January 22. Elevation above normal, water 52. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/SARD.lakepage.html. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on bill baits, crankbaits, jerk baits, jigs and spinnerbaits around brush structure, channels, points, rocks, shorelines and standing timber. Blue and channel catfish fair on cut bait and shad along channels, main lake and shorelines. Crappie fair on jigs, minnows and tube jigs around brush structure, channels, shorelines and standing timber. Report submitted by Dane Polk, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.
Texoma: January 24. Elevation normal, water 45. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/DENI.lakepage.html. Striped bass good on flukes, live shad and sassy shad in the main lake, points and river channel. Striped bass fishing this week was still very good. Most of the striped bass have been caught on the northern part of the lake this week. Blue catfish fair on live bait, live shad and sunfish along creek channels, main lake, river channel and river mouth. Blue cats are being caught between 30-40 ft. of water on juglines. Crappie slow on jigs and minnows around brush structure and docks. Report submitted by Garret Beam, game warden stationed in Bryan County.
Wister: January 22. Elevation above normal, water cloudy. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/WIST.lakepage.html. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on bill baits, crankbaits, plastic baits and spinnerbaits around brush structure, channels, points and shorelines. Blue, channel and flathead catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, shad, sunfish and worms in the main lake, around points and standing timber. Crappie fair on jigs, minnows and small lures below the dam, around brush structure, channels, points, shorelines and cedar brush. Report submitted by Thomas Gillham, game warden stationed in LeFlore County.
SOUTHWEST
Ft. Cobb: January 25. Elevation below normal, water 50s. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/FCOB.lakepage.html. Crappie slow on jigs and minnows around brush structure and docks. Report submitted by Brayden Hicks, game warden stationed in Caddo County.
Written by David Deaton
SOUTHEAST AREA LAKES FISHING REPORT - JAN 17
Arbuckle: January 17. Elevation normal, water 71 and clear. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/ARBU.lakepage.html. Bass fair on Alabama rigs, worms, jigs and Ned rigs. Crappie and white bass good on spoons with jig above in mid-lake. Crappie slow around docks. All other fishing slow. Report submitted by Jack Melton.
Blue River: January 19. Elevation normal, water 40 and clear. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Geological Survey website at https://waterdata.usgs.gov/ok/nwis/uv?site_no=07332390. Rainbow trout good on midges, nymphs, PowerBait and spoons along creek channels, rocks, above and below waterfalls where there is some kind of current break. Gold spoons seem to be the ticket this week for larger fish. Small midges and nymphs did the trick for a few catch and release fishermen. Garlic scented PowerBait produced a lot of bites as well. Report submitted by Ethan Lovelace, technician at the Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area.
Broken Bow: January 15. Elevation above normal, water 50 and clear. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/BROK.lakepage.html. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass fair on bill baits, crankbaits, jigs, spinnerbaits and spoons around brush structure, points, standing timber and the main lake. Channel catfish fair on chicken liver, cut bait, punch bait and worms along channels, points and in coves. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Eufaula: January 15. Elevation above normal, water 50 and murky. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/EUFA.lakepage.html. Largemouth, smallmouth, spotted and striped bass fair on live bait, plastic baits and small lures around brush structure, docks, main lake and standing timber. Crappie fair on jigs, minnows and worms below the dam, around brush structure, creek channels, discharge and main lake. Blue, channel and flathead catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, hotdogs, live bait, live shad and worms below the dam, along creek channels, discharge, main lake, river channel and river mouth. Report submitted by David deMontigny, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.
Hugo: January 15. Elevation dropping, water 49 and murky. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. 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, 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: January 17. Elevation normal, water 44 and clear. Largemouth bass slow on Alabama rigs, crankbaits 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, discharge, main lake and river channel. Channel catfish slow on chicken liver and cut bait in coves, discharge and weed beds. Report submitted by Garret Harley, game warden stationed in Seminole County.
Lower Mountain Fork: January 15. Elevation above normal, water murky. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Geological Survey website at https://waterdata.usgs.gov/ok/nwis/uv?site_no=07339000. Rainbow trout slow on tube jigs below the dam. Anglers are advised to use caution as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are releasing large volumes of water down Spillway Creek through the week. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
McGee Creek: January 15. Elevation below normal, water 48. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/MCGE.lakepage.html. Largemouth and spotted bass slow on Alabama rigs, jigs and plastic baits in coves, around points and standing timber. White bass slow on Alabama rigs and lipless baits in coves, main lake and around points. Report submitted by Jay Harvey, game warden stationed in Creek County.
