Whatzup Outdoors (219)
Written by David Deaton
Area Lakes report for Jan 2, 2020
SOUTHEAST AREA LAKE REPORT
Broken Bow: December 28. Elevation normal, water 54. Largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass good on crankbaits and spoons around main lake and points. Channel catfish fair on chicken liver, punch bait, and worms around channels, coves, and points. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Eufaula: December 27. Elevation normal, water 47 and murky. Black and white crappie excellent on jigs and minnows below and around the dam and docks. Blue catfish good on live shad, punch bait, and stinkbait below the dam, and around dam, discharge, and main lake. Striped bass excellent on plastics, slabs, and small lures below and around the dam. Report submitted by Cannon Harrison, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.
Hugo: December 27. Elevation below average, water 52 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 channels, main lake, river channel, and shorelines. Black and white crappie fair 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: December 26. Elevation normal, water 48 and clear. Largemouth bass good on Alabama rig, crankbaits, lipless baits, and plastics around 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 and stinkbait around coves, inlet, and weed beds. Report submitted by Garret Harley, game warden stationed in Seminole County.
Lower Mountain Fork: December 27. Elevation normal, water clear. Rainbow trout good on grubs, Powerbait, small lures, and tube jigs below the dam, and around channels and spillway. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
McGee Creek: December 27. Elevation normal, water 52. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on crankbaits, plastics, and drop shots around creek channels, points, and rocks. Report submitted by Jay Harvey, game warden stationed in Atoka County.
Pine Creek: December 27. Elevation normal, water clear. Largemouth bass good on spoons around points. Black crappie good on jigs and spoons around brush structure. Channel catfish fair on chicken liver, cut bait, and punch bait around creek channels and main lake. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Robert S. Kerr: December 28. Elevation above average, water murky. Blue and channel catfish good on cut bait, dough bait, shad, and stinkbait around channels, creek channels, inlet, river channel, and river mouth. White crappie and white bass good on hair jigs, jigs, and minnows around channels, creek channels, inlet, and standing timber. Report submitted by Allen Couch, game warden stationed in Haskell County.
Texoma: December 27. Elevation normal, water 50. Striped bass good on flukes and live shad around main lake and points. Blue catfish fair on cut bait, live bait, and shad around main lake, points, and shallows. Black crappie slow on jigs, minnows, and tube jigs around brush structure and docks. Striper fishing has been hit or miss the past week with some days being better than others. Live bait has been the most reliable method to catch stripers. Dead-sticking works some days and not others. With tons of bait in the lake, quality of fish is great right now. Blue catfish are biting well on cut shad or whole shad on shallow flats. Jug lining is a good way to catch blues as well. Crappie have not been biting well the past week. Report submitted by Trey Hale, game warden stationed in Bryan County.
Wister: December 27. Elevation above average, water cloudy. Largemouth and spotted bass good on bill baits, crankbaits, plastics, and spinnerbait around brush structure, channels, coves, points, and standing timber. Blue and channel catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, hot dogs, and stinkbait below the dam, and around brush structure, channels, main lake, and points. White and black crappie good on jigs and minnows below the dam, and around brush structure, channels, points, and cedar brush. Report submitted by Thomas Gillham, game warden stationed in Le Flore County.
Written by Donna Deaton
Wister Teachers Receive Grant
Wister Public Schools teachers George and Paula Midgley applied for and were selected to receive a Fund for Teachers (FFT) Grant last spring. Only 27 FTF grant proposals were awarded in the whole state of Oklahoma and the Midgleys were the only teachers from small, rural schools to receive one. They used the grant to explore the Chisholm Trail and learn about open range cast iron cooking and food preparation during the cattle drives. They completed their expedition over the summer. The $9163 grant funded their trip over the Chisholm Trail, lodging and sigh-seeing plus all their expenses traveling to and staying at the chuck wagon cooking school in Montana.
Mrs. Midgley posted on her blog about their exploration: “George had the idea to plan a road trip that spanned the entire stretch of the Chisholm Trail. He wanted to learn intricate details from museums, placards, and experts, plus get the opportunity to see historic landmarks in person and stand on the very grounds that millions of cattle and hundreds of cowboys (and cowgirls) traversed on the trek from San Antonio, Texas to Abilene, Kansas. Since my husband is a middle school social studies teacher, this is an era covered in his textbooks so he was particularly interested in learning more about it. As a Family and Consumer Science (used to be called Home Ec) teacher, I was interested in learning about open range cast iron cooking and food preparation methods used during the cattle drive days; therefore, we put our two subject areas together to plan a cross-curricular learning expedition.”
