Whatzup Outdoors

Whatzup Outdoors (164)

Quail, Dove Focus for Field Day Sept. 8

Press Release

Landowners can improve game bird populations on their land when they employ management techniques that have proven successful for that purpose.

To help landowners make a positive difference, the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation will host a Quail and Dove Management Field Day next month, and signup is under way now.

The event will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 8 at the headquarters of Cross Timbers Wildlife Management Area in south-central Oklahoma. Lunch will be provided to participants who register by Aug. 31.

Partners for the field day are the Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service and Quail Forever.

Dove management seminar topics will include field manipulation and food resources. Quail management topics will include information about grazing, burning, habitat and brush management with an equipment demonstration.
Admission is free. To register, send e-mail to

Directions: From Marietta, go west 14.5 miles on State Highway 32, then north 1.4 miles on Stockton Road to the Cross Timbers headquarters on the east side of the road. Signs will be posted.

Written by David Deaton

SOUTHEAST AREA FISHING REPORT FOR AUGUST 9

A service of the Oklahoma Wildlife Department

Arbuckle: August 5. Elevation normal, water 87 and clear. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass biting fair on crankbaits, jigs, flukes and spinnerbaits around brush structure, shorelines, main lake and rocks. Crappie slow on jigs and minnows around brush structures, docks, creek channels and docks. Bluegill, green and redear sunfish good on worms and fly rod with black ant in coves and main lake. Report submitted by Jack Melton.

Blue River: August 8. Elevation normal, water 76 and clear. Smallmouth, largemouth and spotted bass good on crankbaits, sassy shad and topwater lures in brush structure, off rocks, along shorelines and top water best at dawn and dusk in slack water. Channel catfish good on chicken liver, punch bait and stinkbait. In brush structure, off rocks, sandbars and deeper pools below obstructions in current. Green, bluegill and redear sunfish excellent on crickets, grubs and small lures in shallows and along shorelines. Submitted by Matt Gamble, biologist at the Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area.

Broken Bow: August 6. Elevation below normal, water 83. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass fair on crankbaits and plastic baits around brush structure, points, main lake and standing timber. Crappie fair on jigs, tube jigs and minnows around brush structure and standing timber. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.

Eufaula: August 6. Elevation normal, water murky. White bass, striped bass and striped bass hybrids fair on live shad below the dam. Blue, channel and flathead catfish good on cut bait and live bait in main lake, below the dam and along the river channel. Crappie fair on jigs around brush structures. Report submitted by Terry Springwater, game warden stationed in Garvin County.

Hugo: August 6. Elevation normal, water 84. Blue catfish fair on shad below the dam. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows in creek channels, river channels and standing timber. Report submitted by Jay Harvey, game warden stationed in Choctaw County.

Konawa: August 7. Elevation normal, water 94 and clear. Largemouth bass slow on crankbaits, jigs, plastics and topwater lures in main lake, around points, the river channels and weed beds. Striped bass hybrids and white bass fair on crankbaits, live shad and spoons in coves, inlet, main lake and river mouth. Channel catfish fair on chicken liver, cut bait, dough bait and shad in coves, inlet and riprap. Report submitted by Garret Harley, game warden stationed in Seminole County.

Lower Mountain Fork: August 6. Elevation normal, water clear. Rainbow trout good on plastics, small lures, tube jigs and worms in the creek channels, rocks and spillway. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in Mccurtain County.

McGee Creek: August 6. Elevation above normal, water 75 and clear. Crappie good on jigs and minnows around brush structure and close to creek channels. Largemouth and spotted bass slow on plastic baits around submerged humps and min lake. Channel and flathead catfish fair on sunfish along riprap and around rocks. Report submitted by Larry Luman, game warden stationed in Atoka County.

