Whatzup Outdoors (203)
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.
Written by David Deaton
SOUTHEAST AREA FISHING REPORT MAY 22
A service of the Oklahoma Wildlife Department
Arbuckle: May 20. Elevation normal, water 67 and stained to muddy up creeks. Largemouth bass fair on Alabama rig, spinnerbait and shallows running crankbaits around the main lake. Smallmouth bass fair on spinnerbaits and shallows running crankbaits off points. Crappie fair off docks. Crappie being caught on chartreuse jigs and have moved back to the brush piles in parts of the lake. White bass good chasing shad on the south end of the lake. Report submitted by Jack Melton.
Blue River: May 20. Elevation above normal, water 68 and muddy. Rainbow trout slow on in-line spinnerbait and PowerBait around river channel and below falls around current breaks. Spotted, largemouth and smallmouth bass fair on crankbaits, flukes and spinnerbaits around brush structure, creek channels and river channel. Channel catfish good on chicken liver, dough bait, punch bait and worms around river channel and longer deeper pools. Report submitted by Ethan Lovelace, technician at the Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area.
Broken Bow: May 17. Elevation above normal, water 68. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass good on crankbaits, flukes and plastics around points and standing timber. Crappie good on jigs and minnows around brush structure and standing timber. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Eufaula: May 17. Elevation above normal, water 67 and murky. Blue and channel catfish fair on cut bait along the river channel. Crappie fair on tube jigs around creek channels and riprap. Report submitted by Jake Bersche, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.
Hugo: May 17. Elevation above normal, water 64 and murky. Blue, channel and flathead catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, dough bait, live bait, punch bait and shad below the dam, around creek channels, main lake, river channel and shorelines. Crappie good on jigs and minnows below the dam, around brush structure, creek channels, main lake, river channel, shorelines and standing timber. Report submitted by Andrew Potter, game warden stationed in Choctaw County.
Konawa: May 16. Elevation normal, water 70 and clear. Largemouth bass excellent on crankbaits, jigs, plastics and topwater lures around main lake, points, river channel and weed beds. Striped bass hybrids and white bass good on crankbaits, live shad and spoons around coves, discharge 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 17. Elevation normal, water clear. Rainbow trout good on caddis flies, crankbaits, small lures and tube jigs below the dam, around rocks and spillway. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
McGee Creek: May 17. Elevation above normal, water 67. Largemouth and spotted bass good on crankbaits, flukes and plastics around brush structure, points and shallows. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around creek channels and standing timber. Report submitted by Jay Harvey, game warden stationed in Atoka County.
Murray: May 19. Elevation above average, water 74 and clear. Smallmouth bass fair on Alabama rig, crankbaits, jigs and plastics around brush structure and riprap. White bass good on Alabama rig, buzz baits, jerk bait, jigs and topwater lures around creek channels and main lake. Crappie fair on jigs around brush structure. Report submitted by Jaylen Flynn, game warden stationed in Carter County.
Pine Creek: May 17. Elevation above average, water murky. Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits and crawfish around points. Crappie good on jigs around brush structure and coves. Channel catfish fair on chicken liver and stinkbait around creek channels and spillway. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Robert S. Kerr: May 17. Elevation normal, water murky. Largemouth and spotted bass good on crankbaits, lipless baits, plastics and rogues around coves, inlet, shallows, shorelines and weed beds. Blue, channel and flathead catfish excellent on cut bait, live bait, live shad, punch bait, shad and stinkbait around channels, creek channels, inlet, river channel and river mouth. Crappie good on jigs and minnows around coves, creek channels, standing timber and weed beds. Report submitted by Allen Couch, game warden stationed in Haskell County.
Sardis: May 14. Elevation above normal, water 70. Largemouth and spotted bass good on bill baits, jigs, plastics and spinnerbaits around brush structure, points, shorelines, standing timber and weed beds. Blue, channel and flathead catfish good on cut bait, shad and sunfish around the main lake, points, rocks and shorelines. Crappie good on hair jigs, jigs, minnows and tube jigs around brush structure, points, shorelines and standing timber. Report submitted by Dane Polk, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.
Texoma: May 17. Elevation above normal, water 72 and muddy. Striped bass excellent on cut bait, live bait, live shad and sassy shad below the dam and around the main lake. Blue and channel catfish good on cut bait, live bait and live shad below the dam, around the main lake, river channel, river mouth and shorelines. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around brush structure and docks. The lake is very high right now so boaters should use caution when on the water. Striped Bass are hitting live bait and cut bait very well right now, the main areas are from south of Washita Point to the islands in about 30 ft. of water and shallower. Blues are being caught below the dam on cut bait in slack water areas. Striped Bass are also being caught below dam on live bait and bucktail lures. Crappie are very spotty with the lake levels being so high. Report submitted by Trey Hale, game warden stationed in Bryan County.
