OkieFish.com! Fish Oklahoma

I received an email from OG&E, they have contacted a contractor to repair the ramps on Sooner Lake !!! Their plans are, to pump until the lake is full. The lake level now is at is 923.92 and is increasing about 0.1 foot per day. OMPA is at present releasing enough water into the Arkansas river from Kaw lake, OG&E can now pump water 24 hours a day. We still need RAIN! OG&E is doing everything they can to help the fishing resume at Sooner as soon as possible. While the ramps are being repaired both the East and the West ramps will be CLOSED! Bill Green, the plant manager at the Sooner Plant has stated he will inform us as soon as the ramps are repaired or the water level is high enough to safely unload at the ramps. Keep checking back to North Central Reports, we will post when the ramps are open again. THANKS BILL FOR ALL YOUR HELP!

Want to Win a $1,000 for your club and $1,000 for yourself? Enter in the Big Fish Open Bass Club Challenge.

The 2nd Annual Big Fish Open, an eight-week fishing tournament that awards weekly prizes of $1,000, is designed specifically for recreational fishermen. The Big Fish Open will begin on October 22, 2001.

The BFO Bass Club Challenge is a section of the Big Fish Open that is designed specially for bass clubs. Bass Clubs come to Kissimmee-St. Cloud, FL & organize their own tournaments (Limit 2) and enter at least 10 participants into the Big Fish Open.

If a bass club tournament participant wins the Big Fish Open for that week, not only will that angler win the weekly prize but their bass club will also be awarded $1,000.

Well, that is the basic idea - If you are interested read the attached information and if you have questions - Call Me!

During the months of January and February 2002, families in the Oklahoma City metro area can enjoy the thrill of catching rainbow trout close to home. Beginning January 1st, trout will be stocked into Dolese Youth Park Lake located at the northwest corner of NW 50th Street and Meridian Avenue in Oklahoma City.

According to Kim Erickson, chief of fisheries for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC), the two-month long trout season will provide a unique and convenient opportunity for metro area residents to give trout fishing a try.

"We are excited to be working with the OKC Parks and Recreation Department to bring trout fishing to the Oklahoma City area. Dolese Youth Park Lake is already a great place for kids and families to fish, and the trout will just add to the fun," Erickson said.

Approximately 10,000 trout will be stocked over the two-month season. In order to trout fish at Dolese Youth Park Lake, anglers must comply with state fishing license requirements, and, must possess an Oklahoma City fishing permit. However, a state trout license is not required to trout fish at Dolese. City fishing permits are $12.50 for an annual permit, or $2.00 for a daily permit. Several Oklahoma City area fishing tackle retailers offer OKC fishing permits, or anglers can call (405) 497-4014 to get a complete list of license vendors. Special regulations as daily limits will be posted on signs throughout Dolese Park.

The Oklahoma City Parks and Recreation Department will be enhancing Dolese's facilities to accommodate anglers. Parking areas, handicapped accessibility and bank fishing sites will be improved to bring anglers closer to the fish. Wendel Whisenhunt, Director of the Oklahoma City Parks and Recreation Department, said the improvements should be in place prior to the start of the trout season which will include a special kids trout derby.

"Although a specific date hasn't been set, a special kids fishing derby will be held at the beginning of the trout season to encourage families to come see how fun trout fishing can be, " Whisenhunt said. "We'll be awarding drawing prizes to kids whether they manage to catch a fish or not. The main goal, of course, is for families to enjoy themselves.

"For many years we've sponsored a very popular event called the Rainbow Trout Fish Out, which is held during the third weekend in March at our Woodson Park swimming pool. Through that event we know that lots of people like to trout fish, and with the program at Dolese, they'll get the entire months of January and February to try their luck in addition to the three-day trout fish out," Whisenhunt added.

"This year, we implemented a new program called "Close To Home Fishing" which creates partnerships with cities and towns to establish new fishing areas, or enhance existing ones," said Erickson. "We applaud Oklahoma City Parks and Recreation Department for not only offering a unique wintertime trout fishing opportunity in the metro area, but also for enhancing their facilities for anglers at Dolese Park. They have similar plans for several of their other parks too."

Private donations from the OKC 89er Chapter of Trout Unlimited and the OKC Sportsman's Club are helping to make the Dolese Youth Park Lake trout season possible. For additional details about the trout season and information about becoming a sponsor, call Bob Martin, Oklahoma City Parks and Recreation Department (405) 755-4014, or Gene Gilliland, ODWC, (405) 325-7288.