To read Mrs. Midgley’s blog and find out more about their adventures, check out https://thechisholmtrailexpedition.blogspot.com/2019/05/trial-post.html?spref=fb&fbclid=IwAR10GsWhjB_MsMtNjkQketMbRR5ccChBAGuC2FsrY_Ne70deX9f7tCu7fIA.
Photos below were selected from those Mrs. Midgley posted on her blog (linked above).
Written by David Deaton
Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department to Celebrate New Year with First Day Hikes Across State on Jan. 1
Press release from Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department
OKLAHOMA CITY — In keeping with an annual tradition, Oklahoma State Parks will again host First Day Hikes on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020. The free, guided hikes present an opportunity to begin the new year on a healthy perspective by getting outdoors, connecting with nature and promoting year-round recreation.
“The First Day Hikes continue to be a great resource for our guests and state park personnel to gather in the fresh air and beautiful surroundings of the parks,” said Oklahoma State Parks Director Kris Marek. “We enjoy making new friends and meeting those who come to the state parks for this event.”
Nineteen state parks will host hikes on New Year’s Day. Park staff and volunteers will lead the free hikes. For information on the individual parks, visit TravelOK.com.
First Day Hikes will be held in the following Oklahoma State Parks:
Southeastern Oklahoma
Arrowhead Area at Lake Eufaula State Park, Canadian: Meet at the park office at 10 a.m. for a moderate, 1/2-mile hike on the Trivia Trail. 918-339-2204
Beavers Bend State Park, Broken Bow: Meet at 11 a.m. at the Forest Heritage Center for an easy, 1-mile hike along the Forest Heritage Center Tree Trail. 580-494-6300
Lake Eufaula State Park, Eufaula: Meet at 10 a.m. at the Visitor Center for an easy, 1.5 mile hike on the Chinkapin Trail. 918-689-5311
Robbers Cave State Park, Wilburton: Two separate hikes will be held simultaneously. Meet at Community Room #1 at 9:30 a.m. and choose from two different hikes. The moderate-to-strenuous Mountain Trail is three miles long and will take approximately 2 hours to complete. The 1-mile Outdoor Classroom hike will take approximately 45 minutes. 918-465-2565
McGee Creek State Park, Atoka: Meet at 1 p.m. at T-Hill in the park for an easy, 1.4-mile walk through the Potapo Campground. 580-889-5822
Southern and Central Oklahoma
Lake Murray State Park, Ardmore: Meet at the Nature Center at 11 a.m. for an easy-to-moderate, 1.5-mile hike along the Nature Center Loop. 580-223-4044
Lake Thunderbird State Park, Norman: Meet at 11 a.m. at the Discovery Cove Nature Center for three different hikes. The first will take guests on the Nature Trail while the second will take guests on a paved, accessible trail. The third hike is across the dam. 405-360-3572.
Western Oklahoma
Alabaster Caverns State Park, Freedom: Meet at the park office at 10 a.m. for an easy, 1/2-mile hike on the cavern trail. 580-621-3381
Boiling Springs State Park, Woodward: Meet at 2 p.m. at the trailhead of the Scout Trail for a moderate, 1-mile hike. 580-256-7664
Fort Cobb State Park, Fort Cobb: Meet at 9:30 a.m. at the Eagles’ Nest Pavilion at CS2530 and Eagle View Road for a moderate, 3-mile hike on the Western Oaks Heart Healthy Trail. 405-643-2249
Foss State Park, Foss: Meet at the Cedar Point shelter at 2 p.m. for a moderate, 2-mile hike on the Great Western Trail. 580-592-4433
Great Plains State Park, Mountain Park: Meet at the park office at 10 a.m. for a moderate, 5-mile hike on the Healthy Heart and Nature Trail. 580-569-2032
Roman Nose State Park, Watonga: Meet at noon in the lodge lobby for a moderate, 3-mile hike to Inspiration Point. 800-892-8690.
Northeastern Oklahoma
Keystone State Park, Mannford: Meet at the park office. The first hike begins at 12:01 a.m., and the second begins at 10:30 a.m. The moderate, 1.25-mile hikes will be held on the Rangers Pass Trail. Afterwards, hikers can enjoy coffee and hot chocolate. 918-865-4991
Osage Hills State Park, Pawhuska: Meet at the ball field at midnight for the first hike. A second hike will be held at 1 p.m. The easy, 1-mile hikes will be along the Creek Loop Trail. 918-336-5635
Bernice Area at Grand Lake State Park, Bernice: Meet at 11 a.m. at the nature center for an easy, 1-mile hike along the paved Heart Healthy Trail. 918-257-8330.
