Whatzup Outdoors (219)
Written by David Deaton
Fishing Report for December 9, 2020
NORTHEAST
Ft. Gibson: December 6. Elevation above normal, water 52 with 1 ft. 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 catfish fair on shad along the river channel. Crappie good on jigs and minnows at 12-22 ft. around brush structure, creek channels, river channel and standing timber. Paddlefish fair snagging in the river channel. Report submitted by Ben Haff, game warden stationed in Wagoner County.
Grand: December 5. Elevation normal, water high 50s 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 good on Alabama rigs, crankbaits and spinnerbaits around docks, flats and points. Blue catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait and live shad below the dam, along channels, docks, river channel and river mouth. Crappie fair on hair jigs, jigs and minnows around brush structure and docks. Paddlefish activity on the main lake has increased. Report submitted by Riley Willman, game warden stationed in Delaware County.
Greenleaf: December 6. Elevation normal, water upper 40s and murky. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around brush structure and docks. Blue and channel catfish fair on cut bait and hotdogs along flats and shorelines. Bluegill sunfish fair on jigs, minnows and worms around brush structure and docks. Report submitted by Josey Branch, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.
Kaw: December 8. 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. Striped bass hybrids and white bass fair on crankbaits, hair jigs, jigs, lipless baits, live shad and sassy shad below the dam. Blue and channel catfish good on cut bait, hotdogs, punch bait, shad and worms in the main lake, along river channel and river mouth. Crappie fair on jigs, minnows and tube jigs around brush structure and standing timber. Report submitted by Spencer Grace, game warden stationed in Kay County.
Keystone: December 3. 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/KEYS.lakepage.html. Blue catfish good on cut bait below the dam. Report submitted by Karlin Bailey, game warden stationed in Creek County.
Lower Illinois: December 4. Elevation above normal, water 55 and murky. 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 good on in-line spinnerbaits, nymphs and PowerBait below the dam and Watts area. They are cycling generation due to recent rains. Best fishing time is in the early morning hours. They are continuing to stock trout on a weekly basis. Report submitted by Brek Henry, game warden stationed in Sequoyah County.
Perry CCC: December 6. Elevation normal, water 50s and muddy. Rainbow trout fair on nymphs, PowerBait and spoons in coves and along the dam. Report submitted by Stephen Paul, game warden stationed in Noble County.
Sooner: December 6. Elevation normal, water 50s and murky. Striped bass hybrids fair on live shad and slabs in the main lake. Saugeye and striped bass hybrids fair on crankbaits, jigs and live shad in the discharge and along riprap. Blue catfish slow on cut bait in the main lake. Report submitted by Stephen Paul, game warden stationed in Noble County.
Tenkiller: December 6. Elevation above normal, water 50s 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. White bass fair on slabs, spoons and tube jigs along channels, creek channels, flats and points. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on jigs and plastic baits around brush structure, docks, points, and shorelines. Bluegill and green sunfish fair on small lures and tube jigs along creek channels, docks, rocks and shorelines. Report submitted by Cody Youngblood, game warden stationed in Cherokee County.
Webbers Falls: December 6. Elevation normal, water upper 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 and channel catfish good on cut bait, shad and shrimp below the dam and along flats. Paddlefish slow snagging below the dam. Report submitted by Josey Branch, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.
NORTHWEST
Canton: December 5. Elevation 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 in front of the spillway discharge gates and near brush structure near Canadian boat ramp. Report submitted by Mark Walker, game warden stationed in Blaine County.
Foss: December 7. Elevation 3 1/4 ft. below normal, water mid-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/FOSS.lakepage.html. Crappie fair on live bait around fishing dock. Striped bass hybrids fair to good in deep water near the dam.
SOUTHEAST
Arbuckle: December 7. Elevation 3/4 ft. below normal, water 53 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. Crappie good on spoon and jig combos along ledges and slow off docks. White bass hitting spoons at 51-65 ft. of water. Bass hitting Ned rigs, drop-shot rigs, crankbaits and Alabama rigs. Sunfish good on earthworms off docks. All other fishing slow. Report submitted by Jack Melton.
Blue River: December 8. Elevation normal, water 48 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 in-line spinnerbaits, midges, nymphs, PowerBait and spoons along channels and rocks. Peach colored dough bait has had the best result this week followed by red salmon eggs. Gold spoons such as Little Cleo’s have been a top producer along with metallic super dupers and black/yellow Panther Martins. Fly fishermen have had a successful week using egg patterns and a variety of nymphs. Report submitted by Ethan Lovelace, technician at the Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area.
Broken Bow: December 4. Elevation rising, water 52. 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 crankbaits and jigs around brush structure, points and standing timber. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around brush structure and points. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Eufaula: December 4. Elevation normal, water turbid. 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. Blue and flathead catfish good on crawfish, hotdogs and worms below the dam, along the dam, main lake and points. Largemouth and spotted bass slow on Alabama rigs, plastic baits, small lures and worms around brush structure, shallows, shorelines and standing timber. Striped bass slow on shad, slabs and topwater lures below the dam and along the dam. Report submitted by Cannon Harrison, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.
Hugo: December 4. Elevation below normal, water 57 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 fair on chicken liver, cut bait, dough bait, live bait, punch bait, sassy shad, stinkbait and sunfish below the dam, in the 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: December 6. Elevation normal, water 51 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 and crankbaits in coves, discharge and river channel. Channel catfish fair 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: December 4. 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 PowerBait and small lures along channels, rocks and spillway. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
McGee Creek: December 4. Elevation below normal, water 57. 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 jigs, plastic baits and drop-shot rigs in coves, along flats and points. Report submitted by Jay Harvey, game warden stationed in Atoka County.
Pine Creek: December 4. Elevation below 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 plastic baits around points. Crappie good on minnows and spoons around brush structure and points. Channel catfish fair on chicken liver and stinkbait along creek channels. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Robert S. Kerr: December 4. 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, minnows and small lures along channels, creek channels, river channel and standing timber. Largemouth and smallmouth bass fair on crankbaits, minnows, plastic baits and small lures at the inlet, around points, rocks and weed beds. Blue, channel and flathead catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, hotdogs, minnows, shad, sunfish and worms below the dam, along channels, main lake, river channel and tailwaters. Report submitted by Logan Shimp, game warden stationed in Haskell County.
