Whatzup Outdoors (219)
Written by David Deaton
Fishing Report for July 25, 2018
A service of the Oklahoma Wildlife Department
Lower Mountain Fork River Trout Stocking Update
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation will soon resume routine trout stocking in the Lower Mountain Fork River pending the award of a new three-year contract to a selected trout hatchery vendor. Stockings are expected to resume within three weeks.
Biologists are continuing to collect water profile data at both of the state’s year round trout fisheries, Lower Mountain Fork and the Lower Illinois River. Stream temperatures and low dissolved oxygen often threaten continued stockings especially during summer months. The Wildlife Department will request water releases as necessary to maintain the trout fisheries, but lack of available water and high summer temperatures could curtail trout stockings anytime during the remainder of the summer.
Central
Arcadia: July 20. Elevation above average, water 88 and clearing. White bass slow on crankbaits, in line spinnerbaits, jigs and slabs along the dam and points. Largemouth bass slow on crankbaits along points and submerged points and humps. Channel and blue catfish fair on cut bait, crawfish, live shad, punch bait and worms along river channel and rocks. Report submitted by Mark Murray, game warden stationed in Oklahoma County.
Draper: July 20. Elevation above average, water 87 and stained. Largemouth bass slow on plastics and spinnerbaits along points, shallows and shorelines. Channel catfish slow on chicken liver, punch bait and stinkbait along the dam. Report submitted by Chad Strang, game warden stationed in Cleveland County.
Hefner: July 24. Elevation normal, water 84-87 and murky to clear. Channel and blue catfish fair on punch bait and cut bait off the rocks and the dam. White bass fair on lipless baits and sassy shad along shorelines early morning and evenings. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around fishing docks and off the dam. Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits, jigs and spinnerbaits along shorelines. Report submitted by Lucky Lure Tackle.
Thunderbird: July 20. Elevation normal, water 89 and stained. White bass and saugeye slow on crankbaits and plastics along points. Largemouth bass slow on plastics and spinnerbaits along points, shallows, shorelines and standing timber. Report submitted by Chad Strang, game warden stationed in Cleveland County.
Northeast
Bell Cow: July 22. Elevation normal, water 89 and murky. Crappie good on minnows around docks at night. Largemouth bass slow on plastics and spinnerbaits around weed beds. Report submitted by Gary Emmons, game warden stationed in Lincoln County.
Birch: July 20. Elevation below average, water 90 and clear. Channel catfish slow on chicken liver, cut bait, live bait and stinkbait around coves, docks and shorelines. Report submitted by Ryan Walker, game warden stationed in Osage County.
Carl Blackwell: July 23. Elevation below normal, water murky. Crappie fair on minnows, jigs and worms along shorelines and crappie dock. Channel catfish fair on chicken liver, hot dogs, PowerBait, stinkbait and worms in coves, along shorelines, riprap and weed beds. Report submitted by Emily Long, game warden stationed in Payne County.
Chandler: July 22. Elevation normal, water 89 and murky. Bluegill sunfish fair on small lures and worms around docks and shorelines. Report submitted by Gary Emmons, game warden stationed in Lincoln County.
Ft. Gibson: July 22. Elevation below average, water 86 and clear. Blue, channel and flathead catfish good on live shad and sunfish around flats, main lake and river channels. White bass fair on crankbaits and in line spinnerbaits on flats and main lake. Crappie fair on jigs, minnows and tube jigs at 4-8 ft. around brush structure and standing timber. Report submitted by Rick Stafford, Wagoner.
Greenleaf: July 21. Elevation normal, water 88 and clear. Largemouth bass fair on bill baits, buzz baits, crankbaits, hair jigs, in-line spinnerbait, jerk bait, plastic baits, spinnerbaits and worms around brush structure, channels, coves, points, shallows, standing timber and weed beds. Crappie fair on grubs, jigs and minnows around brush structure, channels and standing timber. Blue, channel and flathead catfish fair on cut bait and shad around channels, coves, flats and shallows. Report submitted by Lark Wilson, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.
Kaw: July 24. Elevation normal, water 80s and murky. White bass and striped bass hybrids good on jigs, live shad, minnows, sassy shad, shad and slabs in the main lake. White bass and hybrid striped bass continue to bite well particularly late in the evening and at night off of humps and drop-offs from Sarge Creek to the Ponca Cove hump and south of Osage cove. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around brush structure and standing timber. Blue and channel catfish good on grasshoppers, live shad, minnows and shad along flats and river channels. Juglines and drift fishing for blue and channel catfish good in the flats of Coon Creek and Washunga Bay. Report submitted by Tracy Daniel, District 8 Chief.
Keystone: July 19. Elevation above average, water 87. White bass good on crankbaits and spoons around channels and main lake. Blue catfish fair on cut bait in channels. Report submitted by Karlin Bailey, game warden stationed in Creek County.
Lower Illinois River: July 20. Elevation normal, water 60 and murky. Rainbow trout good on jigs, midges, nymphs, Power Bait and worms below the dam and around rocks and tailwater. Report submitted by Jeremy Bersche, game warden stationed in Sequoyah County.
Skiatook: July 21. Elevation below average, water 80s and clear. White bass and striped bass hybrids fair on shad and spoons at 10-20 ft. around main lake. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows at 5-15 ft. around brush structure and standing timber. Channel catfish fair on chicken liver, stinkbait and worms at the spillway. Report submitted by Paul Welch, game warden stationed in Osage County.
Webbers Falls: July 21. Elevation normal, water 88 and murky. Largemouth bass fair on bill baits, buzz baits, crankbaits, hair jigs, in-line spinnerbait, jerk bait, plastics, spinnerbaits and worms around brush structure, channels, coves, points, shallows, standing timber and weed beds. Crappie fair on grubs, jigs and minnows around brush structure, standing timber and on bottom under bridges with minnows. Blue, channel and flathead catfish fair on cut bait and shad around channels, coves, flats, shallows and drifting with shad. Report submitted by Lark Wilson, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.
Northwest
Foss: July 23. Elevation 3/4 ft. below normal, water high 70s and clear. Striped bass hybrids fair surfacing early mornings and late evenings. Blue catfish good on trotlines baited with cut bait along the north side along tree line around from Cutbearth. Largemouth bass fair near brush piles along the south side. White bass fair drifting live bait. Report submitted by Eric Puyear, B & K Bait House.
Fort Supply: July 23. Elevation normal, water clear. Channel catfish slow on cut bait and worms around main lake. Report submitted by Mark Reichenberger, game warden stationed in Woodward County.
Southeast
Arbuckle: July 23. Elevation normal, water 89-93 and stained to clear. Largemouth and smallmouth bass fair on crankbaits, topwater lures and shakey-head worms early morning. Smallmouth bass fair on spinnerbaits on windy days. White bass fair on rattletraps and long Johns long deep along flats. Crappie fair around docks and good on chartreuse/white jigs around brush piles. Report submitted by Jack Melton.