Each summer bass anglers eagerly await the release of population data collected by Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation Fisheries personnel through the agency's spring electrofishing survey results on lakes and reservoirs throughout the state.

During the 2001 surveying, biologists recorded 100 or more bass per hour of electrofishing at 13 different lakes, with eight lakes registering fish bigger than eight pounds. The largest fish in this year's survey was a 10.7-pounder recorded at Lake Waurika, while a 9.1-pound largemouth was caught at Arbuckle Lake. Two lakes, Konawa and Grand, both registered more than 200 bass per hour of electrofishing, with 229 and 223, respectively.

"The electrofishing survey results provide biologists and anglers alike with the latest information on both the relative quality and quantity of bass found in a lake," said Kim Erickson, Fisheries chief for the Department. "Some anglers look at the data to determine where they might go to catch good numbers of bass, while others use it to find lakes with a better chance of catching a big fish."

During the electrofishing surveys, biologists capture bass using specialized equipment, then weigh and measure each fish before releasing it back to the water unharmed, Erickson said. They then analyze the data and compare it with previous years' results to determine population trends and status of the fishery.

"If you're looking to find a place to take a youngster fishing, I'd probably choose one of the lakes having a high abundance of bass where size isn't important," he said. "For example, lakes like Dahlgren in Cleveland County have a high abundance of bass (150 per hour) but a very low percentage of fish over 14 inches. Pottawatomie County's Wes Watkins Lake in has a high percentage (almost 60 percent) of bass over 14 inches, but when compared to other lakes in the area, the overall abundance of bass is lower, possibly due to relatively poor survival of fish into the catchable sizes."

Lakes registering more than 100 bass per hour of electrofishing in the 2001 survey were: Konawa (229), Grand (223), Tenkiller (173), McGee Creek (158), Ft. Gibson (155), Dahlgren (150), American Horse (148), McMurtry (143), Dripping Springs (130), Hudson (122), Arbuckle (117), Guthrie (116), and Elmer (104). Those lakes where bass larger than eight pounds were seen while surveying were: Waurika (10.7 pounds), Arbuckle (9.1), Dripping Springs (8.6), Lawtonka and Longmire (each produced an 8.5 fish), Okmulgee (8.3), and Lone Chimney and Watonga (8.2).

The Department's Fisheries personnel perform electrofishing surveys on various lakes across the state each year. Lakes are surveyed on a rotating basis, with those lakes involved in special emphasis projects receiving higher priority. Due to the numbers of lakes in Oklahoma, not all lakes are sampled each year

09/08/2001 - Twin Dikes Marina, Lake Sam Rayburn, TX. .... Strong winds, 4-6 foot waves and spotty showers were the settings for the final day of competition at the Skeeter Jamboree. The day began with Donnie Robinson being in the lead with 19.4 lbs. All of the contestants were on an even playing field whether they got the chance to practice or not. The weather and fishing patterns were changing so fast and drastically it was anyone's game � or lucky cast � to end up as champion and winner of the new $25,000.00 Skeeter Rig.

Coming out of Day 1 of competition, with 19.4 lbs in the lead, the weights were staggered to 9.41 holding 10th place. This is an appreciation tournament that Skeeter holds for it's team members. It is also an opportunity for all of the team members to meet each other � but don't let that fool you. There is still a lot of competion between them, measuring themselves against each other and testing their skills.

Donnie Robinson came in strong with back to back limits to win this event. He brought in 11.51 lbs fishing the outside grass. He had all of his fish by 8:30am. His grass flipping skills really paid off, being awarded the Skeeter ZX190 and an extra $350 spending money from the side pot that most of the anglers participated in.

Todd Faircloth brought in 13.36 lbs to bring him up from 6th place to 2nd place with a 2-day total of 24.69 lbs. He got his catch on a 1 oz. Stanley Jig pitching in 10-12' of grass, and a Texas Rigged red 10" worm. He fished the mouths of coves and his best bite came at midday.

Harold Allen fished a "Texas style" Reaction Chili Pepper 6" wacky worm in 10-13' grass ridges to bring in 11.78 lbs for a 2 day total of 23.15 lbs and 3rd place overall. Todd and Harold find themselves neck and neck in competitions quite often, as we saw at the B.A.S.S. Classic in New Orleans last month.

Bill Hudspeth brought in 11.62 lbs, securing his 4th place finish. Bill fished "hard structure" (brush piles) for his catch.