Grand Cherokee Golf Course at Grand Lake State Park, Langley: Meet at 2 p.m. at the pro shop for an easy, 2.2-mile walk along the paved cart path below the Pensacola Dam. 918-435-8727
Greenleaf State Park, Braggs: Meet at 10 a.m. at the park office for an easy, 1-mile hike along the paved Family Fun Trail. 918-487-5196
Sequoyah State Park, Hulbert: Two different hikes are scheduled. The 11:30 a.m. hike is an easy, 1-mile hike. The 1:30 p.m. hike is a moderate, 2-mile hike. Following each event, participants are invited to enjoy warm refreshments at Three Forks Nature Center. Bring your own mug and help us reduce waste! 918-772-2108.
Hikers should remember to wear weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable shoes. Bring a camera or binoculars for wildlife viewing, and don’t forget water and snacks. Pets on leash are welcome at most hikes. Participating Oklahoma State Parks are offering hot chocolate and warm beverages after completion of the hikes and encourage visitors to stay and explore other areas or enjoy the quiet beauty of the parks in the wintertime.
In the event of inclement weather, information about cancellation of hikes will be available by calling the state park listed or checking Facebook.com/OklahomaStateParks.
Written by David Deaton
Southeast Area Lakes Fishing Report for Dec 4, 2019
Arbuckle: December 2. Elevation 1 1/3 ft. above normal. White crappie good on slab spoons at 35 ft. and along drop-off ledges. Water stained up creeks and clear near the dam. Bass good on shakey head worms, crankbaits and jerk baits at 23-33 ft. along ledges. Bluegill good off Guy Sandy dock. Report submitted by Jack Melton. Broken Bow: November 29. Elevation above normal, water 61. Largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass fair on crankbaits around brush structure and points. Crappie fair on jigs, minnows, and spoons around brush structure and standing timber. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County. Eufaula: November 29. Elevation above normal, water murky. Channel and blue catfish fair on worms around river channel. Crappie fair on minnows and tube jigs around brush structure and standing timber. Report submitted by Jake Bersche, game warden stationed in McIntosh County. Hugo: November 29. Elevation above normal, water 56 and murky. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, dough bait, live bait, shad, stinkbait, and sunfish below the dam, and around channels, main lake, river channel, and shorelines. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows below the dam, and around brush structure, creek channels, main lake, river channel, and standing timber. Report submitted by Andrew Potter, game warden stationed in Choctaw County. Konawa: November 28. Elevation normal, water 51 and clear. Largemouth bass good on Alabama rig, crankbaits, lipless baits, and plastics 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 good on chicken liver and stinkbait around coves, creek channels, inlet, and weed beds. Report submitted by Garret Harley, game warden stationed in Seminole County. Lower mountain Fork: November 29. Elevation normal, water clear. Rainbow trout good on PowerBait, tube jigs, and worms around channels, rocks, and spillway. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County. McGee Creek: November 29. Elevation above normal, water 57. Largemouth and spotted bass slow on crankbaits and plastics around channels, points, and standing timber. Crappie slow on minnows around creek channels, river channel, and standing timber. Report submitted by Jay Harvey, game warden stationed in Atoka County. Pine Creek: November 29. Elevation above normal, water murky. Largemouth bass fair on jigs and spoons around channels and points. Crappie good on jigs, minnows, and spoons around brush structure. Channel catfish fair on chicken liver, cut bait, and hot dogs around the main lake. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County. Robert S. Kerr: November 30. Elevation above normal, water murky. Blue and channel catfish good on cut bait, dough bait, punch bait, shad, and stinkbait around channels, creek channels, flats, inlet, main lake, river channel, and river mouth. Report submitted by Allen Couch, game warden stationed in Haskell County. Sardis: November 27. Elevation above normal, water 52. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on bill baits, crankbaits, jigs, plastics, and spinnerbaits around brush structure, creek channels, points, rocks, shorelines, and standing timber. Blue and channel catfish fair on cut bait and shad around channels, creek channels, flats, and main lake. Crappie fair on hair jigs, jigs, and minnows around brush structure, points, and standing timber. Report submitted by Dane Polk, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County. Texoma: November 29. Elevation rising, water 58. Striped and white bass good on flukes, live shad, and sassy shad around flats, main lake, and points. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around brush structure and docks. Flathead catfish fair on live bait around main lake and points. Texoma winter fishing patterns are here. Jug lining has been good on the lake using shad but if anglers want to target flatheads live bait is the ticket. Striped bass are biting live shad as well as dead sticking. Anglers should look for active birds and target that area. Colors included pink, white and clear glitter. Crappie have been biting on nice weather days below docks where structure is present. Seeing most crappie caught on jigs that have some variation of hot pink included. 20ft of water and up seems to hold feeding crappie. Report submitted by Trey Hale, game warden stationed in Bryan County. Wister: November 29. Elevation above normal, water cloudy. Largemouth and spotted bass good on bill baits, crankbaits, plastics, and spinnerbaits around brush structure, channels, coves, points, and shorelines. Blue and channel catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, punch bait, and stinkbait below the dam, and around channels, main lake, points, and standing timber. Crappie good on jigs and minnows below the dam, and around brush structure, channels, docks, points, shorelines, and cedar tree structure. Report submitted by Thomas Gillham, game warden stationed in LeFlore County.
