Whatzup Outdoors (193)
Written by David Deaton
Second Annual Footsteps for Families 5K Race & Fun Run Scheduled for May 21
Run for a Child! The Oklahoma Department of Human Services District 16 Child Welfare team is hosting the Second Annual Footsteps for Families 5K Race & Fun Run at 6 p.m. on May 21 at the Carl Albert State College Campus, located at 1507 S. McKenna Street in Poteau.
The race will be chip-timed. Registration is $20 per participant.
Runners can register at EVENTBRITE or pick up forms at the LeFlore County DHS office at 511 S. Harper in Poteau and Latimer County DHS at 1809 Highway 270 East in Wilburton.
Registration is welcomed until the start of the race, but runners must pre-register by May 14 to guarantee a race shirt and finisher medal.
Proceeds benefit LeFlore and Latimer County foster children and help provide Christmas gifts, clothing, personal items, school supplies and any other needs the children may have.
If you cannot attend the race but wish to help, shirts can still be purchased, and donations are also welcomed.
For more information contact Annie Richard at (918) 839-5960, or Cheyenne Glover at (918) 658-4940.
Written by David Deaton
Area Fishing report for April 1
A service of the Oklahoma Wildlife Department
Arbuckle: April 1. Elevation above normal, water 61 and cloudy. Largemouth bass good on worm, tube or jig at 8-10 ft. off the bank; they are trying to spawn. Smallmouth bass being caught on spinnerbaits, crankbaits and jerk baits off rocky banks. Crappie being caught on small jigs in coves and on minnows and jigs off docks. White bass being caught on spinnerbaits and rattletraps up creeks. Channel catfish good on dead minnows and dough bait where fresh water is coming in. Muddy water is making fishing tough. Report submitted by Jack Melton.
Blue River: April 2. Elevation above normal, water 50 and murky. Channel catfish good on chicken liver, punch bait and stinkbait around brush structure, points and rocks. Report submitted by Matt Gamble, biologist at the Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area.
Broken Bow: March 30. Elevation above normal, water 60. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass good on flukes, grubs and spinnerbaits around points and shorelines. Crappie good on hair jigs, jigs and tube jigs along flats, points, shorelines and weed beds. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Eufaula: March 31. Elevation above normal, water murky. Blue catfish excellent on hot dogs and worms along creek channels, river channel and river mouth. Crappie good on jigs along creek channels, rocks and shallows. Striped bass fair on jigs, live bait, live shad, small lures and topwater lures below the dam and along the dam. Report submitted by Cannon Harrison, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.
Hugo: March 30. Elevation above normal, water 55 and murky. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on Alabama rigs, bill baits, crankbaits and plastic baits along creek channels, points and shorelines. Blue and channel catfish good on cut bait and live shad below the dam, along flats, main lake and river channel. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs below the dam, around brush structure and standing timber. Report submitted by Jim Gillham, game warden stationed in Choctaw County.
Konawa: March 29. Elevation above normal, water 60 and muddy. Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits, plastic baits, spinnerbaits and rattletraps in the main lake, around points, shorelines and weed beds. Striped bass hybrids and white bass slow on Alabama rigs, crankbaits, live shad and spoons in coves, the main lake, around points and river channel. Channel catfish slow on chicken liver, cut bait and stinkbait in coves, creek channels, riprap and weed beds. Report submitted by Garret Harley, game warden stationed in Seminole County.
Lower Mountain Fork: March 30. Elevation above normal, water clear. Trout good on caddis flies, PowerBait and tube jigs along creek channels. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
McGee Creek: March 30. Elevation rising, water 50 and stained. Crappie, spotted bass and white bass fair on minnows around brush structure, creek channels and standing timber. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on Alabama rigs, crankbaits and flukes along creek channels, points, riprap and standing timber. Report submitted by Jay Harvey, game warden stationed in Atoka County.
Pine Creek: March 30. Elevation above normal, water clear. Largemouth bass good on crankbaits and plastic baits around points. Crappie good on minnows and jigs around brush structure. Channel catfish excellent on chicken liver and cut bait along creek channels and flats. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Robert S. Kerr: March 31. Elevation normal, water murky. Crappie fair on hair jigs, jigs and minnows around brush structure, river channel, river mouth, shorelines and standing timber. White bass good on Alabama rigs, grubs, jigs, lipless baits and small lures along channels, creek channels and river channel. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on Alabama rigs, grubs, jigs, lipless baits and plastic baits around brush structure, channels, in coves, creek channels, points and shorelines. Report submitted by Allen Couch, game warden stationed in Haskell County.
Sardis: March 30. Elevation above normal, water 62. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on bill baits, jigs, plastic baits, sassy shad and tube jigs around brush structure, points, shorelines and weed beds. Blue and channel catfish fair on cut bait, live shad and shad in the main lake, around points and shorelines. Crappie fair on minnows, tube jigs, hair jigs and jigs around brush structure, points, shorelines and standing timber. Report submitted by Dane Polk, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.
