December 29, 2011
A service of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation
News Contacts: Michael Bergin or Micah Holmes (405) 521-3856
Website: www.wildlifedepartment.com <http://www.wildlifedepartment.com>
E-mail: info@odwc.state.ok.us <mailto:info@odwc.state.ok.us>

Dolese trout season kicks off Jan. 1
Now is no time for cabin fever
See a soaring iconic symbol in Oklahoma now
Outdoor Calendar
Fishing Report


Dolese trout season kicks off Jan. 1
Northwest Oklahoma City will start off the New Year by providing metro anglers with an opportunity to catch trout practically in their own backyards during the Dolese Youth Park Pond trout season. In addition, the City will partner with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation to host a free trout fishing clinic to help anglers have the best chance of catching trout during the season.
On Jan. 1, the metro trout season will open at Dolese Youth Park Pond, located north of NW 50th and a half block west of Meridian Ave in Oklahoma City.
The two-month long trout season runs through Feb. 28 and features several stockings of rainbow trout provided through a generous donation from BancFirst.
"This event is all about outdoor family fun,” said David Rainbolt, CEO of Bancfirst. “BancFirst enjoys being a part of the tradition."
Wildlife Department fisheries personnel say the support of BancFirst and its commitment to the Dolese trout season over the years have been crucial to providing the local trout fishing program, which has proven to be popular, affordable and entertaining among anglers. Bancfirst ranks 19th in the nation on the Forbes 2012 list of best banks in America and is the only Oklahoma bank in the top 25 listing.
The free trout fishing clinic will be held from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Jan. 13, at the Putnam City High School gymnasium (5300 NW 50th). Pre-registration is required by calling the H.B. Parsons Fish Hatchery at (405) 755-4014. Clinic topics include bait and tackle, pole rigging, trout biology, fish cleaning and recipes, knot tying, safe casting and trout season rules and regulations, followed by a question-and-answers session.
Part of the “Close to Home Fishing” program, the Dolese trout season is a result of a partnership between the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and the Oklahoma City Parks and Recreation Department. The “Close to Home” fishing program provides fishing areas that are often just a short drive away from even the most urban locations, saving families time and gas money. In addition, it allows parents and children to fish together after school or on a busy weekend. The Dolese trout season also offers anglers a chance to catch a unique fish that they don't catch at other times of the year when water temperatures are warmer.
“The Dolese trout seasons has been a great opportunity for area anglers to fish for nice sized rainbow trout in their own community,” said Bob Martin, fisheries biologist for the Oklahoma City Parks and Recreation Department. “What makes Dolese trout seasons popular is most people travel a few blocks or miles to fish instead of hours of expensive travel.”
According to Martin, successful trout anglers at Dolese should keep several colors of powerbaits as well as an assortment of other trout baits in their tackle box, as the best baits to use often change throughout the day. Anglers should have success using 4- to 6-pound test line equipped with a slip sinker and small hook. Along with powerbaits, choice baits include corn, small worms, small minnows, small spinners, jigs and spoons.
There is a daily limit of six trout per person during the Dolese Park Pond trout season. In addition, angling is permitted from the bank only, and each angler may only use one rod and reel while fishing for trout. Trout caught and placed on a stringer or otherwise held in possession cannot be released. Regulations for other species that may be caught at Dolese are available in the current “Oklahoma Fishing Guide” or online at wildlifedepartment.com.
Those fishing for trout at Dolese must purchase an annual state fishing license, unless exempt. In addition, an Oklahoma City Fishing Permit is required for anglers ages 16-61 unless exempt.
Dolese Youth Park and the H.B. Parsons Fish Hatchery are operated by the City of Oklahoma City's Parks and Recreation Department. For more information about trout fishing at Dolese and other Close to Home fishing opportunities, contact the city's H.B. Parsons Fish Hatchery at (405) 755-4014, visit the Lakes and Fishing page of the city's website at okc.gov, or log on to the Wildlife Department’s website at wildlifedepartment.com.
Tulsa area residents also have an opportunity to fish for trout without venturing far from home. This Tulsa trout fishing opportunity is made possible by a partnership between the Trout Unlimited Oklahoma Chapter #420, the Tulsa Fly Fishers and Tulsa-based conservation group NatureWorks. Trout Unlimited Oklahoma Chapter #420, Tulsa Fly Fishers and NatureWorks are non-profit organizations working for statewide conservation issues. For more information about Trout Unlimited Oklahoma Chapter #420, log on to tulsaflyfishers.org. For more information about NatureWorks, log on to natureworks.org.
This year the selected pond is located in LaFortune Park at the corner of 51st Street and Hudson in Tulsa, and the season has been open since Dec. 26. The pond is stocked periodically.
“Children only” days are scheduled for Jan. 16, Feb. 20 and March 19. On these days fishing will be open to children under the age of 16 only, and children fishing on these days must be accompanied by an adult. The accompanying adult may fish on these days. All other days during the season will be open to all ages. All anglers over the age of 16 must have a valid Oklahoma fishing license. A bag limit of six trout per day per angler has been set, and catch and release of trout is discouraged.