Wister: May 17. Elevation above normal, water cloudy. Largemouth and spotted bass good on bill baits, buzz baits, crankbaits, plastics, spinnerbaits and topwater around channels, points, shallows and shorelines. Blue and channel catfish good on chicken liver, crawfish, cut bait, hot dogs, punch bait, shad and stinkbait below the dam, around channels, main lake and points. Crappie good on jigs, minnows and tube jigs below the dam, around brush structure, points and standing timber. Report submitted by Thomas Gillham, Game warden stationed in LeFlore County.
Written by David Deaton
Southeast Area Lakes Fishing Report - May 15
A service of the Oklahoma Wildlife Department
Arbuckle: May 13. Elevation 3 3/4 ft. above normal, water 63 and stained. Largemouth bass slow on jigs around brush piles. Recent rain has slowed fishing. Smallmouth and spotted bass slow. Crappie slow, some caught on pink jigs in brush. Dock crappie is slow. Report submitted by Jack Melton.
Blue River: May 14. Elevation above normal, water 69 and muddy. Trout fair on caddis flies, midges and PowerBait along channels and below falls around boulders. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass fair on crankbaits, flukes, plastic baits and spinnerbaits around brush structure, creek channels and shorelines. Channel catfish good on chicken liver, dough bait and punch bait along channels, creek channels and longer deeper pools. Report submitted by Ethan Lovelace, technician at the Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area.
Broken Bow: May 10. Elevation 9 ft. above normal and rising, water 69. Largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass good on Alabama rig, crankbaits, minnows, and spinnerbaits around points and river channel. Crappie good on jigs and minnows around brush structure and standing timber. Lake Ramp Closures: The Lodge Ramp Deer & Hawk. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Eufaula: May 10. Elevation above normal, water murky. White bass fair on sassy shad and small lures around creek channels, flats, and river mouth. Crappie slow on minnows around riprap, river channel, and standing timber. Flathead catfish good on cut bait around river channel and river mouth. Report submitted by Jake Bersche, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.
Hugo: May 10. Elevation above normal, water 60 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 the main lake, river channel, and shorelines. Crappie good on jigs and minnows below the dam, and around brush structure, main lake, river channel, shorelines and standing timber. Largemouth and spotted bass good on crankbaits, live bait, plastics and small lures around brush structure, creek channels, main lake, river channel and standing timber. Report submitted by Andrew Potter, game warden stationed in Choctaw County.
Konawa: May 9. Elevation normal, water 65 and murky. Largemouth bass excellent on crankbaits, jigs, plastics and topwater lures around the main lake, points, river channel and weed beds. Striped bass hybrids and white bass good on crankbaits, live shad and spoons around coves, discharge, 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 9. Elevation normal. Stocked approximately 2,460 rainbow trout on May 8. Report submitted by April Drake, secretary at the Southeast Region Office.
Lower Mountain Fork: May 10. Elevation above normal, water clear. Rainbow trout fair on caddis flies and PowerBait around creek channels. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
McGee Creek: May 10. Elevation 13 ft. above normal, water 62. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on flukes, jigs, and spinnerbaits around brush structure, points and rocks. Channel and flathead catfish fair on chicken liver, stinkbait and sunfish around creek channels and river channel. Report submitted by Jay Harvey, game warden stationed in Atoka County.
Murray: May 14. Elevation above normal, water 67 and clear. Smallmouth and white bass good on Alabama rigs, crankbaits, jigs, plastic baits and spinnerbaits around brush structure, in coves, along dam, points, riprap, rocks and shallows. Report submitted by Jaylen Flynn, game warden stationed in Carter County.
Pine Creek: May 10. Elevation above normal, water murky. Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits around the flats. Crappie slow on jigs around brush structure. Channel catfish good on stinkbait around the spillway. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Robert S. Kerr: May 10. Elevation normal, water murky. Largemouth and spotted bass good on bill baits, plastics, rogues and spinnerbaits around brush structure, coves, shallows, shorelines and weed beds. Crappie good on hair jigs, jigs, and minnows around creek channels, inlet, shallows, shorelines, standing timber, and weed beds. Blue and channel catfish good on cut bait, shad and stinkbait around channels, creek channels, inlet, river channel and river mouth. Report submitted by Allen Couch, game warden stationed in Haskell County.