Pine Creek: January 15. Elevation above normal, water murky. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/PINE.lakepage.html. Largemouth bass slow on spoons along creek channels and river channel. Crappie fair on spoons around brush structure and channels. Channel catfish fair on chicken liver and cut bait along the river channel. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Robert S. Kerr: January 15. Elevation normal, water murky. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/webdata/gagedata/KERO2.current.html. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass fair on crankbaits, minnows and small lures around brush structure, creek channels, points, standing timber, weed beds and in coves. Blue, channel and flathead catfish good on chicken liver, crawfish, goldfish, grubs, hotdogs, minnows, shad, shrimp and sunfish along creek channels, main lake, river channel, river mouth and tailwater. Crappie fair on crickets, hair jigs, jigs and small lures along channels, river channel, river mouth, sandbars, rocks, standing timber and in coves. Report submitted by Logan Shimp, game warden stationed in Haskell County.
Sardis: January 17. Elevation normal, water 51. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/SARD.lakepage.html. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on bill baits, crankbaits, jerk baits, lipless baits and spinnerbaits around brush structure, creek channels, points, riprap and shorelines. Blue and channel catfish fair on cut bait and shad along flats, main lake and shorelines. Crappie fair on jigs, minnows and tube jigs around brush structure, points and standing timber. Report submitted by Dane Polk, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.
Texoma: January 15. Elevation normal, water 46. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/DENI.lakepage.html. Winter fishing is still very good. Striped bass god on Alabama rigs, flukes and live shad in the main lake, around points and river channel. Striped bass are being caught on the western part of the lake. Live shad is still showing to be the best way to catch stripers. Blue catfish good on cut bait, live shad and sunfish along creek channels, main lake and river channel. Blue cats are still being caught around 40-50 ft. of water on juglines. Crappie slow on jigs and minnows around brush structure and docks. Report submitted by Garrett Beam, game warden stationed in Bryan County.
Wister: January 15. Elevation above normal, water cloudy. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website at https://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/WIST.lakepage.html. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on bill baits, crankbaits, plastic baits and spinnerbaits around brush structure, channels, points, shorelines and standing timber. Blue, channel and flathead catfish fair on chicken liver, crawfish, cut bait, hotdogs, shad, stinkbait and worms below the dam, around brush structure, channels, main lake, points and standing timber. Crappie fair on jigs, minnows and small lures below the dam, around brush structure, channels, points, shorelines, standing timber and cedar brush. Report submitted by Thomas Gillham, game warden stationed in LeFlore County.
Written by David Deaton
State offering free tags for animal disease traceability
Press Release
(STILLWATER, Oklahoma, Jan. 15, 2021)— With the current pandemic, terms such as “herd immunity,” “infection rates” and “contact tracing” are now part of daily conversations. You’d hear the same if it were a foreign animal disease, such as foot and mouth disease, hitting the United States. In such situations, animal disease traceability is critical to emergency response efforts.
Animal disease traceability (ADT), as defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is knowing where diseased and at-risk animals are, where they’ve been and when. Traceability does not prevent disease introduction, but it does expedite the emergency response, which is critical for both producers and industry.
ADT allows official individual identification of animals and rapid tracing during an outbreak. One ADT system that allows individual identification is the National Uniform Eartagging System (NUES). This system has been used for years and is familiar to many producers. The common names for these tags are “Bangs tags” or “Silver Bright tags.” These tags are used for cattle requiring brucellosis vaccination or tuberculosis testing.
Another system of official identification involves the use of radio frequency (electronic) tags beginning with the digits 840. Radio frequency identification (RFID) tags are available as low frequency and ultra-high frequency. In certain circumstances other forms of identification, such as registration tattoos and brands, may be used as official identification.
Currently, official identification is required only under certain conditions and for certain classes of cattle. The two primary situations requiring official identification are program disease testing (such as that required for brucellosis) and interstate movement.
Classes of cattle requiring USDA official identification for interstate movement include:
Beef Cattle & Bison
• Sexually intact and 18 months or older.
• Used for rodeo or recreational events, regardless of age.
• Used for shows or exhibitions.
Dairy Cattle
• All female dairy cattle.
• All male dairy cattle born after March 11, 2013.
(Exceptions to this requirement do apply under unique movement types, such as travel for veterinary care. Feeder cattle and animals moving directly to slaughter do not require official identification for interstate movement.)