Written by David Deaton
Rut Report: Saturday's the Big Day for Thousands of Deer Hunters in Oklahoma
A service of the Oklahoma Wildlife Department
The most highly anticipated day of the year arrives Saturday for many thousands of Oklahoma hunters. The state’s deer gun season officially begins a half-hour before sunrise Nov. 23.
For many sportsmen and sportswomen, the 16-day season will be the best time to put meat in the freezer and maybe hang a trophy on the wall.
And some big-time trophies are certainly out there this year — Guner Womack, 18, of Morrison, will vouch for that. Just a few weeks ago, Womack took his bow out for an archery hunt on family land in Pawnee County. That evening, the Oklahoma State University freshman got his first-ever archery harvest and most likely a No. 1 ranking in the official Oklahoma Cy Curtis big game record book.
Womack’s buck green-scored 192 6/8 net, which if stands will put his name atop the list for Oklahoma’s largest typical whitetail bucks taken with a bow.
Overall, the state’s deer population is in great shape this year, thanks to abundant (in some cases record-setting) spring rainfall and a fairly mild summer, said Big Game Biologist Dallas Barber with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.
“Along with habitat conditions, deer numbers look good over most of the state.” That means plenty of deer are moving about with the rut, or breeding season, underway.
“The rut has been going strong over the last two weeks across much of the state,” Barber said. “While most does have been bred by the time gun season starts, it will not be uncommon to still see bucks seeking does that have yet to be bred.”
Deer hunting plays a major role in the Wildlife Department’s deer herd management strategy. For the past several years, the Department has stressed the role deer hunters play with the slogan “Hunters in the Know … Let Young Bucks Grow!” Barber praised hunters for their voluntary participation, because every time a hunter decides to pull the trigger, he or she is making a management decision.
This year, he is hoping hunters will harvest more does than they did in 2018.
“It still remains as important as ever to place emphasis on doe harvest to keep a healthy, thriving population,” Barber said. Antlerless deer harvest becomes even more important in the state’s deer management plan when populations grow.
According to the 2018-19 Big Game Report published in the September/October issue of Outdoor Oklahoma magazine, hunters took 39,409 does, amounting to 36 percent of the 2018-19 harvest, well short of the 40-45 percent target range.
Doe harvest helps keep populations in balance with available habitat, helps maintain healthy buck-to-doe ratios, and helps synchronize fawning when conditions are most favorable for fawn growth.
To help hunters plan their opening-day outing in the deer woods, here are up-to-date regional reports from Wildlife Department field personnel.
NORTHWEST REGION
Reported by Eddie Wilson, Wildlife Senior Biologist
Current Buck Rutting Activity: Appears to have reached its peak last week. But mature bucks are still active and on the move.
Habitat Conditions: Not much rain over the past couple of months, so dormant vegetation is very dry. Overall, habitat conditions are good. Early spring and late summer rains produced heavy cover and good food throughout the growing season. Winter wheat crops are in fair to good condition.
Hunter and Landowner Reports: Hunters have reported good buck activity, saying bucks have been chasing does actively the past week. Landowners report good numbers of deer. Reproduction was good this year; most does have two fawns.
Public Land Best Bets: Hunters need to consult regulations before hunting Oklahoma wildlife management areas. Some WMAs are closed opening weekend for controlled hunts, and some are closed to deer gun hunting entirely. Most WMAs are closed to antlerless hunting. If you have questions regarding hunting regulations on a wildlife management area, you can consult the Oklahoma Hunting Regulations Guide or call the biologist or game warden responsible for the area you choose to hunt. Phone numbers are listed in the regulations under each WMA listing.
Advice for Deer Hunters: Be prepared for all types of weather. Be sure to sight in your rifle prior to the hunt. Plenty of open country in the northwest can make distances deceiving. Bring a rangefinder, and know your limits. Always use the wind to your advantage. Bring a deer cart, and be prepared to retrieve your deer. Introduce someone new to hunting. Hunt safely and enjoy your time in the outdoors!
Biggest Mistakes to Avoid: Try not to move around a lot. Find a good spot, stay put and be patient. Scout the area you intend to hunt prior to opening day. Be sure you have checked the regulations for the WMA you intend to hunt.