Sardis: May 9. Elevation above normal, water 68. Largemouth and spotted bass good on bill baits, crankbaits, jigs, plastics, and spinnerbaits around brush structure, points, rocks, shorelines, standing timber, and weed beds. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish good on cut bait, shad and sunfish around flats, main lake, rocks, and shorelines. Crappie good on hair jigs, jigs and minnows around brush structure, points, shorelines, standing timber and weed beds. Report submitted by Dane Polk, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.
Texoma: May 9. Elevation rising, water 70 and muddy. The lake is still rising from all the inflow of water. Boaters should use caution due to floating debris. Channel and blue catfish good on cut bait, minnows, and punch bait around brush structure, creek channels, shallows and shorelines. Striped bass good on cut bait, live bait, minnows, sassy shad and shad below the dam and around the main lake. Crappie fair on jigs, live bait, and minnows around docks and rocks. Crappie have begun moving up into the shallows, but with the high levels of water, crappie might be hard to find. Fishing from docks has been producing crappie, muddy water calls for dark colored jigs. Striper fishing has been great mid-lake where cleaner water is present, use shiners, live shad or cut bait to catch stripers. Throwing a topwater on Platter Flats has been producing some decent topwater action. Flooded areas and creeks are full of catfish right now; best baits include cut shad and red worms. Don't be afraid to try flooded fields for catfish. Bow fishing is great as well right now. Report submitted by Trey Hale, game warden stationed in Bryan County.
Wister: May 10. Elevation above normal, water cloudy. Largemouth and spotted bass good on bill baits, buzz baits, crankbaits, plastics and spinnerbaits around channels, points, shallows and shorelines. Blue and channel catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, hot dogs, punch bait and shad below the dam, and around channels, main lake, and points. Crappie good on jigs and minnows below the dam, around brush structure, channels, main lake, points and standing timber. Report submitted by Thomas Gillham, Game warden stationed in LeFlore County.
Written by David Deaton
Fishing Report for May 8, 2019
A service of the Oklahoma Wildlife Department
Southeast
Arbuckle: May 6. Elevation 5 1/4 ft. above normal, water 66 and muddy. Largemouth and smallmouth bass slow around the main lake. Crappie off Guy Sandy dock is slow. Crappie on lake is fair using minnows & jigs around brush piles on the lake. White bass poor. Channel cats good in upper creeks. Report submitted by Jack Melton.
Blue River: May 7. Elevation normal, water 67 and muddy. Trout slow on in-line spinnerbaits and green garlic scented PowerBait along channels and below falls behind current breaks. Channel catfish excellent on chicken liver, dough bait and stinkbait around brush structure, channels and creek channels. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass fair on crankbaits, jigs and spinnerbaits around brush structure, channels and rocks. Report submitted by Ethan Lovelace, technician at the Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area.
Broken Bow: May 3. Elevation above average, water 69. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass good on Alabama rig, plastics and spinnerbaits around creek channels, points and standing timber. Channel catfish good on cut bait, punch bait and worms around coves and creek channels. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Eufaula: May 3. Elevation rising water murky. Crappie fair on jigs, minnows and tube jigs around brush structure, creek channels, riprap, shallows and standing timber. Blue, channel and flathead catfish good on cut bait and shad around creek channels, flats and river channel. Paddlefish fair on snagging around tailwater. Report submitted by Jake Bersche, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.
Hugo: May 3. Elevation above average, water 60 and murky. Blue, channel and flathead catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, dough bait, live bait and shad below the dam and around main lake, river channel and shorelines. Crappie good on jigs and minnows below the dam and around brush structure, creek channels, main lake, river channel, shorelines and standing timber. Largemouth and spotted bass good on crankbaits, live bait, plastics and small lures around brush structure, flats, main lake, points, river channel and shorelines. Report submitted by Andrew Potter, game warden stationed in Choctaw County.
Konawa: May 2. Elevation normal, water 64 and murky. Largemouth bass excellent on crankbaits, jigs, plastics and top water around the main lake, points, river channel and weed beds. Striped bass hybrids and white bass good on crankbaits, live shad and spoons 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 3. Elevation normal, water clear. Rainbow trout good on caddis flies, PowerBait and tube jigs around channels, rocks and spillway. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
McGee Creek: May 3. Elevation 9 ft. above normal, water 63. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on crankbaits, jerk bait, spinnerbaits and on the flooded shorelines around coves, shorelines and weed beds. Crappie and white bass fair on jigs and minnows around creek channels and standing timber. Report submitted by Jay Harvey, game warden stationed in Atoka County.