Texoma: March 30. Elevation normal, water 58 and stained. Blue catfish good on cut bait, live bait, live shad and shad below the dam, along channels, creek channels, points and river mouth. Crappie good on grubs, hair jigs, jigs, live bait and tube jigs at 15 ft. around brush structure, docks, rocks and standing timber. Striped and white bass good on Alabama rigs, live bait, live shad and sassy shad along channels, main lake, points, river channel and river mouth. Report submitted by Trey Hale, game warden stationed in Bryan County.
Wister: March 30. Elevation rising, water 61 and cloudy. Largemouth bass good on bill baits and plastic baits around brush structure and channels. Blue catfish good on cut bait, punch bait and shad along channels and main lake. Crappie good on minnows and jigs below the dam, along brush structure, shallows and shorelines. Report submitted by Thomas Gillham, game warden stationed in LeFlore County.
Written by David Deaton
Southeast Area Lakes Fishing Report March 22/25
A service of the Oklahoma Wildlife Department
Arbuckle: March 25. Elevation normal, water 46-49 and stained up creeks. Largemouth bass being caught on jerk baits, worms and Long Johns. Smallmouth bass being caught on crankbaits and jerk baits. White bass being caught on rattletraps, Long Johns and spoons at 35 ft. Crappie slow. Report submitted by Jack Melton.
Broken Bow: March 23. Elevation above normal, water 59. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass good on bill baits, crankbaits, flukes, grubs and plastic baits around brush structure, creek channels, flats, points and standing timber. Crappie fair on minnows, grubs, jigs and hair jigs. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Eufaula: March 23. Elevation normal, water 56 and murky. Crappie good on minnows and jigs in coves, creek channels and shorelines. Flathead and blue catfish good on cut bait, hot dogs, stinkbait and worms in the main lake. White bass fair on jigs, live bait and plastic baits below the dam, along creek channels and dam. Report submitted by Cannon Harrison, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.
Hugo: March 23. Elevation above normal, water 56 and murky. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on crankbaits, jigs and plastic baits in the main lake, around points and shorelines. Blue and channel catfish fair on cut bait, live shad, shrimp and worms below the dam, flats and main lake. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs below the dam, around brush structure and standing timber. Report submitted by Jim Gillham, game warden stationed in Choctaw County.
Kaw: March 27. Elevation normal, water 53 and stained. White bass fair on in-line spinnerbaits, sassy shad and small lures along creek channels and river channel. Crappie fair on hair jigs, jigs and minnows at 7-15 ft. in coves, creek channels, docks and riprap. A good stretch of 70 plus weather is needed to move them on towards the shallows for spawning. Blue catfish good on juglines and rod-and-reel baited with cut bait, hot dogs and shad along flats and river channel. Paddlefish activity has been slow below the dam, however spring rains and water releases could change that overnight. Report submitted by Tracy Daniel, District 8 Chief.
Konawa: March 22. Elevation normal, water 56 and clear. Largemouth bass good on crankbaits, lipless baits, plastic baits and spinnerbaits in the main lake, around points, shorelines and weed beds. Striped bass hybrids and white bass fair on Alabama rigs, crankbaits, live shad and spoons in coves, discharge, main lake and river channel. Channel catfish slow on chicken liver, cut bait and stinkbait in coves, creek channels, riprap and shorelines. Report submitted by Garret Harley, game warden stationed in Seminole County.
Lower Mountain Fork: March 23. Elevation above normal, water clear. Trout good on PowerBait along channels and rocks. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Lower Mountain Fork: March 22. Stocked approximately 5,300 rainbow trout on March 22. Report submitted by April Drake, secretary at the southeast region office.
McGee Creek: March 23. Elevation normal, water 50. Largemouth and spotted bass good on crankbaits, flukes, lipless baits, plastic baits and tube jigs along creek channels, points and standing timber. White and spotted bass fair on grubs, jigs and sassy shad at the mouths of creeks and river. Crappie, spotted bass and white bass slow on minnows along creek channels, river channel and standing timber. Report submitted by Jay Harvey, game warden stationed in Atoka County.
Pine Creek: March 23. Elevation above normal, water murky. Largemouth bass good on crankbaits, jerk baits and plastic baits along channels and shallows. Crappie good on minnows around brush structure. Channel catfish fair on chicken liver and worms along channels. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Robert S. Kerr: March 26. Elevation normal, water murky. Crappie fair on minnows, jigs and hair jigs along creek channels, river mouth, shorelines and standing timber. Largemouth and spotted bass good on Alabama rigs, bill baits, plastic baits and worms in coves, around points, river channel and shorelines. Blue and channel catfish fair on cut bait, dough bait, shad and stinkbait along flats, points, river channel and river mouth. Report submitted by Allen Couch, game warden stationed in Haskell County.
Sardis: March 22. Elevation normal, water 61. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on crankbaits, hair jigs, in-line spinnerbaits, jigs, plastic baits, spinnerbaits and worms around brush structure, in coves, points, riprap, rocks, shorelines and standing timber. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish fair on cut bait, shad and sunfish along channels, flats, main lake and shorelines. Striped bass fair on hair jigs, jigs, minnows, plastic baits and tube jigs around points, riprap, rocks and shorelines. Report submitted by Dane Polk, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.