Sardis: December 6. Elevation below normal, water 58. 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, lipless baits, plastic baits and spinnerbaits 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: December 4. Elevation below normal, water 58. 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. Anglers have been successful the past week on Texoma. Striped bass good on flukes, live shad and sassy shad along channels, main lake and points. Dead-sticking has picked up with limits being filled using this method. Striper are also being caught with artificial baits beneath birds. Live bait is still an option to catch striper as well. Blue catfish fair on cut bait and shad along channels and main lake. Blue cats are being caught around cleaning stations on cut bait and on juglines at steep depth changes. Report submitted by Trey Hale, game warden stationed in Marshall County.
Wister: December 4. 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 fair on chicken liver, cut bait, hotdogs, shad, stinkbait and sunfish below the dam, around brush structure, channels, main lake, points and standing timber. Crappie fair on jigs, minnows and small lures around brush structure, channels, points, shorelines and cedar brush. Report submitted by Thomas Gillham, game warden stationed in LeFlore County.
SOUTHWEST
Ft. Cobb: December 6. Elevation below normal, water 50s and murky. 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 and points. Report submitted by Brayden Hicks, game warden stationed in Caddo County.
Written by David Deaton
Proposed Fish, Wildlife Rule Changes Now Open for Public Comments
ODWC Press Release
PUBLIC HEARING SCHEDULED FOR JAN. 7, 2021, IN OKLAHOMA CITY
Each year, the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation proposes changes in Title 800, the administrative rules that govern hunting, fishing and Wildlife Department operations. The public comment period for this year's proposed rule changes opened Dec. 1 and will close at 4:30 p.m. Jan. 8, 2021.
Many proposed changes are simple housekeeping matters, while some are more substantial. Some of this year's rule change proposals:
- For Close To Home Fishing waters, allow black bass harvest and set new aggregate limits.
- Set new aggregate bag limit for trout statewide.
- Clarify restriction on cleaning fish while actively fishing.
- Add restriction on dumping fish carcasses.
- Change fish stringer labeling requirement at tailwaters and trout fishing areas from name and address to customer identification number.
- Clarify the taking of fish species by bow and arrow, gig, spear and speargun and disposal of remains.
- Various changes to hunting season dates, open hours, closed seasons and bag limits on many wildlife management areas. For a summary, go to www.wildlifedepartment.com/public-meeting and click on Rule Change Proposals 2021 Agenda (PDF).
- Add archery as a legal method of take to fill Damage Control Assistance Program permits.
- Clarify when and where hunter orange is required to be worn, and remove hunter orange requirements for dove hunters.
- Allow nonresidents to complete hunter education certification through the ODWC online course.
To read all of the proposed rule changes, go to www.wildlifedepartment.com/public-meeting.
Anyone wishing to make comments on any of the proposed rule changes may do so in one of three ways:
- Fill out the online public comment form at www.wildlifedepartment.com/public-meeting. The online public comment period closes at 4:30 p.m. Jan. 8, 2021.
- Write your comments in a letter and mail to Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, Re: Public Comment, P.O. Box 53465, Oklahoma City, OK 73152. Letters must be postmarked by Jan. 8, 2021.
- Voice your comments in person during a public hearing beginning at 7 p.m. Jan. 7, 2021, at the John D. Groendyke Wildlife Conservation Building, 1801 N. Lincoln Blvd. in Oklahoma City.
All public comments are collected and reviewed by the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission. Commissioners are expected to consider the proposed changes at their regular meeting set for Feb. 1, 2021.
Written by David Deaton
Fishing Report for November 25, 2020
NORTHEAST
Ft. Gibson: November 24. Elevation above normal, water 52 with 1 ft. of visibility. Blue and channel catfish good on live bait in the shallows. Crappie fair on hair jigs and jigs at 12-20 ft. around brush structure. Paddlefish fair snagging in the river channel. Report submitted by Ben Haff, game warden stationed in Wagoner County.
Greenleaf: November 23. Elevation normal, water 70 and clear. Blue and channel catfish fair on cut bait in coves, along creek channels, flats and shorelines. Crappie good on jigs, minnows and spoons around brush structure and docks. Bluegill sunfish fair on jigs, minnows and worms around brush structure, docks and shorelines. Report submitted by Josey Branch, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.
Keystone: November 19. Elevation above normal, water clear. Largemouth bass fair on plastic baits along shorelines. Blue catfish fair on cut bait below the dam and along channels. Report submitted by Karlin Bailey, game warden stationed in Creek County.
Lower Illinois: November 20. Elevation normal, water 58 and murky. Rainbow trout fair on in-line spinnerbaits, nymphs and PowerBait below the dam and Watts area. The best times are early morning and late evening. Report submitted by Brek Henry, game warden stationed in Sequoyah County.
Perry CCC: November 20. Elevation normal, water 50s and muddy. Rainbow trout fair on PowerBait and small lures in coves and along the dam. Floating PowerBait 1 ft. off the bottom has been productive. Report submitted by Stephen Paul, game warden stationed in Noble County.
Sooner: November 22. Elevation normal, water 50s and murky. Striped bass hybrids and white bass fair on jigs and live shad in the discharge and main lake. Saugeye fair on crankbaits and jigs in the discharge and main lake. Report submitted by Stephen Paul, game warden stationed in Noble County.
Tenkiller: November 23. Elevation above normal water 60 and murky. Largemouth and spotted bass good on crankbaits, jigs, plastic baits and small lures around brush structure, docks, rocks, points and standing timber. White bass fair on small lures and tube jigs along channels, flats and standing timber. Crappie fair on jigs, minnows, small lures and tube jigs around brush structure, docks and standing timber. Report submitted by Cody Youngblood, game warden stationed in Cherokee County.
Webbers Falls: November 23. Elevation below normal, water 70 and murky. Blue and channel catfish good on cut bait and shad below the dam, along channels, flats, main lake and shorelines. Flathead catfish fair on live bait and live shad along flats and main lake. Paddlefish and flathead catfish slow snagging below the dam. Report submitted by Josey Branch, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.
