Whatzup Outdoors (183)
Written by David Deaton
Oklahoma Fishing Report - Sept 11
Northeast
Kaw: September 9. Elevation 6 1/2 ft. above normal, water 80s and muddy. Striped bass hybrids, striped bass, and white bass good on crankbaits, flukes, hair jigs, jigs, live bait, live shad, sassy shad, shad, and spoons below the dam, around main lake, points, riprap, bridges, and main lake humps. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish good on crawfish, cut bait, goldfish, live bait, punch bait, stinkbait, and worms below the dam, and around flats, main lake, river channel, and river mouth. Crappie good on jigs, live bait, minnows, and spoons around brush structure, coves, creek channels, riprap, and standing timber. Report submitted by Spencer Grace, game warden stationed in Kay County.
Keystone: September 5. Elevation above normal, water murky. Blue catfish fair on cut bait below the dam. Largemouth bass slow on plastics around the main lake. Report submitted by Karlin Bailey, game warden stationed in Creek County.
Lower Illinois River: September 6. Elevation above normal, water 72 and cloudy. Rainbow trout slow on caddis flies, in-line spinnerbaits, midges, nymphs, and PowerBait below the dam and around non-current areas. Fishing is challenging due to the high 24 hour water generation. Report submitted by Jerry Henry, game warden stationed in Sequoyah County.
Skiatook: September 8. Elevation normal, water clear and in the 80s. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows at 5-15 ft. around brush structure and standing timber. Report submitted by Paul Welch, game warden stationed in Osage County.
Sooner: September 8. Elevation normal, water murky. Largemouth bass fair on plastics and topwater lures around brush structure and weed beds. Striped bass hybrids fair on live bait around the main lake. Saugeye fair on crankbaits around points. Report submitted by Stephen Paul, game warden stationed in Noble County.
Tenkiller: September 8. Elevation 6 ft. above normal, water upper 70s and clear. Largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass good on bill baits, crankbaits, plastics, small lures, and spinnerbaits around creek channels, docks, and standing timber. White bass good on crankbaits, in-line spinnerbaits, spinnerbaits, and spoons around body of lake where shad are surfacing. Crappie and white bass good on live bait, minnows, small lures, and tube jigs around brush structure. Fishermen are reporting good success on most sought after species. Report submitted by Tony Clark, game warden stationed in Cherokee County.
Northwest
Canton: September 7. Elevation above normal, water clear. Striped bass hybrids and white bass good on shad and slabs around the main lake. Channel and blue catfish good on shad around main lake and shallows. Report submitted by Mark Walker, game warden stationed in Blaine County.
Ft. Supply: September 10. Elevation normal, water murky. Channel catfish fair on cut bait and stinkbait around channels, inlet, and riprap. Report submitted by Mark Reichenberger, game warden stationed in Woodward County.
Southeast
Arbuckle: September 10. Elevation above normal, water 84 and clear. Channel catfish fair on cut bait in the main lake. Bass slow. Crappie good off docks in the early morning hours and fair on minnows and jigs around brush piles. White bass good in the upper arms of creeks where shad are present. Report submitted by Jack Melton.
Broken Bow: September 6. Elevation below normal, water 85. Largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass fair on bill baits, crankbaits, and flukes 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 6. Elevation dropping, water 88 and murky. White bass good on flukes, live shad, plastics, sassy shad, small lures, and spinnerbaits around main lake, points, and sandbar. Crappie good on jigs and minnows around brush structure and standing timber. Report submitted by Jake Bersche, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.
Hugo: September 6. Elevation below normal, water 86 and murky. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, dough bait, live bait, shad, and sunfish below the dam, and around the main lake, river channel, and shorelines. Crappie good on jigs and minnows below the dam, and around brush structure, main lake, river channel, and standing timber. Report submitted by Andrew Potter, game warden stationed in Choctaw County.
Konawa: September 5. Elevation normal, water 94 and clear. Largemouth bass good on crankbaits plastics, and topwater lures around main lake, points, river channel, and weed beds. Striped bass hybrids and white bass fair on Alabama rig, crankbaits, and live shad around coves, inlet, main lake, and river channel. Channel catfish good on chicken liver, and stinkbait around coves, creek channels, and inlet. Report submitted by Garret Harley, game warden stationed in Seminole County.
Lower Mountain Fork: September 6. Elevation normal, water clear. Rainbow trout good on PowerBait, small lures, and salmon eggs below the dam, and around creek channels and spillway. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
McGee Creek: September 6. Elevation normal, water 84. Largemouth, spotted, and white bass fair on crankbaits, flukes, plastics, and topwater lures around brush structure, coves, points, and standing timber. Flathead and channel catfish fair on goldfish and sunfish around creek channels and river channel. Crappie, spotted bass, and white bass fair on minnows around creek channels and standing timber. Report submitted by Jay Harvey, game warden stationed in Atoka County.
Pine Creek: September 6. Elevation normal, water clear. Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits and topwater lures around coves and points. Largemouth bass also slow on jigs around brush structure and creek channels. Channel catfish good on chicken liver and punch bait below the dam. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Robert S. Kerr: September 6. Elevation normal, water murky. Largemouth and spotted bass good on bill baits, crankbaits, flukes, lipless baits, and rogues around coves, creek channels, points, riprap, river channel, and shorelines. Striped bass good on bill baits, live bait, live shad, rogues, and sassy shad around the inlet, river channel, river mouth, and rocks. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, dough bait, live bait, live shad, shad, stinkbait, and sunfish around flats, inlet, main lake, river channel, and river mouth. Report submitted by Allen Couch, game warden stationed in Haskell County.
Sardis: September 5. Elevation below normal, water 82. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on buzz baits, crankbaits, jerk bait, plastics, spinnerbaits, and topwater lures around brush structure, points, riprap, rocks, shorelines, standing timber, and weed beds. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish fair on cut bait, shad, and sunfish around flats and main lake. Crappie fair on jigs, minnows, and tube jigs around brush structure and standing timber. Report submitted by Dane Polk, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.