Murray: May 7. Elevation above average, water 64 and murky. Smallmouth bass slow on crankbaits around points. Crappie fair on grubs, hair jigs, jigs and minnows around brush structure and channels. Report submitted by Jaylen Flynn, game warden stationed in Carter County.
Pine Creek: May 3. Elevation normal, water clear. Largemouth bass good on crankbaits, flukes and plastics around flats and shallows. Crappie good on jigs around brush structure and flats. Channel catfish good on cut bait, hot dogs and stinkbait below the dam and around the main lake. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Robert S. Kerr: May 3. Elevation normal, water murky. Largemouth and spotted bass good on bill baits, lipless baits, plastics, rogues, spinnerbaits and tube jigs around coves, points, riprap, shallows, shorelines, standing timber and weed beds. Crappie good on jigs and minnows around the inlet, shallows, shorelines and standing timber. Blue and channel catfish good on cut bait, shad and stinkbait around creek channels, inlet and river mouth. Report submitted by Allen Couch, game warden stationed in Haskell County.
Sardis: May 3. Elevation above average, water 69. Largemouth and spotted bass good on jigs, plastics and spinnerbaits around brush structure, points, shorelines, standing timber and weed beds. Blue, channel and flathead catfish fair on crickets, shad and sunfish around creek channels, main lake and shorelines. Crappie fair on jigs, minnows and tube jigs around brush structure, points, shorelines, standing timber and weed beds. Report submitted by Dane Polk, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.
Texoma: May 3. Elevation rising, water 68 and muddy. Blue and channel catfish good on cut bait, punch bait and shad around coves, creek channels and river mouth. Striped bass good on cut bait, live bait, live shad and minnows around the main lake. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around brush structure and docks. The lake is rising very quickly and fishing will be off normal patterns. Striped Bass fishing is great mid-lake in clean water, live bait and cut bait will produce fish on most days. Lots of smaller fish being caught right now, below the dam has been good for striped bass while water flow is present. Catfish have been biting with rising water at the mouths of creeks and rivers, in any backed up water next to rivers or creeks are producing catfish on cut bait and red worms. Crappie are hard to pattern with the crazy weather but fishing brush in 15 ft. of water or beneath docks have been the most productive. Bowfishing with the high water is great right now where grass is present in the water. (Reminder bow fishermen from 377 bridge west to I-35 bridge is closed to alligator gar harvest for the month of May). Report submitted by Trey Hale, game warden stationed in Bryan County.
Wister: May 3. Elevation above average, water cloudy. Largemouth and spotted bass good on bill baits, buzz baits, crankbaits, plastics, spinnerbaits and topwater lures around channels, coves, points and shallows. Blue and channel catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, hot dogs, punch bait and shad below the dam and around channels, flats, main lake and points. Crappie good on jigs, minnows and tube jigs below the dam, around brush structure, shallows, shorelines and standing timber. Report submitted by Thomas Gillham, Game warden stationed in Leflore County.
Written by David Deaton
People Should Resist 'Helping' Young Wildlife
Press release
People Should Resist 'Helping' Young Wildlife; Usually All Is Fine
Springtime is when many people discover fawns hiding in the grass and mistakenly believe these young animals need help.
This year, it is more important than ever to leave these fawns alone due to the recent discovery of chronic wasting disease in a captive elk breeding facility in Lincoln County.
The State Veterinarian with the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry has issued an order to stop all movement of elk and deer within the state until May 24. In the case of deer and elk fawns, the order prohibits anyone from taking these animals to a wildlife rehabilitation facility for any reason.
Each year at this time, well-meaning people often make incorrect assumptions when they happen to come across young birds or animals.
"People should keep their interactions with wildlife to a minimum," said Wildlife Diversity Senior Biologist Mark Howery with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. "Normal wildlife behavior is often misinterpreted as something abnormal by well-meaning people, and it usually does more harm than good when people intervene."
The majority of encounters with young wildlife are nothing to be concerned about. Many animals try to hide their young and tend to them periodically through the day. They leave them alone for much of the time so they won’t call attention to the young or create a scent trail that might lead predators to them. Chances are the parents are watching them from a distance or are nearby eating or gathering food and will return to their young.
