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Oklahoma Fishing Report

CENTRAL
Hefner: November 27. Elevation below normal and dropping, water 53-58 and clear. Largemouth bass good on crankbaits and lipless baits at 4-10 ft. along the dam, east shore and jetties. Smallmouth bass fair on jerk baits at 4-8 ft. along the dam and east shore. White and hybrid bass fair on Gay Blades and small grubs at 4-10 ft., white bass found on west side of dam, hybrids found around dam and wading points. Channel and blue catfish good on cut bait at 15-20 ft. north of dam area. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs at 15-20 ft. north of dam. Walleye fair on jerk baits and crank baits at 4-10 ft. along the dam, east shore and jetties. Report submitted by Lucky Lure Tackle.
NORTHEAST
Eucha: November 27. Elevation 13 ft. below normal, water 53 and dingy. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs at 14-16 ft. around brush and structure. Largemouth bass fair on plastic worms. Report submitted by Dwight Moore, City of Tulsa.
Ft. Gibson: November 25. Elevation 1 ft. below normal, water 54 and clear. Catfish good on cut bait and shad in main channel while drifting. Crappie good on minnows and jigs at 10-15 ft. in and around docks at Paradise Cove area of State Park. Black bass fair on crankbaits and Biffle Bugs at 5-15 ft. Report submitted by Rick Stafford in Wagoner.
Hudson: November 26. Crappie good on small minnows and jigs around brush pile areas and the boat docks. All other fishing slow. Report submitted by Steve Loveland, game warden stationed in Rogers and Mayes counties.
Keystone: November 27. Elevation 4 ft. below normal, water 55. Sand bass fair off points. Blue catfish fair on jugs baited with cut bait. Report submitted by Karlin Bailey, game warden stationed in Creek County.
Lower Illinois: November 26. Elevation normal, water 48 and clear. Largemouth bass slow on crankbaits around bridges and coves. White bass slow on jigs and spinnerbaits at 1-3 ft. at the mouth of the river. Striped bass slow on live trout and shad at 1-4 ft. Channel catfish good on cut bait on bottom all along the river. Crappie slow on jigs and spinnerbaits at 1-3 ft. at river mouth. Report submitted by D. Tracy, Town of Gore.
- Trout excellent fly fishing the surface, on rooster tails at 1-2 ft. and on Power Bait on bottom from the dam to Gore Landing.
Pawhuska: November 26. Trout good on Power Bait, Super Dupers and small spinners. Report submitted by David Clay, game warden stationed in Osage County.
Skiatook: November 27. Elevation 12 1/4 ft. below normal, water clear. All fishing slow. Report submitted by Paul Welch, game warden stationed in Osage County
Spavinaw: November 20. Elevation 1/2 ft. below normal, water 53 and dingy. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs at 14-16 ft. Largemouth bass fair on spinnerbaits. Report submitted by Dwight Moore, City of Tulsa.
Tenkiller: November 26. Elevation 8 1/2 ft. below normal, water 60, water clear and steady. Crappie good in docks on minnows and soft plastic jigs at 5-10 ft. Sunfish good in docks on worm-tipped jigs at 15-20 ft. Report submitted by Monte Brooks, Cookson Village Resort.
NORTHWEST
Canton: November 24. Elevation 9 ft. below normal. Sand bass and hybrids good on slabs near drop offs. Crappie fair near brush along dam. Report submitted by Mark Walker, game warden stationed in Blaine County.
SOUTHEAST
Lake of the Arbuckles: November 24. Elevation 4 3/4 ft. below normal, stained, algae bloom present on calm days. Bass being caught on shaky head jigs, bass jigs and crankbaits in 6-15 ft., also good around outer edges of hydrilla beds. Crappie good at 25 ft. of water around brush piles, crappie slow around docks. White bass excellent. White bass fair to good on small grubs and CC spoons in 35 ft. water near creek channel bends. Report submitted by Jack Melton.
Blue River: November 27. Elevation normal, water 49 and clear. Fly fishing excellent on elk hair caddis flies, zebra nymphs and San Juan worms. Smallmouth and spotted bass fair on soft plastics in deeper pools around structure. Channel catfish good on stinkbait, minnows and cutbait. Report submitted by Matt Gamble, biologist at the Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area.
- Trout good on in-line spinners, garlic powerbait, and mealworms around current. Approximately 4,810 Rainbow trout were stocks on November 20.
Broken Bow: November 26. Elevation normal, water 67 and clear. Smallmouth and spotted bass good on soft plastics around cover in deeper pools and around waterfalls. Channel catfish good on chicken liver and stinkbait around current in larger deeper holes. Report submitted by Matt Gamble, biologist at the Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area.
Eufaula: November 25. Elevation 4 1/2 ft. below normal, water clear. White and black bass slow. Blue catfish good on a variety of baits in the shallow flats. Crappie good on minnows and jigs around boat docks and along riprap areas. Report submitted by Ed Rodebush, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.
Konawa: November 25. Elevation 1 ft. below normal, water 63 and clear. Largemouth bass good on plastic worms at 4-8 ft. around points and weed beds. All other fishing slow. Report submitted by Daryl Howser, game warden stationed in Seminole County.
Lower Mountain Fork River: November 25. With the growing moon and clear skies, fishing has been tough. Try these flies: Zone I Light Cahills – size 22 and 20; Yellow and Hare’s Ear Soft Hackles – size 20; Miracle Midges – size 20; BWO’s – size 18 and 20; Pink egg patterns – size 12. Try trailing the miracle midges under a pheasant tail nymph, stimulator or other dry fly. Zone II and III Wooly Buggers (olive) – size 12 Report Submitted by Jesse King Owner, Three Rivers Fly Shop.
McGee Creek: November 25. Elevation 7 1/2 ft. below normal, water 60 and clear. Black bass fair on soft plastic baits at 6-20 ft. Crappie fair on minnows at 12-20 ft. over cedar brush piles at in creek channels. Report submitted by Larry Luman, game warden stationed in Atoka County.
Pine Creek: November 25. Elevation below normal, water clear. Bass good on jigs around creek inlets. Catfish good on cut shad on trotlines. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Robert S. Kerr: November 27. Bass fair on crankbaits and stick baits off points and along creek channels. Crappie fair around deeper submerged brush. White bass and striped bass good on minnows and shad colored crankbaits up river in deeper holes and around rock ledges. Channel and blue catfish excellent on trotlines and juglines baited with cut bait at 12-20 ft. close to creek and river channels. Report submitted by Allen Couch, game warden stationed in Haskell County.
Sardis Lake: November 22. Elevation 2 ft. below normal. Largemouth bass good on stick baits and crankbaits at 4-6 ft. in creek channels. Channel and blue catfish good on cut bait. Crappie fair to good on minnows and jigs at 10-14 ft. Walleye fair trolling at 8-14 ft. Report submitted by Dane Polk, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.
Texoma: November 25. Elevation 5 3/4 ft. below normal, water 64 and clear. Largemouth and smallmouth bass fair to good on plastic worms and crankbaits at 5-15 ft. in the creek channels. Striped and white bass fair to good on live bait, sassy shad and slabs at 10-30 ft. in river channels. Channel and blue catfish fair to good on minnows, worms and cut baits at 10-15 ft. from the Washita River to Platter Flats. Crappie fair to good on minnows and jigs at 5-15 ft. around underwater brush and fish attractors. Sunfish fair to good on worms and small tube jigs at 5-15 ft. around the fishing docks. Report submitted by Danny Clubb, game warden stationed in Choctaw County.
Wister: November 25. Elevation 1 1/2 ft. below normal, water murky. Largemouth bass good on silver crankbaits and fair on black/blue plastic worms. Crappie fair to good on white-tail grubs at 15-20 ft. Catfish fair on juglines and trotlines baited with cut bait and liver. Report submitted by Randy Fennell, game warden stationed in LeFlore County.
SOUTHWEST
Altus-Lugert: November 25. Elevation 26 3/4 ft. below normal and falling. No trout season due to golden algae fish kills in February and March. Overall fishing has been slow. Catfish fair to good. Crappie fair on minnows. Hybrid bass and walleye fair. Report submitted by Sue Hokanson, Quartz Mountain Nature Park.
Ellsworth: November 25. Elevation 12 ft. below normal, water murky. Blue catfish fair on cut bait off rocky points. All other fishing slow. Report submitted by Mike Carroll, game warden stationed in Comanche County.
Lawtonka: November 25. Elevation 3 ft. below normal, water clear. White bass hybrid and saugeye fair to good on minnows and spinnerbaits at the pipeline in the morning and evening. All other fishing slow. Report submitted by Mike Carroll, game warden stationed in Comanche County.