Blue River: July 18. Elevation normal, water 75 and clear. Spotted, largemouth and spotted bass good on crankbaits, flukes, spinnerbaits and topwater lures around brush structure, rocks and shorelines. Bluegill and green sunfish excellent on grasshoppers, grubs, small lures and small pieces of trout worms along rocks, sandbar and shallows. Channel catfish good on cut bait and stinkbait around brush structure, rocks and deeper pools just off of current. Bass topwater action is best at dawn and dusk. Report submitted by Matt Gamble, biologist at the Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area.
Broken Bow: July 20. Elevation below average. Largemouth bass fair on Alabama rigs, crankbaits and plastics around brush structure, points, river mouth and standing timber. Channel catfish fair on chicken liver, cut bait, punch bait and stinkbait along channels and river mouth. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Eufaula: July 20. Elevation above average, water murky. Striped bass excellent on jigs, plastics, small lures and topwater lures below the dam. Crappie good on jigs and minnows below the dam, around docks, shallows and below bridges. Report submitted by Cannon Harrison, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.
Hugo: July 20. Elevation below average, water 87 and murky. Blue, channel and flathead catfish slow on cut bait, dough bait, live shad and on shad below the dam, main lake and river channel. Crappie slow on jigs and minnows below the dam, around brush structure, main lake and river channel. Report submitted by Andrew Potter, game warden stationed in Choctaw County.
Lower Mountain Fork: July 20. Elevation normal, water clear. Rainbow trout fair on caddis flies, small lures and tube jigs below the dam, around the spillway and along channels. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
McGee Creek: July 20. Elevation normal, water 85. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on crankbaits, flukes and plastics along creek channels, points and standing timber. Channel and flathead catfish fair on chicken liver and goldfish along channels. Report submitted by Jay Harvey, game warden stationed in Atoka County.
Pine Creek: July 20. Elevation below average, water clear. Largemouth bass good on crankbaits, jigs and plastics around points and river channel. Crappie fair on minnows around brush structure and points. Channel catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, hot dogs and worms around creek channels and main lake. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Robert S. Kerr: Largemouth and spotted bass fair on bill baits, flukes, jigs, lipless baits, plastics and spinnerbaits around brush structure, channels, coves, creek channels, river channel, river mouth and standing timber. Blue, channel and flathead catfish good on cut bait, dough bait, live bait and stinkbait around flats, main lake and river mouth. Report submitted by Allen Couch, game warden stationed in Haskell County.
Sardis: July 18. Elevation below normal, water 85. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on bill baits, crankbaits, lipless baits, plastic baits, sassy shad, spinnerbaits, topwater lures and tube jigs around brush structure, points, riprap, rocks, shorelines, standing timber and weed beds. Blue, channel and flathead catfish fair on cut bait, shad and sunfish along flats, main lake and shorelines. Crappie fair on hair jigs, jigs, minnows and tube jigs around brush structure, points and standing timber. Report submitted by Dane Polk, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.
Texoma: July 23. Elevation normal, water 88 and clear. Blue and channel catfish fair on cut bait, live shad and shad below the dam, along channels, main lake and river channel. Catfish are feeding mostly at night due to rising temperatures during the day. Striped bass good on live shad, sassy shad and topwater lures below the dam, along flats, main lake and river channel. Striped bass are still biting good on live bait and topwater lures. Areas include Washita point, Colbert Boat Club. Crappie slow on hair jigs, minnows and tube jigs below the dam, around brush structure and docks. Crappie slow under docks and structure target time is after dark. Report submitted by Trey Hale, game warden stationed in Bryan County.
Wister: July 20. Elevation normal, water cloudy. Largemouth bass good on bill baits, buzz baits, crankbaits, plastics and spinnerbaits around brush structure, channels, coves and points. Blue catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, shad and stinkbait along channels, main lake and standing timber. Crappie good on jigs and minnows around brush structure, channels and standing timber. Report submitted by Thomas Gillham, game warden stationed in LeFlore County.
Southwest
Altus Lugert: July 23. Elevation dropping, water 82 and clear. Walleye good on bill baits and jerk baits along flats, main lake and rocks. Crappie and white bass good on minnows and jigs around docks. Report submitted by Brandon Lehrman, game warden stationed in Greer County.
Ellsworth: July 23. Elevation below normal, water 91. Blue, channel and flathead catfish slow on juglines baited with cut bait and shad along creek channels and main lake. Report submitted by Brayden Hicks, game warden stationed in Caddo County.
Ft. Cobb: July 23. Elevation below normal, water 90 and clear. Largemouth bass, striped bass hybrids and white bass slow on crankbaits and plastic baits around brush structure. Report submitted by Brayden Hicks, game warden stationed in Caddo County.
Lawtonka: July 23. Elevation below normal, water 90 and clear. Channel, blue and flathead catfish slow on juglines baited with live shad and stinkbait along creek channels and main lake. Report submitted by Brayden Hicks, game warden stationed in Caddo County.
Waurika: July 21. Elevation Below average, water 86. Channel and blue catfish fair on chicken liver, cut bait, hot dogs, stinkbait and worms around main lake points, riprap and shorelines. Report submitted by Chris Stover, game warden stationed in Stephens County.
Written by David Deaton
Fisheries Division Stocks 15.5 Million Fish So Far During 2018
A Service of the Oklahoma Wildlife Department
Largemouth bass fishing this spring was notable in Oklahoma, as anglers hauled in several lunkers in the 13- and 14-pound classes. Those monster fish undoubtedly resulted from previous stocking efforts of Florida largemouth bass (FLMB) to increase the trophy potential in Oklahoma’s bass populations, said Cliff Sager, Senior Fisheries Biologist for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.
The FLMB program is among several fish stocking operations that the Wildlife Department conducts each year, including channel catfish, hybrid striped bass, rainbow and brown trout, walleye, saugeye, striped bass and hybrid sunfish.
The Fisheries Division has stocked more than 15.5 million fry, fingerlings and mature fish into public waters in Oklahoma so far during 2018. Among that total are more than 1.4 million FLMB that have been placed into 39 lakes this year.
Oklahoma's current state-record largemouth bass was caught in Cedar Lake (Le Flore County) in March 2013 and weighed 14 pounds, 13.7 ounces. “Oklahoma is really right on the line of where you can expect Florida bass to be successful,” Sager said. “Lakes in the southern half of Oklahoma have shown much greater success in sustaining Florida bass genetics.”
All of the Florida bass that the Department stocks are spawned at the Durant fish hatchery. Most of the fish are raised there, but some of the fry are distributed to state hatcheries in Byron and Holdenville for growing into fingerlings. The state's fourth hatchery at Medicine Park gets involved by helping to deliver FLMB fry and fingerlings to the various lakes for stocking.
“It truly is a coordinated effort to raise and stock that many fish over a short period of time and speaks to the dedication of the Wildlife Department to improve our fisheries resources,” Sager said.
A committee of biologists selects FLMB stocking sites each year based on many criteria. The committee considers the documented success in trophy bass production, as well as angler pressure. Also, lakes with better habitat for bass are more likely to be stocked than lakes where good bass habitat doesn’t exist. Sager said growing trophy bass in a particular lake “is an eight- to 10-year investment.” Therefore, the Wildlife Department concentrates FLMB efforts on the waters that hold the most promise for producing trophy bass.