Opening Morning Expectations: The weather forecast is for cooler temperatures, which should improve deer movement opening weekend. Rut appears to have peaked in the northwest, however bucks should still be actively searching for receptive does. Hunter numbers will likely be high on WMAs open to public hunting. Good luck!
NORTHEAST REGION
Reported by Brent Morgan, Wildlife Biologist
Current Buck Rutting Activity: In the past week, buck activity has really picked up. Bucks have been spotted checking out scrapes in the middle of the day. Deer have been using food plots late in the evening, and acorns and browse during midday. Deer activity will no doubt pick up with some cooler fronts pushing through the region. Bucks are being seen chasing does at all times of the day. Mature bucks are cruising midday looking for does in heat.
Habitat Conditions: Habitat conditions look great with lots of acorns available. But the soft mass is mostly gone because of early freezes. The northeast had a very wet summer that produced food readily available and abundant. Deer also have an abundance of browse where controlled burns were conducted.
Hunter and Landowner Reports: Most deer being observed are bucks with does or bucks cruising looking for does. Very few does are seen alone. Deer are also off their pattern trails as the bucks have pushed them away from their norm.
Public Land Best Bets: If you plan on hunting a WMA, make sure to learn any special regulations for that area. All WMAs are not alike and don’t exactly follow the statewide regulations. WMAs will have more hunting activity than private land so be cautious and aware of the area you are hunting because you are more than likely sharing with fellow hunters. Cherokee WMA and Camp Gruber WMA are always popular destinations for gun season but be aware those areas are open the same as statewide dates but closed to antlerless harvest. Fort Gibson WMA has produced good harvest numbers in the past, but notice the boundaries when hunting and be aware this WMA is only open the first nine days and closed to antlerless harvest.
Advice for Deer Hunters: Scouting is the best advice for hunters on opening weekend of gun season. Scout for food sources around or near buck sign as that will be your best shot at locating a buck. If hunters are persistent and have done their scouting homework, there is no reason they shouldn’t harvest a nice buck. Calling and rattling can also be effective in luring in a lone buck.
Biggest Mistakes to Avoid: Scent control is very important; hunt the wind direction. Hunters are reporting that the does are busting them by catching their scent, so be careful about scent control. A hunter rushing their shot on a deer or forcing it through a marginal spot can result in a crippled animal and a tag unfilled.
Opening Morning Expectations: It should be the tail end of the rut on opening morning with a few does that might still be in season. But it should be a great opening morning of gun season as long as the weather cooperates. Visibility is great as we have experienced some hard freezes and most of the leaves have fallen. The WMAs should have a good number of hunters, but persistence is the key. Stay as long as you can as the deer movement has been very good midday.
CENTRAL REGION
Reported by Matt Mattioda, Wildlife Biologist
Current Buck Rutting Activity: Colder weather and shorter days made for great rutting activity through the first two weeks of November.
Habitat Conditions: Record-setting rainfall in 2019 provided an equally heavy acorn crop over most of the region. Both red and white oak species have produced an above-average crop in many areas. Highly preferred browse and soft masts like persimmons are also abundant. There was also above-average cover production this year. Grasses will provide plenty of cover for deer when they are outside of wooded areas. Hunters who prefer to hunt from the ground should keep this in mind as visibility may be more difficult this year.
Hunter and Landowner Reports: Great deer movement the past two weeks. Successful hunters have reported that they are seeing lots of buck movement throughout the day, not just early or late.
Public Land Best Bets: Kaw Wildlife Management Area is always the biggest producer in the central region. Keystone WMA provides a lot of access and opportunity. The Texoma WMA areas of Washita Arm, Love Valley, Fobb Bottom, Tishomingo and Hickory Creek collectively provide a lot of hunting access for southern Oklahoma hunters. Please keep in mind that WMAs in the region experienced record flooding this year, and conditions on these areas may not be like what hunters have experienced in the past. Most of the agricultural lessees were unable to plant crops, and high water levels suppressed the growth of cover along river bottoms. Scouting may be more important this year than in the past in order to have a successful hunt on the WMAs that experienced flooding. Be sure to consult hunting regulations before heading out. WMA-specific regulations can be found on the Department website, in the annual hunting regulations guide, or on the new Go Outdoors Oklahoma mobile app. Do not hesitate to contact the area biologists with any questions, as they are always willing to help.
Advice for Deer Hunters: Take time to scout before going hunting. Look for food sources that are being used, as well as other deer sign such as scrapes and rubs. Many hunters like to take advantage of the extended shooting range that gun hunting provides, causing them to hunt in larger openings. But if deer in your area are feeding on acorns, you will likely have better success hunting in timber. The rut will be winding down throughout gun season, which will cause bucks to move more throughout the day in search of does. Sit as long as you can, because much of this movement will occur midday.