Murray: August 7. Elevation normal, water 80 and clear. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass slow on flukes, jerk bait, plastics, sassy shad and topwater lures in brush structures points, riprap, rocks and weed beds. Channel catfish fair on punch bait, shad and shrimp in ceer channels, docks, flats, river channels and rocks. Bluegill, redear and green sunfish biting on jigs, minnows, tube jigs and worms in docks, rocks, shallows and weed beds. Report submitted by Jeremy Brothers, game warden stationed in Carter County.

Pine Creek: August 6. Elevation rising, water clear. Largemouth bass good on buzz baits and topwater lures around coves. Crappie excellent on jigs in standing timber. Channel catfish fair on cut bait, punch bait and worms in creek channels, coves, river channel and main lake. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.

Robert S. Kerr: August 6. Elevation normal, water 87 and stained. Largemouth bass good on jigs, plastics and spinnerbaits around points, riprap and main lake. Channel catfish fair on shad along flats and rocks. Crappie slow on minnows in standing timber. Report submitted by J.D. Stauffer, game warden stationed in Haskell County.

Sardis: August 5. Elevation normal, water 88. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on crankbaits, spinnerbaits, plastic baits, rogues, buzzbaits and topwater lures around brush structure, points, riprap, shorelines, standing timber and weed beds. Channel, blue and flathead catfish fair on cut bait, shad and sunfish in the main lake, channels and shoreline. Crappie fair on jigs, minnows, hair jigs and tube jigs around bush structure and tailwaters. Report submitted by Dane Polk, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.

Texoma: August 7. Elevation rising, water murky. Striped bass hybrids and white bass good on flukes, hair jigs and live shad in coves, points, spillway and below the dam. Blue and flathead catfish fair on chicken liver, shad, cut bait and sunfish in riprap, points, main lake, channels and below the dam. Largemouth bass good on crankbaits, plastics and spinnerbaits in main lake, points and rocks. Report submitted by Cody Jones, game warden stationed in Mcintosh County.

Wister: August 6. Elevation above normal, water 85 and stained. Largemouth biting fair on jigs, plastics and topwater around brush structures, main lake, points and the river channel. Blue and channel catfish fair on cut bait, punch bait and grasshoppers in the main lake and flats. Crappie fair on minnows and tube jigs around brush structures, main lake, creek channels and river channel. Report submitted by James Williams, game warden stationed in Leflore County.

Written by David Deaton

Applications Due by Aug. 15 for Youth Private Land Antlerless Deer Hunts

A service of the Oklahoma Wildlife Department

Beginning deer hunters have a unique opportunity to participate in one of two bonus antlerless deer hunts that will take place on private lands in Love County (Oct. 20, 2017, orientation on Oct. 19, 2017) and Ellis County (Oct. 27-28, 2017).

This year, 35 youths will be selected to receive one of the bonus private lands antlerless deer gun permits. To be eligible, youths must have completed the hunter education requirements prior to applying and must be 12-17 years old at the time of their scheduled hunt.

"These hunts are on private property and should provide young hunters a great opportunity to see some deer as well as a chance to potentially harvest a doe," said Bill Dinkines, Assistant Chief of Wildlife for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.

"The Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission has endorsed the youth hunt program, and we are thankful for the landowners' willingness to allow these kids the opportunity to hunt on their property."

To apply for a hunt, applicants must fill out an application no later than 4:30 p.m. Aug. 15, 2017, at www.wildlifedepartment.com with the following information:
• Hunter's first and last name.
• Date of birth.
• Mailing address.
• Telephone number.
• Hunter education certification number.
• Lifetime license number, if applicable.
• Accompanying adult* first and last name.
• List of hunts by order of preference.**
*Each youth participating in this hunt must have an adult (licensed or unlicensed) who is at least 21 years of age accompanying them on the hunt.
**List the hunt(s) you wish to apply for by order of preference (Please do not list any hunt that you are not interested in or that you know in advance you cannot attend.)

Antlerless deer taken by selected applicants during these hunts will be considered a "bonus deer" and will not count toward the hunter's statewide season limit.