NORTHWEST
Foss: November 24. Elevation 3 1/4 ft. below normal with all gates closed, water high 50s and clear. Crappie fair on live bait near the fish house at the marina. Striped bass hybrids slow on slabs in deep water. Walleye slow on worms. Catfish fair on stinkbait. Report submitted by Eric Puyear, B & K Bait House.
SOUTHEAST
Blue River: November 24. Elevation normal, water 60 and clear. Rainbow trout good on midges, nymphs and PowerBait along the river channel. Orange and peach PowerBait seem to be doing the best for bait fishermen. Black Wooly Buggers and Walt’s Worms are producing the most fish for fly fishermen. It is important to get the fly down and close to the bottom because that is where the fish have been. Try fishing below falls and around current breaks for best results. If you try a spot and it does not produce fish in 30 minutes or so move on to the next spot. Report submitted by Ethan Lovelace, technician at the Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area.
Broken Bow: November 20. Elevation below normal, water 67. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass fair on crankbaits, plastic baits and spoons around brush structure and points. Crappie slow on jigs and minnows around brush structure. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Eufaula: November 21. Elevation normal, water 57. Blue and flathead catfish excellent on hotdogs, live bait, live shad, shad and worms in the main lake, around rocks and shorelines. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around docks. Striped bass good on plastic baits and worms below the dam and along the dam. Report submitted by Cannon Harrison, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.
Hugo: November 20. Elevation normal, water 61 and murky. Blue, channel and flathead catfish fair on chicken liver, cut bait, dough bait, live bait, punch bait, shad, spoons 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: November 22. Elevation normal, water 60 and clear. Largemouth bass fair on Alabama rigs, crankbaits and plastic baits in the main lake, 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 and cut bait in coves, inlet, along riprap and weed beds. Report submitted by Garret Harley, game warden stationed in Seminole County.
Lower Mountain Fork: November 20. Elevation normal, water clear. Rainbow trout good on midges, PowerBait, small lures, tube jigs and salmon eggs along creek channels and spillway. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
McGee Creek: November 20. Elevation below normal, water 60. Largemouth and spotted bass slow on crankbaits, flukes and plastic baits in coves, along flats and rocks. Report submitted by Jay Harvey, game warden stationed in Atoka County.
Pine Creek: November 20. Elevation normal, water clear. Largemouth bass good on crankbaits, plastic baits and spinnerbaits around points. Crappie fair on minnows around brush structure. Channel catfish fair on chicken liver and stinkbait below the dam, along creek channels and main lake. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Robert S. Kerr: November 20. Elevation normal, water murky. Blue, channel and flathead catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, dough bait, minnows, shad, shrimp, sunfish and worms below the dam, along channels, main lake, river mouth and tailwater. Crappie fair on hair jigs, jigs and minnows along channels, creek channels and river channel. Bluegill, green and redear sunfish fair on crawfish, crickets, grubs, small lures and worms in coves, around docks, sandbar and shorelines. Report submitted by Logan Shimp, game warden stationed in Haskell County.
Sardis: November 19. Elevation below normal, water 62. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on bill baits, crankbaits, jerk baits, plastic baits and spinnerbaits around brush structure, creek channels, points, rocks, shorelines, standing timber and weed beds. Blue, channel and flathead catfish fair on cut bait, shad and sunfish along channels, flats, main lake and shorelines. Crappie fair on hair jigs, jigs, minnows and tube jigs around brush structure, points, shorelines and tailwater. Report submitted by Dane Polk, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.
Texoma: November 20. Elevation below normal, water 66 and clear. Striped bass hybrids good on flukes and live shad along creek channels, main lake and points. Striped bass are biting well on live shad in the main lake. Have had some reports of dead-sticking starting to pick up. Blue catfish fair on cut bait and live bait along channels and main lake. Blue cats are being caught near cleaning docks on cut bait. Crappie slow on jigs and minnows around brush structure and docks. Crappie have been biting on and off on boat docks. Report submitted by Trey Hale, game warden stationed in Marshall County.
Wister: November 20. Elevation above normal, water cloudy. Largemouth and spotted bass good on bill baits, crankbaits, plastic baits and spinnerbaits along channels, points, shorelines and in coves. Blue, channel and flathead catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, shad, stinkbait and worms below the dam, around brush structure, channels, main lake, points and standing timber. Crappie good 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.
Written by David Deaton
SOUTHEAST AREA LAKES FOR NOV 11
Arbuckle: November 9. Elevation 1/3 ft. below 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. Crappie good on spoons at 34 ft. along mid-lake ledges and shelves. Bass good on crankbaits off points and some topwater action early morning and dusk using shaky head worms in June bug color. White bass are at 27-38 ft. on ledges and flats. Report submitted by Jack Melton.
Blue River: November 10. Elevation normal, water 63 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 in-line spinnerbaits and garlic scented peach colored PowerBait along the river channel, rocks and below falls behind current breaks; gold spoons or spinners seem to produce lots of fish when slow rolled close to the bottom. Trout fishing is really picking up and anglers have been catching limits of nice rainbow trout. Best producers have ben gold little Cleos and peach colored dough PowerBait. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass fair on crankbaits and jerk baits along channels, rocks and shorelines. Bass fishing is still pretty good with the water temp still being in the low 60s. Best lures have been a jerk bait with a slow cadence and small Texas-rigged soft plastic or Ned rig. Channel catfish fair on chicken liver and dough bait along channels and longer deeper pools of water where there is not as much flow. Report submitted by Matt Gamble, biologist at the Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area.
Broken Bow: November 6. Elevation below normal, water 70. 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 crankbaits, plastic baits and spoons around brush structure, points and standing timber. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around brush structure, points and standing timber. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Eufaula: November 7. Elevation normal, water 58 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 and spotted bass good on plastic baits and worms in coves, main lake, around points, shorelines and standing timber. Blue and channel catfish good on cut bait, dough bait and shad along the inlet, main lake, river channel and rocks. White bass fair on jigs, small lures and spoons in coves, along flats and main lake. Report submitted by Cannon Harrison, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.
Hugo: November 6. Elevation above normal, water 66 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, shorelines and standing timber. Report submitted by Andrew Potter, game warden stationed in Choctaw County.
Konawa: November 8. Elevation normal, water 66 and clear. Largemouth bass fair on Alabama rigs, crankbaits, jigs 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 fair on chicken liver, cut bait and shrimp in coves, inlet, along riprap and weed beds. Report submitted by Garret Harley, game warden stationed in Seminole County.