Biggest Mistakes to Avoid: Underestimating a deer's sense of smell. Not scouting beforehand; even tried-and-true spots may have changed over the course of the year. Shooting lanes may need to be cleared, straps may need to be replaced on tree stands, etc. Not sighting in the gun before going hunting; missing your target is better done on the range than from the deer stand. A list of WMAs that have shooting ranges can be found on the Department website. Lastly, leaving your stand too early or getting there too late.
Opening Morning Expectations: The rut will be slowly winding down, but deer movement should be great if the weather cooperates. Does will be returning to food sources, and bucks will be traveling in between, searching for receptive does. Hunters should expect a great opportunity at harvesting a deer.
SOUTHWEST REGION
Reported by Ron Smith, Wildlife Senior Biologist
Current Buck Rutting Activity: General deer movement increased in the days leading up to muzzleloader season. Does have been seen moving throughout the day along with young bucks. Mature bucks are becoming more active chasing does and sparring with their rivals. Rut activity seems to be making steady progress with no real spike observed yet. If the current pattern holds, rut activity should be in full swing for opening weekend.
Habitat Conditions: Habitat conditions vary considerably with the westernmost portion being very dry. Early spring rains did produce heavy cover that will be quite a change from 2018. Winter wheat is in good condition across the eastern side but poor across the west. In areas with mast production, spring rains produced good crops.
Hunter and Landowner Reports: Landowners report seeing does and young bucks throughout the day on winter wheat and other areas with good food. Mature bucks are beginning to make an appearance early and late during cooler evenings. Most landowners are seeing a steady increase in deer numbers over previous years. Hunters have been monitoring active scrapes since the third week of October and observing a steady increase in bucks following does. Many hunters have reported deer in great condition.
Public Land Best Bets: Black Kettle, Packsaddle and Ellis County are the top three WMAs in the region for gun season. Altus-Lugert and Fort Cobb WMAs are also open to shotgun with slug.
Advice for Deer Hunters: Be prepared to stay all day. As we move further into peak rut, any time of the day can be productive. Always use wind to your advantage when planning entry and setup for the hunt. Spend as much time as possible scouting all the elements of your hunt area. Be aware of property boundaries and regulations for both private land and public. Be patient.
Biggest Mistakes to Avoid: Leaving the field early can lead to missed opportunity. Not accounting for changing weather and wind conditions may take you out of the game.
Opening Morning Expectations: Depending on weather, hunters should see good deer activity as the rut progresses. Deer health and body size appear to be excellent.
SOUTHEAST REGION
Reported by Jeff Ford, Wildlife Senior Biologist
Current Buck Rutting Activity: Bucks are in full rut. Most mature bucks are with does, and younger bucks are traveling looking for does. Large bucks are also on the move looking for new does.
Habitat Conditions: Conditions are excellent. The rain and freezing temperatures have put most acorns on the ground. Some areas have received more rain than others, so it’s pretty wet.
Hunter and Landowner Reports: Hunters are seeing a lot of deer moving at all times of the day as the rut is in full swing. There are good numbers of mature bucks and does with yearlings being seen. The deer numbers are high in most areas.
Public Land Best Bets: Three Rivers and Honobia Creek WMAs; Wister WMA; Ouachita WMA (Le Flore and McCurtain units).
Advice for Deer Hunters: Look for a good food source near thickets. Go early and stay as long as possible. Keep human odor to a minimum. Look for buck sign as the bucks are still checking scrapes and making rubs. Please use safety equipment when hunting from a tree stand.
Biggest Mistakes to Avoid: Moving too much, as the deer are being pressured almost daily. Do plenty of pre-season scouting. Don’t assume deer only move early and late; the middle of the day is usually the best time to hunt on land with heavy pressure. Be sure and check the deer hunting regulations for your region and area. Don't assume land not posted is OK to hunt.
Opening Morning Expectations: Opening day always has the most deer harvested by far. The forecast predicts rain Friday, so opening morning could be muddy. This should be another great year for hunters. We have great deer numbers, and the rut is underway. There is a bumper crop of acorns, so the deer are going to be up feeding during the day. Get out and have some fun, be safe and make some memories.
Hunters are reminded that online E-Check of all harvested deer is required using the Go Outdoors Oklahoma website or mobile app. All hunters who have yet to confirm their account status on Go Outdoors Oklahoma are strongly urged to do so before going afield; this will allow any issues with accounts to be addressed before the need to E-Check arises. For Go Outdoors account help, call (405) 521-3852 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays or (833) 457-7285 until 8 p.m. weekday evenings or from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends.
Any hunter needing a regular hunting license or deer license can log on to Go Outdoors Oklahoma or use the mobile app for immediate sales. With the Go Outdoors Oklahoma app, electronic licenses carried on a mobile device are now legal in the field.