Applicants whose names are successfully drawn will receive a notification letter in the mail that includes specific information about their hunt and the deadline for buying the required license(s) as listed here:

Resident Options, Ages 12-15:
• Lifetime Hunting or Lifetime Combination License OR ...
• $10 Controlled Hunts Private Land Youth Deer License.***
Resident Options, Ages 16-17:
• Lifetime Hunting or Lifetime Combination License OR ...
• Resident Youth Annual Hunting License + $10 Controlled Hunts Private Land Youth Deer License*** OR ...
• Resident Youth Fiscal Year Hunting License + $10 Controlled Hunts Private Land Youth Deer License*** OR ...
• Resident Youth Fiscal Year Combination License + $10 Controlled Hunts Private Land Youth Deer License.***
Non-Resident Options, Ages 12-17:
• $201 Controlled Hunts Nonresident Private Land Youth Deer License.***

***NOTE: The $10 Resident or the $201 Nonresident Controlled Hunts Private Land Youth Deer Hunt Licenses will be issued in lieu of the open season license and must be purchased through the Wildlife Department's Headquarters Office, 2145 N.E. 36th St. in Oklahoma City. No Apprentice Licenses will be allowed due to the hunter education requirement.

If you have any questions before applying, please call Kyle Johnson at (405) 590-2584.

The mission of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation is the management, protection, and enhancement of wildlife resources and habitat for the scientific, educational, recreational, aesthetic, and economic benefits to present and future generations of citizens and visitors to Oklahoma.

Written by David Deaton

SOUTHEAST AREA LAKES FISHING REPORT FOR JULY 26

A Service of the Oklahoma Wildlife Department

Arbuckle: July 22. Elevation normal, water 88 and stained. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass fair on Alabama rig, jigs, plastics, and 7-inch power worms in blue fleck around brush structure, creek channels, in the main lake and off riprap. White bass slow on jigs, lipless baits, sassy shad and spoons in the main lake and off points. Crappie and green sunfish slow on jigs and minnows in brush structure, at docks and in the main lake. Report submitted by Jack Melton.

Broken Bow: July 23. Elevation below normal, water 83 and clear. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass fair on Alabama rig, plastic baits and spoons in brush structure and off points. Crappie good on jigs and minnows in brush structure and standing timber. Channel, blue and flathead catfish good on chicken liver, cut bait, punch bait and worms in creek channels and river channels. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.

Eufaula: July 23. Elevation normal, water murky. Striped bass hybrids, striped bass and white bass good on live shad and sassy shad below the dam. Blue, channel and flathead catfish good on crawfish, cut bait and shad in the main lake and river channel. Crappie good on minnows and jigs around brush structure and docks. Report submitted by Terry Springwater, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.

Hugo: July 23. Elevation 2 ft. above normal, water 83. Blue and channel catfish fair on cut bait and shad below the dam. Crappie slow on minnows along creek channels and standing timber. Report submitted by Jay Harvey, game warden stationed in Choctaw County.

Konawa: July 24. Elevation normal, water 94 and clear. Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits, plastics and topwater lures in main lake, around points, river channel and weed beds. Striped bass hybrids and white bass fair on crankbaits, live shad and spoons along inlets, main lake, points and river channel. Report submitted by Garret Harley, game warden in Seminole County.

LowerMountainFork: July 23. Elevation normal, water clear. Trout excellent on PowerBait, small lures and tube jigs along the spillway. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.

McGeeCreek: July 23. Elevation 1 ft. above normal, water 85 and clear. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on plastic baits around brush structure, rocks and standing timber. Crappie fair on minnows around brush structure. Crappie fair on minnows around brush structure. Channel and flathead catfish fair on sunfish along riprap. Report submitted by Larry Luman, game warden stationed in Atoka County.

Murray: July 24. Elevation normal, water 81 and clear. Largemouth and smallmouth bass slow on crankbaits, flukes, plastics, sassy shad and topwater lures around brush structures, docks, points, rocks, standing timber and weed beds. Bluegill, redear, green sunfish and crappie fair on jigs, minnows and worms in docks, shallows, standing timber and weed beds. White bass bitting crankbaits, hair jigs, jigs, and sassy shad in creek channels, main lake and points. Report submitted by Jeremy Brothers, game warden Stationed in Carter County.