Since the first of this year, the Wildlife Department has stocked 3,127,834 fingerlings, 12,395,494 fry and 175,027 mature fish of various species into public waters across Oklahoma.
Totals for each species are:
• Walleye, 6,302,780.
• Saugeye, 3,099,164.
• Hybrid Striped Bass, 4,318,454.
• Certified Florida Largemouth Bass, 1,418,466.
• Striped Bass, 360,000.
• Rainbow Trout, 133,072.
• Northern Largemouth Bass, 20,246.
• Brown Trout, 7,012.
• Hybrid Sunfish, 3,670.
• Smallmouth Bass, 2,820.
• Threadfin Shad, 2,600.
The Department’s Florida Largemouth Bass stocking program was the focus of a yearlong series of feature articles in "Outdoor Oklahoma" magazine and for a TV episode of “Outdoor Oklahoma.” Titled "Making Monsters!" this feature series detailed how the Florida bass stocking program works from beginning to end, and explains how this effort is helping to produce state-record trophy bass for the anglers of Oklahoma.
Written by David Deaton
Fishing Report for June 27, 2018
A Service of the Oklahoma Wildlife Department
Central
Arcadia: June 22. Elevation above normal, water 83. Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits along flats and standing timber. Channel and blue catfish fair on live bait along channels. White bass fair on crankbaits, in-line spinnerbaits and jigs along the dam and points. Report submitted by Mark Murray, game warden stationed in Oklahoma County.
Draper: June 22. Elevation normal, water 85. Largemouth bass fair on spinnerbaits and topwater lures around points and weed beds. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around brush structure and docks. Channel and blue catfish fair on cut bait and punch bait at inlet and riprap. Report submitted by Chad Strang, game warden stationed in Cleveland County.
Hefner: June 26. Elevation below normal and rising, water 77-80 and murky to muddy. White bass fair to good on lipless baits, grubs and gay blades from shorelines and water inlet. Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits, jigs and spinnerbaits off riprap banks. Channel and blue catfish good on cut bait and punch bait of riprap shorelines and water inlet. Report submitted by Lucky Lure Tackle.
Thunderbird: June 22. Elevation normal, water 84 and stained. Saugeye and white bass fair on crankbaits and plastic baits around points and rocks. Largemouth bass fair on spinnerbaits and topwater lures around points and weed beds. Channel and blue catfish fair on chicken liver, cut bait and punch bait along the dam and riprap. Report submitted by Chad Strang, game warden stationed in Cleveland County.
Northeast
Bell Cow: June 24. Elevation normal, water 86 and murky. Channel catfish slow on punch bait, stinkbait and worms along shorelines. Crappie slow on minnows, jigs and small lures around docks at night. Largemouth bass slow on jigs and plastic baits around standing timber and weed beds. Report submitted by Gary Emmons, game warden stationed in Lincoln County.
Birch: June 21. Elevation below normal, water 70s and clear. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around brush structure, in coves, around docks and shorelines. With the heat and wind only found a couple anglers and they were catching medium sized crappie off the docks. Report submitted by Ryan Walker, game warden stationed in Osage County.
Carl Blackwell: June 25. Elevation below normal, water 85 and murky. Crappie slow on minnows and jigs along shallows and crappie dock. Channel catfish fair on chicken liver, minnows and stinkbait in coves, along riprap, shorelines and standing timber. Report submitted by Emily Long, game warden stationed in Payne County.
Chandler: June 24. Elevation above normal, water 86 and murky. Channel catfish slow on cut bait, stinkbait and worms along shorelines and weed beds. Bluegill fair on worms around docks and shorelines. Report submitted by Gary Emmons, game warden stationed in Lincoln County.
Copan: June 24. Elevation normal, water clearing. Blue, channel and flathead catfish fair on shad, sunfish and worms below the dam, along riprap and shorelines. Crappie and bluegill slow on minnows, crappie nibbles and jigs around docks. Report submitted by Joe Alexander, game warden stationed in Washington County.
Eucha: June 22. Elevation normal, water high 70s and stained. Crappie good on hair jigs, minnows and tube jigs around brush structure, in coves and main lake. The crappie bite is still on fire beneath the Highway 59 Bridge at about 10 feet. White bass and crappie are being caught trolling crankbaits around structure. Largemouth bass slow on crankbaits, flukes, jigs, spinnerbaits and topwater lures around docks, points, riprap, shallows, shorelines and weed beds. Largemouth bass are biting very slowly with most of them being caught on finesse jigs and top water baits. White bass fair on Alabama rigs, crankbaits, hair jigs, in-line spinnerbaits, plastic baits, sassy shad and spoons along channels, in coves, main lake and points. Sunfish bite has turned off with some being caught on worms and crickets in deep water near structure. Report submitted by Cody Morris, game warden stationed in Delaware County.
Hudson: June 22. Elevation normal, water 85 and stained. White bass and striped bass hybrids good on crankbaits and topwater lures below the dam, main lake and around points. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around brush structure, docks and below Highway 20 Bridge. Blue and channel catfish slow on cut bait and shad below the dam, main lake and river channel. Report submitted by Kody Moore, game warden stationed in Mayes County.
Hulah: June 24. Elevation rising, water murky. Blue, channel and flathead catfish fair on shad, sunfish and worms along riprap and shorelines. Crappie and bluegill slow on minnows, jigs and worms around brush structure and docks. Report submitted by Joe Alexander, game warden stationed in Washington County.
Kaw: June 26. Elevation above normal, water 80 and murk. Blue and channel catfish good on cut bait, grasshoppers, live shad, punch bait, shad, sunfish and worms along channels, creek channels, flats, river channel and river mouth. White bass and striped bass hybrids fair on chicken liver, in-line spinnerbaits, slabs and spoons below the dam, main lake, points and sandbar. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around brush structure and standing timber. Report submitted by Tracy Daniel, District 8 Chief.
Keystone: June 21. Elevation normal, water 86. White bass fair on small lures around points. Blue catfish good on cut bait below the dam and in channels. Report submitted by Karlin Bailey, game warden stationed in Creek County.
Lower Illinois: June 22. Elevation normal, water 60. Trout fair on midges and PowerBait below the dam, along channels and rocks. Report submitted by Jeremy Bersche, game warden stationed in Sequoyah County.
Oologah: June 22. Elevation normal, water 80 and clear. White bass fair on crankbaits and spoons trolling main lake flats; watch for schooling fish. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs at 10-15 ft. around brush structure. Blue and channel catfish fair on cut bait and shad below the dam. Report submitted by Brek Henry, game warden stationed in Rogers County.
Skiatook: June 22. Elevation below normal, water 80s and clear. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs at 5-15 ft. around brush structure and standing timber. Striped bass hybrids and white bass fair on live shad and spoons at 15-25 ft. in the main lake. Report submitted by Paul Welch, game warden stationed in Osage County.