Texoma: September 6. Elevation normal, water 83 and clear. Striped bass good on Alabama rigs, live bait, live shad, slabs, and topwater lures below the dam, and around flats, main lake, and points. Blue catfish fair on cut bait and shad below the dam and around the main lake. Fishing on the lake has been good. Early mornings and late evening topwater fishing has been good, if looking for bigger striped bass live bait on 50 ft. ledges has been producing fish. Below Dam lots of small striped bass are being caught on live bait as well lots of small blue catfish. Report submitted by Trey Hale, game warden stationed in Bryan County.
Wister: September 6. Elevation above normal, water 87 degrees cloudy. Largemouth and spotted bass good on buzz baits, crankbaits, spinnerbaits, topwater lures, and rattletrap around brush structure, coves, points, riprap, and shallows. Blue and channel catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, punch bait, and stinkbait below the dam and around channels, main lake, and points. Crappie good on jigs and minnows around brush structure, channels, and points. Report submitted by Thomas Gillham, game warden stationed in LeFlore County.
Southwest
Altus-Lugert: September 8. Elevation dropping, water 83 and clear. Walleye and bluegill sunfish fair on minnows below the dam. Crappie slow on minnows around the dock. Report submitted by Brandon Lehrman, game warden stationed in Greer County.
Tom Steed: September 9. Elevation normal, water 80. White bass fair on minnows around the main lake and points. Striped bass hybrids and saugeye fair on crankbaits around the main lake and trolling. Report submitted by David Smith, game warden stationed in Kiowa County.
Waurika: September 6. Elevation normal, water mid-80s and clearing. Striped bass hybrids and white bass fair on live bait and minnows around channels and dam. Crappie good 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 FISHING REPORT SEPT 5
Arbuckle: August 31. Elevation above normal, water 83 and stained in upper arms and coves. Largemouth bass fair on topwater lures early morning and good on square-billed crankbaits and flukes. Smallmouth bass good on topwater lures and flukes early morning. Crappie good around docks and fair at 14-18 ft. around brush piles. White bass are up on flats in upper arms of creeks. Report submitted by Jack Melton.
Broken Bow: August 30. Elevation below normal, water 83. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass fair on flukes and topwater lures along creek channels, main lake, points and river channel. Look for bass schooling in the mornings and afternoons. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around brush structure. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Eufaula: August 30. Elevation above normal, water 87 and murky. Striped bass hybrids and white bass good on live shad, slabs and spoons in the main lake. Flathead catfish good on live bait and live shad along creek channels, river channel and river mouth. Report submitted by Jake Bersche, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.
Hugo: August 30. Elevation normal, water 85 and murky. Blue, channel and flathead catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, dough bait, live bait, punch bait, shad, stinkbait and sunfish below the dam, main lake, river channel and shorelines. Report submitted by Andrew Potter, game warden stationed in Choctaw County.
Konawa: August 29. Elevation normal, water 94 and clear. Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits, jigs and plastic baits in the main lake, around points and river channel. Striped bass hybrids and white bass slow on Alabama rigs, crankbaits and live shad in coves, main lake and river channel. Channel catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait and stinkbait in coves, inlet and weed beds. Report submitted by Garret Harley, game warden stationed in Seminole County.
Lower Mountain Fork: August 30. Elevation normal, water clear. Trout excellent on PowerBait, small lures, tube jigs and worms along channels and spillway. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
McGee Creek: August 30. Elevation above normal, water 83. Largemouth and spotted bass good on Alabama rigs, flukes and topwater lures around brush structure, points and standing timber. Channel and flathead catfish fair on cut bait, shad and stinkbait along creek channels and river mouth. Report submitted by Jay Harvey, game warden stationed in Atoka County.
Pine Creek: August 30. Elevation normal, water clear. Largemouth bass good on spinnerbaits and topwater lures in coves, creek channels and points. Crappie good on jigs around brush structure and creek channels. Channel catfish good on cut bait and punch bait along creek channels. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Robert S. Kerr: August 30. Elevation normal, water murky. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on crankbaits, flukes, lipless baits, plastic baits, spinnerbaits and tube jigs around brush structure, points, riprap, river channel and shorelines. Striped bass good on bill baits, lipless baits, live bait, live shad and shad along riprap, river channel, river mouth, rocks and shorelines. Blue, channel and flathead catfish good on cut bait, dough bait, live bait, live shad, shad, stinkbait and sunfish along flats, inlet, main lake, river channel and river mouth. Report submitted by Allen Couch, game warden stationed in Haskell County.
Sardis: August 30. Elevation normal, water 84. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on buzz baits, crawfish, jigs, plastic baits and spinnerbaits around brush structure, 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 minnows, jigs and tube jigs around brush structure and standing timber. Report submitted by Dane Polk, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.
Texoma: August 31. Elevation normal, water 80. Striped bass good on Alabama rigs, cut bait, shad, slabs and topwater lures below the dam, main lake and around points. Topwater action is great in early mornings and late evenings near Washita Point to Platter Flats. Topwater fishing has been producing a great quantity of small boxfish if anglers are looking for larger fish they should use live bait or use sinking lures beneath smaller surface feeding fish (only two striped bass over 20" per angler). Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around brush structure and docks. Blue catfish fair on cut bait, live bait and shad below the dam. Crappie fishing is hit or miss beneath docks where structure is present depths from 15-25 ft. has been the producing crappie. Lake fishing has been good the past week with the rains cooling off water temps fish bite should be good the days following. Below the dam, fish numbers are still good but mostly small striped bass are being caught. Anglers should use cut or live bait with casting cork or free lining. Report submitted by Trey Hale, game warden stationed in Bryan County.