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News and notes from the outdoors

Norman DU banquet on Friday
The Norman chapter of Ducks Unlimited is hosting its annual fund raising “Waterfowl Party” Friday (Nov. 30) at the Cleveland County fairgrounds.
Doors open at 6 p.m. with dinner at 7 p.m. There will be raffles and auctions for guns, duck calls and other gear.
For ticket information, call Damon Duck at 650-0091, Tim Miller at 5936257 or visit www.ducks.org/oklahoma

Auction for Varmint Hunt
The Oklahoma Youth Shooting and Hunting Program will be auctioning a guided varmint hunt in northwest Oklahoma to raise money for the program.
The auction will be Dec. 14 at the Sportsman’s Country Club in Oklahoma City at 6 p.m.
For more information, call Tom Fry at (405) 850-2496.
The mission of the Oklahoma Youth Shooting and Hunting Program is to introduce kids to the outdoors by taking kids rom non-hunting families on their first deer and turkey hunts.

Trout chapters to clean up Lower Illinois

The Tulss and Oklahoma City chapters of  Trout Unlimited are holding a clean-up day of the Lower Illinois River on Dec. 8.

Volunteers will walk the banks of the Lower Illinois picking up trash and debris from 8 am. until noon. The 89er Chapter of Trout Unlimited in Oklahoma City will be providing lunch at the Watts Property Access at noon. 

Volunteers wishing to participate are asked to meet at the dam access parking lot at 8 a.m. Anyone planning to help should email chasbass62@yahoo.com or call Chuck Kaminski at (405) 973-4571 by Dec. 5 for a head count.