Lower Mountain Fork: November 6. 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 PowerBait and small lures along creek channels and spillway. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
McGee Creek: November 6. Elevation below normal, water 64. 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 crankbaits, flukes, plastic baits and spinnerbaits in coves, along flats, points and shorelines. Crappie fair on minnows around brush structure, channels and standing timber. Report submitted by Jay Harvey, game warden stationed in Atoka County.
Pine Creek: November 6. Elevation 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/PINE.lakepage.html. Largemouth bass good on plastic baits, spinnerbaits and spoons in coves and around points. Channel catfish fair on chicken liver and worms along creek channels and main lake. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Robert S. Kerr: November 6. 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 and spotted bass slow on crankbaits, minnows, plastic baits and small lures around brush structure, river mouth, standing timber, weed beds and coves. Blue, channel and flathead catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, goldfish, hotdogs, minnows, shad, shrimp, sunfish and worms below the dam, along channels, creek channels, flats, main lake, river channel, sandbar and tailwater. Crappie fair on hair jigs, jigs, minnows and small lures below the dam, along creek channels, sandbar, tailwater and weed beds. Report submitted by Logan Shimp, game warden stationed in Haskell County.
Sardis: November 6. Elevation below normal, water 73. 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 buzz baits, crankbaits, jigs, plastic baits, spinnerbaits, topwater lures and swim baits around brush structure, points, riprap, shorelines, standing timber and weed beds. Blue, channel and flathead catfish fair on cut bait, shad and sunfish 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: November 6. Elevation below normal, water 66. 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 live shad along flats and main lake. Striped bass have been good morning and evening. Anglers should use live shad and find schools of fish on electronics. Blue catfish good on cut bait and shad around docks. White bass fair on live bait and live shad along flats and main lake. Blue cats have been biting on cut bait near cleaning docks. Report submitted by Trey Hale, game warden stationed in Marshall County.
Wister: November 6. Elevation below 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 good on bill baits, plastic baits and spinnerbaits around brush structure, 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 good on jigs and minnows around brush structure, channels, standing timber and cedar brush. Report submitted by Thomas Gillham, game warden stationed in LeFlore County.
Written by David Deaton
Fishing Report for October 21, 2020
NORTHEAST
Ft. Gibson: October 20. Elevation below normal, water 65 with 1 ft. visibility. Lake levels are well below normal. Many boat access locations have been closed due to low water. Use extreme caution while navigating in a vessel. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website athttps://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/FGIB.lakepage.html. Crappie good on grubs, jigs, and minnows around brush structure, shallows, and standing timber. White bass good on in-line spinnerbaits, jigs, sassy shad, small lures, spoons, and tube jigs around points and windy shorelines in shallow water with deep water nearby. Blue and channel catfish fair on shad around channels. Report submitted by Ben Haff, game warden stationed in Wagoner County.
Greenleaf: October 19. Elevation normal, water 73 and clear. Crappie good on jigs, minnows, and spoons around brush structure and docks. Blue and channel catfish good on cut bait around flats and main lake. Bluegill sunfish fair on jigs, minnows, and worms around docks, shallows, and shorelines. Report submitted by Josey Branch, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.
Kaw: October 20. Elevation 1 1/4 ft. below normal, water 60s 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. Crappie excellent on hair jigs, jigs, minnows, shad, and tube jigs around brush structure, riprap, and standing timber. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish excellent, on cut bait, goldfish, live shad, shad, and stinkbait around flats, main lake, and river mouth. White bass and striped hybrid bass fair on crankbaits, in-line spinnerbaits, jigs, live shad, and sassy shad around main lake, points, and river channel. Report submitted by Spencer Grace, game warden stationed in Kay County.
Keystone: October 15. Elevation above normal, water clear. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website athttps://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/KEYS.lakepage.html. Largemouth bass fair on plastics around shorelines. Blue catfish good on cut bait below the dam. Striped bass fair on small lures and spoons around the main lake. Report submitted by Karlin Bailey, game warden stationed in Creek County.
Lower Illinois River: October 16. Elevation normal, water 62 and clear. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Geological Survey website athttps://waterdata.usgs.gov/usa/nwis/uv?site_no=07198000. Rainbow trout and brown trout fair on in-line spinnerbaits, nymphs, and PowerBait below the dam and around the Watts area. Fishing is best during periods of low or no flow. Usually early morning or late evening. Brown trout were stocked this week. Reminder that limit on brown trout is only 1 over 20 inches. Report submitted by Brek Henry, game warden stationed in Sequoyah County.
Sooner: October 18. Elevation normal, water 60s and murky. Striped hybrid bass and white bass slow on live shad around the main lake. White bass and striped hybrid bass fair on jigs and live shad around discharge. Report submitted by Stephen Paul, game warden stationed in Noble County.
Tenkiller: October 19. Elevation 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/TENK.lakepage.html. Crappie good on jigs, minnows, and tube jigs around brush structure, docks, and standing timber. Bluegill, green, and redear sunfish excellent on crickets, grass hoppers, and worms around docks, rocks, and shorelines. Largemouth and spotted bass good on bill baits, crankbaits, jigs, plastic baits, and spinnerbaits, around brush structure, docks, points, shorelines, and standing timber. Report submitted by Cody Youngblood, game warden stationed in Cherokee County.
Webbers Falls: October 19. Elevation dropping, water 73 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 and channel catfish good on cut bait below the dam and around flats. Flathead catfish good on live bait and snagging below the dam and around flats. Paddlefish fair on snagging below the dam. Report submitted by Josey Branch, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.
NORTHWEST
Canton: October 17. Elevation below normal, water clear. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website athttps://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/CANT.lakepage.html. White bass and striped hybrid bass good on crankbaits and slabs around the main lake. Blue and channel catfish fair on shad and worms around the main lake. Report submitted by Mark Walker, game warden stationed in Blaine County.
Foss: October 19. Elevation 3 ft. below normal, water lower 60s. 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 hybrid bass fair on live bait in deep water. Walleye slow to fair on worms. Catfish fair on trotlines. Crappie slow. Report submitted by Eric Puryear, B & K Bait House.