Wister: August 30. Elevation above normal, water clear. Largemouth and spotted bass good on bill baits, buzz baits, crankbaits, plastic baits, spinnerbaits and topwater lures along channels, points and shorelines. Blue and channel catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, hotdogs, shad and stinkbait below the dam, along channels, main lake and points. Crappie good on minnows and jigs below the dam, around brush structure, channels, points and standing timber. Report submitted by Thomas Gillham, game warden stationed in LeFlore County.
Southwest
Written by David Deaton
Game Warden Jay Harvey Honored by NWTF at Commission Meeting
Game Warden Jay Harvey, based in Atoka County, was honored by the National Wild Turkey Federation as the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Officer of the Year for 2018 during a regular meeting of the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission on Aug. 12 in Durant.
Presenting the award were Don Chitwood, eastern Oklahoma regional director for NWTF, and Terry Bourne, president of the Little Dixie Chapter of Durant.
Harvey, who won the same honor from NWTF in 2004, began his career as a Game Warden in 1992. He has been involved with various NWTF activities, especially with Jakes events. He has volunteered with the weeklong Wildlife Youth Camp for 20 years, serving seven years as camp director. In 2005, Harvey started a wildlife law enforcement class at Southeastern Oklahoma State University. And in 2017, his proficiency in airboat operations allowed the rescue or evacuation of more than 200 people as he volunteered for disaster relief in the wake of Hurricane Harvey in the Houston area.
This past year, Harvey coordinated the annual conference of the North American Wildlife Enforcement Officers Association held in Oklahoma City. In both 2010 and 2018, he was selected as the Wildlife Department’s Officer of the Year. And just before handing over a plaque to Harvey, Chitwood told Commissioners that Harvey came in second place for the national NWTF officer of the year award.
Department Director J.D. Strong introduced Education Section Supervisor Colin Berg, who recently won a Special Achievement Award from the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies for his efforts in making Oklahoma a Top 5 state in conservation and outdoor recreation education programs.
In 2004, Berg brought the national Archery in the Schools Program to Oklahoma, beginning with eight schools and about 500 student participants. Oklahoma NASP took off in popularity, and today more than 550 schools and 59,000 students participate. As OKNASP continued to grow, Berg was instrumental in getting the Wildlife Department’s other educational programs into schools, including Oklahoma Hunter Education, Fishing in the Schools, Explore Bowhunting, Explore Bowfishing and Oklahoma Scholastic Shooting Sports Program.
Also during Monday’s meeting, Commissioners were informed about Fisheries Division South Central Region activities. Regional Supervisor Matt Mauck presented an overview of the nine-county region and the regular tasks completed each year by the Fisheries biologists and technicians. Also, Hatchery Manager Gordon Schomer spoke about the Durant State Fish Hatchery, the largest of the Department’s four fish hatcheries that, after 102 years of operation, continues to produce millions of fish each year that are stocked across the state.
After the meeting, several Commissioners joined hatchery staff for a tour of the facility.
In other business, Commissioners:
• Recognized Assistant Director Melinda Streich for 30 years of service and her pending retirement; Law Enforcement Chief Bill Hale for his pending retirement; and Game Warden Supervisor Lt. Patrick Matlock, based in Okmulgee County, for 25 years of service.
• Accepted donations from Quail Forever chapters totaling $3,200 for habitat management equipment and the Stars and Stripes License Project.
• Heard Director J.D. Strong’s regular report on various division activities in the Department, along with updates on various federal legislative matters. Strong said a final report was expected this month on a comprehensive license study, which will be considered in future recommendations as to the number of licenses and permits sold by the Department, streamlining those offerings, and making pricing adjustments.
• Received an update on the Wildlife Department’s email communications activities from Information Supervisor Micah Holmes.
• Approved emergency rules with amendments to establish three-day special use permits for nonprofit and charity groups.
• Authorized the Director, by a 6-1 vote, to pursue the purchase of property in Woods County.
• Reappointed four directors to the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Foundation.
The Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission is the eight-member governing board of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.
The Commission establishes state hunting and fishing regulations, sets policy for the Wildlife Department and indirectly oversees all state fish and wildlife conservation activities. Commission members are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Oklahoma Senate.
Written by David Deaton
Southeast Area Lakes Fishting Report for August 14
A service of the Oklahoma Wildlife Department
Arbuckle: August 12.Elevation normal, water 87 and stained. White bass fair on grubs around points. Largemouth bass fair on topwater lures at daybreak and good on soft plastic baits and Carolina rigs at 12-18 ft. the rest of the day. Smallmouth bass fair on topwater lures early then on crankbaits. Crappie good at 18 ft. off brush piles and slow around docks. Channel catfish good on baited brush piles. Report submitted by Jack Melton.
Broken Bow: August 9. Elevation below normal, water 87. Largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass good on plastics and topwater lures around brush structure and points. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Eufaula: August 10. Elevation above normal, water 84 and murky. Striped bass hybrids and white bass fair on sassy shad, small lures, and spoons below the dam, and around main lake, riprap, and river mouth. Blue and channel catfish good on cut bait, live bait and live shad below the dam, and around main lake, river channel, and river mouth. Report submitted by Jake Bersche, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.
Hugo: August 9. Elevation normal, water 87 and murky. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, dough bait, live bait, punch bait, shad, and sunfish below the dam, and around creek channels, main lake, river channel, and shorelines. Crappie good on jigs and minnows below the dam, and around brush structure, channels, main lake, river channel, and standing timber. Report submitted by Andrew Potter, game warden stationed in Choctaw County.
Konawa: August 8. Elevation normal, water 98 and clear. Largemouth bass good on crankbaits, plastics, and topwater lures around main lake, points, river channel, and weed beds. Striped bass hybrids and white bass fair on Alabama rig, crankbaits, and live shad around coves and river channel. Channel catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, and stinkbait around coves, inlet, and weed beds. Report submitted by Garret Harley, game warden stationed in Seminole County.