Texoma: March 23. Elevation below normal, water 56 and stained. Blue catfish good on cut bait, live shad and shad along channels, river channel and river mouth. White bass good on grubs, hair jigs, in-line spinnerbaits, jigs, minnows, sassy shad and spoons along channels, creek channels, river channel and river mouth. Crappie good on grubs, hair jigs, jigs, live bait, minnows and tube jigs around brush structure, creek channels, docks and standing timber. Report submitted by Trey Hale, game warden stationed in Bryan County.
Wister: March 23. Elevation dropping, water cloudy. Largemouth bass fair on bill baits and plastic baits around brush structure and channels. Blue catfish good on cut bait and shad in the main lake and around points. Crappie good on minnows and jigs below the dam, around brush structure and standing timber. Report submitted by Thomas Gillham, game warden stationed in LeFlore County.
Written by David Deaton
Feral hog Outreach Meeting on March 29th
Press release
The LeFlore County Conservation District and Haskell County Conservation District are co-hosting a feral hog outreach meeting in conjunction with the Eastern Oklahoma Beef Cattle Summit on March 29th.
The meeting will run from 9 AM to 9:50 AM and will feature Scott Alls, Assistant State Wildlife Director at the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry.
The meeting, and the entire Eastern Oklahoma Beef Cattle Summit, will take place at the Southeast Oklahoma Expo Center in McAlester.
For more information on the LeFlore County and Haskell County feral hog outreach meeting, contact the Lisa Great at or call 918-647-2992, ext. 3.
Conservation districts across Oklahoma are teaming up to host eight feral hog outreach meetings to better equip producers and landowners with ways to better manage feral hogs.
For a full listing of feral hog outreach meetings visit www.conservation.ok.gov
Written by David Deaton
Southeast Area Lake report for March 22
A Service of the Oklahoma Wildlife Department
Arbuckle: March 19. Elevation normal, water 54-58 and stained. Largemouth bass being caught on crankbaits, worms, tube jigs and jigs. Smallmouth bass being caught on jerk baits, crankbaits and spinnerbaits at 12 ft. out from the bank. Crappie slow off docks. White bass are chasing shad in coves; follow the seagulls. Report submitted by Jack Melton.
Blue River: March 19. Elevation normal, water 60 and clear. Trout excellent on caddis flies, in-line spinnerbaits, PowerBait, spoons and woolly buggers along sand bar and below riffles and obstructions in current in deeper water. Smallmouth, largemouth and spotted bass fair on crankbaits, flukes and jerk baits along rocks and standing timber. Channel catfish fair on live bait and stinkbait along rocks and deeper pools just off of current. Report submitted by Matt Gamble, biologist at the Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area.
Broken Bow: March 16. Elevation above normal, water 56. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass good on bill baits, crankbaits, flukes and plastic baits around brush structure, inlet, points and standing timber. White bass fair on grubs, hair jigs, in-line spinnerbaits and jigs along channels, creek channels, river channel and river mouth. Blue, channel and flathead catfish fair on cut bait and live shad along creek channels, points and river channel. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Eufaula: March 16. Elevation normal, water 54 and murky. Crappie good on minnows and jigs at 8-12 ft. in coves, main lake, sandbar, shallows and shorelines. Striped bass fair on cut bait, jigs, plastic baits and topwater lures below the dam and along the dam. White bass fair on jigs, plastic baits and sassy shad below the dam and along the dam. Report submitted by Cannon Harrison, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.
Hugo: March 16. Elevation above normal, water 48 and murky. The lake is still high, some ramps still closed due to high water levels. Blue and channel catfish fair on cut bait, hot dogs, live shad and minnows below the dam, in the main lake and river channel. Crappie fair on hair jigs, jigs and minnows below the dam, around brush structure and standing timber. Report submitted by Jim Gillham, game warden stationed in Choctaw County.
Konawa: March 15. Elevation normal, water 54 and clear. Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits, jigs, lipless baits and plastic baits in the main lake, around points, river channel and weed beds. Striped bass hybrids and white bass slow on chicken liver, hair jigs, live shad and spoons in coves, discharge, main lake and river channel. Channel catfish slow on chicken liver, cut bait, dough bait and stinkbait in coves, creek channels, discharge, riprap and tailwater. Report submitted by Garret Harley, game warden stationed in Seminole County.
Lower Mountain Fork: March 16. Elevation above normal, water murky. Trout fair on caddis flies, plastic baits and PowerBait along channels and shallows. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
McGee Creek: March 16. Elevation above normal, water 48. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on Alabama rigs, jerk baits, plastic baits and spinnerbaits along channels, points, rocks and shorelines. White bass good on crankbaits and spinnerbaits along the river mouth. Crappie good on minnows around brush structure, river channel and standing timber. Report submitted by Jay Harvey, game warden stationed in Atoka County.