Sooner: June 26. Elevation normal, water clear. Striped bass hybrids and striped bass good on live bait, live shad and slabs in the main lake. Saugeye fair on crankbaits along riprap. Report submitted by Doug Gottschalk, game warden stationed in Noble County.
Spavinaw: June 22. Elevation normal, water high 70s and stained. Crappie fair on hair jigs, minnows and tube jigs around brush structure, in coves, around docks and main lake. Crappie are biting steadily in deep water around structure. Try a jig with some chartreuse crappie nibbles on it. Largemouth bass slow on crankbaits, flukes, jigs, spinnerbaits and topwater lures in coves, around docks, points, shallows, shorelines and weed beds. Bass bite is slow but the best bite has been in weed beds with frogs. Blue and channel catfish slow on chicken liver, cut bait and shad in coves, main lake and riprap. Report submitted by Cody Morris, game warden stationed in Delaware County.
Tenkiller: June 22. Elevation normal, water clear to murky. Largemouth and smallmouth bass good on Alabama rigs, crankbaits, plastic baits and spinnerbaits around points and shorelines. Smallmouth bass from Chicken Creek south to the dam. White bass good on crankbaits, small lures and spoons in the main lake; look for surfacing schools early morning and late evening. Lake Tenkiller is normal with bass fishing for fish in and under the 13-16" slot reported as good. However, big fish are getting harder to find with best results night fishing using bigger worms and baits. No good reports on crappie or catfish which have finished spawning, but be pole ready for surfacing white bass. Noodlers looking for flathead are still seeing fish on the nest. Report submitted by Brady May, game warden stationed in Cherokee County.
Northwest
Canton: June 23. Elevation normal, water 80 and clear. Channel catfish good on minnows and stinkbait along riprap and shallows. White bass, striped bass hybrids and walleye fair on crankbaits and slabs in the main lake. Report submitted by Mark Walker, game warden stationed in Blaine County.
Ft. Supply: June 25. Elevation normal, water clear. Channel catfish fair on chicken liver and cut bait along the dam and main lake. Report submitted by Mark Reichenberger, game warden stationed in Woodward County.
Southeast
Arbuckle: June 23. Elevation above normal, water 83 and stained. Largemouth bass good on topwater lures, crankbaits and soft plastic baits. Smallmouth bass good on topwater lures and crankbaits. Crappie fair on chartreuse jigs in less than 18 ft. in the main lake around brush piles. White bass good on crankbaits and swim baits in creek channels near flats. Channel catfish good where fresh water is coming in. Report submitted by Jack Melton.
Broken Bow: June 22. Elevation below normal, water 87. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass good on Alabama rigs, crankbaits, flukes and plastic baits around brush structure, in coves, points and standing timber. Channel, blue and flathead catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, punch bait, sunfish and worms along channels, in coves, creek channels, points, river channel and river mouth. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Eufaula: June 22. Elevation normal, water murky. Flathead and blue catfish good on cut bait, live bait and worms in the main lake, around rocks and shallows. Striped bass excellent on cut bait, lipless baits, live bait, live shad and topwater lures below the dam and along the dam. Largemouth bass fair on grasshoppers, in-line spinnerbaits and small lures in coves, around points, riprap and standing timber. Report submitted by Cannon Harrison, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.
Hugo: June 22. Elevation below normal, water 81 and murky. Blue, channel and flathead catfish fair on cut bait, live bait and shad below the dam, along channels, river channel and shorelines. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around brush structure and below the dam. Report submitted by Andrew Potter, game warden stationed in Choctaw County.
Konawa: June 22. Elevation normal, water 88 and clear. Largemouth bass excellent on crankbaits, plastic baits and topwater lures in the main lake, around points, river channel and weed beds. Striped bass hybrids and white bass good on crankbaits, live shad and spoons in coves, main lake and river channel. Channel catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait and stinkbait in coves, creek channels, discharge and riprap. Report submitted by Garret Harley, game warden stationed in Seminole County.
Lower Mountain Fork: June 22. Elevation normal, water clear. Trout good on caddis flies, small lures, tube jigs and worms along creek channels and spillway. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
McGee Creek: June 22. Elevation normal, water 80. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on buzz baits, crankbaits and plastic baits around brush structure, points and standing timber. Crappie, spotted bass and striped bass hybrids fair on minnows along creek channels, river channel and standing timber. White bass fair on Alabama rigs, grubs and topwater lures along flats. Report submitted by Jay Harvey, game warden stationed in Atoka County.
Pine Creek: June 22. Elevation below normal, water clear. Largemouth bass good on plastic baits and spinnerbaits around points, river channel and standing timber. Crappie fair on minnows around brush structure and points. Striped bass excellent on chicken liver and worms below the dam, creek channels and main lake. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Robert S. Kerr: June 22. Elevation normal, water murky. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on Alabama rigs, bill baits, crankbaits, flukes, plastic baits and spinnerbaits around brush structure, points, riprap, shallows, shorelines, standing timber and weed beds. Blue, channel and flathead catfish good on cut bait, live bait, live shad, shad and stinkbait along channels, creek channels, flats, main lake, river channel and river mouth. Report submitted by Allen Couch, game warden stationed in Haskell County.
Texoma: June 23. Elevation normal, water 82 and stained. Crappie good on hair jigs, jigs, live bait and minnows around docks and standing timber. For crappie Boat docks most productive right now in early mornings with a pink and black jig in more clear water and orange with pepper flake for stained water. Striped and white bass excellent on live bait, live shad, slabs and topwater lures along channels, in coves and river channel. Striped bass fishing is on right now on live shad throughout the day but top water in early morning and evening for top water fishing windblown banks with visible surface feeding fish is best. Channel catfish fair on live shad and punch bait along channels, dam, main lake, points and river channel. Blue catfish caught on fresh cut bait and whole shad slow drifting points and channels will allow you to locate fish. Report submitted by Trey Hale, game warden stationed in Bryan County.
Wister: June 22. Elevation normal, water cloudy. Largemouth bass good on bill baits, buzz baits, crankbaits, plastic baits, spinnerbaits and topwater lures around brush structure, creek channels, points and shorelines. Blue catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, hot dogs, shrimp and stinkbait along channels and main lake. Crappie good on minnows and jigs around brush structure, channels and standing timber. Report submitted by Thomas Gillham, game warden stationed in LeFlore County.
Southwest
Altus-Lugert: June 24. Elevation below normal, water 75 and clear. Crappie and white bass fair on jigs around docks, points and riprap. Walleye fair on bill baits and crankbaits in the main lake and around rocks. Channel catfish fair on punch bait and worms along flats, river channel, sandbar and shallows. Report submitted by Brandon Lehrman, game warden stationed in Greer County.
Ellsworth: June 22. Elevation normal, water 84 and murky. Blue and channel catfish slow on cut bait, dough bait, punch bait and shad in the main lake and around points. Saugeye slow on bill baits, crankbaits and sassy shad along channels, main lake and points. Report submitted by Mike Carroll, game warden stationed in Comanche County.