 

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Last Bass results

Bradley Hallman of Norman and Larry Rea of Eufaula teamed up to win the annual Lawter & Associates “The Last Bass” tournament on Nov. 11 at Lake Eufaula.
Hallman and Rea shared $7,568 for their victory. The anglers weighed in 13.59 pounds to beat the second-place team of Nick Aber of Piedmont and Bill Bean of Eufaula, who weighed in 13.40 pounds but actually won more money in the tournament.
Aber and Bean received $4,128 for second place but also captured overall big bass honors with a 7.4-pound bass that earned them an additional $7,040.
Finishing third was Phillip and Kala Wright of Spiro, who weighed in 13.30 pounds and won $2,064.
The tournament attracted 352 two-person teams and had a total payout of $56,800.

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State Fishing Report

Here is the fishing report as of Nov. 14 as compiled by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation
CENTRAL
Hefner: November 13. Elevation below normal, water 58-63 and clear. Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits and jigs at 3-9 ft. around the dam and east shore. Smallmouth bass slow on crankbaits and jerk baits at 4-8 ft. around dam and east shore. White bass and striped bass hybrids fair on gay blades and grubs at 2-10 ft. around dam and off the east shore. Striped bass hybrids being caught wading points. Channel catfish good on punch baits and cut bait at 15-20 ft. west of the dam area. Blue catfish good on cut bait both at 15-20 ft. west of the dam area. Crappie good on minnows and jigs at 15-20 ft. around dam. Walleye fair on jerk baits and grubs at 3-6 ft. around dam and east shore. Report submitted by Lucky Lure Tackle.
NORTHEAST
Eucha: November 13. Elevation 12 1/4 ft. below normal, water 55 and dingy. Crappie fair on minnow and jigs at 14-16 ft. around brush and structure. Largemouth bass fair on plastic worms. Report submitted by Dwight Moore, City of Tulsa.
Ft. Gibson: November 10. Elevation normal, water 58 and clear. Crappie good on minnows and worms at 5-15 ft. Catfish good on sunfish and shad drifting and on juglines in the main channel north of Taylors Ferry Bridge. Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits and spinnerbaits at 5-15 ft. around any underwater structure. Report submitted by Rick Stafford in Wagoner.
Greenleaf: November 13. Bass good on chatter and lipless crankbaits, spinnerbaits and jigs with plastic imitation baits. Report submitted by Mike’s Outdoors.
Hudson: November 13. Elevation normal. Largemouth bass fair to good on plastic baits and crankbaits. Crappie fair to good on small black jigs and minnows around brush piles. Report submitted by Steve Loveland, game warden stationed in Rogers and Mayes counties.
Lower Illinois: November 12. Elevation normal, water 49 and clear. Largemouth bass slow on crankbaits at 1-3 ft. in coves. White bass slow on jigs and spinnerbaits at 1-3 ft. all along the river. Striped bass slow on trout and shad at 1-3 ft. along the mouth of the river. Channel catfish excellent on cut bait on bottom all along the river. Crappie slow on jigs and spinnerbaits at 1-3 ft. in coves and under bridge. Trout excellent fly fishing the surface, on rooster tails at 1-2 ft. and on Power Bait on bottom from the dam to Gore Landing. Report submitted by D. Tracy, Town of Gore.
Oologah: November 11. Elevation 3 1/4 ft. below normal, water upper 50s and murky. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs at 10-15 ft. around brush piles and standing timber. Blue catfish fair on shad and liver around standing timber in the north end of the lake. White bass fair trolling shad-colored crankbaits at 10-15 ft. near creek channels. Report submitted by Brek Henry, game warden stationed Rogers County.
Pawhuska: November 11. Trout good on Power Bait and Super Dupers. Report submitted by David Clay, game warden stationed in Osage County.
Sooner: November 12. White bass and striped bass hybrids good on live shad and slabs in the lake and fair on topwater lures and sassy shad in the discharge. Report submitted by Doug Gottschalk, game warden stationed in Noble County.
Spavinaw: November 13. Elevation 1/2 ft. below normal, water 54 and dingy. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around the dam area. Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits. Report submitted by Dwight Moore, City of Tulsa.
Tenkiller: November 12. Elevation 8 ft. below normal, water 64-66, water clear and steady. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass good in 3-6 ft. on soft plastics. Crappie good at 5-10 ft. on tube jigs or minnows. Sunfish good in docks on worm-tipped jigs at 5-10 ft. Report submitted by Monte Brooks, Cookson Village Resort.
Webbers Falls: November 13. Bass good on spinner baits, shad and chatter baits. Striped bass and striped bass hybrids good on shad. Report submitted by Mike’s Outdoors.
NORTHWEST
Canton: November 3. Elevation 9 ft. below normal. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs near brush along dam. White bass and striped bass hybrids fair trolling on crankbaits near drop-offs. Report submitted by Mark Walker, game warden stationed in Blaine County.
SOUTHEAST