Pine Creek: March 16. Elevation above normal, water murky. Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits along creek channels. Crappie fair on minnows along channels. Channel catfish good on worms along creek channels. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Robert S. Kerr: March 16. Elevation normal, water murky. Spotted and largemouth bass good on Alabama rigs, lipless baits, tube jigs and worms along channels, river channel, river mouth, shallows and shorelines. Crappie fair on hair jigs, jigs and minnows along creek channels, points, river channel, river mouth, rocks and standing timber. Blue and channel catfish good on cut bait, shad and stinkbait in the main lake, around points, river channel and river mouth. Report submitted by Allen Couch, game warden stationed in Haskell County.
Sardis: March 16. Elevation above normal, water 58. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on jigs, plastic baits and spinnerbaits around brush structure, points, shallows and shorelines. Blue and channel catfish fair on cut bait, shad and worms along flats, main lake and shorelines. Crappie fair on hair jigs, jigs and minnows around brush structure, shorelines and standing timber. Report submitted by Dane Polk, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.
Texoma: March 16. Elevation above normal, water stained. Striped bass good on Alabama rigs, flukes, live bait, live shad and shad below the dam, along channels, main lake, points, river channel and river mouth. White bass good on Alabama rigs, jigs, minnows, sassy shad and spoons below the dam, along channels and creek channels. Crappie fair on hair jigs, jigs, minnows, plastic baits and tube jigs around brush structure, creek channels, docks and standing timber. Fishing is heating up as well as temperatures, Crappie are biting under the docks on minnows and jigs (black and pink Bobby Garland soft baits seem to produce bites). White bass are beginning their spring runs into small creeks, sassy shads and small spinner baits are good for small creek fishing. Striper are biting steadily on live shad and artificial baits (dead sticking). Report submitted by Trey Hale, game warden stationed in Bryan County.
Wister: March 16. Elevation above normal, water cloudy. Largemouth fair on bill baits and plastic baits around points and river channel. Blue catfish fair on chicken liver, cut bait and shad in the main lake and around points. Crappie good on minnows and jigs below the dam, around brush structure and standing timber. Report submitted by Thomas Gillham, game warden stationed in LeFlore County.
Written by David Deaton
Second Chances Recovery host 5K Race & Fun Run
Poteau, Oklahoma - Register now for the Second Chances Recovery 5K Race and Fun Run for Substance Abuse Awareness.
The race will be held on May 5, 2018 on the Parking lot of the Poteau Retirement Center.
Registration is from 8am until 8:45am.
5K starts at 9am - entry fee - $25.00
Fun Run starts at 9:05am entry fee - $15.00.
Pre-registration forms are available on-line at www.secondchances.com
For more information contact Terri at 918.647.0612 or 804.823.3473.
Written by David Deaton
Fishing Report for February 28, 2018
A Service of the Oklahoma Wildlife Department
Central
Arcadia: February 28. Elevation above normal, water 43 and murky. Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits along flats and submerged roadbeds. Channel and blue catfish fair on crawfish and shrimp around points. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around brush structure and docks. Report submitted by Mark Murray, game warden stationed in Oklahoma County.
Northeast
Birch: February 23. Elevation below normal, water low 40s and clear. Crappie fair on minnows, hair jigs and jigs in coves, along the dam and rocks. Channel and blue catfish fair on chicken liver and cut bait along channels, in coves and along the dam. The Birch Cove boat ramp is the only open ramp. Report submitted by Ryan Walker, game warden stationed in Osage County.
Carl Blackwell: February 23. Elevation rising, water 48 and murky. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around brush structure, docks and standing timber. Channel and blue catfish fair on chicken liver, cut bait, shrimp, stinkbait and worms around points. Report submitted by Emily Long, game warden stationed in Payne County.
Copan: February 25. Elevation normal, water clearing. Crappie slow on minnows and jigs around brush structure and docks. Report submitted by Joe Alexander, game warden stationed in Washington County.
Eucha: February 23. Elevation rising, water mid-40s and stained. Crappie slow on hair jigs and tube jigs around brush structure, channels, dam and main lake. Largemouth bass slow on Alabama rigs, jerk baits and lipless baits in the main lake and around points. White bass slow on Alabama rigs and plastic baits along creek channels, dam and main lake. Fishing continues to be very slow. Report submitted by Cody Morris, game warden stationed in Delaware County.
Grand: February 27. Elevation above normal, water 45 and stained. Blue catfish fair on shad in the main lake and shallows. Crappie fair on jigs around brush structure and docks. Paddlefish good in the main lake moving north toward the river. Report submitted by Marni Loftis, game warden stationed in Delaware County.
Hudson: February 23. Elevation rising, water 40s and murky. Crappie good on minnows and jigs around brush structure, docks and Highway 20 bridge. Largemouth bass slow on Alabama rigs, jerk baits and rogues in the main lake, around points and river channel. All other fishing slow. Report submitted by Kody Moore, game warden stationed in Mayes County.
Hulah: February 25. Elevation normal, water clearing. Crappie slow on minnows and jigs around brush structure and creek channels. Report submitted by Joe Alexander, game warden stationed in Washington County.