"Every spring, we receive many calls from people who have found a young animal hiding in the grass, or some other animal that they think might need help," Howery said. "People are often inclined to intervene, but they should refrain."
"From May through July, young feathered birds are commonly encountered on or near the ground. In almost all cases, the parent birds are nearby and have not abandoned them. It's normal for parents to lead their chicks out of the nest just before they are able to fly and hide them so that predators can’t take the whole brood. The parent birds will continue to feed them on the ground."
If a baby bird is found featherless or only has light down, try to put it back into its nest. The parent birds will not be scared of human scent, which is a popular misconception. If the nest cannot be found, people can build a substitute nest by lining a holed plastic container with grass and securing it to a nearby branch.
Young rabbits, squirrels and opossums, even when they appear small, are able to fend for themselves if they are fully furred and their eyes are open. It is best to leave them alone and keep pets away from them. If these young animals are able to run away, they are able to fend for themselves.
"Before anyone attempts to help, they should make sure a young animal truly has been abandoned or is really injured," Howery said. "When an injury is apparent, go ahead and call a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for instructions. There is a list of them on the Wildlife Department’s website" at www.wildlifedepartment.com/law/rehabilitator-list
If you suspect abandonment, simply keep an eye on the situation for an appropriate amount of time. Keep in mind that mammal parents tend to nurse their young only a few times a day, usually around dusk and dawn, and those are the likely times when parents will show up. Birds tend to bring food to their chicks three or four times an hour throughout the day. If after watching you become convinced the young animal has been abandoned or orphaned, put it in a well-ventilated box (except for any deer or elk, which are not to be moved) and call a wildlife rehabilitator.
Many people don’t realize it is illegal to keep and attempt to care for most wild animals unless properly permitted.
People who have questions about any wild animal situation are welcome to call a Game Warden. A directory is at www.wildlifedepartment.com/law/game-warden-directory
Written by David Deaton
Sallisaw Tag Agency Supports CASC Golf Scramble
Carl Albert State College thanks the Sallisaw Tag Agency for their sponsorship of our upcoming Cherokee Nation - Carl Albert State College Scholarship Golf Scramble.
Pictured from left to right: Agent Tracy Baker, left, stands with CASC's Paul Marshall and her grand-dog CoCoa Marshall.
Written by David Deaton
Southeast Area Fishing Report for May 1, 2019
A service of the Oklahoma Wildlife Department
Arbuckle: April 27. Elevation normal, water 63 and stained. Largemouth bass good on jigs, spinnerbaits and soft plastic baits. Smallmouth bass good on spinnerbaits, creature baits and shallow running square bill baits. Crappie excellent on small jigs and minnows and fair around docks early morning. White bass slow up on flats in back of creeks. Report submitted by Jack Melton.
Blue River: April 30. Elevation normal, water 64. Trout fair on in-line spinnerbaits, PowerBait and spoons along channels and below falls behind current breaks. Spotted, largemouth and smallmouth bass fair on crankbaits, flukes, plastic baits and spinnerbaits around brush structure, rocks and shorelines. Channel catfish good on chicken liver, punch bait, stinkbait and worms around brush structure, river channel and longer deeper pools. Report submitted by Ethan Lovelace, technician at the Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area.
Broken Bow: April 26. Elevation normal, water 66. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass good on Alabama rigs, plastic baits and spinnerbaits around brush structure, main lake and points. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around brush structure. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Eufaula: April 26. Elevation normal, water 61 and murky. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass good on crankbaits, jigs, minnows, plastic baits, sassy shad, spinnerbaits and topwater lures in coves, along shallows, shorelines, standing timber and weed beds. Crappie good on minnows, jigs and tube jigs along shallows. Blue and channel catfish good on cut bait and shad along creek channels and river channel. Report submitted by Jake Bersche, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.
Hugo: April 26. Elevation above normal, water 60 and murky. Blue, channel and flathead catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, dough bait, live bait, shad and stinkbait below the dam, along channels, main lake, river channel and shorelines. Crappie good on minnows and jigs below the dam, around brush structure, creek channels, main lake, river channel, shorelines and standing timber. Largemouth and spotted bass good on bill baits, crankbaits, live bait, plastic baits and small lures around brush structure, channels, main lake, points, river channel, shorelines and standing timber. Report submitted by Andrew Potter, game warden stationed in Choctaw County.