Arbuckle: November 10. Elevation 4 1/2 ft. below normal, water 63 and stained. Algae bloom in backs of creeks and coves in shallow water. Hydrilla beds holding lots of different species of fish. Crappie and white bass being caught on small grubs and jigs. Bass being caught on flukes and crankbaits around the hydrilla beds and on crankbaits in shad patterns, shakey head worms and jigs along bluff banks and up creek arms. Crappie slow around docks and fair on minnows or chartreuse/white jigs. White bass being caught on rattletraps, long johns and small crankbaits at 12-15 ft. Sunfish slow on flies near the shores. Report submitted by Jack Melton.
Broken Bow: November 11. Elevation normal, water 67 and clear. Smallmouth and spotted bass good on soft plastics around cover in deeper pools and around waterfalls. Channel catfish good on chicken liver and stinkbait around current in larger deeper holes. Report submitted by Matt Gamble, biologist at the Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area.
Eufaula: November 11. Elevation 4 1/2 ft. below normal, water clear. Striped bass fair on crankbaits and plastic baits in rocky areas. Channel catfish fair on shad in shallow flats. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs in riprap and around boat docks with brush. Report submitted by Ed Rodebush, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.
Hugo: November 11. Elevation 8 1/2 ft. below normal, water 74. Boating is extremely hazardous, no open ramps. Report submitted by Jay Harvey, game warden stationed in Choctaw and Bryan counties.
Konawa: November 10. Elevation 1 ft. below normal, water 61 and clear. Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits at 5-10 ft. around points and weed beds. Channel catfish fair on liver and shad at 10-15 ft. around points. Report submitted by Daryl Howser, game warden stationed in Seminole County.
Lower Mountain Fork: November 11. Flies that are now working in zone: Zone I: Light Cahills – 22 and 20; Yellow and Hare’s Ear Soft Hackles – 20; Miracle Midges – 20; BWO’s – 18 and 20; Pink egg patterns – 12. Try trailing the miracle midges under a pheasant tail nymph, stimulator or other dry fly. Zone II and III: Wooly Buggers (olive) 12. Report submitted by Jesse King, Owner, Three Rivers Fly Shop.
McGee Creek: November 11. Elevation 6 1/2 ft. below normal, water 64 and clear. Largemouth bass fair on soft plastic baits at 6-12 ft. Crappie fair on minnows at 12-20 ft. over cedar brush piles in creek channels. Report submitted by Larry Luman, game warden stationed in Atoka County.
Pine Creek: November 11. Elevation below normal, water clear. Bass good on jigs around creek inlets. Catfish good on trot lines baited with cut chad. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Robert S. Kerr: November 12. Bass fair on crankbaits and stick baits off points and along creek channels. Crappie fair around deeper submerged brush. White and striped bass good on minnows and shad crankbaits up river in deeper holes and around rock ledges. Channel and blue catfish excellent on trotlines and juglines baited with cut bait at 12-20 ft. close to creek and river channels. Report submitted by Allen Couch, game warden stationed in Haskell County.
Sardis: November 9. Elevation 2 ft. below normal. Largemouth bass good on stick baits and crankbaits at 4-6 ft. in creek channels. Channel and blue catfish good on cut bait. Crappie fair to good on minnows and jigs at 10-14 ft. Walleye fair trolling at 8-14 ft. Report submitted by Dane Polk, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.
Texoma: November 11. Elevation 5 1/2 ft. below normal, water 68 and clear. Largemouth and smallmouth bass fair to good on surface lures, plastic worms and crankbaits at 5-15 ft. in the creeks. Striped and white bass fair to good on live bait, sassy shad and slabs at 10-30 ft. Channel and blue catfish fair to good on live bait, worms and stinkbait at 10-15 ft. from the Washita River to Platter Flats. Crappie fair to good on minnows and jigs at 5-15 ft. around fishing docks and fish attractors. Sunfish fair to good at 5-10 ft. around fishing docks and riprap. Report submitted by Danny Clubb, game warden stationed in Bryan County.
Wister: November 13. Elevation 1 ft. below normal, water murky. Largemouth bass good on silver crankbaits and fair on black/blue plastic worms. Crappie fair on white-tail grubs at 15-20 ft. Catfish fair on juglines and trotlines baited with cut bait and liver. Report submitted by Randy Fennell, game warden stationed in LeFlore County.
SOUTHWEST
Altus-Lugert: November 11. Elevation 26 1/2 ft. below normal. Crappie fair on minnows. Striped bass hybrids and walleye fair. No trout season at Quartz Mountain due to Golden Algae fish kills in February and March. Report submitted by Sue Hokanson, Quartz Mountain Nature Park.
Ellsworth: November 11. Elevation 12 ft. below normal, water murky. Blue catfish fair on cut bait off rocky points. Report submitted by Mike Carroll, game warden stationed in Comanche County.
Lawtonka: November 11. Elevation 3 ft. below normal, water clear. White bass fair on minnows and spinnerbaits at the pipeline morning and evening. Report submitted by Mike Carroll, game warden stationed in Comanche County.

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Rut Report

The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation has released a report from its biologists around the state on the deer activity around the state, less than 48 hours before the start of the deer gun season.