Pine Creek: July 23. Elevation normal, water clear. Largemouth bass good on flukes, jerk baits, topwater lures and worms in the main lake. Crappie good on jigs around brush structure and channels. Channel catfish good on cut bait and worms along creek channels and in the main lake. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.

Robert S. Kerr: July 23. Elevation normal, water clear. Crappie excellent on minnows in river channel and at bridges. Largemouth bass good on jigs, topwater lures and frogs off flats, standing timber and weed beds. Channel catfish fair on live shad and punch bait off rocks and sand bars. Report submitted by J.D. Stauffer, game warden stationed in Haskell County.

Sardis: July 20. Elevation normal, water 85. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on bill baits, buzz baits, plastics, spinnerbaits and tube jigs around brush structure, off points, rocks, along shorelines, standing timber and in weed beds. Blue, channel and flathead catfish fair on cut bait, live bait, live shad, shad and sunfish in channels, the main lake, off riprap, rocks and along shorelines. Crappie fair on jigs, minnows and tube jigs on brush structure and standing timber. Report submitted by Dane Polk, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.

Texoma: July 24. Elevation normal, water murky. Striped bass good on hair jigs, live shad and topwater lures in coves, around points and riprap. Blue catfish fair on cut bait and live shad below the dam, around points, riprap and river mouth. Crappie fair in jigs and minnows, around brush and coves. Report submitted by Cody Jones, game warden stationed in Bryan County.

Wister: July 23. Elevation above normal, water 95 and stained. Largemouth bass fair on jigs, plastic baits, spinnerbaits and worms in brush structure, creek channels, the main lake, off points and river channel. Blue and channel catfish good on cut bait and grasshoppers off flats and in the main lake. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows on brush structure, in the main lake and river channel. Report submitted by James Williams, game warden stationed in LeFlore County.

Written by David Deaton

Landowners Can Earn Payments for Outdoor Recreation Access

According to a press release from the Oklahoma Wildlife Department, Oklahoma landowners looking for some extra income are encouraged to sign up for the new Oklahoma Land Access Program from the Department of Wildlife Conservation. The new program will use more than $2 million in federal grant money to increase public hunting and fishing opportunities in exchange for incentive payments to private landowners.

"We're signing up landowners now," said wildlife biologist Jeff Tibbits, OLAP coordinator for the Wildlife Department. "We've really made it flexible, and we pay competitive rates."

While OLAP is new to Oklahoma, similar public access programs are operating successfully in more than 30 states. "There are millions of acres across the country that are enrolled in these programs," Tibbits said.

The program is ideal for landowners throughout the state and especially for absentee landowners and landowners enrolled in conservation programs. "If land is set aside anyway for CRP, they might as well get another check for it," he said.

OLAP enrollees will realize several benefits:
• They can choose from various types and durations of public access.
• Increased law enforcement patrol by state Game Wardens.
• Property signs and maps provided by OLAP, and physical marking of the OLAP area boundaries.
• Ability to temporarily deny access when it adversely affects farming or ranching activities.

But perhaps the best benefit of becoming an OLAP enrollee is the satisfaction of knowing that you are providing sportsmen and sportswomen with places to enjoy the outdoors while helping to preserve our nation's hunting and fishing heritage.

'There are plenty of kids out there who probably would never get to experience the joys of hunting and fishing simply because their parents don't have places nearby to take them," Tibbits said.

Enrollees choose among several public access options in the categories of walk-in hunting, walk-in fishing, stream access and wildlife viewing. Compensation is variable per acre based on the options selected and the property location. Additional payments have been pledged by Oklahoma Pheasants Forever/Quail Forever if farmers choose to leave standing crops or delay harvest.