Lawtonka: June 22. Elevation normal, water 83 and clear. Largemouth bass slow on bill baits, plastic baits and spinnerbaits in coves, around docks and shorelines. Channel catfish slow on cut bait, punch bait and shad in the main lake and around points. Report submitted by Mike Carroll, game warden stationed in Comanche County.
Tom Steed: June 26. Elevation normal, water 75. Striped bass hybrids, white bass and saugeye fair trolling crankbaits in the main lake and around points. Report submitted by David Smith, game warden stationed in Kiowa County.
Waurika: June 22. Elevation 80 and murky. White bass, striped bass hybrids and walleye fair on crankbaits and sassy shad in the main lake, around points and riprap. Blue and channel catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait and stinkbait in the main lake, around points, riprap and shorelines. Report submitted by Chris Stover, game warden stationed in Stephens County.
Written by David Deaton
June 19th Southeast Area Lake report
A service of the Oklahoma Wildlife Department
Blue River: June 19. Elevation normal, water 81 and clear. Spotted, largemouth and smallmouth bass good on crankbaits, spinnerbaits and topwater lures around brush structure and rocks. Topwater bass action is best just after dawn and before dusk. Channel catfish good on shrimp and stinkbait around brush structure, rocks and deeper pools on the edge of currents. Bluegill and green sunfish good on grubs and jigs along shallows. Report submitted by Matt Gamble, biologist at the Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area.
Broken Bow: June 14. Elevation below normal, water 87 and clear. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass good on Alabama rigs, flukes and plastic baits around brush structure, points and standing timber. Channel, blue and flathead catfish good on cut bait, live bait, punch bait and worms along channels, creek channels, points, river mouth and rocks. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Eufaula: June 15. Elevation normal, water murky. Crappie fair on minnows, jigs and hair jigs in the main lake, sandbar and standing timber. Flathead and blue catfish good on live bait, live shad and worms along rocks, shallows and shorelines. Striped bass fair on live bait, live shad, plastic baits and topwater lures below the dam and along the dam. Report submitted by Cannon Harrison, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.
Hugo: June 15. Elevation below normal, water 79 and murky. Blue, channel and flathead catfish fair on cut bait, live bait and shad below the dam, along channels, flats and river channel. Crappie slow on minnows and jigs below the dam, around brush structure and main lake. Report submitted by Andrew Potter, game warden stationed in Bryan County.
Konawa: June 14. Elevation normal, water 87 and clear. Largemouth bass excellent on crankbaits, flukes, plastic baits and topwater lures in the main lake, around points, river channel and weed beds. Striped bass hybrids and white bass good on crankbaits and live shad in coves, discharge, main lake and river channel. Channel catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait and stinkbait in coves, creek channels, discharge and riprap. Report submitted by Garret Harley, game warden stationed in Seminole County.
Lower Mountain Fork: June 15. Elevation normal, water clear. Trout good on caddis flies and small lures along creek channels, shallows and spillway. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
McGee Creek: June 15. Elevation normal, water 77 and clear. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on Alabama rigs, crankbaits and plastic baits around brush structure, creek channels and rocks. White bass and spotted bass fair on topwater lures along flats and main lake. Crappie, spotted bass and white bass fair on minnows and jigs along creek channels, river channel and standing timber. Report submitted by Jay Harvey, game warden stationed in Atoka County.
Pine Creek: June 15. Elevation below normal, water clear. Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits and spinnerbaits in coves, around points and river channel. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around brush structure. Channel catfish good 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: June 15. Elevation normal, water murky. Largemouth and spotted bass good on Alabama rigs, bill baits, crankbaits, in-line spinnerbaits, lipless baits, spinnerbaits and tube jigs around points, riprap, river channel, shallows, shorelines and weed beds. Blue, channel and flathead catfish fair on chicken liver, cut bait, dough bait, live bait, live shad and stinkbait along channels, flats and main lake. Report submitted by Allen Couch, game warden stationed in Haskell County.
Sardis: June 15. Elevation below normal, water 81. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on bill baits, crankbaits, jerk baits, plastic baits, spinnerbaits and topwater lures around brush structure, points, rocks, shorelines, standing timber and weed beds. Blue, channel and flathead catfish fair on cut bait, shad and sunfish along channels, flats, main lake and shorelines. Crappie fair on minnows, hair jigs and tube jigs around brush structure, main lake, riprap, shorelines and standing timber. Report submitted by Dane Polk, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.
Texoma: June 15. Elevation normal, water 82 and stained. Crappie good on hair jigs, jigs, live bait and minnows around docks and standing timber. Crappie fishing on boat docks is the most productive on the lake right now; early mornings seem to be the best time. Pink and Black for more clear water but orange with pepper flake is better for stained water. Striped bass excellent on live bait, live shad, slabs and topwater lures along channels, dam, main lake and river channel. Striper fishing is on right now, live shad bite is productive throughout the day but early mornings and late evening topwater action is good. For topwater fishing windblown banks with visible surface feeding fish is best. Channel catfish fair on live shad and shad below the dam, along channels, main lake, points and river channel. Blue catfish are being caught on fresh cut bait and whole shad slow drifting points and channels will allow you to locate catfish. Report submitted by Trey Hale, game warden stationed in Bryan County.
Wister: June 15. Elevation normal, water cloudy. Largemouth bass good on bill baits, buzz baits, plastic baits and spinnerbaits around brush structure, channels, in coves and points. Blue catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, shad and stinkbait good on channels and main lake. Crappie good on minnows and jigs around brush structure and channels. Report submitted by Thomas Gillham, game warden stationed in LeFlore County.
Written by David Deaton
Fishing Report for June 6, 2018
A Service of the Oklahoma Wildlife Department
Broken Bow: June 2. Elevation below normal, water 84. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass fair on Alabama rigs, crankbaits and spinnerbaits around brush structure, creek channels, points and standing timber. Channel, blue and flathead catfish good on cut bait, punch bait and worms along channels, in coves, creek channels, flats, riprap and standing timber. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Eufaula: June 1. Elevation normal, water murky. Flathead and blue catfish good on chicken liver, live bait and worms around rocks, shallows and shorelines. Striped and spotted bass good on jigs, plastic baits and topwater lures below the dam the dam and along the dam. Spotted bass fair on plastic baits, small lures and spinnerbaits in the main lake, along shorelines and standing timber. Report submitted by Cannon Harrison, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.
Hugo: June 1. Elevation normal, water 75 and murky. Blue, channel and flathead catfish good on cut bait and shad below the dam, along channels and river channel. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs below the dam, around brush structure, river channel and shorelines. Report submitted by Andrew Potter, game warden stationed in Bryan County.
Konawa: June 1. Elevation normal, water 85 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 and live bait in coves, discharge, main lake and river channel. Channel catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait and worms in coves, main lake, riprap and weed beds. Report submitted by Garret Harley, game warden stationed in Seminole County.