According to Erik Bartholomew, big game biologist for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, the overall deer harvest this year is down slightly from last year, but antlerless deer harvest is up from where it was this time last year.
“Field reports say the rut is ramping up in parts of the state,” Bartholomew said.
The rut, or deer breeding season, is a biological process that typically occurs around mid-November. Deer activity during the rut picks up, but the amount of activity can be influenced by a host of factors such as day length, temperatures, moon phase and herd condition.

NORTHWEST
The northwest region of Oklahoma is known for big deer and good hunting, and so far Department personnel stationed in the region seem to agree that the rut could be well-timed with gun season.
“The rut should be going good by the opening of gun season,” said Thad Potts, wildlife biologist stationed at Canton, Dewey County, Drummond Flats and Major County Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs). Potts as well as others have said that deer rutting behavior in northwest Oklahoma has been slow thus far, with some increased activity in the last few days.
Eddie Wilson, wildlife biologist stationed at Cooper and Ft. Supply WMAs, reports an increase in fresh scrapes, but still little movement during daylight hours.
“Hunter activity will be heavy opening weekend and throughout the week on the WMAs,” Wilson said. “If the cool weather holds, bucks will most likely be very active during the entire nine day season, as rut is usually going on strong by the 20th of Nov. in the Woodward area. Hunters can focus on food plots areas and hope a hot doe will bring in a buck.”
Wilson’s reference to a “nine-day” season is a reminder to hunters that seasons on public lands may vary from the statewide 16-day gun season. For full details and dates for seasons on public lands, including a information on antlerless deer hunting days on both public and private lands, consult the current “Oklahoma Hunting Guide,” available free online at wildlifedepartment.com.
Weston Storer, wildlife biologist stationed at Beaver River, Optima, Rita Blanca and Schultz WMAs reports that minimal rutting activity has been noted so far in the Panhandle counties, with a few exceptions of younger bucks “testing the waters.” Storer said the majority of corn crops in his part of the region have been harvested and that deer “have been relocating to wheat fields.”
“A good direction to start your hunt is to locate well utilized food and water sources to glass,” Storer said, adding that if the rut is still not active the bucks may be hitting the wheat fields. “If a cold front starts the rut, the does will be going in the direction of the food sources. And the bucks will be hot after the does.”
Larry Wiemers, biologist stationed at Cimarron Bluff and Cimarron Hills WMAs, also has noted a few bucks following does in the past week to two weeks, but heavy rutting activity has not yet been observed.
Northwestern Oklahoma hunters may be in for a treat of heavy deer activity on opening weekend.
NORTHEAST
In the northeast region of Oklahoma, the beginning stages of the rut have been underway, according to Craig Endicott, northeast region wildlife supervisor for the Department.
“Bucks were running hard in early muzzleloader season, but activity appeared to lessen toward the end of muzzleloader season,” Endicott said, adding that the rut should peak between muzzleloader and gun season.
Endicott said deer movement has been reported as slow in the mornings and better in the afternoons, with lots of nocturnal activity.
“The weather patterns and moon phase are effecting deer movements but in general, they seem to be feeding on acorns on timbered ridges and benches during the morning and mid day, then moving onto fields/food plots in the late evening,” he said. “Deer activity will no doubt pick up with some fronts, rain and cooler temperatures.”
Biologists say acorn production was sporadic in the region, but better than anticipated. Some persimmon production occurred as well.
“Hunters need to scout the areas they hunt for deer sign,” Endicott said. “Scout for food sources and locate travel lanes, creek crossings or pinch points where bucks may be patrolling to locate a hot doe. Once a good area has been located, hunters must be patient and stay in the woods as long as they can.”
On northeast Oklahoma WMAs, successful hunters will need to spend time scouting, but they can find good deer hunting.
“There is good hunting on the WMAs, but with the high usage associated with these areas, hunters need to scout for some less used corners and back areas,” Endicott said. “Remember to read up on the specific regulations for any WMA you may be hunting, and be respectful of other hunters.”
Endicott also suggests carrying a grunt call to use as a tool for stopping a buck on the move, allowing for a clean shot. Also, be alert for does that are being trailed by bucks.
“Chased does will always act differently, especially looking behind them on several occasions,” Endicott said.
SOUTHEAST
Deer gun season hunters may be entering the woods toward the end of the rut in southeast Oklahoma.
“The rut that I’m seeing is in full swing,” said Joe Hemphill, southeast region wildlife supervisor for the Wildlife Department. “By the time next week gets here, we probably will be on the backside of the rut.”
Still, deer should be on the move.
“They’re going to be very active,” Hemphill said. “They still have to eat. They’re still going to be on the acorns.”
Hemphill said lots of bucks are being observed fighting and sparring, and that “there’s lots of scraping activity going on.”
Hemphill reminds hunters to read the “Oklahoma Hunting Guide” before heading afield, noting any changes that may affect their hunting season. He also notes that that the fall colors in the region are as vibrant as they have been in years.
SOUTHWEST
Forage and water levels are below normal levels in the southwest, and unseasonably warm, dry weather has been dominating the region, according to Rod Smith, southwest region wildlife supervisor for the Wildlife Department. But according to Smith, hunters could see some active rutting on opening weekend.
“Pre-rut activity to date seems to indicate heavy rut activity will likely be in full swing for the opening of rifle season,” Smith said. “Younger bucks have made themselves more visible, and hunters in the field report seeing an increased number of scrapes. Bucks have been observed tracking but not yet in full chase mode. Bucks observed mingling with does are showing increased interest, while does remain unreceptive.”
Hunters in southwest Oklahoma may want to place greater emphasis on available water and fresh, succulent forage. Food plots on regional WMAs are reportedly in fair condition due to the drought. Wheat is in good enough condition to provide a usable food source. Hunter activity on WMAs has been average or slightly below average, while a number of hunters report they are waiting on cooler weather. Still, Smith said regional businesses such as motels and restaurants have reported normal activity through the muzzleloader season.
With the rut building in intensity, it could be a good time to be a southwest Oklahoma deer hunter.
CENTRAL
“So far, 2012 has been a mixed bag when it comes to rutting activity in the central region,” said Jeff Pennington, central region wildlife supervisor for the Wildlife Department. “Most hunters saw higher than normal rutting activity early in the muzzleloader season with the excellent weather conditions. Daytime rutting activity decreased later in the season with warmer weather conditions.”
Pennington said the rut picked up again during the first full week of November, with some bucks observed chasing does during the middle of the day. Increased observations of road-killed dear have been observed as well, often a sign of rutting activity.
“The rut will almost always peak in the central region between the tenth and twentieth of November, and this looks like it will be the case in 2012,” Pennington said.
Prolonged drought conditions continue in the region. Pennington said the overall deer activity has been higher than normal due to the nutritional stress caused by the drought.
“Despite the dry conditions, patchy portions of the region produced a surprising number of acorns, especially the black oaks along creek drainages (most people will call these red oaks),” Pennington said.
Locations that still have good acorns will be prime hunting spots during gun season as drought stressed deer try to replenish energy reserves. Growth of wheat and other typical cool season foods have been limited by the drought.
“The height of grass and other vegetation is very low again this year, which should make deer highly visible to hunters,” Pennington said. “The drought conditions will be tough for the deer, but should make for very good hunting conditions.”