SOUTHEAST
Arbuckle: October 19. Elevation 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/ARBU.lakepage.html. White bass fair on live bait around drop-offs near channel swings. Bass good on topwater lures, buzz baits, and chugger type baits at early dawn and on shaky head lures, jigs, and worms the rest of the day. Crappie good on jigs and minnows off docks early morning, good on jigging spoons off ledges and fair on jigs in brush. Report submitted by Jack Melton.
Broken Bow: October 16. Elevation below normal, water 70. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website athttps://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/BROK.lakepage.html. Largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass fair on crankbaits and plastic baits around points and standing timber. Crappie good on jigs and minnows around brush structure, points, and standing timber. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Eufaula: October 17. Elevation normal, water 68. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website athttps://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/EUFA.lakepage.html. White bass good on jigs, minnows, and plastic baits below the dam, around dam and river mouth. Blue and channel catfish good on chicken liver, shrimp, and sunfish below the dam, around the dam, main lake, and sand bar. Crappie slow on jigs and minnows around docks. Report submitted by Cannon Harrison, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.
Hugo: October 16. Elevation above normal water 73 and murky. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website athttps://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, around channels, creek channels, main lake, river channel, and shorelines. 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: October 18. Elevation normal, water 72 and clear. Largemouth bass good on Alabama rigs, crankbaits, lipless baits, and plastic baits around the 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: October 16. Elevation normal, water clear. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Geological Survey website athttps://waterdata.usgs.gov/ok/nwis/uv?site_no=07339000. Rainbow trout good on PowerBait and tube jigs around channels and spillway. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
McGee Creek: October 16. Elevation normal, water 73 and stained. 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 fair on crankbaits, plastic baits, and spinnerbaits around brush structure, flats, points, and shorelines. Crappie and white bass fair on minnows around the main lake and standing timber. White bass fair on spinnerbaits around shorelines and standing timber. Report submitted by Jay Harvey, game warden stationed in Atoka County.
Pine Creek: October 16. Elevation normal, water clear. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website athttps://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/PINE.lakepage.html. Largemouth bass good on crankbaits and plastic baits around coves, creek channels, and standing timber. Crappie fair on minnows around standing timber. Channel catfish fair on chicken liver, cut bait, and stinkbait below the dam, around creek channels and main lake. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Robert S. Kerr: October 16. Elevation normal, water murky. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website athttps://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/webdata/gagedata/KERO2.current.html. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, dough bait, hot dogs, minnows, shad, sunfish, and worms below the dam, around main lake, river channel, and tailwater. Crappie fair on hair jigs, jigs, minnows, and small lures around coves, creek channels, tailwater, and weed beds. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on crankbaits, minnows, plastic baits, small lures, and tube jigs around coves, sandbars, standing timber, and weed beds. Report submitted by Logan Shimp, game warden stationed in Haskell County.
Sardis: October 17. Elevation below normal, water 70. 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, in-line spinnerbait, jerk bait, plastics, sassy shad, spinnerbaits, and topwater lures around brush structure, creek channels, points, riprap, shorelines, standing timber, and weed beds. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish fair on cut bait, shad, and sunfish around channels, flats, and main lake. Crappie fair on hair jigs, jigs, minnows, and tube jigs around brush structure, creek channels, points, rocks, and standing timber. Report submitted by Dane Polk, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.
Texoma: October 16. Elevation above normal, water 74. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website athttps://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/DENI.lakepage.html. Striped bass good on live shad around main lake and points. Fall fishing is here, striped bass have put on the feed shack for the winter. Anglers should use live shad to catch striped bass. Schools of striper have been feeding around North Island and Oak View boat ramp. White bass fair on small lures and topwater lures around flats, main lake, and points. Blue catfish fair on cut bait and shad around flats and main lake. Fishermen are starting to jugline blue cats in about 45 ft. of water with fresh caught shad. Report submitted by Trey Hale, game warden stationed in Marshall County.
Wister: October 16. Elevation above normal, water cloudy. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website athttps://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/WIST.lakepage.html. Largemouth and spotted bass good on bill baits, crankbaits, plastic baits, and spinnerbaits around brush structure, channels, coves, points, and shorelines. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish good on chicken liver, crawfish, cut bait, shad, stinkbait, sunfish, and worms below the dam, around brush structure, channels, main lake, points, and standing timber. Crappie good 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
Waurika: October 19. Elevation normal, water low 70s 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 cut bait and punch bait around channels and creek channels. Walleye and saugeye slow on crankbaits around dam and riprap. Crappie fair on minnows and tube jigs around docks and rocks. Report submitted by Matt Farris, game warden stationed in Jefferson County.
Written by David Deaton
SOUTHEAST AREA LAKE REPORTS FOR OCT 11, 2020
Arbuckle: October 11. Elevation below normal, water 72 and clear. Bass fair on chug bugs and whopper-ploppers early morning and fair on jigs and shaky head June bug worms during the day. Crappie good on minnows and jigs off docks early morning and good around brush piles and deep drop-offs in the lake. White bass being caught on rattletraps and long johns in the evening hours. Sunfish excellent on fly-rod in bays. Report submitted by Jack Melton.
Broken Bow: October 9. Elevation normal, water 77. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website athttps://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. Channel catfish fair on punch bait and worms around, coves, points, and river channel. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Eufaula: October 9. Elevation normal, water 78 and turbid. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website athttps://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/EUFA.lakepage.html. Blue and flathead catfish good on chicken liver, shrimp, and stinkbait around discharge, main lake, and river channel. Crappie slow on jigs and minnows around docks. Striped bass fair on jigs, live bait, small lures, topwater lures, and white lures working best below and around the dam. Report submitted by Cannon Harrison, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.
Hugo: October 9. Elevation below normal, water 74 and murky. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website athttps://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/HUGO.lakepage.html. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, dough bait, live bait, shad, stinkbait, and sunfish below the dam, around 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, shorelines, and standing timber. Report submitted by Andrew Potter, game warden stationed in Choctaw County.
Konawa: October 11. Elevation normal, water 77 and clear. Largemouth bass good on crankbaits, lipless baits, and plastic baits 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, and shrimp around coves, inlet, riprap, and weed beds. Report submitted by Garret Harley, game warden stationed in Seminole County.