Lower Mountain Fork: June 1. Elevation normal, water clear. Trout good on PowerBait and small lures along creek channels and river channel. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
McGee Creek: June 1. Elevation normal, water 71 and clear. Largemouth and spotted bass good on Alabama rigs, crankbaits and jigs along flats, points and shorelines. White bass and spotted bass good on lipless baits, slabs and topwater lures along flats. Crappie, spotted bass and white bass fair on minnows and jigs along creek channels and standing timber. Report submitted by Jay Harvey, game warden stationed in Atoka County.
Pine Creek: June 1. Elevation below normal, water clear. Largemouth bass good on crankbaits, plastic baits and spinnerbaits in coves and around points. Crappie good on minnows around brush structure. Channel catfish excellent on chicken liver and worms along creek channels, main lake and spillway. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Robert S. Kerr: June 1. Elevation normal, water murky. Largemouth and spotted bass good on plastic baits and spinnerbaits around points and weed beds. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs at the river mouth and standing timber. Blue, channel and flathead catfish good on cut bait, dough bait, live bait, live shad and stinkbait along creek channels, flats, river channel and river mouth. Report submitted by Allen Couch, game warden stationed in Haskell County.
Sardis: May 30. Elevation normal, water 76. Largemouth and spotted bass on bill baits, buzz baits, crankbaits, jerk baits, jigs, plastic baits, spinnerbaits and topwater lures around brush structure, channels, creek channels, points, riprap, rocks, shorelines, standing timber and weed beds. Blue, channel and flathead catfish good on cut bait, shad and sunfish along channels, flats, main lake and shorelines. Crappie fair on minnows, jigs and tube jigs around brush structure, creek channels, shorelines and standing timber. Report submitted by Dane Polk, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.
Texoma: June 3. Elevation above normal, water 80 and semi-clear. Blue catfish good on live shad and shad below the dam, along channels, dam, river channel, river mouth and shorelines. Blue catfish have been biting best late in the evening and early morning at discharge on red river, the best bait is fresh caught shad (whole or cut). White bass good on hair jigs, live bait, live shad, sassy shad, shad, slabs and top water lures below the dam, along the dam, river channel, river mouth, shallows, shorelines and tailwater. Sein ghost minnows for best results for white bass fishing from the bank (Fobb Bottom and Washita Point ).Striped bass good on hair jigs, live shad and top water lures below the dam, along channel, creek channels, dam, main lake and river channel. Striper bite is on throughout the day on live shad but early mornings and late evenings topwater action has been good in 8-10 ft. or where surfacing schools are present. Report submitted by Trey Hale, game warden stationed in Bryan County.
Wister: June 1. Elevation normal, water cloudy. Largemouth bass good on bill baits, buzz baits, plastic baits and spinnerbaits around brush structure and channels. Blue catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait and shad along channels and main lake. Crappie good 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
Southeast Area Lake Report - May 30
A Service of the Oklahoma Wildlife Department
Broken Bow: May 25. Elevation below normal, water 84 and clear. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass good on Alabama rigs, flukes, plastic baits and spinnerbaits around brush structure, flats, points, shorelines and standing timber. Channel, blue and flathead catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, live bait, punch bait and worms along channels, in coves, creek channels and points. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Eufaula: May 25. Elevation normal, water murky. Striped bass excellent on cut bait, jerk bait and topwater lures below the dam and along the dam. Flathead and blue catfish good on cut bait, dough bait, stinkbait and worms in the main lake and along rocks. Crappie fair on jigs, live bait, minnows and tube jigs around brush structure, main lake and standing timber. Report submitted by Cannon Harrison, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.
Hugo: May 25. Elevation normal, water 72 and murky. Blue, channel and blue catfish excellent on cut bait and shad below the dam, along channels, creek channels and river channel. Crappie good on minnows and jigs below the dam, around brush structure, creek channels and shorelines. Largemouth bass fair on jerk baits, jigs and plastic baits around brush structure, in coves and shorelines. Report submitted by Andrew Potter, game warden stationed in Choctaw County.
Konawa: May 25. Elevation normal, water 86 and clear. Largemouth bass excellent on crankbaits, plastic baits and topwater lures in the main lake, around points, river channel and weed beds. Striped bass hybrids and white bass good on Alabama rigs, crankbaits and live shad in coves, discharge, main lake and river channel. Channel catfish fair on chicken liver, cut bait, stinkbait and worms in coves, creek channels, riprap and shorelines. Report submitted by Garret Harley, game warden stationed in Seminole County.
Lower Mountain Fork: May 25. Elevation normal, water clear. Trout good on caddis flies, PowerBait and small lures along channels and rocks. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Lower Mountain Fork: May 24. Stocked approximately 1,700 rainbow trout on May 24. Report submitted by April Drake, secretary at the southeast region office.
McGee Creek: May 25. Elevation normal, water 70. Largemouth and spotted bass good on buzz baits, plastic baits and topwater lures around brush structure, points and rocks. Crappie, spotted and white bass fair on minnows along creek channels, docks and standing timber. Channel catfish fair on chicken liver and stinkbait along the river channel. Report submitted by Jay Harvey, game warden stationed in Atoka County.
Pine Creek: May 25. Elevation below normal, water clear. Largemouth bass good on plastic baits and spinnerbaits in coves and around points. Crappie good on minnows around brush structure. Channel catfish good on chicken liver along creek channels and main lake. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Robert S. Kerr: May 26. Elevation normal, water murky. Largemouth and spotted bass good on Alabama rigs, bill baits, flukes, lipless baits, flukes, lipless baits, plastic baits, rogues, spinnerbaits and tube jigs around brush structure, channels, in coves, creek channels, points, riprap, shallows, shorelines and weed beds. Blue, channel and flathead catfish fair on cut bait, dough bait, live bait, live shad and stinkbait along channels, creek channels, flats, main lake, river channel and river mouth. Report submitted by Allen Couch, game warden stationed in Haskell County.
Texoma: May 25. Elevation normal, water 78 and stained. Striped and white bass excellent on live shad and topwater lures along channels, main lake and river channel. Striper fishing is great right now, live bait fishing is best early morning but the bite is on throughout the day. Searching for fish on electronics is the key when dropping live shad for striper. Early mornings and late evenings topwater fishing has been picking up ( Look for fish feeding on the surface, shad will be leaping out of the water). Blue catfish good on live bait and shad below the dam, along channels, discharge, main lake, river channel and tailwater. Cut shad and live shad are great for summer blue cats in the main lake and as well below the dam. Crappie fair on grubs, hair jigs, live bait, jigs, minnows and tube jigs around brush structure, docks, rocks and standing timber. Crappie fishing is best under docks in about 15-20 ft. of water beneath docks and under lights after sunset. Report submitted by Trey Hale, game warden stationed in Bryan County.
Wister: May 25. Elevation normal, water cloudy. Largemouth bass good on bill baits and plastic baits around brush structure and points. Blue catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait and shad along channels and main lake. Crappie good on minnows and jigs around brush structure and standing timber. Report submitted by Thomas Gillham, game warden stationed in LeFlore County.