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The Rut and the Moon

Rutting activity has started across Oklahoma and motorists should be aware that deer are on the move.
“We are getting a lot more reports of road kill deer,” said Micah Holmes of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. “We are also starting to get reports of young bucks chasing does.”
The rutting activity should intensify as the opening of deer gun season approaches Nov. 17 with darker nights and colder weather in the immediate forecast, Holmes said.
Which leads me to a question, how much do hunters and anglers pay attention to moon phases? Some hunters swear by it.
But is it fact or folklore? Can you accurately predict deer activity by the moon? Can you accurately predict the best times for hunting and fishing by the moon phases?
What do you think? I’m interested in hearing people’s opinions about this.

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Sporting Clay champs crowned

 

The Oklahoma FFA Sporting Clays State Shoot was held Thursday at the Oklahoma City Gun Club.
The team champion in the senior division (open from eighth through 12th grades) was Keota while Nic Meador of Sapulpa was the top shooter.
Keota’s David Henson and Queston Reed were second and third. Newcastle was runner-up in the team competition and Sharon Mutual was third.
In the junior division (eighth through 10th grades only), Blair won the team trophy with Boone-Apache and Fort Supply finishing second and third.
Jordan Littrell of Boone-Apache was the individual champion in juniors. Trace Woolfolk of Fort Supply was second and Josh McQuown of Glencoe placed third.

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Oklahoma’s newest trout fishery

Medicine Park will be the site of winter trout fishing beginning Jan. 1.
The state’s newest trout fishery in southwest Oklahoma will replace the one at Quartz Mountain.
State wildlife officials permanently ended the winter trout fishery below Lake Altus-Lugert Lake this year because trout could not survive in the stream due to golden alga blooms.
Looking for an alternative site for winter trout fishing in southwest Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Departemnt of Wildlife Conservation will start stocking trout in Medicine Creek beginning Jan. 1.
The trout fishing will be in the portion of the creek that flows through the city limits of Medicine Park.
“We think it has a lot of potential,” said Gene Gilliland, assistant chief of fisheries for the Wildlife Department.
“There are number of other places that we might have gone (in southwest Oklahoma), places with more of a lake-type environment. But this one just had more appeal, the little restaurants and shops at Medicine Park, and the stream environment.”
The trout that had been designated for Quartz Mountain now will go to Medicine Creek, Gilliland said.
The City of Medicine Park has bought trout in placed the fish in the creek during the winter before, he said.
All anglers will need is a state fishing license to fish at Medicine Creek.
There is a guaranteed amount of water that flows into the creek from Lake Lawtonka, Gilliland said.
“We should never really have a problem with water,” he said.

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Trout news

Former Oklahoma City resident Zach Whitfield won the “One Fly” Tournament Nov. 4 sponsored by the Beaver Dam Store, eight miles west of Eureka Springs, Ark.
Anglers could use only one fly for the tournament in the Beaver Lake tailwaters on the White River.
Whitfield, who now lives in Centerton, Ark., caught a 21.25-inch brown trout using a size 12 Clown Egg. For catching the largest trout, Whitfield received a new fly rod.