Lower Mountain Fork: October 9. Elevation normal, water clear. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Geological Survey website athttps://waterdata.usgs.gov/ok/nwis/uv?site_no=07339000. Rainbow trout good on PowerBait, tube jigs, and worms around creek channels and spillway. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
McGee Creek: October 9. Elevation normal, water 73. 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 fair on crankbaits, jigs, plastic baits, spinnerbaits, and topwater lures around brush structure, creek channels, main lake, and standing timber. Crappie and white bass fair on jigs and minnows around creek channels, river channel, and standing timber. Channel and flathead catfish slow on chicken liver, cut bait, and stinkbait around river channel. Report submitted by Jay Harvey, game warden stationed in Atoka County.
Pine creek: October 9. Elevation normal, water clear. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website athttps://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/PINE.lakepage.html. Largemouth bass good on crankbaits and plastic baits around creek channels and points. Crappie fair on minnows around brush structure and standing timber. Channel catfish fair on chicken liver around creek channels, dam, and main lake. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Robert S. Kerr: October 9. Elevation normal, water murky. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website athttps://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/webdata/gagedata/KERO2.current.html. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on crankbaits, minnows, and plastic baits around creek channels, docks, shorelines, standing timber, and weed beds. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish fair on chicken liver, cut bait, dough bait, minnows, shad, sunfish, and worms below the dam, around creek channels, main lake, river channel, river mouth, and tailwater. Crappie fair on grubs, hair jigs, minnows, and small lures below the dam, around coves, points, rocks, standing timber, tailwater, and weed beds. Report submitted by Logan Shimp, game warden stationed in Haskell County.
Sardis: October 9. Elevation below 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, in-line spinnerbait, jerk bait, jigs, spinnerbaits, and topwater lures around brush structure, creek channels, points, riprap, rocks, shorelines, standing timber, and weed beds. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish fair on cut bait, shad, and sunfish around channels, flats, main lake, and shorelines. Crappie fair on hair jigs, jigs, minnows, and tube jigs around brush structure, points, and standing timber. Report submitted by Dane Polk, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.
Texoma: October 9. Elevation below normal, water 73. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website athttps://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/DENI.lakepage.html. Striped bass good on live shad around flats, main lake, and points. Fall feeding patterns are starting to show on the lake, striped bass being caught in early morning and late evenings. Live shad have been the best method to catch limits of striper. Striper also biting on windblown banks near the Sanders island area. Some surface feeding is still present for white bass and small striper. White bass fair on live bait, live shad, sassy shad, and topwater lures around flats and main lake. Blue catfish fair on cut bait and shad around the main lake and river channel. Blue cats are being caught on cut bait and whole shad. Report submitted by Trey Hale, game warden stationed in Marshall County.
Wister: October 9. Elevation normal, water cloudy. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website athttps://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/WIST.lakepage.html. Largemouth and spotted bass good on bill baits, crankbaits, plastic baits, spinnerbaits, and topwater lures around brush structure, coves, creek channels, and points. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish good on cut bait, shad, stinkbait, sunfish, and worms below the dam, around channels, main lake, and standing timber. Crappie good on jigs, minnows, and small lures around brush structure, channels, points, shorelines, standing timber, and cedar brush.
Written by David Deaton
Fall Armyworm
OSU Extension News Release
It is important to scout for the presence of early instars of fall armyworm in the coming weeks. The earlier they are caught the better the treatment efficacy. Preventive insecticide treatments are not practical because outbreaks are sporadic and mortality due to natural enemies is usually high. Unnecessary insecticide applications can eliminate these natural enemies from the landscape, causing a worse armyworm problem following treatment.
A major key to controlling potential fall armyworm problems is early detection. The best way to protect one’s investment in his or her crop is to just plan on checking fields early and often. Newly hatched fall armyworms are white, yellow or light green and darken as they mature. Mature fall armyworms measure about 1.5 inches in length with a body color that ranges from green to brown or black. They can be distinguished by the presence of a prominent inverted white "y" on their head. Small larvae do not eat through the leaf tissue but instead scrape off all of the green tissue and leave a clear membrane that gives the leaf a "window pane" appearance. Large larvae can quickly denude a turf or forage canopy. To scout for fall armyworms look for “window paned” leaves and count all sizes of larvae.
Dr. Tom Royer says it is crucial to target smaller caterpillars of a half-inch or less for two reasons. First, the caterpillars do not cause severe damage until they reach a size of one inch in length. Second, smaller caterpillars are much more susceptible to insecticide control than larger caterpillars. “Any product labeled for caterpillar control in turf should be effective for fall armyworm control in sod fields, lawns and golf courses,” Royer said. “The treatment threshold for wheat or hay is one to two fall armyworms per linear foot.”
Grass hay producers need to check their fields as well. An easy way for hay growers to determine if they need to treat their fields is to get a wire coat hanger, bend it into a hoop, place it on the ground and count all sizes of caterpillars in the hoop.
Always follow label recommendations when applying any insecticide, paying extra attention to the current rates and restrictions listed on the label. “Never assume the rates have remained unchanged from year to year,” Royer said. “Always check and double-check.” Control guidelines and information on registered insecticides approved for fall armyworms in rangeland and pasture are available online at http://facts.okstate.edu by consulting OSU Extension Current Report, CR7193, “Management of Insect Pests in Rangeland and Pasture.”
Royer added many pest problems can be avoided by developing an integrated pest management plan that includes the use of good pasture management practices, proper fertilization, mowing and optimal stocking rates. “We will not be out of the woods for a fall armyworm outbreak until we get a good killing frost, so don’t let your guard down. Oklahoma State University, as an equal opportunity employer, complies with all applicable federal and
Written by David Deaton
Safe Handling of Wildlife Carcasses
OSU Extension News Release
It is once again hunting season in Oklahoma. As hunters find success in the field and harvest wildlife, it is important to consider how to safely handle the carcasses to stay safe. Wildlife can be infected with various zoonotic diseases that are transmissible to humans. Additionally, wildlife often harbors ticks and fleas which are disease vectors and can transmit diseases.