Lower Mountain Fork: August 9. Elevation normal, water clear. Rainbow trout good on tube jigs and worms around creek channels, rocks, and spillway. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
McGee Creek: August 9. Elevation normal, water 85. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on crankbaits, flukes, plastics, and topwater lures around coves, points, and rocks. Crappie and white bass good on minnows around creek channels, river channel, and standing timber. Report submitted by Jay Harvey, game warden stationed in Atoka County.
Pine Creek: August 9. Elevation normal, water clear. Largemouth bass good on sassy shad, spinnerbaits, and worms around coves, creek channels, and points. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around brush structure. Channel catfish good on chicken liver and cut bait around creek channels and river channel. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Robert S. Kerr: August 9. Elevation normal, water murky. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on bill baits, flukes, lipless baits, plastics, and rogues around brush structure, coves, riprap, river channel, river mouth, and standing timber. Striped bass fair on bill baits, jerk bait, lipless baits, live shad, and rogues around inlet, river channel, and river mouth. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish good on cut bait, dough bait, live bait, shad, stinkbait, and sunfish around flats, inlet, main lake, river channel, and river mouth. Report submitted by Allen Couch, game warden stationed in Haskell County.
Sardis: August 7. Elevation below normal, water 88. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on buzz baits, crankbaits, jigs, plastics, spinnerbaits, and topwater lures 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 around channels, flats, main lake, and shorelines. Crappie fair on jigs, minnows, and tube jigs around brush structure and standing timber. Report submitted by Dane Polk, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.
Texoma: August 9. Elevation normal, water 82 and clear. Striped bass good on live shad, slabs, and topwater lures below the dam, and around flats, main lake, and shallows. Blue catfish fair on cut bait, live bait, and shad below the dam and around the main lake. Crappie fair on hair jigs, live bait, and tube jigs around brush structure and docks. Lake fishing has been good early mornings and late evenings, Striped bass hitting topwater lures when surfacing feeding is present. Striped bass holding on ledges and hitting live baits early in the mornings, from 7-9 am the topwater action has been good on the southern end of the lake. By 9 am most of the striped bass bite has diminished to very slow. Blue cats hitting cut bait below Denison Dam at night. Striped bass hitting live perch below Denison Dam. Report submitted by Trey Hale, game warden stationed in Bryan County.
Wister: August 9. Elevation above normal, water clear. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on bill baits, buzz baits, crankbaits and plastics around channels, coves, points, and shorelines. Blue and channel catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, and stinkbait below the dam and around channels, main lake, and points. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows below the dam, and around brush structure, channels, and standing timber. Report submitted by Thomas Gillham, Game warden stationed in LeFlore County.
Written by David Deaton
Southeast area lakes fishing report for July 24, 2019
Southeast
Arbuckle: July 22. Elevation normal, water 86 and stained. Largemouth bass slow on topwater lures and square-billed baits in the main lake early morning. Smallmouth bass fair on square-billed baits and topwater lures in yellow magic. Crappie fair on small grubs at 16-20 ft. around brush piles. White bass being caught on roadrunners and shallow running crankbaits. Report submitted by Jack Melton.
Blue River: July 23. Elevation normal, water 78 and slightly murky. Largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass good on crankbaits, flukes, and topwater lures around brush structure, creek channels, points, and shorelines. Channel catfish good on chicken liver, punch bait, and stinkbait around brush structure, points, and river channel. Bluegill sunfish, green sunfish, and redear sunfish good on crickets, jigs, and worms around brush structure, shallows, and shorelines. Report submitted by Ethan Lovelace.
Broken Bow: July 22. Elevation normal, water 86. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass good on Alabama rigs and plastic baits around brush structure and points. Crappie good on minnows and jigs around brush structure and standing timber. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Eufaula: July 19. Elevation dropping, water 81 and murky. White bass and striped bass hybrids good on sassy shad and shad below the dam and around coves. Flathead catfish good on live bait around creek channels and river channel. Report submitted by Jake Bersche, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.
Hugo: July 19. Elevation above normal, water 84 and murky. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, dough bait, live bait, shad, and sunfish below the dam, and around the main lake, river channel, and shorelines. Crappie good on jigs and minnows below the dam, and around brush structure, channels, main lake, river channel, and standing timber. Report submitted by Andrew Potter, game warden stationed in Choctaw County.
Konawa: July 18. Elevation normal, water 90 and clear. Largemouth bass good on crankbaits, plastics, and topwater lures around main lake, points, river channel, and weed beds. Channel catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, and stinkbait around coves, inlet, and riprap. Report submitted by Garret Harley, game warden stationed in Seminole County.
Lower Mountain Fork: July 19. Elevation normal, water clear. Rainbow trout excellent on tube jigs and worms around channels and spillway. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
McGee Creek: July 19. Elevation normal, water 83 and clear. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on Alabama rig, plastics, spinnerbaits, and topwater lures around coves, points, shallows, and shorelines. White bass fair on crankbaits and spoons around coves and main lake. Channel and flathead catfish good on crawfish, live bait, shrimp, and sunfish around channels and coves. Report submitted by Jim Gillham, game warden stationed in Atoka County.
Murray: July 23. Elevation above normal, water 94 and clear. Largemouth and smallmouth bass fair on Alabama rig, crankbaits, flukes, grubs, hair jigs, in-line spinnerbait, lipless baits, minnows, small lures, spinnerbaits, and tube jigs around brush structure, coves, discharge, flats, main lake, points, riprap, rocks, and weed beds. Channel catfish slow on chicken liver, crawfish, dough bait, stinkbait, and worms around channels and coves. Report submitted by Jaylen Flynn, game warden stationed in Carter County.
Pine Creek: July 19. Elevation above normal, water clear. Largemouth bass good on crankbaits around humps and roadbeds. Crappie good on jigs and minnows around brush structure. Channel catfish good on punch bait around creek channels and river channel. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Robert S. Kerr: July 19. Elevation normal, water murky. Largemouth and spotted bass good on jerk bait, lipless baits, plastics, and rogues around coves, creek channels, points, and riprap. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish good on cut bait, dough bait, live bait, live shad, punch bait, shad, and stinkbait around flats, inlet, main lake, river channel, and river mouth. Report submitted by Allen Couch, game warden stationed in Haskell County.