Kaw: February 23. Elevation normal, water 39 and stained. All fishing activity slowed the past week due to the wintry weather conditions. However, early in the week there were some nice catches of blue cats taken on cut bait. Fish were being caught from 3 ft. of water on the flats to 30 ft. in the river channel. Shad are still difficult to locate. Best bets remain the Sarge Creek and Washunga bridge areas. With the weather predicted to be warm next week and a slight increase in river flow the white bass should become active in the “Hilltop” area as well as under the river bridge east of Newkirk. Blue catfish fair on cut bait and shad along creek channels, flats and river channel. Crappie fair on hair jigs, jigs, minnows and tube jigs around brush structure, creek channels, riprap and standing timber. Report submitted by District 8 Chief Tracy Daniel.
Keystone: February 22. Elevation below normal, water clear. Crappie good on minnows and jigs along creek channels. Blue catfish good on cut bait below the dam. Report submitted by Karlin Bailey, game warden stationed in Creek County.
Lower Illinois: February 23. Elevation normal, water 45 and clear. Trout good on hair jigs, in-line spinnerbaits, nymphs, PowerBait, small lures and worms below the dam, along channels, rocks and spillway. Using small hooks and small diameter line is important for success with the clear water. Report submitted by Jeremy Bersche, game warden stationed in Sequoyah County.
McMurtry: February 26. Elevation normal, water 38 and semi- murky. Crappie good on worms below 15 ft. around docks, brush piles and north bridge mid-morning. Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits, plastic worms and spinnerbaits around brush along shorelines morning and afternoon. Report submitted by Jared Avilez.
Oologah: February 23. Elevation normal, water 45 and clear. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs at 10-15 ft. around brush structure. Blue catfish fair on cut bait and shad at 10-15 ft. on flats near the channel. Report submitted by Brek Henry, game warden stationed in Rogers County.
Skiatook: February 24. Elevation normal, water 40s and dirty. Crappie slow on minnows and jigs at 10-20 ft. around brush structure and standing timber. Fishing activity was slow this week due to weather conditions. Report submitted by Paul Welch, game warden stationed in Osage County.
Sooner: February 24. Elevation normal, water murky. Blue catfish fair on cut bait along shorelines off Highway 15. Report submitted by Doug Gottschalk, game warden stationed in Noble County.
Spavinaw: February 23. Elevation rising, water mid-40s and stained. Crappie slow on hair jigs and tube jigs around brush structure, dam and main lake. Largemouth bass slow on Alabama rigs, jerk baits and lipless baits in the main lake and around points. Walleye and redear sunfish slow on hair jigs and worms along the dam and points. Fishing continues to be very slow. Report submitted by Cody Morris, game warden stationed in Delaware County.
Tenkiller: February 23. Elevation 4 ft. below normal, water murky. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass slow on crankbaits and plastic baits along the dam. Report submitted by Brady May, game warden stationed in Cherokee County.
Northwest
Canton: February 24. Elevation below normal, water 46 and clear. Crappie fair on jigs around brush structure and the dam. Report submitted by Mark Walker, game warden stationed in Blaine County.
Ft. Supply: February 23. Elevation normal, water murky. Crappie fair on hair jigs and jigs at the intake in the mornings. White bass fair on spoons along the dam when the wind is out of the south. Report submitted by Mark Reichenberger, game warden stationed in Woodward County.
Foss: February 27. Elevation 3/4 ft. below normal with gates closed, water low 50s and clear. Striped bass hybrids slow on slabs and live bait at 20-30 ft. Walleye slow to fair on live bait in the marina area during late evenings. Catfish slow. Crappie fair around the enclosed fishing house. Report submitted by Eric Puyear, B & K Bait House.
Southeast
Arbuckle: February 25. Elevation above normal, water 47-49 and stained to muddy up creeks. Largemouth and smallmouth bass very slow due to the influx of water. Bass being caught on Alabama rigs, white or shad colored crankbaits and minnow baits in shad color. Crappie slow on off rocks. White bass and crappie had been moving up the creeks. Channel catfish good on dead minnows and stinkbait up creeks. Report submitted by Jack Melton.
Broken Bow: February 23. Elevation 13 ft. above normal and rising, water 51. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass good on Alabama rigs, crankbaits, flukes, jigs and plastic baits around brush structure, points and standing timber. Blue, channel and flathead catfish good on cut bait, shad and sunfish along channels, main lake, points and river mouth. Crappie good on minnows, jigs and tube jigs around brush structure, points and standing timber. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Eufaula: February 23. Elevation below normal, water murky. Crappie excellent on crickets, jigs and worms along creek channels, docks and shorelines. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass good on minnows, small lures and spinnerbaits in coves, creek channels and rocks. Striped bass fair on cut bait, live bait, live shad and small lures below the dam and along the dam. Report submitted by Cannon Harrison, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.
Hugo: February 23. Elevation rising, water 47 and murky. Most ramps are closed due to high water levels. Blue catfish slow on shad and worms below the dam. Crappie slow on minnows and jigs below the dam. Report submitted by Jim Gillham, game warden stationed in Choctaw County.