Fly tying at Backwoods
The Backwoods store in Oklahoma City is holding a “Fly Tying Tie In” Saturday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Fly tyers will be trying out new patterns and materials and trading ideas about fly fishing. Many of the flies will be donated to the Trout Unlimited chapter for its banquet an auction next spring.

Arkansas trout angler to speak in OKC Tuesday

Steve Dally will speak at Tuesday’s meeting (Nov. 13) of the 89er Chapter of Trout Unlimited. The meeting will be at 7 p.m. at Sportsman’s Country Club, 4001 NW 39.

Dally is owner of Dally’s Ozark Fly Fisher located in Cotter, Ark., and will be giving a presentation on streamer fishing for big White River browns. The presentation is free and open to the public.

 

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Weekly fishing report

CENTRAL
Hefner: November 7. Elevation below normal and dropping, water 62-66 and clear. Largemouth and smallmouth bass slow on jigs and shallow running crankbaits at 3-6 ft. along the dam. White bass and striped bass hybrids fair on spinnerbaits and lipless baits at 2-10 ft. along the dam and wading points. Channel catfish good on punch bait and cut bait at 15-20 ft. along the west dam area. Blue catfish fair on cut bait at 15-20 ft. along the west dam area. Crappie fir on minnows and jigs at 15-20 ft. along the west dam area. Walleye fair on jerk baits at 2-12 ft. along the rocks at the dam early. Report submitted by Lucky Lure Tackle.
NORTHEAST
Birch: November 6. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs at 10-12 ft. Report submitted by David Clay, game warden stationed in Osage County.
Ft. Gibson: November 5. Elevation normal, water 58 and clear. Crappie good on minnows and jigs at 3-15 ft. early and late. Catfish good on juglines and rod-and-reel baited with shad and sunfish drifting the main channel. White bass good on white rattletraps at 3-5 ft. Largemouth bass good on crankbaits at 5-15 ft. Report submitted by Rick Stafford in Wagoner.
Grand: November 4. Elevation 2 ft. below normal. Bass fair on rubber worms and crankbaits. Catfish good. Crappie good on minnows and jigs at 15-20 ft. Paddlefish fair. Report submitted by Kody Moore, game warden stationed in Delaware County.
Greenleaf: November 5. Bass good on chatter and lipless rattle baits in red eye, shad and Strike King in shallows while feeding on shad. Crappie good on hand tied hair jigs and minnows. Report submitted by Mike’s Outdoors.
Hudson: November 5. Elevation normal. Largemouth bass good on plastic baits and spinnerbaits. White bass good on small lures in the upper end below the dam. Crappie good on minnows and jigs around brush pile areas. Report submitted by Steve Loveland, game warden stationed in Rogers and Mayes counties.
Keystone: November 6. Elevation 3 ft. below normal, water 59. White bass fair off points. Catfish fair on juglines baited with cut bait. Report submitted by Karlin Bailey, game warden stationed in Creek County.
Lower Illinois: November 5. Elevation normal, water 48 and clear. Largemouth bass slow on crankbaits at 1-2 ft. all along the river. White bass slow on jigs at 1-4 ft. all along the river. Striped bass slow on trout and shad at 1-3 ft. along the mouth of the river. Channel catfish excellent on cut bait on bottom all along the river. Crappie slow on jigs at 1-3 ft. all along the river. Trout excellent fly fishing the surface, on rooster tails at 1-2 ft. and on Power Bait on bottom from the dam to Gore Landing. Report submitted by D. Tracy, Town of Gore.
Oologah: November 4. Elevation 3 1/4 ft. below normal, water upper 60s and murky. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs at 8-12 ft. around brush piles and standing timber. Blue catfish fair on shad and liver around standing timber in the north end of the lake. White bass fair trolling shad colored crankbaits at 10-15 ft. in near creek channels. Report submitted by Brek Henry, game warden stationed Rogers County.
Pawhuska: November 6. Trout good on Power Bait and Super Dupers. Report submitted by David Clay, game warden stationed in Osage County.
Tenkiller: November 6. Elevation 8 ft. below normal, water 66-68 and clear. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass fair on soft plastics, spinnerbaits and crankbaits in shallow water early. Crappie fair on tube jigs at 10-15 ft. in docks or brush. Sunfish good on worms in docks at 15 ft. Report by Monte Brooks, Cookson Village Resort.
Webbers Falls: November 5. Bass excellent on square bill crankbaits and spinnerbaits moving off the main river and into creeks while feeding on shad. Striped bass hybrids good on shad imitation baits while chasing shad. Report submitted by Mike’s Outdoors.
NORTHWEST
Canton: November 3. Elevation 9 ft. below normal. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs near brush along dam. Report submitted by Mark Walker, game warden stationed in Blaine County.
SOUTHEAST
Arbuckle: November 3. Elevation 4 1/2 ft. below normal, water 64 and stained. Algae bloom in backs of creeks and coves in shallow water. Hydrilla beds holding lots of different species of fish. Crappie and white bass hitting the small grub/jigs. Bass being caught on fluke and crankbaits around the hydrilla beds and on crankbaits in shad patterns, shakey head worms and jigs along bluff banks and up creek arms. Crappie slow around docks and fair on minnows or chartreuse/white jigs. White bass being caught on rattletraps, long johns and small crankbaits at 12-15 ft. Sunfish slow on flies near the shores. Report submitted by Jack Melton.