Some of the diseases that may be encountered in Oklahoma and can infect hunters include ehrlichioses, leptospirosis, Lyme disease, tularemia, trichinosis, rabies, Rocky Mountain spotted tick fever, salmonella, and swine brucellosis. Hunters often become wary when they observe odd behavior in wildlife or notice injury or signs of disease on animal carcasses. However, the absence of these obvious signs should not cause complacency in the safe handling of harvested animals. Any animal should be treated as a potential source of infection.
There are several ways to protect yourself when handling wildlife carcasses. First, avoid direct contact with any body fluids such as blood, lymph fluid, urine, feces, and saliva. When handling carcasses, always wear disposable gloves that provide a barrier between you and the animal. Two layers of gloves are a good idea to provide an extra layer of protection in case a tear develops in a glove. Also, wear some type of eye protection to keep body fluids from splashing into your eyes. A face shield will provide better protection by also covering your mouth and nose which could be points of entry.
Take your time when cleaning harvested animals and make sure you have adequate lighting which will help prevent cutting yourself with a knife or being injured by broken bones on the carcass. When removing gloves, look for any injury on your hands that might indicate a glove was pierced. If you see any cuts, immediately treat them with antiseptic. Wash your hands, arms, and face immediately after handling the carcass. Also wear gloves and face protection when packaging meat for storage.
Wildlife often have ticks and fleas. These potential disease vectors will seek a new host as the wildlife carcass cools. Spraying yourself with insect repellant prior to handling the wildlife will help keep them off you, but be sure to examine your entire body immediately after handling the carcass and remove any ticks or fleas found.
When cooking wildlife, use a meat thermometer to ensure you are heating the meat to USDA recommended safe temperatures. Note that the safe temperature for wildlife may differ from recommendations for domestic animals. For example, while trichinosis has largely been eliminated form domestic pork, it may be present in feral hogs and bear. Therefore, cook the meat to 160°F to kill this disease.
Finally, if you develop symptoms that may indicate a zoonotic disease, be sure to tell your doctor that you have recently handled wildlife. Many diseases have similar symptoms such as fever, body aches, diarrhea, and nausea. Doctors may attribute your symptoms to a more common illness such as influenza since many zoonotic diseases are rarely encountered by the general public. It is critical to communicate with your healthcare provider to get proper care.
Written by David Deaton
What’s Different About Fall Boating?
Press Release
Follow these 5 boating safety tips to ensure a great day on the water
SPRINGFIELD, Va., October 6, 2020 – Other than the colors of trees and cooler temperatures, what’s different about boating in the fall? A lot, according to the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water, especially when it comes your safety aboard. One big issue is there are fewer boats – often the quickest pathway to a rescue – on the water, so flagging down a good Samaritan just got harder. So what’s your plan to stay safe? Here are five fall boating safety tips.
- Always leave a float plan. It could be as simple as advising a family member or friend where you’re going, what time you expect to return, and picking a time for them to act if you fail to call or text them to advise of your safe return.
- Be certain your VHF is working, and if the antenna is on a folding mount, ensure it is in the upright position before you leave the dock.
- While using a cellphone aboard your boat to summon emergency help has become common, it requires boaters to remember to ensure their phone is fully charged and remains dry. For nonemergency on-water towing and assistance, download the free BoatUS App, which connects you to the closest local TowBoatUS towing captain.
- Ensure you know where your signaling equipment is located such as handheld flares or aerial signals. They should be in good condition and not expired. Boaters often forget to ensure their boat has the required sound-producing device.
- If you’re solo boating in an area with questionable cellphone coverage, consider purchasing or renting Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) or Emergency Position Indicating Rescue Beacon.
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Written by David Deaton
Fishing Report for September 30, 2020
Fishing Report for September 30, 2020
Northeast
Ft. Gibson: September 28. Elevation normal, water 77 with 1 ft. clarity. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website athttps://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/FGIB.lakepage.html. White bass good on crankbaits, sassy shad, spoons, and tube jigs around main lake, points, and shorelines. Largemouth bass good on buzz baits, plastic baits, and spinnerbaits around coves, creek channels, shallows, and weed beds. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around brush structure, main lake, and standing timber. Report submitted by Ben Haff, game warden stationed in Wagoner County.
Grand: September 25. Elevation normal, water 60s and murky. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website athttps://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/PENS.lakepage.html. Largemouth bass good on buzz baits, crankbaits, in-line spinnerbait, plastic baits, spinnerbaits, and topwater lures around brush structure, docks, riprap, rocks, shorelines, standing timber, and weed beds. Blue catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, dough bait, live shad, shrimp, and worms below the dam, around channels, coves, creek channels, docks, main lake, river channel, and river mouth. Catfish are being caught in good number on the main lake, particularly where ledges drop off to 30-40 ft. of water. Crappie fair on hair jigs, jigs, and PowerBait around brush structure and docks. Crappie can be found in and around brush structure on the main lake. White bass are being caught in decent numbers near the Blue Bluff area. Paddlefish are beginning to be caught on the main lake. Largemouth Bass seem to prefer crankbaits. Report submitted by Riley Willman, game warden stationed in Delaware County.
Greenleaf: September 28. Elevation above normal, water 77 and murky. Blue and channel catfish good on cut bait around coves and flats. Bluegill sunfish fair on jigs and worms around docks, shallows, and shorelines. Crappie fair on jigs and spoons around docks. As lake temperature begins to drop, the fishing is beginning to pick up slightly. Report submitted by Josey Branch, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.
Kaw: September 27. Elevation 1 1/2 ft. below normal, water low 70s 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. White bass and striped hybrid bass good on crankbaits, jigs, live shad, shad, spoons, and topwater lures below the dam, and around the main lake, points, and riprap. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish excellent on cut bait, live bait, live shad, shad, stinkbait, and sunfish below the dam, around river channel, river mouth, and shallows. Crappie good on jigs, live bait, spoons, and tube jigs around brush structure and standing timber. Report submitted by Spencer Grace, game warden stationed in Kay County.
Keystone: September 24. Elevation above normal, water 78. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website athttps://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/KEYS.lakepage.html. Crappie fair on minnows around brush structure. Blue catfish good on cut bait below the dam. Report submitted by Karlin Bailey, game warden stationed in Creek County.
Lower Illinois River: September 25. Elevation normal, water 65 and clear. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Geological Survey website athttps://waterdata.usgs.gov/usa/nwis/uv?site_no=07198000. Rainbow trout fair on in-line spinnerbaits, nymphs, and PowerBait below the dam and around the Watts area. Fishing is best during periods of low or no flow; usually early morning or late evening. Report submitted by Brek Henry, game warden stationed in Sequoyah County.