Lower Mountain Fork: February 23. Elevation normal, water murky. Trout good on in-line spinnerbaits and small lures along channels. Trout action has been great at the swim beach bridge. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
McGee Creek: February 23. Elevation above normal, water 46. Largemouth and spotted bass slow on Alabama rigs, grubs and plastic baits in the main lake, around points and river channel. Crappie slow on minnows along the river channel and around standing timber. Report submitted by Jay Harvey, game warden stationed in Atoka County.
Pine Creek: February 23. Elevation above normal, water murky. Largemouth bass excellent on Alabama rigs, lipless baits and plastic baits in the main lake and around points. Crappie good on minnows around brush structure and creek channels. Channel catfish good on chicken liver and punch bait along creek channels and main lake. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Robert S. Kerr: February 25. Elevation normal, water murky. Crappie fair on hair jigs, jigs and minnows along channels, creek channels, main lake and mouth of Big San Bois Creek as flow decreases. Blue and flathead catfish good on cut bait, dough bait and stinkbait along channels, creek channels, river channel and river mouth. Report submitted by Allen Couch, game warden stationed in Haskell County.
Sardis: February 22. Elevation above normal, water 53. Largemouth and spotted bass slow on spinnerbaits along creek channels, points and shorelines. Blue and channel catfish fair on cut bait and shad along flats, main lake and shorelines. Report submitted by Dane Polk, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.
Texoma: February 24. Elevation rising, water muddy. Blue and channel catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, live bait, live shad and stinkbait below the dam, along channels, main lake, river mouth and tailwater. Crappie fair on grubs, hair jigs, jigs, small lures and tube jigs around brush structure and docks. Striped and white bass good on Alabama rigs, flukes, live bait, live shad, sassy shad and shad along channels, creek channels, main lake, around points, river channel and river mouth. Due to recent rainfall and cold temps fish patterns have shifted. Report submitted by Trey Hale, game warden stationed in Choctaw County.
Wister: February 23. Elevation rising, water cloudy. Largemouth bass fair on bill baits and plastic baits around brush structure and standing timber. Blue catfish good on cut bait and shad around brush structure and main lake. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around brush structure and standing timber. Report submitted by Thomas Gillham, game warden stationed in LeFlore County.
Southwest
Altus-Lugert: February 23. Elevation below normal, water 45 and clear. Channel catfish slow on punch bait and worms along flats. Report submitted by Brandon Lehrman, game warden stationed in Greer County.
Ellsworth: February 23. Elevation below normal, water murky. Blue and channel catfish fair on cut bait, punch bait and shad in the main lake and points. Report submitted by Mike Carroll, game warden stationed in Comanche County.
Lawtonka: February 23. Elevation below normal, water clear. Crappie good on jigs off the dam in deep water. Report submitted by Mike Carroll, game warden stationed in Comanche County.
Waurika: February 23. Elevation below normal, water murky. Crappie slow on minnows and jigs around brush structure, docks and standing timber. Blue and channel catfish fair on cut bait, shad and stinkbait in the main lake, around points and shorelines. Report submitted by Chris Stover, game warden stationed in Stephens County.
Written by David Deaton
Southeast Area Lakes report for week of Feb 18th
Press release
Arbuckle: February 18. Elevation 1 1/2 ft. below normal, water 44-46 and very clear. All fishing slow. Largemouth and smallmouth bass being caught on Alabama rigs, jerk baits and bass jigs. Crappie and white bass are on the move up the creeks and very hard to catch. Report submitted by Jack Melton.
Broken Bow: February 16. Elevation below normal, water 56. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass good on Alabama rigs, crankbaits, jigs and plastic baits around brush structure, points and standing timber. Blue, channel and flathead catfish good on live shad, shad and sunfish along channels, the main lake, points and river channel. Crappie good on minnows, jigs and tube jigs around brush structure, points, standing timber and deep water. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Eufaula: February 16. Elevation below normal, water murky. Crappie excellent on minnows and jigs along creek channels, docks, shallows, shorelines and standing timber. Blue and channel catfish fair on cut bait, live shad, shad and worms below the dam and along the dam. Smallmouth bass fair on worms in coves and main lake. Report submitted by Cannon Harrison, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.
Hugo: February 17. Elevation rising, water 48 and murky. Largemouth and spotted bass slow on Alabama rigs, plastic baits and spoons in coves and creek channels. Crappie good on minnows and jigs around brush structure, in the main lake and standing timber. Blue and channel catfish good on cut bait, live shad and minnows along flats and shallows. Report submitted by Jim Gillham, game warden stationed in Choctaw County.
Konawa: February 15. Elevation normal, water 49 and clear. Largemouth bass fair on Alabama rigs, crankbaits, jerk baits, plastic baits and worms along creek channels, main lake, points and river channel. Striped bass hybrids and white bass fair on Alabama rigs, crankbaits, live shad and spoons in coves, discharge, main lake and river channel. Channel catfish slow on chicken liver, cut bait and shrimp in coves, along riprap and tailwater. Report submitted by Garret Harley, game warden stationed in Seminole County.