Sardis: July 19. Elevation normal, water 88. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on buzz baits, jigs, plastics, spinnerbaits, and on topwater lures around brush structure, points, riprap, rocks, shorelines, standing timber, and weed beds. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish good on cut bait, shad, and sunfish around channels, flats, main lake, riprap, and shallows. Crappie fair on jigs, minnows, and tube jigs around brush structure and standing timber. Report submitted by Dane Polk, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.
Texoma: July 19. Elevation normal, water 82. Blue catfish fair on cut bait, live shad, and shad below the dam and around the main lake. Striped bass good on live bait, live shad, sassy shad, shad, slabs, and on top water below the dam and around the main lake and points. Crappie slow on hair jigs, jigs, and minnows around brush structure and docks. Fishing has slowed a bit on the lake with the hot temps. Striped bass and catfish are biting well below Denison Dam. Striped bass are hitting artificial and live/cut bait during early mornings and late evening. Striped bass limit is five in red river. Catfish are hitting cut bait in slack water. Fishing on the lake for striped bass anglers should use topwater lures when surfacing feeding is present. Live bait is producing fish as well. On the lake anglers should focus their efforts to the south end of the lake and scan for schools in deep water. Report submitted by Trey Hale, game warden stationed in Bryan County.
Wister: July 19. Elevation above normal, water clear. Largemouth and spotted bass good on bill baits, buzz baits, crankbaits, plastics, and spinnerbaits around brush structure, points, and shorelines. Blue and channel catfish good on cut bait, hot dogs, punch bait, and stinkbait below the dam, and around brush structure and main lake. Crappie good on jigs and minnows below the dam, around brush structure and standing timber. Report submitted by Thomas Gillham, Game warden stationed in LeFlore County.
Written by David Deaton
Commissioners Praise Student Archers for National Showings
Press release
The Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission recognized a half-dozen Oklahoma students for being among America’s elite young archers Monday during its regular July meeting in Oklahoma City.
The state youths all placed in the top five in various divisions at national competitions conducted by the National Archery in the Schools program in recent weeks.
Each of them received citations from Jay Rouk, coordinator of the Oklahoma National Archery in the Schools program for the Wildlife Department.
“Rising to the point that they did is really a testament to their skills and success,” Rouk told Commissioners.
These archers are the cream of the crop not only in Oklahoma but also the nation.
The students honored are:
• Cayden Eyestone of Chandler (Park Road), first place out of 2,229 competing, elementary boys division, Eastern national shoot.
• Madison Spoonemore of Locust Grove, fourth place out of 2,610, high school girls division, Eastern national shoot.
• Jarod Aycox of Zaneis, first place out of 296, middle boys division, Western national shoot.
• Trenton Gardner of Salina, first place out of 225, high school boys division, Western national shoot.
• Karson Warrington of Healdton, second place out of 225, high school boys division, Western national shoot.
• Reece Marble of Salina, third place out of 142, elementary division, Western national shoot.
Nationally, more than 2 million youths participate in the NASP program each year. In Oklahoma, more than 60,000 students in about 650 schools are active in OKNASP. About 290 Oklahoma students participated in one of the national NASP shoots.
Commissioner Bill Brewster commended the students and the outstanding success of the OKNASP program, saying, “I don’t know of any other program of any kind that can show that much involvement of the youth in Oklahoma.”
Colin Berg, Education Division supervisor, announced that the Department’s suite of educational programs will continue to evolve this coming year with the introduction of the ArchersUSA program for students in grades 9-12.
He said the new national program allows students to use more advanced archery equipment and offers additional avenues for students to advance.
Written by David Deaton
Fishing Report for June 27, 2019
Southeast Area Lakes Fishing Report
A service of the Oklahoma Wildlife Department
Arbuckle: June 24. Elevation normal, water 75 and slightly stained. Largemouth bass good on topwater lures and creature baits at 3-10 ft. in the main lake. Smallmouth bass good on topwater lures early morning and on small bill crankbaits. Crappie good on minnows and jigs around docks and brush piles. Report submitted by Jack Melton.
Blue River: June 25. Elevation above normal, water 77 and muddy. Channel catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, dough bait, punch bait and stinkbait along creek channels, river channel, river mouth; target slower moving water just outside the faster currents. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass fair on crankbaits, plastic baits and spinnerbaits around brush structure and creek channels; target around structure that provides a current break like brush and/or large boulders and on side channels during high water. Trout slow on in-line spinnerbaits and spoons along the river channel. Report submitted by Ethan Lovelace, technician at the Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area.
Broken Bow: June 23. Elevation normal, water 79. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass good on Alabama rigs and flukes around brush structure, points and standing timber. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around brush structure and standing timber. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Eufaula: June 21. Elevation dropping, water 77 and murky. Blue and channel catfish fair on cut bait, dough bait, hot dogs and shad around channels, main lake and riprap. White bass and striped bass hybrids fair on flukes, jerk bait, sassy shad, small lures and spinnerbaits below the dam, around channels, coves, river mouth and sandbar. Report submitted by Jake Bersche, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.
Hugo: June 21. Elevation above normal, water 74 and murky. Blue, channel and flathead catfish excellent on chicken liver, cut bait, live bait, shad and sunfish below the dam, around channels, creek channels, main lake, river channel and shorelines. Crappie good on jigs and minnows below the dam and around brush structure, channels, main lake, river channel, shorelines and standing timber. Largemouth and spotted bass good on bill baits, crankbaits, flukes, lipless baits, live bait, plastics, small lures and worms around brush structure, channels, flats, main lake, points, river channel, shorelines and standing timber. Report submitted by Andrew Potter, game warden stationed in Choctaw County.