Konawa: April 25. Elevation normal, water 64 and clear. Largemouth bass excellent on crankbaits, jigs, plastic baits and topwater lures in the main lake, around points, river channel and weed beds. Striped bass hybrids and white bass good on Alabama rigs, crankbaits, live shad and spoons in coves, discharge and river channel. Channel catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, stinkbait and worms in coves, creek channels, riprap and weed beds. Report submitted by Garret Harley, game warden stationed in Seminole County.
Lower Mountain Fork: April 26. Stocked approximately 600 rainbow trout on April 24. Report submitted by April Drake, secretary at the southeast region office.
Lower Mountain Fork: April 26. Elevation normal, water clear. Trout good on caddis flies and tube jigs along rocks and spillway. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
McGee Creek: April 26. Elevation above normal, water 62. Largemouth and spotted bass good on crankbaits, flukes, plastic baits and spinnerbaits around brush structure, in coves, around points and shorelines. Channel and flathead catfish good on sunfish along creek channels and river channel. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs along creek channels, river channel and standing timber. Report submitted by Jay Harvey, game warden stationed in Atoka County.
Murray: April 30. Elevation above average, water 63 and clear. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around brush structure. Report submitted by Jaylen Flynn, game warden stationed in Carter County.
Pine Creek: April 26. Elevation normal, water clear. Largemouth bass excellent on crawfish, flukes, jerk baits and plastic baits in coves, along flats and shallows. Crappie fair on jigs around brush structure and flats. Channel catfish good on chicken liver and cut bait along creek channels and spillway. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Robert S. Kerr: April 26. Elevation normal, water murky. Largemouth and spotted bass good on bill baits, lipless baits, rogues, spinnerbaits and worms in coves, around points, shallows, shorelines and weed beds. Blue and channel catfish good on cut bait, dough bait, shad and stinkbait along creek channels, inlet, river channel and river mouth. Crappie good on minnows and jigs in coves, along shallows, shorelines, standing timber and weed beds. Report submitted by Allen Couch, game warden stationed in Haskell County.
Sardis: April 27. Elevation above normal, water 66. Largemouth and spotted bass good on jigs, plastic baits and spinnerbaits around brush structure, shorelines and weed beds. Blue, channel and flathead catfish fair on cut bait, shad and sunfish in the main lake and along shorelines. Crappie good on minnows, tube jigs and jigs around rocks, shorelines and weed beds. Report submitted by Dane Polk, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.
Texoma: April 26. Elevation above average, water 70 and stained. Crappie fair on hair jigs, jigs and tube jigs around brush structure, docks and riprap. White bass good on in-line spinnerbait, minnows and sassy shad around creek channels and shallows. Striped bass good on cut bait, live shad, sassy shad and shad around the main lake, river channel and river mouth. Fishing has been great, striper fishing has picked up while using live bait and cut bait. Focus on finding clean water to catch striper. Crappie beginning to move up on to the bank, use dark colors for muddy water. Look for 10ft of water the catch crappie. Report submitted by Trey Hale, game warden stationed in Bryan County.
Wister: April 26. Elevation above average, water cloudy. Largemouth and spotted bass good on bill baits, crankbaits, lipless baits, plastics, spinnerbaits and top water around points, shallows and shorelines. Blue and channel catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, hot dogs, shad, stinkbait and worms below the dam and around channels, main lake and points. Crappie good on jigs and minnows below the dam and around brush structure, channels, shallows and standing timber. Report submitted by Thomas Gillham, Game warden stationed in Leflore County.
Written by David Deaton
Fishing Report for April 3, 2019
A service of the Oklahoma Wildlife Department
Southeast
Arbuckle: March 31. Elevation normal, water stained to clear and 54. Largemouth bass fishing is good using shakey head, crankbaits and Alabama rigs. Smallmouth bass good on spinnerbaits. Crappie is slow out on lake, good on docks, crappie are on the move. White bass fishing is good on Red eye shad and swimbait in upper creeks on flats. Report submitted by Jack Melton.
Blue River: April 3. Elevation normal, water 53 and clear. Trout good on caddis flies, in-line spinnerbaits, PowerBait, spoons, squirmy wormy, pheasant tail nymph, woolly buggers and zebra midges along sandbars and behind obstruction in current below rifles in deeper water. Spotted, largemouth and smallmouth bass fair on crankbaits, plastic baits and spinnerbaits around brush structure and rocks. Channel catfish fair on chicken liver, crawfish and stinkbait along channels and deeper pools. Report submitted by Matt Gamble, biologist at Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area.