Lower Mountain Fork: February 18. Elevation normal, water clear. Trout excellent on caddis flies, PowerBait, tube jigs and salmon eggs along creek channels, rocks and shallows. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Lower Mountain Fork: February 20. Stocked approximately 3,200 rainbow trout on February 20. Report submitted by April Drake, secretary at the southeast region office.
McGee Creek: February 17. Elevation below normal, water 48. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on Alabama rigs, flukes and spoons along creek channels, main lake and river channel. Crappie slow on minnows in the main lake and river channel. Report submitted by Jay Harvey, game warden stationed in Atoka County.
Pine Creek: February 18. Elevation above normal, water 49 and clear. Largemouth bass good on Alabama rigs, crankbaits and lipless baits in coves, creek channels and points. Crappie good on jigs around brush structure and channels. Channel catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait and worms along creek channels, main lake and river channel. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Robber’s Cave: February 20. Stocked 678 rainbow trout on February 20. Report submitted by April Drake, secretary at the southeast region office.
Robert S. Kerr: February 18. Elevation normal, water murky. Crappie good on minnows, jigs and hair jigs along channels and the mouth of Big San Bois Creek. Blue and channel catfish excellent on cut bait, dough bait, shad and stinkbait along creek channels, main lake, river channel and river mouth. Report submitted by Allen Couch, game warden stationed in Haskell County.
Sardis: February 14. Elevation below normal, water 45. Largemouth and spotted bass slow on jigs, plastic baits, slabs, spinnerbaits and tube jigs along creek channels and points. Blue and channel catfish fair on cut bait and shad in the main lake and along shorelines. Report submitted by Dane Polk, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.
Texoma: February 16. Elevation below normal, water semi-clear. Channel catfish good on cut bait, minnows and stinkbait along channels, in coves, creek channels, river mouth and north end of the lake. Blue catfish good on cut bait and live shad along channels, in coves, points, river channel and river mouth. Striped and white bass fair on Alabama rigs, flukes, hair jigs, jigs, live shad and sassy shad along channels, main lake, points and river mouth. On warm weather days, striped bass and white bass are holding close to the bottom (bottom to 5 ft. from bottom) but actively feeding in short burst. Lures need to have flashes such as glitter or silver/gold blades. Locating fish on electronics is key this time of year. Channel catfish have increased their feeding patterns recently being caught in depths ranging from 6-30 ft. Best baits for channels will be stinkbaits and/or punch baits. Crappie are slow under docks with a water depth of 20-30 .ft, approximately 2 or 3 cranks from bottom seemed to be producing bites. Red was a key color in getting hits from crappie the past week paired with lightweight jig heads. Jug lining is very effective for blue catfish in the main lake. Report submitted by Trey Hale, game warden stationed in Bryan County.
Wister: February 17. Elevation rising, water 47 and cloudy. Largemouth bass fair on bill baits and spinnerbaits around brush structure and channels. Blue catfish good on cut bait and shad along channels and the main lake. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around brush structure, channels and standing timber. Report submitted by Thomas Gillham, game warden stationed in LeFlore County
Written by David Deaton
Eastern judging teams place at 2018 Dixie National Livestock Show and Rodeo
Press release
WILBURTON, OK – Eastern Oklahoma State College’s livestock judging teams won several honors at the 2018 Dixie National Livestock Show and Rodeo in Jackson, Miss.
Jade Jenkins, Eastern’s animal science instructor and livestock judging coach, led the freshmen and sophomore teams to several individual and division wins in the Intercollegiate Beef Judging Contest. The competition consisted of several breeds of cattle with team members required to verbally defend their placings with reasons to a panel of officials.
The freshmen team competed in the Collegiate Freshmen Division and won Fourth High Team Overall after winning Second High Team in Brahman, Third High Team in Market Steers and Fourth High Team in Reasons & English.
Eastern freshmen who won individual honors included Rhett Pursley of Locust Grove, Okla., Second High Individual in Brahman; Abby Taylor of Wickes, Ark., Fourth High Individual in Market Steers and Eighth High Individual in Brahman; Jessika Calhoon of Farmington, Ark., Eighth High Individual in Market Steers and Tenth High Individual in English and Brandi Henderson of Goshen, In., Sixth High Individual in Brahman.
Eastern’s sophomores competed in the Collegiate Sophomore Division and won Second High Team Overall after winning First High Overall Team in Market Steers, Second High Team in Continental, Third High Team in Brahman, Third High Team in Reasons and Fifth High Team in English.
Several members of the sophomore team also won individual honors. They include Nathan Davis of Mountain View, Okla., Ninth High Individual Overall and Seventh High Individual in Continental; Jarrod Halphen of Tuttle, Okla., First High Individual in Continental and Seventh High Individual in Reasons; Kash Allen of Bunch, Okla., Second High Individual in Market Steers; Tanner Keiss of Smithville, Okla., Sixth High Individual in English; Chyanne Fogg of Springdale, Ark., Fifth High Individual in Market Steers and Tierra Christian of Ada, Okla., Seventh High Individual in Market Steers.