1st place	Donnie Robinson	30.91 lbs
place	Todd Faircloth	24.69 lbs
3rd place	Harold Allen	23.15 lbs
4th place	Bill Hudspeth	22.93 lbs
5th place	Curtis Simpson	22.87 lbs
6th place	Jeff Holder	21.62 lbs
7th place	Jerrell Pringle	19.89 lbs
8th place	Zell Rowland	19.53 lbs
9th place	Alton Jones	17.01 lbs
10th place	Greg Ingram	15.92 lbs
1st place Big Bass	Curtis Simpson	5.33 lbs
2nd place Big Bass	Donnie Robinson	5.24 lbs

Un-officially Dean Lacy, who fished as an observer with Danny Hite caught the big bass of the tournament with an 8.51 lb lady bass caught in 2' of water on a chrome popping top water bait he normally uses in salt water to catch speckled trout. Dean got 1st place overall in the observer category. (He was the only one in that category)

Jeff Wooldridge, Field Promotions Manager of Skeeter Boats acknowledged the pride that Skeeter has in their Team members and for being the only boat company that holds a team appreciation tournament. All members were invited from the 130 Skeeter Boat Dealerships nationwide for this event. As part of the Skeeter Team, the members go to seminars to learn more about the products they are using. This is not only for their benefit, but to better educate the general public as well. Representatives from Minnkota, MotorGuide and Lowrance were present to show them how to obtain maximum performance from their products. Skeeter has proud strengths in their longevity and traditions, this event being one of them. For more information on the Skeeter Jamboree or Skeeter Products contact Jeff Wooldridge at (903) 988-2711 or email at jeff_wooldridge@yamaha -motor.com.

09/01/2001 - KENNESAW, GA. .... Although the summer boating season is winding down, the marine industry is seeing a new wave of technology that will forever change the way Americans go boating. Yamaha Marine recently introduced the world's first and only V6 four-stroke outboards in 225 and 200 hp models. These new models are clean running, quieter and more fuel-efficient than traditional two-stroke outboards.

The marine industry has been anticipating Yamaha's new outboard and V6 technology ever since Yamaha first unveiled the outboard at an industry trade show last fall where it won the marine industry's prestigious Innovation Award. Judged and presented by Boating Writers International (BWI), the Innovation awards are regarded by many as the highest recognition in the marine industry and competition is fierce.

These revolutionary motors are receiving rave reviews in the boating press, whose technical editors are some of the most respected names in journalism. Bass & Walleye Boats' senior technical editor Jim Barron, who has covered

every major development in outboard motors for decades, said, "Lest I understate the significance of this engine, let me say this: The four-stroke V6 will change the way in which boaters think of outboard power, not to mention the way in which we propel our boats. Not only is the F225 the first of this breed, it is the finest high-horsepower outboard that I have run to date."

Consumer acceptance of the new technology has been equally enthusiastic. Frank Flynn, owner of Dania Boats in Dania, Fla. and one of the first to take delivery of the new F225s said selling the new technology has been easy.

"We sold seven of the new V6 four-strokes in one week, and we still have a long list of boaters who are ready for this new technology," Flynn said. "My customers want quiet, fuel efficient and longer lasting outboards. They see it as a better investment."

Yamaha designed the F225 and the F200 from scratch to be marine engines. Sleek and compact, the F225 is about the same size as a two-stroke outboard of the same class. Yamaha's design has made size and weight differences between two- and four-stroke V6s a non-issue. The company also offers four-stroke outboards in 15 horsepower classes, delivering its first four-stroke model, a 9.9, in 1985.

With Yamaha's F225 or F200, boaters will be able to enjoy the power and performance they need and gain the additional benefits of clean-running performance. Four-stroke outboards eliminate the need for two-stroke oil to be mixed with fuel. As a result, Yamaha's new V6 four-stroke meet and exceed the Federal EPA emission standards for the year 2006. They also comply with the more stringent California Air Resources Board (CARB) requirements which are already in effect.

08/25/2001 - Pineville/Alexandria. LA .... It finally came true for bass fishing pro Judy Wong. She simply blew away the field in the Women's Bass Fishing Association Classic World Championship on the Red River. Her total catch for the three day event was an amazing 42.53 pounds, unbelievably 13.32 pounds ahead of the second place finisher, outstanding pro Sheri Glasgow, who totaled 29.21 pounds.