Broken Bow: March 29. Elevation above average, water 60. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass good on crankbaits and spinnerbaits around brush structure, channels, points and standing timber. White bass good on grubs, in-line spinnerbaits and roadrunners around channels, creek channels, river channel and river mouth. Crappie good on jigs and minnows around brush structure, points and shorelines. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Eufaula: March 29. Elevation normal, water 57 and murky. Blue and channel catfish good on shad around creek channels and flats. Crappie good on hair jigs, jigs, small lures and tube jigs around brush structure, riprap, shallows, shorelines and standing timber. White bass excellent on flukes, plastics, sassy shad, small lures, spinnerbaits, spoons and tube jigs around creek channels, river mouth and sandbar. Report submitted by Jeremy Bersche, game warden stationed in Sequoyah County.
Hugo: March 29. Elevation above average, water 52 and murky. Blue, channel and flathead catfish good on cut bait, dough bait and shad below the dam and around the main lake and river channel. Crappie good on jigs and minnows below the dam and around brush structure, main lake, river channel and standing timber. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on crankbaits, jerk bait, live bait, plastics and spinnerbaits around brush structure, creek channels, main lake, points and river channel. Report submitted by Andrew Potter, game warden stationed in Choctaw County.
Konawa: March 28. Elevation normal, water 57 and murky. Largemouth bass good on crankbaits, lipless baits and plastics around points and weed beds. Striped hybrid bass and white bass good on crankbaits and live shad around discharge, main lake and river channel. Channel catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait and stinkbait around coves, riprap and weed beds. Report submitted by Garret Harley, game warden stationed in Seminole County.
Lower Mountain Fork: March 28. Elevation normal. Rainbow trout fair on PowerBait around river channel. Stocked approximately 1,400 rainbow trout on March 27. Report submitted by April Drake, secretary at the Southeast Region Office.
Lower Mountain Fork: March 29. Elevation normal, water clear. Rainbow trout good on tube jigs and worms around creek channels and spillway. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
McGee Creek: March 29. Elevation above average, water 58. White and spotted bass good on crankbaits, grubs and jigs around creek channels and river mouth. Crappie and spotted bass fair on minnows around brush structure, creek channels, river channel and standing timber. Largemouth and spotted bass good on bill baits, crankbaits, plastics and spinnerbaits around coves, flats, points and rocks. Report submitted by Jay Harvey, game warden stationed in Atoka County.
Murray: April 5. Elevation above normal, water 61 and mostly clear. Crappie fair on jigs around brush structure, in coves and docks. Largemouth bass good on jigs, plastic baits and spinnerbaits around brush structure and shallows. Report submitted by Jaylen Flynn, game warden stationed in Carter County.
Pine Creek: March 29. Elevation dropping, water clear. Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits and rattle traps around coves. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around brush structure and coves. Channel catfish slow on chicken liver around the main lake. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Robert S. Kerr: March 29. Elevation normal, water murky. Largemouth and spotted bass good on flukes, jigs, lipless baits, rogues, tube jigs and worms around points, standing timber and weed beds. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around channels, inlet and shallows. White bass good on grubs, plastics, sassy shad and small lures around creek channels and river channel. Report submitted by Allen Couch, game warden stationed in Haskell County.
Sardis: March 28. Elevation above average, water 59. Largemouth and spotted bass good on jerk bait, jigs, lipless baits, plastics and spinnerbaits around brush structure, creek channels, points, rocks, shorelines, standing timber and weed beds. Blue, channel and flathead catfish fair on cut bait, live shad, shad and sunfish around flats, main lake and shorelines. Crappie fair on hair jigs, jigs, minnows and tube jigs around channels, points, shorelines and tailwater. Report submitted by Dane Polk, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.
Texoma: March 29. Elevation below average, water 58 and stained. Blue and channel catfish fair on cut bait, live shad and shad below the dam and around channels, creek channels, river channel and river mouth. Catfish are staging in the mouth of the rivers and beginning to go up rivers use whole shad and cut bait for cats. Crappie fair on jigs, minnows and tube jigs around brush structure, creek channels and docks. Crappie and be found in 6-15 ft. of water depending on the day, white bass and crappie are starting to come in and out small creeks. Using minnows and jig/bobber combo in creeks are the most productive methods to get fish. Striped bass good on Alabama rig, cut bait, flukes, live shad and shad below the dam and around creek channels, main lake, river channel and river mouth. Lake fishing is picking up with the nice weather, striper in the main lake are biting live shad and cut shad. Bank fishing for striped bass in the mouths of the Washita and red river rivers using small ghost minnows is the most productive method. Report submitted by Trey Hale, game warden stationed in Bryan County.