Blue River: November 7. Elevation normal, water 55 and clear. Trout excellent on Power Bait, salmon eggs and small in-line spinnerbaits. Fly fishing excellent on woolly buggers, copper johns and San Juan worms. Smallmouth and spotted bass good on small crankbaits and soft plastics in larger pools. Catfish good on stinkbait and minnows fished in larger holes around current. Report submitted by Matt Gamble, biologist at the Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area.
Broken Bow: November 4. Elevation normal, water 67 and clear. Smallmouth and spotted bass good on soft plastics around cover in deeper pools and around waterfalls. Channel catfish good on chicken liver and stinkbait around current in larger deeper holes. Report submitted by Matt Gamble, biologist at the Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area.
Eufaula: November 4. Elevation below normal, water clear. Largemouth bass fair on plastic baits and crankbaits along rocky areas and points. Blue catfish good on shad along shallow flats. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around boat docks, riprap and standing timber. Report submitted by Ed Rodebush, game warden stationed in McIntosh County.
Konawa: November 4. Elevation 1 ft. below normal, water 62 and clear. Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits and spinnerbaits at 5-10 ft. around points and weed beds. Report submitted by Daryl Howser, game warden stationed in Seminole County.
Lower Mountain Fork: November 4. Flies that are now working: Chernobyl Ant size 6, Grasshopper, size 10, Crackle Back size 16, Griffith’s gnat size 24, Yellow soft hackle size 20 and Flashback pheasant tail size 16. Report submitted by Jesse King, Owner, Three Rivers Fly Shop.
McGee Creek: Nov. 4. Elevation 6 1/4 ft. below normal, water 68 and clear. Largemouth bass fair on Carolina-rigged soft plastic baits along shallow drop-offs. Crappie fair on minnows 12-20 ft. over cedar brush piles at creek channels.
Pine Creek: November 4. Elevation below normal, water clear. Bass good on jigs near creek channels. Catfish good on chicken liver. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.
Robert S. Kerr: November 6. Bass fair on crankbaits and stick baits off points and along creek channels. Crappie fair around deeper submerged brush. White and striped bass good on minnows and shad crankbaits up river in deeper holes and around rock ledges. Channel and blue catfish excellent on trotlines and juglines baited with cut bait at 12-20 ft. close to creek and river channels. Report submitted by Allen Couch, game warden stationed in Haskell County.
Sardis: November 3. Elevation 1 1/4 ft. below normal, water 59. Largemouth bass good on stick baits and crankbaits at 6-8 ft. White bass good trolling. Channel and blue catfish good on cut bait. Flathead catfish good on live bait. Crappie good on minnows and jigs at 6-14 ft. Walleye fair to good trolling jigs at 12-14 ft. along the rocks. Report submitted by Dane Polk, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.
Texoma: November 4. Elevation 5 1/3 ft. below normal, water 68 and clear. Largemouth and smallmouth bass fair to good on plastic worms, crankbaits and spinnerbaits at 10-20 ft. in the creeks. Striped and white bass fair to good on live bait, surface lures and sassy shad at 10-30 ft. from Alberta Creek to Caney Creek. Channel and blue catfish fair to good at 10-20 ft. from the Washita River to Platter Flats. Crappie fair to good on minnows and jigs at 5-15 ft. around underwater brush. Sunfish fair to good on worms and small tube jigs at 5-10 ft. on the fishing docks. Report submitted by Danny Clubb, game warden stationed in Bryan County.
Wister: November 4. Elevation 1/2 ft. below normal, water murky. Largemouth bass fair on 12-inch black plastic worms and good on silver crankbaits. Crappie fair on white tail grubs at 15-20 ft. Catfish fair on juglines and trotlines with cut bait and liver. Report submitted by Randy Fennell, game warden stationed in LeFlore County.
SOUTHWEST
Altus-Lugert: November 4.Elevation 26 1/2 ft. below normal and falling. Striped bass hybrids being caught but are too small to keep.. No trout season at Quartz Mountain due to Golden Algae fish kills in February and March. Report submitted by Sue Hokanson, Quartz Mountain Nature Park.
Ellsworth: November 4. Elevation 12 ft. below normal, water murky. Blue catfish fair on cut bait off rocky points. Report submitted by Mike Carroll, game warden stationed in Comanche County.
Foss: November 6. Elevation 11 1/3 ft. below normal with gates closed, water upper 60s and clear. Striped bass hybrids good on slabs in deep water. Walleye fair on live bait. Crappie slow on small jigs around marina. Catfish fair with dough bait or stinkbait. Report submitted by Eric Puyear, B & K Bait House.
Lawtonka: November 4. Elevation 3 ft. below normal, water clear. White bass fair on minnows and spinnerbaits at the pipeline morning and evening. Report submitted by Mike Carroll, game warden stationed in Comanche County.

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