OLAP is scheduled to launch with the opening of dove hunting season Sept. 1, 2017. People using OLAP areas are responsible for knowing and understanding the rules of the program and of each property. They also must follow the OLAP Code of Conduct. Digital maps will be available, along with a section on the Department's website at wildlifedepartment.com/olap and published rules in the current Oklahoma Hunting & Fishing Regulations Guide.

OLAP is made possible by a Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program grant provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

For more details and to sign up, contact Tibbits, (405) 535-7382, ; or OLAP technician Kasie Joyner, (405) 535-5681, .

Written by David Deaton

SOUTHEAST AREA LAKES FISHING REPORT FOR JULY 19TH

A service of the Oklahoma Wildlife Department

Arbuckle: Lake elevation below normal with 83 degree stained to clear water. Bass, Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and spotted bass biting good on crankbaits, hair jigs, jigs, spoons and worms around brush structure and Creek Channels. White bass action is slow biting on jigs minnows and lot of little crappie 10'' around brush structure in the main lake. Submitted by Jack Melton.

Blue River: Lake elevation is normal with 78 degree clear water. Spotted Bass Largemouth Bass and Smallmouth Bass biting good on Crankbaits and topwater in the shallows and shallow sandbars. Topwater for bass being best right after sunrise and right before sunset. Channel Catfish biting good on Chicken liver and stinkbait around points, sandbars and deeper pools around eddys. Flathead Catfish Biting Fair on Life bait in deeper pools. Submitted by Matt Gamble Fisheries Biologist.

Broken Bow: Lake elevation is below average, water temperature at 79 degrees. Largemouth, smallmouth, spotted bass biting fair on Alabama rig, plastic and spoons around brush structure and standing timber. White Crappie biting fair on jigs and minnows around brush structure and standing timber. Submitted by Dru Polk Game Warden stationed in Mccurtain County.

Durant: Lake elevation Normal with clear water. Largemouth Bass biting slow on crankbaits, flukes and lipless baits around brush structure, channels,main lake and standing timber. Black Crappie slow on minnows and tube jigs around brush structure, maine lake and standing timber. Submitted by Michael Ward.

Eufaula: Lake elevation Normal with normal murky water. White, striped and hybrid bass biting good on live shad and sassy shad in main lake and river channel. Blue, channel, and flathead catfish biting good on cut bait and shad in main lake and river channel. White and Black crappie biting good on minnows around docks and standing timber. Submitted by Game Warden Terry Springwater stationed in Garvin County.

Hugo: Lake elevation above average with a water temperature at 82 degrees. Blue and channel catfish biting good on cut bait, live bait and shad below the dam. Largemouth and spotted bass biting fair on buzz baits plastics and spinnerbaits around brush structure creek channels and in the shallows. Submitted by Jay Harvey Game Warden, stationed in Choctaw County.

Konawa: Lake elevation is normal with water 87 degrees and clear. Largemouth biting fair on buzzbaits, crankbaits, flukes, plastics and topwater in main lake, points, river channels and weed beds. White bass and hybrids biting good on crankbaits, live shad and spoons in coves, main lakes, points and river channels. Channel Catfish biting fair on chicken liver and cut bait around channels, coves, main lake and riprap. Submitted by Garret Harley.

Lower Mountain Fork: Lake elevation is normal with clear water. Rainbow Trout biting good on powerbait, small lures and worms below the dam and in spillway. Submitted by Mark Hannah Game Warden in McCurtain County.

McGee Creek: Lake elevation above average water temperature 84 degrees and clear. White Crappie biting excellent on minnows around brush structure. Largemouth and spotted bass biting fair on plastic around brush structure, main lake, rocks , standing timber and weed beds. Channel and flathead Catfish biting fair on sunfish in river channel and around rocks. Submitted by Larry Luman Game Warden, Atoka County.