Sooner: September 27. Elevation normal, water 70s and murky. Striped hybrid bass and white bass fair on jigs and live shad around discharge. Blue and channel catfish slow on cut bait and stinkbait around the main lake. No floating or wading in the discharge area. All saugeye less than 18 inches must be released immediately. Report submitted by Stephen Paul, game warden stationed in Noble County.
Tenkiller: September 28. 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/TENK.lakepage.html. Bluegill, green, and redear sunfish good on jigs and worms around brush structure, creek channels, docks, and shorelines. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on crankbaits, plastic baits, and spinnerbaits around brush structure, points, shorelines, and standing timber. Crappie fair 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: September 28. Elevation rising, water 77 and murky. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website athttps://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/webdata/gagedata/WFLO2.current.html. Blue and channel catfish fair on cut bait and hot dogs below the dam, around flats and main lake. Flathead catfish fair on live bait and snagging below the dam. Paddlefish fair snagging below the dam. Report submitted by Josey Branch, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.
Northwest
Canton: September 26. Elevation below normal, water clear. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website athttps://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/CANT.lakepage.html. White bass and striped hybrid bass fair on live shad and slabs around the main lake. Channel and blue catfish good on shad and worms around the main lake. Report submitted by Mark Walker, game warden stationed in Blaine County.
Foss: September 28. Elevation below normal, water 1 3/4 ft. below. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website athttps://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/FOSS.lakepage.html. Walleye fair on worms around the main lake. Striped hybrid bass fair on live bait near the dam. Catfish fair to good on stinkbait. Crappie slow. Drum fair around structure. Report submitted by Eric Puyear, B & K Bait House.
Southeast
Arbuckle: September 28. Elevation normal, water 79 and clear. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website athttps://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/ARBU.lakepage.html. Channel catfish good on dough bait and sponge bait around the main lake. Largemouth and smallmouth bass good on chug bugs and flopper ploppers along the surface early morning and fair on shaky head worms and jigs the rest of the day. Crappie good off docks early morning and slow around lake brush piles. White bass slow up creeks. Sunfish excellent on fly-rods with black gnats. Report submitted by Jack Melton.
Blue River: September 29. Elevation normal, water 69 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, punch bait, and worms around channels, river channel, and rocks. Largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass good on jerk bait, spinnerbait, and topwater lures around channels, rocks, and shorelines. Report submitted by Ethan Lovelace.
Broken Bow: September 25. Elevation normal, water 80. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website athttps://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/BROK.lakepage.html. Largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass good on bill baits, 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: September 25. Elevation normal, water 80 and murky. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website athttps://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/EUFA.lakepage.html. Crappie good on jigs and minnows below the dam and around docks. Largemouth and smallmouth bass fair on crankbaits, grass hoppers, jigs, and small lures around coves, creek channel, main lake, and shallows. Blue and channel catfish good on crawfish, shad, and worms below the dam, around the dam and river mouth. Report submitted by Cannon Harrison, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.
Hugo: September 25. Elevation above normal, water 79 and murky. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website athttps://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, and around channels, creek channels, main lake, river channel, and shorelines. 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: September 28. Elevation normal, water 80 and clear. Largemouth bass good on crankbaits, plastic baits, and topwater lures 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: September 25. Elevation normal, water clear. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Geological Survey website athttps://waterdata.usgs.gov/ok/nwis/uv?site_no=07339000. Rainbow trout good on caddis flies and PowerBait around spillway. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
McGee Creek: September 25. 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/MCGE.lakepage.html. Largemouth and spotted bass slow on crankbaits, flukes, and spinnerbaits around coves, creek channels, and standing timber. White and spotted bass fair on sassy shad and topwater lures around coves, dam, main lake, and points. Report submitted by Jay Harvey, game warden stationed in Atoka County.
Pine Creek: September 25. Elevation above normal, water clear. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website athttps://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/PINE.lakepage.html. Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits and plastic baits around creek channels. Crappie good on minnows around brush structure. Channel catfish good on chicken liver and punch bait below the dam and along creek channels. Larger crappie seem to be biting in the evening hours. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Robert S. Kerr: September 25. Elevation normal, water murky. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website athttps://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/webdata/gagedata/KERO2.current.html. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish good on cut bait, dough bait, shad, and stinkbait around channels, creek channels, main lake, river channel, and river mouth. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on bill baits, jigs, lipless baits, and plastic baits around brush structure, main lake, riprap, and river channel. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around brush structure, creek channels, main lake, and river channel. Report submitted by Allen Couch, game warden stationed in Haskell County.
Texoma: September 25. Elevation below normal, water 78 and clear. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website athttps://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/DENI.lakepage.html. Striped bass good on sassy shad and shad around the main lake and river channel. Striped bass are biting good in the main lake around the mouth of the rivers using live shad and sassy shad. Crappie slow on jigs and minnows around brush structure and docks. Crappie are biting around docks and brush structure using jigs and minnows. Blue catfish slow on cut bait and shad around creek channels, river channel, and river mouth. Catfish are biting on jigs using shad and cut shad for bait, they are also biting in channels and mouth of the rivers. Report submitted by Billy Bob Walker, game warden stationed in Marshall County.
Wister: September 25. Elevation above normal, water cloudy. For current elevation conditions go to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website athttps://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/WIST.lakepage.html. Largemouth and spotted bass good on bill baits, buzz baits, plastic baits, spinnerbaits, and topwater lures around brush structure, channels, coves, points, and shorelines. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish good on chicken liver, crawfish, cut bait, goldfish, hot dogs, shad, stinkbait, sunfish, and worms around channels, main lake, and points. Crappie good on jigs and minnows around brush structure and cedar brush. Report submitted by Thomas Gillham, game warden stationed in LeFlore County.
Southwest
Ft Cobb: September 27. Elevation below normal, water 70s and cloudy. For current elevation conditions go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website athttps://www.swt-wc.usace.army.mil/FCOB.lakepage.html. Saugeye fair on small lures around flats and points. Report submitted by Brayden Hicks, game warden stationed in Caddo County.