Konawa: June 20. Elevation normal, water 84 and clear. Largemouth bass excellent on crankbaits, plastics and topwater lures around main lake, points, river channel and weed beds. Striped bass hybrids and white bass fair on Alabama rig, crankbaits and live shad around coves, main lake and river channel. Channel catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait and stinkbait around coves, inlet, riprap and weed beds. Report submitted by Garret Harley, game warden stationed in Seminole County.
Lower Mountain Fork: June 21. Elevation normal, water clear. Rainbow trout good on caddis flies, PowerBait and worms below the dam, around rocks, shallows and spillway. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
McGee Creek: June 21. Elevation normal, water 79 and clear. Largemouth and spotted bass good on Alabama rig, crankbaits, lipless baits, spinnerbaits and topwater lures around main lake, points, shallows and shorelines. Channel and flathead catfish fair on chicken liver, crawfish, live bait, shrimp and sunfish around creek channels, main lake and standing timber. Crappie fair on hair jigs, jigs and minnows around brush structure and standing timber. Report submitted by Jim Gillham, game warden stationed in Atoka County.
Murray: June 25. Elevation above normal, water 78 and clear. Largemouth bass good on Alabama rigs, buzz baits, crankbaits, flukes, jigs, plastic baits and spinnerbaits around brush structure, channels, in coves, along dam, docks, flats, points, riprap, rocks and shallows. Report submitted by Jaylen Flynn, game warden stationed in Carter County.
Pine Creek: June 21. Elevation above normal, water murky. Largemouth bass good on crankbaits, flukes and topwater lures around channels, coves, creek channels and points. Crappie good on hair jigs, jigs, minnows and tube jigs around brush structure and creek channels. Channel catfish fair on chicken liver and stinkbait below the dam and around creek channels. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Robert S. Kerr: June 21. Elevation normal, water murky. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on crankbaits, lipless baits, plastics, rogues and tube jigs around coves, creek channels, points and riprap. Blue, channel and flathead catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, dough bait, live bait, live shad, punch bait, shad, stinkbait and sunfish around channels, flats, inlet, main lake, river channel and river mouth. Report submitted by Allen Couch, game warden stationed in Haskell County.
Sardis: June 20. Elevation normal, water 83. Largemouth and spotted bass good on buzz baits, crankbaits, plastics, spinnerbaits and topwater lures around brush structure, points, riprap, rocks, standing timber and weed beds. Blue, channel and flathead catfish good 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, channels, points and standing timber. Report submitted by Dane Polk, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.
Texoma: June 21. Elevation above normal, water 74 and stained. Crappie fair on hair jigs, live bait and tube jigs around brush structure and docks. Crappie are slow beneath docks in early morning or late evening some anglers have reported the bite is good about an hour after dark. Minnows have been most productive for crappie around 10-20 ft. Striped bass good on cut bait, live bait, live shad, sassy shad and topwater lures below the dam and around the dam and main lake. Striped bass are hitting most any live bait which includes shiners, black salties, perch and shad. Any of these baits can be cut for cut bait or used as a whole. Lots of over 20" striper being caught if anglers are wanting to catch smaller fish to finish a limit anglers should cut bait into smaller pieces and or move to shallow water. There have been surfacing activity in the early morning and late evening mostly small striper feeding on shad fry. Blue catfish good on cut bait, live shad and shad below the dam and around main lake and points. Blue cats can be caught off of points in the main lake on cut bait or below Denison Dam on cut drum and cut perch. The bite below the dam has been best just before nightfall. Lake levels are still above average but the fishing has been good. Report submitted by Trey Hale, game warden stationed in Bryan County.
Wister: June 21. Elevation above normal, water clear. Largemouth bass and spotted bass good on bill baits, crankbaits, plastics, spinnerbaits and topwater lures around brush structure, channels, coves and points. Blue and channel catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, shad and stinkbait below the dam and around brush structure, channels and main lake. Crappie good on jigs and minnows below the dam, around brush structure, channels and standing timber. Report submitted by Thomas Gillham, Game warden stationed in LeFlore County.
Written by David Deaton
Southeast Area Lakes for June 19, 2019
A service of the Oklahoma Wildlife Department
Arbuckle: June 18. Elevation 1 1/2 ft. above normal, water 76 and stained to clearing. Smallmouth bass fair on jigs and topwater lures. Bass being caught on buzz baits and chug bugs off points of grass or brush early morning. Crappie good off docks early morning and good at 12-18 ft. around brush piles. White bass surfacing near the dam. Report submitted by Jack Melton.
Blue River: June 18. Elevation normal, water 77 and clearing. Channel catfish good on chicken liver, dough bait and worms along creek channels and river mouth. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass fair on crankbaits, flukes and topwater lures around brush structure, river channel and shorelines. Trout slow on spoons, in-line spinnerbaits and PowerBait along river channel. Report submitted by Ethan Lovelace, technician at the Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area.
Broken Bow: June 15. Elevation above normal, water 75. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass good on flukes and plastic baits around brush structure, points and standing timber. Channel catfish good on punch bait, stinkbait and worms along channels, in coves and river channel. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Eufaula: June 14. Elevation dropping, water 79 and murky. Blue and channel catfish good on cut bait and shad below the dam and tailwater. Crappie fair on minnows and tube jigs below the dam, around brush structure, standing timber and tailwater. Report submitted by Jake Bersche, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.
Hugo: June 14. Elevation above normal, water murky. Blue, channel and flathead catfish excellent on chicken liver, cut bait, dough bait, live bait, shad, stinkbait and sunfish below the dam, along channels, main lake, river channel and shallows. Crappie good on minnows and jigs below the dam, around brush structure, channels, main lake, river channel, shorelines and standing timber. Largemouth and spotted bass good on bill baits, crankbaits, lipless baits, live bait, plastic baits and small lures around brush structure, creek channels, main lake, points and shorelines. Report submitted by Andrew Potter, game warden stationed in Choctaw County.