Written by David Deaton
Bat Watch Registration Opens May 29
A service of the Oklahoma Wildlife Department
Registration for the popular Selman Bat Watches, hosted by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, will open May 29.
The weekend watches will be held at the Selman Bat Cave WMA, where Mexican free-tailed bats congregate each summer to give birth. Each night the bats leave the cave to hunt for flying insects, forming a ribbon over Bat Watch participants.
“Eight watches will be offered this year, beginning Friday, July 6,” said Melynda Hickman, bat watch coordinator and wildlife biologist with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. “The nightly emergence typically lasts just over one hour, and is incredible to watch.”
Admission to the Selman Bat Watch is $14 for adults and $8 for children. Children must be 8 or older to attend a watch.
Hopeful viewers must print, complete and mail their registration form to the Selman Bat Watch c/o Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, P.O. Box 53465, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73152 between May 29 and June 8, 2018. Only mailed registration forms postmarked on or before June 8 will be accepted. Successful registrants will receive email confirmation on June 13 and an information packet in the mail.
Families or groups should send one registration form.
The Wildlife Department purchased the Selman Bat Cave in 1995 in an effort to conserve one of the four known maternity caves in Oklahoma and to increase public appreciation of Mexican free-tailed bats and other bat species.
Written by David Deaton
Fishing Report for May 23, 2018
A service of the Oklahoma Wildlife Departement
Southeast
Arbuckle: May 19. Elevation ½ ft. above normal, water 69 and stained. Largemouth bass good on plastics, shakey head, and topwater. Smallmouth bass slow on jerkbaits off points. White bass good near flats trolling. Crappie good on brush piles. Report submitted by Jack Melton.
Blue River: May 22. Elevation normal, water 76 and clear. Largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass biting good on crankbaits, spinnerbaits and topwater around brush structure, rocks and the shoreline. Channel Catfish good on Chicken LIver, Minnows and Stinkbait around Brush Structure, Rocks, and Deeper pools behind breaks in current. Bluegill, Green and Redear Sunfish biting good on Crickets and Worms in the shallows and shorelines. Trout are still present but warmer water makes them a difficult target. Report submitted by Matt Gamble.
Broken Bow: May 18. Elevation below average, water 83. Largemouth bass good on flukes, plastics, and spinnerbaits along brush structure, points, shallows, and standing timber. Crappie fair on grubs, jigs, and minnows along brush structure and standing timber. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Eufaula: May 18. Elevation normal, water murky. Striped bass and blue catfish excellent on cut bait, live bait, live shad, small lures, and topwater below and around the dam. Crappie good on grasshoppers, jigs, minnows, and tube jigs around coves, creek channels, docks, rocks, and shorelines. White bass excellent on jigs, plastics, and small lures below the dam and on main lake. Report submitted by Cannon Harrison, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.
Hugo: May 18. Elevation normal, water 70 and murky. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish excellent on cut bait and shad below the dam and around channels. Crappie good on jigs and minnows below the dam and around brush structure, creek channels, and shorelines. Report submitted by Andrew Potter, game warden stationed in Choctaw County.
Konawa: May 17. Elevation normal, water 84 and clear. Largemouth bass excellent on crankbaits, lipless baits, and plastics along main lake, points, river mouth, and weed beds. Striped bass hybrids and white bass good on Alabama rig, crankbaits, and live shad along coves, discharge, main lake, and river channel. Channel catfish fair on chicken liver, cut bait, and stinkbait along coves, channels, inlets, and riprap. Report submitted by Garret Harley, game warden stationed in Seminole County.
Lower Mountain Fork: May 18. Elevation normal, water clear. Rainbow trout good on powerbait, small lures, and small, silver rooster tails below the dam and along creek channels. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
McGee Creek: May 19. Elevation above average, water 71 and stained. Crappie and spotted bass good on minnows and around standing timber. Largemouth and spotted bass good on plastics and spinnerbaits around brush structure, coves, and shallows. Report submitted by Jay Harvey, game warden stationed in Atoka County.
Pine Creek: May 18. Elevation below average, water clear. Largemouth bass good on plastics and spinnerbaits along points and shallows. Crappie excellent on jigs and minnows along shallows. Channel catfish good on chicken liver and punch bait along creek channels and shorelines. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Robert S. Kerr: May 18. Elevation normal, water murky. Largemouth and spotted bass good on Alabama rigs, bill baits, jerk baits, lipless baits, plastics, rogues, and spinnerbaits along brush structure, channels, coves, points, riprap, shorelines, and weed beds. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish fair on chicken liver, cut bait, dough bait, live bait, live shad, punch bait, and stinkbait along channels, flats, main lake, river channel, and river mouth. Crappie fair on hair jigs, jigs, minnows, and plastics along creek channels, river channels, river mouth, shallows, and weed beds. Report submitted by Allen Couch, game warden stationed in Haskell County.
Sardis: May 17. Elevation normal, water 71. Largemouth and spotted bass good on crankbaits, jerkbaits, jigs, lipless baits, plastics, spinnerbaits, and topwater around brush structure, points, riprap, rocks, shorelines, standing timber, and weed beds. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish fair on cut bait, shad, and sunfish along channels, flats, main lake, rocks, and shorelines. Crappie fair on hair jigs, minnows, and tube jigs along brush structure, rocks, shorelines, standing timber, and weed beds. Report submitted by Dane Polk, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.
Texoma: May 18. Elevation normal, water 80 and stained. Crappie good on jigs, live bait. Minnows, and tube jigs around brush structure, docks, and riprap. White and striped bass good on Alabama rig, live bait, live shad, sassy shad, shad, slabs, and top water along channels, main lake, points, and shorelines. Channel catfish good on chicken liver, powerbait, punch bait, and shad below the dam, along channels, coves, main lake, river channels, and tailwater. Report submitted by Trey Hale, game warden stationed in Bryan County.
Wister: May 18. Elevation normal, water cloudy. Largemouth bass good on bill baits, plastics, and spinnerbaits around brush structure, points, and shorelines. Blue catfish good on cut bait, punch bait, and shad around channels and main lake. Crappie good on jigs and minnows around brush structure, channels, and standing timber. Report submitted by Thomas Gillham, game warden stationed in LeFlore County.
Written by David Deaton
Fishing Report for May 16, 2018
A service of the Oklahoma Wildlife Department
Southeast Area Lakes
Arbuckle: May 15. Elevation normal, water 73-76 and clear. Largemouth bass good on soft plastic baits, some being caught early on topwater. Smallmouth bass slow on swim baits and crankbaits. Spotted bass good on shakey head worms along rocks. Crappie slow around brush piles in deep water. White bass good near flats. Report submitted by Jack Melton.
Blue River: May 14. Elevation normal, water 74 and clear. Channel catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait and stinkbait around brush structure, channels and below riffles and obstructions in current in deep water. Spotted, largemouth and smallmouth bass good on crankbaits, in-line spinnerbaits and spinnerbaits around brush structure, rocks and shorelines. Trout fair on caddis flies and in-line spinnerbaits along channels, and deeper pools just off current. Rainbow trout are still present in deeper water. Report submitted by Matt Gamble, biologist at the Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area.