For complete information and license requirements, consult the current Oklahoma Hunting and Fishing Regulations Guide found online at wildlifedepartment.com, on the Go Outdoors Oklahoma free mobile app for Apple or Android devices, or in print across the state wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold.
Written by David Deaton
Youth Deer Gun Season to Open Friday
Youths 17 and younger who want an early chance to take a deer with a firearm can venture to the woods this coming Friday though Sunday for the 2019 Youth Deer Gun Season.
This season is designed to allow youths the first opportunity of the fall to use a gun to hunt deer. Deer archery season has been open since Oct. 1; Deer Muzzleloader Season will open Oct. 26; and Deer Gun Season will open Nov. 23.
Youth Deer Gun Season is a great way to introduce new young hunters to the deer hunting tradition. More times than not, the weather is mild and conditions are comfortable for the kids.
All youths hunting this weekend must have the appropriate Youth Deer Gun Season license(s), which are sold online at license.GoOutdoorsOklahoma.com, and must be accompanied by an adult 18 or older who may not have a firearm but may archery hunt with the required license(s). Also, youths 10 and older hunting this weekend must be hunter education certified or use an apprentice-designated license if not certified.
Remember that anyone, including archers and adults who accompany youths, in the woods during any open big-game firearms season is required to abide by the hunter orange clothing regulations. Waterfowl, crow or crane hunters are exempt from hunter orange.
For complete information and license requirements, consult the current Oklahoma Hunting and Fishing Regulations Guide found online at wildlifedepartment.com, on the Go Outdoors Oklahoma free mobile app for Apple or Android devices, or in print across the state wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold.
Written by David Deaton
Fishing Report for October 9, 2019
A service of the Oklahoma Wildlife Department
Southeast
Arbuckle: October 7. Elevation 1/2 ft. above normal, water 81. Largemouth and smallmouth bass good on topwater lures early morning and crankbaits in the main lake the rest of the day. Crappie good off docks early morning and on Milk Money jigs around brush piles. White bass fair on topwater lures and grubs with some surfacing mid-morning. Report submitted by Jack Melton.
Broken Bow: October 6. Elevation below normal, water 85. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass good on Alabama rigs, flukes and plastic baits around brush structure and points. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around brush structure and standing timber. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Eufaula: October 4. Elevation above normal, water 84 and murky. Striped bass hybrids and white bass fair on flukes, small lures and spoons in the main lake and along sandbars. Crappie fair on minnows and tube jigs around brush structure and standing timber. Report submitted by Jake Bersche, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.
Konawa: October 3. Elevation normal, water 88 and clear. Largemouth bass good on crankbaits, jigs and plastic baits in the main lake, around points and river channel. Striped bass hybrids and white bass fair on Alabama rigs, crankbaits and live shad in coves, main lake and river channel. Channel catfish good on chicken liver and stinkbait in coves, inlet and weed beds. Report submitted by Garret Harley, game warden stationed in Seminole County.
Lower Mountain Fork: October 3. Stocked 3,834 rainbow trout on September 25. Report submitted by Don Groom, southeast region supervisor.
Lower Mountain Fork: October 4. Elevation normal, water clear. Trout good on crickets, PowerBait, small lures, tube jigs and worms below the dam, creek channels, river channel and rocks. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Pine Creek: October 4. Elevation above normal, water murky. Largemouth bass fair on jerk baits and topwater lures along channels and in coves. Crappie good on jigs around brush structure. Channel catfish good on chicken liver and cut bait along creek channels. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Robert S. Kerr: October 4. Elevation normal, water murky. Crappie good on hair jigs, jigs and minnows around brush structure, points and standing timber. Blue catfish fair on cut bait, shad and stinkbait along flats, main lake, river channel and river mouth. Report submitted by Allen Couch, game warden stationed in Haskell County.
Sardis: October 2. Elevation normal, water 76. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on crankbaits, jigs, lipless baits, plastic baits, spinnerbaits and tube jigs around brush structure, points, rocks, shorelines, standing timber and weed beds. Blue, channel and flathead catfish fair on cut bait, shad and sunfish along flats, main lake and shorelines. Crappie jigs, minnows and tube jigs around brush structure and standing timber. Report submitted by Dane Polk, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.
Texoma: October 4. Elevation normal, water 80. Striped bass good on Alabama rigs, live bait and topwater lures below the dam, along flats and main lake. Blue catfish fair on cut bait below the dam and main lake. Live bait and topwater are the best methods to catch striped bass on the main lake. Below Denison Dam, cut bait and live bait have been producing small striper and small catfish. Report submitted by Trey Hale, game warden stationed in Marshall County.