Murray: Lake elevation is normal with 80 degree clear water. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass biting slow on alabama rigs, crankbaits, flukes, plastics sassy shad and topwater in main lake points and weed beds. Channel catfish Biting fair on chicken liver, cut bait, minnow, shad,shrimp and worms in channels, coves riprap and rocks. Bluegill, green and redear sunfish biting good on jigs, tube jigs and worms around docks, rocks and weed beds. Submitted by Jeremy Brothers Game Warden, Carter County.

Pine Creek: Lake elevation above average with clear water. Largemouth bass biting good on plastics, spinnerbaits and topwater around brush structure and points. Black crappie biting good on jigs around brush structure. Channel catfish biting good on cut bait in creek channels and main lake. Submitted by Mark Hannah Game Warden in McCurtain County.

Robert S. Kerr: Lake elevation normal with stained water. Largemouth are biting excellent on jigs and spinners around brush structures, shallows and standing timber. Blue Catfish Fair on minnows and jigs around creek channels and riprap. White Crappie biting fair on jigs and minnows in creek channels and around riprap. Submitted by J.D. stauffer Game Warden, in Haskell County.

Sardis: Lake elevation above average with water temperature 82 degrees-14". Largemouth and spotted bass biting on crankbaits, inline spinners, jigs, plastics and top water around brush structure, points, riprap, shorelines, standing timber and weed beds. Channel, Blue and Flathead catfish biting good on cut bait, live bait live shad and sunfish in the main lake, rocks and shoreline. White crappie biting fair on hair jigs, minnows and tube jigs around bush structure and standing timber. Submitted by Dane Polk Game Warden, in Pushmataha Counties.

Texoma: Lake elevation is normal with stained water. Largemouth and smallmouth bass biting good on crankbaits, plastics and spinnerbaits around coves and points. Striper and white bass biting fair on flukes, hair jigs, shad and top water below the dam, on points, riprap and river mouth. Blue and channel catfish biting fair on chicken liver, cut baits, live shad, sunfish and worms below the dam, on points, riprap and in the river mouth. Submitted by Cody Jones Game Warden, in Mclntosh County.

Wister: Lake elevation above average with 90 degree stained water. Largemouth biting slow on jigs, plastics, spinnerbaits, and worms around brush structures, main lake, points and the river channel. Blue and channel catfish biting fair on cut bait and grasshoppers in the main lake. White crappie biting fair on minnows and jigs around brush structures, main lake and river channel. Submitted by James Williams Game Warden, in Leflore County.

Written by David Deaton

MAY THE COURSE BE WITH YOU

Press Release

Run, walk or crawl to the fifth annual Brave the Mud Run. It is set for Saturday, August 19, 8:00 am, at the Leflore County Fairgrounds.

Brave the Mud Run is the only local mud run that benefits the Women’s Crisis Services and it’s the only fundraiser they host each year. The monies raised stay in the community and is used to at the shelter to purchase things like Christmas and birthday gifts for women and children, new beds and bedding, appliances and everyday necessities.

“WCS provides nearly half a million dollars in yearly contract services to assist local women and children,” stated Deanna Chancellor, Executive Director of the Women’s Crisis Services. “The community and has really gotten behind this event year after year whether it be participants or sponsorships and we appreciate it now more than ever with all the state budget cuts,” Chancellor went on to say.

As always, the mud run will start and end at the Leflore County fairgrounds. Mudders will encounter some favorite obstacles like the Barn Burner and some new ones as well. Every participant earns a custom finisher’s medal. This event is also professionally chip-timed. Awards will be given for overall finishers, age divisions for individuals and teams and the best Star Wars costumes for teams and individuals.

After consulting with the timing company and many past race participants, the mud run committee if offering options to sign up for wave start times. The 8:00 am start time is suggested for the competitive runners, 8:15 am is for the somewhat competitive, 8:30 am for sort-of competitive, and 8:45 am start time is for the fun lovin’ racers.