Broken Bow: May 11. Elevation normal, water 64. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass good on buzz baits, crankbaits, flukes and plastic baits around brush structure, flats, points, shallows and shorelines. Channel, blue and flathead catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, punch bait and stinkbait along channels, points, river channel and river mouth. Crappie good on minnows and jigs around brush structure and standing timber. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Eufaula: May 11. Elevation normal, water murky. White bass excellent on jigs, live bait, spinnerbaits, spoons and tube jigs in coves, creek channels, dam, river channel and tailwater. Crappie excellent on hair jigs, jigs and tube jigs in coves, creek channels and sandbar. Report submitted by Cannon Harrison, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.
Hugo: May 11. Elevation normal, water 62 and murky. Blue, channel and flathead catfish good on cut bait, live bait and shad below the dam, along channels and river channel. Crappie good on minnows and jigs below the dam, around brush structure and shorelines. Report submitted by Andrew Potter, game warden stationed in Bryan County.
Konawa: May 11. Elevation normal, water 76 and clear. Largemouth bass excellent on crankbaits, lipless baits and plastic baits in the main lake, around points and weed beds. Striped bass hybrids and white bass good on Alabama rigs, crankbaits and live shad in coves, main lake and river channel. Channel catfish fair on chicken liver, cut bait and stinkbait in coves, creek channels, discharge and riprap. Report submitted by Garret Harley, game warden stationed in Seminole County.
Lower Mountain Fork: May 11. Elevation normal, water clear. Trout good on small lures and rooster tails along creek channels. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Lower Mountain Fork: May 10. Stocked approximately 3,100 rainbow trout on May 10. Report submitted by April Drake, secretary at the southeast region office.
McGee Creek: May 11. Elevation above normal, water 67. Largemouth and spotted bass good on flukes, jerk baits and spinnerbaits around brush structure, points and shorelines. Crappie and white bass good on minnows around brush structure, rocks and shorelines. Report submitted by Jay Harvey, game warden stationed in Atoka County.
Pine Creek: May 11. Elevation below normal, water 66 and clear. Largemouth bass good on crankbaits and spinnerbaits in coves and shallows. Crappie excellent on minnows along shallows. Channel catfish good on chicken liver along channels and in coves. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Robert S. Kerr: May 11. Elevation normal, water murky. Largemouth and spotted bass good on Alabama rigs, bill baits, crankbaits, lipless baits, spinnerbaits and tube jigs along channels, in coves, creek channels, points, riprap and shorelines. Crappie good on hair jigs, jigs, minnows and tube jigs along channels, creek channels, river mouth, shallows, standing timber and weed beds. Blue, channel and flathead catfish fair on cut bait, dough bait, live bait, live shad and shad along creek channels, flats, inlet, river channel and river mouth. Report submitted by Allen Couch, game warden stationed in Haskell County.
Sardis: May 11. Elevation normal, water 69. Largemouth and spotted bass good on crankbaits, jerk baits, plastic baits, spinnerbaits and tube jigs around brush structure, points, riprap, rocks, shorelines, standing timber and weed beds. Blue, channel and flathead catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, live bait, live shad, shad and sunfish along flats, main lake, rocks and shorelines. Crappie good on hair jigs, minnows and tube jigs around brush structure, points, rocks, shorelines, standing timber and weed beds. Report submitted by Dane Polk, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.
Texoma: May 12. Elevation normal, water 63 and muddy. Striped and white bass good on Alabama rigs, flukes, live shad and sassy shad along channels, creek channels, main lake, points and river channel. Striper fishing has picked up greatly, while the larger fish seem to be not as present, the numbers of fish are great, most being under 20" mark. Crappie good on hair jigs, jigs, minnows and tube jigs around brush structure, in coves, creek channels, docks, riprap, rocks, shorelines and standing timber. Crappie spawn is beginning to slow down but fish are still being caught on the shorelines near rocks and brush structure. Jigs and minnows paired with a cork is the most effective way to catch crappie from the bank (Hint: Muddy water = Dark colored jigs). Blue and channel catfish good on chicken liver, live bait, live shad and shad below the dam, along channels, in coves, creek channels, main lake and river channel. Catfishing the main lake is good on cut shad with rod and reel as well as jug lining. Below the Denison Dam fishing is good when water flow is present. The past week Below the Dam has produced multiple Blue Cats over the 30 lb. mark. (Cut Bait and Liver). Report submitted by Trey Hale, game warden stationed in Bryan County.
Wister: May 11. Elevation normal, water cloudy. Largemouth bass good on bill baits, plastic baits and spinnerbaits around points and shorelines. Blue catfish good on cut bait, shad and stinkbait along channels, main lake and standing timber. Crappie good on minnows and jigs around brush structure, shorelines and standing timber. Report submitted by Thomas Gillham, game warden stationed in LeFlore County.
Written by David Deaton
Avoid Interfering With Young Wildlife; "Help" Usually Hurts
Press release
The best thing you can do for young wildlife is to keep young wildlife wild.
Springtime is when people begin to see a variety of newborn and young animals. Newborn rabbits, squirrels, deer and birds easily appeal to most people’s sense of care and compassion. People often think these baby animals are “so cute” and imagine that they must be lost or abandoned.
Usually that is not the case.
“Chances are an adult animal is nearby and is simply waiting on you to move away so they can take care of their young,” said Mark Howery, natural resource biologist with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.
In most cases, people should not interfere with young wildlife.
In Oklahoma, most fawns are born in May and June. And that’s when people begin seeing the young animals.
Game Warden Brayden Hicks, based in Caddo County, said he has taken several calls from the public asking him to rescue a fawn found near a home. “I tell them don’t touch the fawn, and don’t try to feed it. Normally the momma is around, and she’s left her fawn on purpose so she can go feed.”
The doe leaves the fawn because it must maintain good nutrition to produce milk. Also, the doe will often leave a fawn in a safe place, such as near a house or where people can easily see them, because those are places where predators might be less likely to visit.
Also, the doe will stay away from its fawn so the doe’s scent will not attract predators. But the doe will normally return several times during the day to nurse its fawn.
Howery said springtime storms can easily blow young birds and squirrels out of their nests. Even though they may appear to be alone and distressed or in need of help, a mature animal will often find and care for them.
It can actually be more stressful on young wildlife when people try to help. People who take in wildlife and attempt to raise and release those animals are actually doing them no favors. The animals will lose their instinctual fear of people and begin to bond with and depend on people to survive. If returned to nature later, these animals will have no idea how to feed or what dangers to avoid. And the young animal could even die from the stress of being handled.
"It's admirable when well-meaning sportsmen and outdoor enthusiasts want to help, but sometimes the best help we can offer young wildlife is to leave them alone and let nature run its course," Howery said.
In rare cases, an animal might actually need help, such as when it is injured or seriously ill. That is when the public might choose to call a wildlife rehabilitator.
A list of rehabilitators by county is at www.wildlifedepartment.com/law/rehabilitator-list