If a disease outbreak occurs, effective and rapid response will hinge on the electronic sharing of data within a traceability system. Efforts such as U.S. CattleTrace, a cattle industry-driven multi-state initiative, are evaluating traceability system design and usage. Any nationwide system must be functional for the cattle industry. Such a system must be cost-effective and maintain confidentiality while continuing to allow cattle to move at the speed of commerce.
The USDA has proposed moving toward RFID tags. The public comment period for these changes closed in October 2020, and a variety of industry organizations and leaders have provided comments.
Producers and veterinarians interested in incorporating RFID may wish to participate in a program offered by the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry (ODAFF). ODAFF is distributing approximately 550,000 low-frequency 840 RFID tags for the cost of shipping. The goal is to increase RFID tag usage in young breeding cattle intended as replacement stock. Producers must first obtain a premise identification number and then submit an order form. For questions, call the ODAFF Animal Industry Division at 405-522-6141.
This article was written for Cowman magazine by Dr. Rosslyn Biggs, beef cattle extension specialist and continuing education director at Oklahoma State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine.
VeterinaryViewpoints is provided by the faculty of the OSUVeterinary Medical Teaching Hospital.
OSU’sCollege ofVeterinary Medicineis one of 30 accreditedveterinary colleges in the United States and the onlyveterinary college in Oklahoma. The college’sBorenVeterinary Medical Hospitalis open to the public and provides routine and specialized care for small and large animals. The hospital offers 24-hour emergency care and is certified by the American Animal Hospital Association. For more information, visithttps://vetmed.okstate.eduor call (405) 744-7000.
Oklahoma State University is a modern land-grant university that prepares students for success. OSU has more than 34,000 students across its five-campus system and more than 24,000 on its combined Stillwater and Tulsa campuses, with students from all 50 states and around 100 nations. Established in 1890, Oklahoma State has graduated more than 275,000 students to serve the state of Oklahoma, the nation and the world.
Written by David Deaton
Are hunters really the biggest conservationists in America?
EarthTalk® From the Editors of E - The Environmental Magazine
Hunters play a large part in conservation efforts across the U.S. through their taxes, licenses and donations. In fact, the National Wildlife Refuge System itself was founded by a hunter: President Theodore Roosevelt. That being said, the mere act of hunting alone is not conservation.
While one can conserve an animal’s pelt, meat, or the memory of that animal, shooting and killing an animal, of course, does not mean that it has been conserved. However, hunters take action outside of hunting in order to maintain the species’ health, environments and numbers in which they hunt. In this regard, not all hunters are conservationists, but many become conservationists through hunting.
Most of the U.S. government’s funding for conservation comes from hunters. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service raises money for wetland habitat protection through its program called “Duck Stamps.” Federal Duck Stamps are required to be purchased by all waterfowl hunters, but they can also be bought by anyone who would like to contribute to conservation. Since their creation in 1934, Duck Stamps have helped conserve nearly six million acres of habitat. They also serve as a free pass into any national wildlife refuge that charges an entry fee. Additionally, according to the Rocket Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF), hunters pay $796 million a year towards conservation programs through their state licenses and fees. RMEF is largely made up of hunters, and along with other similar groups, they estimate that they have added around $440 million a year to conservation efforts. Another federal tax on guns, ammo, bows and arrows generates $371 million a year towards conservation.
A survey conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service showed that the percentage of Americans who hunt has halved over the past 50 years, and that the decline continues to accelerate. Because hunters provide much of the funding to government conservation programs, the decreasing popularity of the pastime is taking a toll on efforts by state and federal agencies to implement wildlife habitat restoration plans and related activities for the benefit of wildlife.
There are some who see this decline in hunting as a positive. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), for example, published a detailed article citing the main reasons why they believe sport hunting is cruel and unnecessary. They point out that a substantial percentage of animals hunted are shot but not killed causing an unnecessary amount of pain and suffering. Additionally, they argue that while natural predators maintain the balance of an ecosystem by killing the sickest and weakest individuals, sport hunters often try to aim for large, healthy animals for better bragging rights.
It is undeniable that hunters contribute to conservation efforts, but the sport and act of hunting itself has proven to be a controversial subject for many.
CONTACTS: Duck Stamps; Hunting is Conservation – Paid for by Hunters; Why Sport Hunting is Cruel and Unnecessary (PETA).
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