To guarantee your shirt size sign up by August 1. Race fees are $45 per person individually or $40 per team member for teams of three or more. Registration forms can be found on the Brave the Mud Run Facebook page or participants can register online at www.runsignup.com/Race/OK/Poteau/BravetheMudRun

The race committee has also added another event on Friday, August 18 to help bring more awareness to the community about the shelter and domestic and sexual abuse. It is a Walk A Mile in Her Shoes® event to be held in downtown Poteau from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm. There is no charge for this event, but the committee is needed donations of high heels size 7 or larger and men to walk a mile in high heels. There will be free food and music. Mud run participants can pick up their packets at this time.

Contact Glenda Wise, 918.839.4785 or for more information. Organizers also encourage you to watch their Facebook page, Brave the Mud Run, for information regarding the events.

Grab your lightsaber and get signed up today!

Written by David Deaton

SOUTHEAST AREA FISHING REPORT FOR JULY 5TH

A service of the Oklahoma Wildlife Department

Arbuckle: July 2. Elevation normal, water 83 and clearing. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass fair on Alabama rigs, crankbaits, jigs and topwater lures around brush structure, the main lake and rocks. Crappie and green sunfish fair on minnows and jigs at 25 ft. around brush piles. Report submitted by Jack Melton.

Blue River: July 5. Elevation above normal, water 70 and murky. Channel catfish good on chicken liver, punch bait and stinkbait along shallows and slack water near bank. All other fishing slow due to high water conditions. Report submitted by Matt Gamble, biologist at the Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area.

Broken Bow: July 2. Elevation below normal, water 79. Crappie good on minnows, tube jigs and jigs around brush structure, points and standing timber. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass fair on Alabama rigs, flukes and plastic baits around brush structure, points and standing timber. Report submitted by Dru Polk, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.

Durant: July 4. Elevation normal, water clear. Largemouth bass slow on crankbaits, lipless baits, plastic baits and spinnerbaits around brush structure, creek channels, the main lake and standing timber. Channel catfish slow on cut bait, punch bait and stinkbait along channels, the main lake and standing timber. Crappie slow on minnows and tube jigs around brush structure, the main lake and standing timber. Report submitted by Mike Ward, Park Ranger.

Eufaula: July 2. Elevation above normal, water clear and murky. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around docks and standing timber. Striped bass, striped bass hybrids and white bass good on hair jigs and live shad below the dam. Blue, channel and flathead catfish good on cut bait and live shad in the main lake and river channel. Report submitted by Terry Springwater, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.

Hugo: July 2. Elevation normal, water 80. Blue catfish slow on shad below the dam. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on flukes and plastic baits around brush structure, creek channels and river channel. Report submitted by Jay Harvey, game warden stationed in Choctaw County.

Lower Mountain Fork: July 2. Elevation normal, water clear. Trout fair on PowerBait and salmon eggs along creek channels. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.

McGee Creek: July 2. Elevation 5 1/2 ft. below normal, water 80 and clear. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on plastic baits and topwater lures around brush structure, rocks, standing timber and weed beds. Crappie fair on minnows around brush structure. Report submitted by Larry Luman, game warden stationed in Atoka County.

Pine Creek: July 2. Elevation normal, water clear. Largemouth bass fair on Alabama rigs and plastic baits in coves. Crappie excellent on jigs around brush structure, creek channels and half bridge. Channel catfish fair on cut bait in the main lake. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.

Sardis: June 30. Elevation normal, water 82 and clear. Largemouth and spotted bass fair on buzz baits, grubs, jigs, plastic baits, sassy shad, spinnerbaits and topwater lures around brush structure, points, riprap, rocks, standing timber and weed beds. Blue, channel and flathead catfish fair on cut bait, shad and sunfish along channels, flats, the main lake and shorelines. Crappie fair on hair jigs, minnows and tube jigs around brush structure and standing timber. Report submitted by Dane Polk, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.

Wister: July 2. Elevation above normal, water 87 and murky. Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits, plastic baits and spinnerbaits around brush structure, channels, the main lake, points and river channel. Blue and channel catfish good on cut bait and shad in the main lake. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around brush structure and river channel. Report submitted by James William, game warden stationed in LeFlore County.