"I found the fish by using a topwater bait during practice," said Wong, a Sugarland Texas angler who began her fishing career in 1977. "This week I caught my fish on a chartreuse crankbait and a three-quarter ounce spinnerbait. One of my fish had a bluegill in its mouth and so I rigged the spinnerbait with an orange and chartreuse skirt." The nervous and happy winner advised the Louisiana crowd at the Riverside Convention Center that "I think I caught all the bass out of that one oxbow, so it wouldn't help if I told you where it was." Her Saturday catch was a limit of 5 fish weighing 12.59 pounds, including the big fish of the day - 4.18 pounds.

Glasgow, of Muskogee, Oklahoma, also brought in a limit - one of just 3 limits for the final day. Her fish weighed 7.69 pounds. "I caught most of my fish this week pitching," she revealed. "And I also used a three-quarter ounce spinnerbait.

Coming in third for the championship was Shelley Perry of Hurricane. West Virginia. Her total bass weight for the week was 19.26 pounds. Veteran pro Katherine Stuart of Conway, Arkansas finished 4th with a total weight of 17.8 pounds. Fifth place went to Clinton, Louisiana angler Mary Devincenti who caught 16.36 pounds total for the week.

Wong's winnings for the championship week included a fully rigged Triton TR 17 bass boat and 150 Mercury engine.

A huge crowd attended the WBFA Classic in the Riverside Convention Center in Alexandria.

The final and decisive day of the annual event got underway at early dawn in Pineville at the Red River Authority boat ramp in Ft. Buhlow park. Official starter for the day was Cindy B. Goode of Clear Channel Communications Star 98.7 in Alexandria.

The Classic World Championship is sponsored by the State of Louisiana, the Alexandria/Pineville Area Convention And Visitors Bureau, the City of Alexandria, the City of Pineville, Clear Channel Communications, Louisiana Lottery, Paragon Casino and Resort, Century Tel, CLECO, Rapides Regional Medical Center, Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hospital, Red River Waterway Commission, Hibernia Bank, State Farm, Turpin Pontiac, Walker Oldsmobile, Willis Engineering, and Pan-American Engineers.

National Sponsorship Partners of the WBFA Tour include, Mercury Motors, Triton Boats by Earl Bentz, Gary Yamamoto Custom Baits, Flowmaster Exhaust Systems, Snag Proof Lures, Minn Kota, DEKA Marine Master Batteries, Humminbird Electronics, North American Sportswoman Magazine, Reyes Del Mar Jewelers, Kick'n Bass Scents and Eidolon Bait Company.

Netting data from this spring shows that striped bass populations are higher than they have been in the last 15 years at Lake Texoma, one of Oklahoma's most popular vacation spots and one of the best inland striper fisheries in the country.

Fisheries biologists with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department surveyed the Red and Washita River arms of the 88,000-acre lake in February and their results verify what local anglers have been saying in the last few years - fishing is getting better and better. Gill net catch rates, a standardized survey method used by fisheries professionals to measure fish populations, shows that this year's catch rates are the highest since 1987, and catch rates for large fish (those 20 inches or longer) are the highest since 1985.

"Fishing should be excellent as we move through the end of spring into summer," said Paul Mauck, south-central region fisheries supervisor for the ODWC. "Reports of anglers catching fish upwards of 20 pounds are becoming more common, and although recent rains have temporarily slowed fishing success due to high, muddy water, I expect anglers will see one of the best fishing years in recent memory."

Mauck added that one of the most telling aspects of the survey data involves the percent of the catch made up of fish 20 inches and longer.

"More than 25 percent of this year's catch were larger fish," he said. "That certainly bodes well for anglers who like catching bigger stripers."

Shad, which are small baitfish that striped bass feed on, experienced some winterkill this year due to several prolonged cold snaps. That could make the striped bass even easier to catch, since they won't have as much natural forage available as they usually do.

"Gizzard shad numbers are relatively good, but threadfin numbers are below normal," Mauck said. "We will be collecting threadfin broostock from other locations, and do not expect any long-term impacts from this winter's shad kill."

Those fishing Lake Texoma need either an Oklahoma or Texas annual fishing license, or anglers can purchase a $7.75 Lake Texoma Fishing License. Those fishing with a regular state license are restricted to fishing only those Texoma waters in their respective state (for example, an angler with an Oklahoma license must stay on the Oklahoma side of the lake), while those fishing on a Texoma License may fish the entire lake.




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