Konawa: June 13. Elevation normal, water 76. Largemouth bass excellent on crankbaits, plastic baits and topwater lures in the main lake, around points, river channel and weed beds. Striped bass hybrids and white bass fair on crankbaits and live shad in coves, main lake and river channel. Channel catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait and stinkbait in coves, inlet and weed beds. Report submitted by Garret Harley, game warden stationed in Seminole County.
Lower Mountain Fork: June 14. Elevation normal, water clear. Trout excellent on caddis flies, PowerBait, tube jigs and worms below the dam, rocks, shallows and spillway. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
McGee Creek: June 15. Elevation above normal, water 79 and clear. Largemouth and spotted bass good on bill baits, lipless baits, plastic baits and spinnerbaits around points, shorelines and standing timber. Channel and flathead catfish good on crawfish, shrimp and sunfish along channels and in coves. Crappie good on hair jigs and minnows along creek channels and standing timber. Report submitted by Jim Gillham, game warden stationed in Atoka County.
Murray: June 18. Elevation above normal, water 73 and stained. Largemouth and smallmouth bass fair on Alabama rigs, flukes, in-line spinnerbaits, plastic baits, spinnerbaits and tube jigs around brush structure, in coves, along flats, points, riprap, rocks, shorelines and standing timber. Report submitted by Jaylen Flynn, game warden stationed in Carter County.
Pine Creek: June 14. Elevation above normal, water murky. Largemouth bass fair on tube jigs and worms in coves and along creek channels. Crappie fair on jigs around brush structure and standing timber. Channel catfish good on chicken liver and cut bait below the dam and along channels. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Robert S. Kerr: June 14. Elevation normal, water murky. Blue, channel and flathead catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, dough bait, live bait, live shad, shad, stinkbait and worms along creek channels, flats, river channel and river mouth. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on bill baits, jerk baits, lipless baits and plastic baits in coves, along riprap, shorelines and standing timber. Report submitted by Allen Couch, game warden stationed in Haskell County.
Sardis: June 14. Elevation above normal, water 82. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on crankbaits, plastic baits, spinnerbaits and topwater lures around brush structure, points, rocks, shorelines, standing timber and weed beds. Blue, channel and flathead catfish fair on cut bait, shad and stinkbait along flats, main lake, rocks and shorelines. Crappie good on hair jigs, jigs, minnows and tube jigs around brush structure and standing timber. Report submitted by Dane Polk, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.
Texoma: June 15. Elevation above normal, water 73. Striped bass good on cut bait, goldfish, live bait, live shad, sassy shad, shad and topwater lures below the dam and main lake. Striper are biting like crazy on the south end of the lake. Striper are biting cut bait, live bait, and some surface lures. Below Denison Dam fishing is good for catfish and striper and cut bait and live bait. Blue catfish good on cut bait, live bait and shad below the dam. Channel catfish fair on cut bait, punch bait and shad along river channel, shallows and shorelines. Channel cats can be caught in the shallows where flooded grass is present. Report submitted by Trey Hale, game warden stationed in Bryan County.
Wister: June 14. Elevation above normal, water cloudy. Largemouth and spotted bass good on bill baits, crankbaits, plastic baits, spinnerbaits and topwater lures along channels, points and shorelines. Blue and channel catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, hotdogs, punch bait, shad and stinkbait below the dam, along channels, main lake and points. Crappie good on minnows and jigs below the dam, around brush structure, channels and standing timber. Report submitted by Thomas Gillham, game warden stationed in LeFlore County.
Written by David Deaton
Wildlife Commission OKs Rule Changes for Alligator Gar, Black Bear
Press release
The Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission approved changes affecting harvest reporting of alligator gar and black bear hunting during its regular June meeting Monday at the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation headquarters in Oklahoma City.
The emergency rules affecting anglers who harvest alligator gar are designed to clarify the existing requirement to report the harvest. The new wording specifies that an angler who harvests an alligator gar must report the harvest within 24 hours to the Wildlife Department using methods described in the annual Fishing Regulations guide.
Barry Bolton, Chief of Fisheries for the Wildlife Department, said the reporting requirement was not well defined in Title 800, the administrative rules that govern hunting, fishing and Department operations.
“Current rules do not define the method of timeline required for reporting the harvest of alligator gar,” Bolton said. “Accurate and timely reporting is necessary for enforcement of regulations and population assessments.”
In Oklahoma, alligator gar are found in Lake Texoma and downstream in the Red River. It is a species of special concern for the Department. Oklahoma is the westernmost part of the species’ known range that includes the lower Mississippi River system, where these primitive Cretaceous carry-overs are the apex predator.
The current Oklahoma record alligator gar was more than 8 feet long and weighed 254 pounds.
Commissioners also authorized expanding the open zone for black bear hunting from four counties to include all or part of 12 counties in southeastern Oklahoma. This fall, black bear hunting will be allowed south of Interstate 40 and east of U.S. 69. The quota will again be 20 bears for muzzleloader season (Oct. 26-Nov. 3), and no quota for archery season (Oct. 1-20).
Also during Monday’s meeting, Commission Chairman John Groendyke and Director J.D. Strong recognized the assistance and cooperation shown by the many conservation partner groups that regularly work with the Wildlife Department to help fulfill its conservation mission. Representatives of partner organizations including Quail Forever, National Wild Turkey Federation, Ducks Unlimited and Oklahoma Prescribed Burn Association were invited to attend the meeting and a special recognition lunch afterward.
In other business, Commissioners:
• Adopted hunting and usage regulations for the new Sans Bois Wildlife Management Area so the area can be open for public use this fall. This 7,602-acre WMA is in southeastern Haskell County.
• Approved a proposed budget of $70.15 million for fiscal year 2020, which is down 7.8 percent from last year’s budget.
• Heard Director Strong’s regular report on various division activities in the Department, along with summaries of relevant federal and state legislative matters. Strong reported that a successful benefit concert in May featuring Blake Shelton and Luke Bryan had raised more than $144,000 for the new Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Foundation.
• Postponed until the July meeting all discussion or action on a Chronic Wasting Disease Response Plan.