Wister: March 29. Elevation above average, water cloudy. Largemouth and spotted bass good on bill baits, buzz baits, crankbaits, plastics, spinnerbaits and topwater lures around brush structure, channels, shallows and shorelines. Blue and channel catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, punch bait, shad and stinkbait below the dam and around brush structure, channels, main lake, points and standing timber. White and black crappie good on jigs, minnows, small lures and tube jigs below the dam and around brush structure, channels, points, shallows and shorelines. Report submitted by Thomas Gillham, game warden stationed in LeFlore County.
Written by David Deaton
Fishing Report for March 20, 2019
A service of the Oklahoma Wildlife Department
Southeast
Broken Bow: March 15. Elevation above average, water 53. Largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass good on crankbaits and grubs around brush structure and points. White bass fair on grubs, in-line spinnerbait, and jigs around channels, creek channels, river channel, and river mouth. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Eufaula: March 15. Elevation normal, water murky. White bass fair on sassy shad, small lures, and tube jigs around creek channels and tailwater. Crappie good on minnows, small lures, and tube jigs around brush structure, river channel, and standing timber. Blue and channel catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, and shad around channels and flats. Report submitted by Jake Bersche, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.
Hugo: March 15. Elevation above average, water 49 and murky. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish fair on cut bait, dough bait, live bait, and shad below the dam, and around the main lake, and river channel. 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: March 14. Elevation normal, water 46 and clear. Largemouth bass good on crankbaits, lipless baits, and plastics around the 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 fair on chicken liver, cut bait, and stink bait around coves, creek channels, riprap, and weed beds. Report submitted by Garret Harley, game warden stationed in Seminole County.
Lower Mountain Fork: March 15. Elevation normal, water clear. Rainbow trout good on nymphs, PowerBait, and worms below the dam, and around creek channels and spillway. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Lower Mountain Fork: March 19. Elevation normal. Rainbow trout fair on PowerBait around river channel. Stocked approximately 1,400 rainbow trout on March 13. Report submitted by April Drake, secretary at the Southeast Region Office.
McGee Creek: March 15. Elevation above average, water 48 and stained. Largemouth and spotted bass good on crankbaits, plastics, and drop shot rigs around flats, points, standing timber, and deep humps. Crappie fair on minnows around creek channels, river channel, and standing timber. Report submitted by Jay Harvey, game warden stationed in Atoka County.
Pine Creek: March 15. Elevation normal, water clear. Largemouth bass good on plastics and spinnerbaits around coves. Crappie excellent on jigs and spoons around coves and creek channels. Channel catfish good on chicken liver and cut bait around creek channels. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Robert S. Kerr: March 15. Elevation normal, water murky. Crappie and white bass good on hair jigs, jigs, and minnows around inlets and standing timber. Blue and channel catfish fair on cut bait, dough bait, shad, and stink bait around channels, inlet, river channel, and river mouth. Report submitted by Allen Couch, game warden stationed in Haskell County.
Sardis: March 14. Elevation above average, water 55. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on jigs, plastics, spinnerbaits, and tube jigs around brush structure, points, shorelines, standing timber, and weed beds. Blue and channel catfish fair on cut bait and shad 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: March 15. Elevation rising, water 48 and muddy. Blue and channel catfish fair on cut bait and shad below the dam and river mouth. Crappie fair on hair jigs, jigs, and minnows around brush structure, creek channels, and docks. Striped bass good on Alabama rig, flukes, live shad, and sassy shad around main lake and river mouth. Lake is rising from recent rains. Striped bass are being caught on deadsticking, live bait, and trolling methods. Look for clean water for best striper fishing. Crappie are below dock and brush structure in 20-30 ft. Best methods are suspending jigs colors include orange, chart, silver. Blue cats will being staging in river mouths, bait will be fresh shad whole or cut. Report submitted by Trey Hale, game warden stationed in Bryan County.
Wister: March 15. Elevation above average, water cloudy. Largemouth bass good on bill baits, crankbaits, plastics, and spinnerbaits around brush structure, channels, shorelines, and standing timber. Blue and channel catfish good on chicken liver, punch bait, shad, and stink bait below the dam, and around channels, main lake, and standing timber. Crappie good on jigs, minnows, and tube jigs below the dam, and around brush structure, channels, and shorelines. Report submitted by Thomas Gillham, game warden stationed in LeFlore County.