Other members of Eastern’s livestock judging team include Austin Cook of Greenbrier, Ark., Braydyn Willyard of Pryor, Okla., Cameron Woods of Chattanooga, Okla., Hunter Black of Stillwater, Okla., Heather Hubler of Chelsea, Okla., Grayson Heath of Aurora, Mo., Codi Lamb of Seguin, Texas and Garrett Dodd of Calhoun, Ga.
The Dixie National celebrated its 53rd anniversary this year. The event is produced by Smith, Harper and Morgan Rodeo Company and is hosted by the Mississippi Fair Commission. Visit dixienational.org for more information including a complete schedule of events. Or for more information on Eastern’s Agriculture Division and livestock judging team visit eosc.edu/agriculture or contact Jenkins at 918-465-1726.
Written by David Deaton
SOUTHEAST AREA LAKES REPORT FOR FEB 12
A service of the Oklahoma Wildlife Department
Arbuckle: February 12. Elevation 1 1/2 ft. below normal, water 44 and clear. Largemouth and smallmouth bass slow on Alabama rigs, crankbaits and jerk baits. Crappie slow. White bass fair half way up creeks on flats near deep water. Report submitted by Jack Melton.
Blue River: February 12. Elevation below normal, water 38 and clear. Trout good on caddis flies, in-line spinnerbaits, midges, PowerBait, salmon eggs, marshmallows and mealworms around points, rocks, sandbars, below riffles and obstructions in current. Stocked approximately 2,000 rainbow trout on February 5. Report submitted by Matt Gamble, biologist at the Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area.
Broken Bow: February 12. Elevation below normal, water 49. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass good on bill baits, crankbaits and jigs around brush structure, points and standing timber. Blue, channel and flathead catfish good on cut bait, shad and sunfish in the main lake. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Eufaula: February 9. Elevation below normal, water murky. Largemouth and smallmouth bass good on jigs, minnows and plastic baits along channels, in coves, creek channels and shallows. Blue catfish excellent on live bait, live shad, shad and worms below the dam, along the dam, flats, main lake, rocks and shorelines. Crappie good on minnows and jigs in coves, around docks and rocks. Report submitted by Cannon Harrison, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.
Hugo: February 11. Elevation normal, water 48 and murky. Largemouth and spotted bass slow on Alabama rigs, plastic baits and spoons along creek channels and points. Blue and channel catfish good on cut bait, minnows and shad along flats and the main lake. Crappie good on minnows and jigs around brush structure and standing timber. Report submitted by Jim Gillham, game warden stationed in Choctaw County.
Lower Mountain Fork: February 11. Elevation normal, water clear. Trout good on salmon eggs and caddis flies along channels and creek channels. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Lower Mountain Fork: February 9. Stocked 1,696 rainbow trout on February 8. Report submitted by April Drake, secretary at the southeast region office.
McGee Creek: February 11. Elevation below normal, water 48 and clear. Largemouth and spotted bass good on Alabama rigs, plastic baits and tube jigs in the main lake and around points. Report submitted by Jay Harvey, game warden stationed in Atoka County.
Pine Creek: February 11. Elevation above normal, water murky. Largemouth bass good on Alabama rigs, plastic baits and spoons around points. Crappie fair on jigs in coves and around points. Channel catfish good on chicken liver and cut bait along channels, in coves and the main lake. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Robber’s Cave: February 9. Stocked 379 rainbow trout on February 8. Report submitted by April Drake, secretary at the southeast region office.
Robert S. Kerr: February 9. Elevation normal, water murky. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on Alabama rigs, bill baits and lipless baits along channels, points and riprap. White bass good on hair jigs, jigs, minnows and tube jigs around brush structure, channels, creek channels, standing timber and stumps and structure at the mouth of Big San Bois Creek. Blue and channel catfish fair on cut bait, dough bait, punch bait and stinkbait along creek channels, main lake and river channel. Report submitted by Allen Couch, game warden stationed in Haskell County.
Sardis: February 9. Elevation below normal, water 54. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on bill baits, crankbaits, in-line spinnerbaits, jigs, plastic baits and spinnerbaits around brush structure, points, rocks, shorelines and standing timber. Blue and channel catfish fair on shad along flats, main lake and shorelines. Crappie fair on minnows, jigs and tube jigs around brush structure, points, river mouth, rocks, shorelines and standing timber. Report submitted by Dane Polk, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.
Texoma: February 9. Elevation below normal, water semi-clear. Striped and white bass good on Alabama rigs, flukes with glitter colors and/or silver blades, live shad and sassy shad dead sticking along channels, the main lake, points and river mouth. Blue catfish good on cut bait and live shad along channels, discharge, main lake, points, river channel and river mouth. Crappie fair on grubs, hair jigs, jigs and live at 20-30 ft. bait around brush structure, channels and docks. Report submitted by Trey Hale, game warden stationed in Bryan County.
Wister: February 11. Elevation normal, water 48 and cloudy. Largemouth bass slow on bill baits and plastic baits around brush structure, channels and in coves. Blue catfish good on cut bait and shad around brush structure, channels and in the main lake. Crappie fair on minnows, jigs and tube jigs around brush structure, channels and standing timber. Report submitted by Thomas Gillham, game warden stationed in LeFlore County.