• Recognized Wildlife Technician II Jeff Neal for 30 years of service.
• Elected new officers for the coming year: Bruce Mabrey, chairman; Robert Hughes II, vice chairman; Leigh Gaddis, secretary.
The Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission is the eight-member governing board of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. The Commission establishes state hunting and fishing regulations, sets policy for the Wildlife Department and indirectly oversees all state fish and wildlife conservation activities. Commission members are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Oklahoma Senate.
Written by David Deaton
Fishing Report for May 29, 2019
A service of the Oklahoma Wildlife Department
SOUTHEAST
Arbuckle: May 28. Elevation 2 ft. above normal, and stained. Largemouth bass fair on jigs and soft plastic baits around the main lake. Smallmouth bass slow on spinnerbaits and crankbaits. Crappie fair around docks and brush piles. White bass chasing shad in mid-lake. Report submitted by Jack Melton.
Broken Bow: May 24. Elevation above normal, water 69. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass good on Alabama rig and plastics around points and standing timber. Crappie good on jigs and minnows around brush structure and standing timber. Channel and blue catfish good on chicken liver, punch bait and worms around channels, creek channels and river mouth. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Eufaula: May 24. Elevation rising, water 76 and murky. Blue and channel catfish fair on shad around the main lake. Crappie fair on minnows, small lures and tube jigs below the dam and around docks. White and striped bass good on flukes, sassy shad, slabs, small lures, spinnerbaits and spoons below the dam. Report submitted by Jake Bersche, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.
Hugo: May 24. Elevation above normal, water 64 and murky. Blue, channel and flathead catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, dough bait, live bait, punch bait, shad and sunfish below the dam and around creek channels, main lake, river channel and shorelines. Crappie good on jigs and minnows below the dam and around brush structure, channels, main lake, river channel, shorelines and standing timber. Largemouth and spotted bass good on bill baits, crankbaits, live bait, plastics, small lures and worms below the dam and around brush structure, creek channels, docks, main lake, points, river channel, shorelines and standing timber. Report submitted by Andrew Potter, game warden stationed in Choctaw County.
Konawa: May 23. Elevation normal, water 71 and murky. Largemouth bass excellent on crankbaits, plastics and topwater lures around the main lake, points and weed beds. Striped bass hybrids and white bass good on crankbaits and live shad around coves, main lake and river channel. Channel catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait and stinkbait around coves, inlet, riprap and weed beds. Report submitted by Garret Harley, game warden stationed in Seminole County.
Lower Mountain Fork: May 24. Elevation normal, water clear. Rainbow trout excellent on PowerBait, tube jigs and worms around river channel and rocks. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Lower Mountain Fork: May 24. Elevation normal. Stocked approximately 2,300 rainbow trout on May 22. Report submitted by April Drake, secretary at the Southeast Region Office.
McGee Creek: May 24. Elevation above normal, water 69. Largemouth and spotted bass good on crankbaits, in-line spinnerbait, jigs and plastics around brush structure, points, rocks and shorelines. Flathead and channel catfish fair on goldfish and sunfish around creek channels and river channel. Report submitted by Jay Harvey, game warden stationed in Atoka County.
Murray: May 28. Elevation above normal, water 74 and clear. Largemouth and smallmouth bass good on crankbaits, plastic baits and spinnerbaits around brush structure, in coves, points, riprap, rocks and shallows. Report submitted by Jaylen Flynn, game warden stationed in Carter County.
Pine Creek: May 24. Elevation above normal, water murky. Largemouth bass good on crankbaits, flukes and grubs around flats and river channel. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around brush structure. Channel catfish good on cut bait and stinkbait around spillway. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Robert S. Kerr: May 25. Elevation rising, water murky. Blue and channel catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, dough bait, shad and stinkbait around channels, creek channels, inlet and river mouth. Flathead catfish good on live bait and live shad around main lake, river channel and river mouth. Report submitted by Allen Couch, game warden stationed in Haskell County.
Sardis: May 22. Elevation above normal, water 72. Largemouth and spotted bass good on buzz baits, crankbaits, jigs, plastics and spinnerbaits around brush structure, points, riprap, rocks, shorelines, standing timber and weed beds. Blue, channel and flathead catfish good on cut bait, live shad, shad and sunfish around channels, flats, main lake, rocks and shorelines. Crappie good on hair jigs, minnows and tube jigs around brush structure, points and standing timber. Report submitted by Dane Polk, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.
Texoma: May 23. Elevation rising, water 72 and muddy. Lake level is very high but fish are still biting. Blue and channel catfish good on cut bait, shad and stinkbait below the dam and around creek channels, main lake, river channel and river mouth. Blue cats are biting cut bait against the shoreline in about 6 ft. of water anglers should target flooded areas where current is present but fish the edge of the current. Crappie fair on jigs, live bait and minnows around brush structure, creek channels and docks. Crappie will be under docks in about 10-15 ft. of water, but also don't be afraid to fish shallow against flooded banks where brush is present, with muddy water use dark colored jigs. Striped bass good on cut bait, live bait and live shad below the dam and around main lake. Striped Bass are biting very well on various methods which include throwing sassy shad on shallow flats, throwing Alabama rigs on wind-blown points and banks. Live bait fishing is the best method using shad, shiners and perch. To catch smaller fish anglers can use cut bait but to target larger striper use whole baits (only 2 striped bass over 20" per angler). Report submitted by Trey Hale, game warden stationed in Bryan County.
Wister: May 24. Elevation above normal, water cloudy. Largemouth and spotted bass good on bill baits, buzz baits, crankbaits, plastics and spinnerbaits around brush structure, points, shallows, shorelines and standing timber. Blue and channel catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, hot dogs and stinkbait below the dam, and around channels, main lake and standing timber. Crappie good on jigs and minnows around brush structure, channels, main lake and standing timber. Report submitted by Thomas Gillham, Game warden stationed in LeFlore County.