Written by David Deaton
Southeast Area Lakes Fishing Report for Sept 23
Arbuckle: September 23. Elevation normal, water 81 and stained. White bass fair on spoons at 22 ft. off ledges. Largemouth and smallmouth bass being caught on topwater lures early morning and on white grubs at 20 ft. off points during the day. Crappie fair off docks during early morning hours and good on jigs at 25 ft. around brush piles. Report submitted by Jack Melton.
Blue River: September 24. Elevation normal, water 78 and murky. Channel catfish excellent on chicken liver, cut bait and worms around brush structure, channels, points and just outside the current around current breaks. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass fair on crankbaits, spinnerbaits and topwater lures around brush structure, creek channels, river channel, below falls around big boulders just outside the current and right above the falls where you find deeper water. Bluegill, green and redear sunfish fair on crickets, grasshoppers, in-line spinnerbaits and worms around brush structure, shallows, shorelines and under the tree limbs hanging over the water that provide a little shade Report submitted by Ethan Lovelace, technician at the Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area.
Broken Bow: September 20. Elevation below normal, water 84. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass fair on Alabama rigs and plastic baits around brush structure and points. Channel catfish fair on chicken liver, punch bait and worms along channels, river channel and river mouth. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Eufaula: September 20. Elevation normal, water 88 and murky. Blue and channel catfish fair on shad along flats and river channel. Crappie good on minnows and tube jigs around brush structure and standing timber. Report submitted by Jake Bersche, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.
Hugo: September 20. Elevation below normal, water 85 and murky. Blue, channel and flathead catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, dough bait, live bait, shad, stinkbait and sunfish below the dam, in the main lake, river channel and shorelines. Crappie good on minnows and jigs below the dam, around brush structure, main lake, river channel and standing timber. Report submitted by Andrew Potter, game warden stationed in Choctaw County.
Konawa: September 19. Elevation normal, water 92 and clear. Largemouth bass good on crankbaits, jigs and plastic baits in the main lake, around points, river channel and weed beds. Striped bass hybrids and white bass slow on Alabama rigs, crankbaits and live shad in coves, main lake and river channel. Channel catfish good on chicken liver and stinkbait in coves, creek channels, inlet and weed beds. Report submitted by Garret Harley, game warden stationed in Seminole County.
Lower Mountain Fork: September 20. Elevation normal, water clear. Trout good on crickets, PowerBait, small lures and tube jigs below the dam and creek channels. Walleye good on crankbaits below the dam. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
McGee Creek: September 20. Elevation below normal, water 83 and stained. Largemouth and spotted bass good on buzz baits, crankbaits, jigs, plastic baits, spinnerbaits and topwater lures around brush structure, points, rocks and standing timber. Crappie, spotted bass and white bass fair on minnows creek channels, river channel and standing timber. Report submitted by Jay Harvey, game warden stationed in Atoka County.
Pine Creek: September 20. Elevation normal, water clear. Largemouth bass good on topwater lures in coves. Crappie excellent on jigs and small lures around brush structure and standing timber. Channel catfish good on chicken liver and cut bait along creek channels. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Robert S. Kerr: September 20. Elevation normal, water murky. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on bill baits, crankbaits, lipless baits, plastic baits and rogues along channels, in coves, around points, riprap and river channel. Blue and channel catfish good on cut bait and stinkbait along flats, river channel and river mouth. Report submitted by Allen Couch, game warden stationed in Haskell County.
Sardis: September 20. Elevation below normal, water 79. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on crankbaits, jigs, plastic baits, spinnerbaits and topwater lures around brush structure, points, shorelines, tailwater 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: September 20. Elevation normal, water 78. Striped bass good on Alabama rigs, live shad and topwater lures along flats and main lake. Blue catfish fair on cut bait and shad below the dam and main lake. Blue cats are being caught on cut bait below Denison Dam most catfish are on the smaller side but some are decent size. With hot temps, lake fishing has slowed somewhat but surface feeding is still present in early mornings and late evenings. Live bait has been producing fish when dropped on flats. Report submitted by Trey Hale, game warden stationed in Marshall County.
Wister: September 20. Elevation below normal, water 87 and cloudy. Largemouth and spotted bass good on bill baits, buzz baits, plastic baits, spinnerbaits and rattletraps along channels, in coves, around points and shorelines. Channel and blue catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, stinkbait and worms below the dam, along channels, main lake, points and standing timber. Crappie good on minnows and jigs around brush structure, channels, points, standing timber and cedar brush piles. Report submitted by Thomas Gillham, game warden stationed in LeFlore County.
Fishing is just one of the many fun activities available at the Wildlife Expo. Join us this weekend, September 27-29 at the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, Oklahoma.
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.