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Now is no time for cabin fever
With several open hunting seasons and some good fishing to be had across the state, most outdoorsmen know this is no time to be suffering from cabin fever.
While several important fall hunting seasons have come and gone, there are still several hunting opportunities available right now in Oklahoma, including seasons such as deer and turkey archery, quail, pheasant, rabbit, squirrel, furbearer and waterfowl. There also are hunting seasons for some species that are open year-round. Trout season is well-underway, and anglers can even pursue wintertime crappie, bass, striped bass and other sport fish on waters across Oklahoma.
“This is not the time to pack away all your gear until spring,” said Nels Rodefeld, chief of information and education for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. “Instead, it’s time to get out and enjoy the outdoors.”
Oklahomans don’t have to look far for a place to hunt or fish during the late season, either. The Wildlife Department maintains wildlife management areas in every part of the state that are open to public hunting, and lakes, ponds and rivers provide fishing access even during the coldest months. Seasons on public lands may vary from statewide seasons, and hunters should consult the current “Oklahoma Hunting Guide” online at wildlifedepartment.com before going afield.

Open seasons at a glance
Deer archery – either sex through Jan. 15
Turkey fall archery – through Jan. 15
Squirrel – through Jan. 31
Furbearer – through Feb. 29
Pheasant – through Jan. 31
Quail – through Feb. 15
Rabbit – through March 15

Waterfowl
Ducks, mergansers and coots – Panhandle through Jan. 4; Zone 1 through Jan. 22; Zone 2 through Jan. 29
Canada geese – through Feb. 12
White-fronted geese – through Feb. 5
Light geese (snow, blue and Ross’) – through Feb. 12
(Conservation Order Light Goose Season – Feb. 13 - March 30, 2012)
Sandhill crane – through Jan. 22 (west of I-35 only)

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See a soaring iconic symbol in Oklahoma now
Oklahoma’s mild winters make the state a great fit for eagles during the coldest months of the year, and a number of opportunities are available to see one.
Wintering eagles begin arriving in Oklahoma in November and early December. Their numbers peak in January and February, and most birds have left for their northern breeding grounds by the end of March. Additionally, Oklahoma is home to a resident eagle population that has grown since the late 1980s from no birds to over 80 pairs. Eagle populations have fluctuated over time, and were once on the national endangered species list (from 1972 through 2007).
Today eagles are a common sight during the winter at lakes and reservoirs. A number of organized and self-guided eagle viewing opportunities at as many as 15 locations this winter are outlined on the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation’s website at wildlifedepartment.com.
Lakes and their spillways have historically served as reliable Oklahoma bald eagle viewing areas. Lakes with the highest concentration of eagles are Kaw, Keystone, Texoma, Tenkiller, Ft. Gibson, Grand, Canton, Great Salt Plains, Tishomingo and Spavinaw.
Specific bald eagle migration patterns vary each year depending on weather and other factors like severity of northern winters, and water discharges from individual reservoirs will often determine how attractive a particular lake is to bald eagles. These conditions can change overnight; therefore, a good wildlife viewing rule of thumb is to call ahead for up-to-date wildlife viewing information.
With a wingspan longer than seven feet, bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) in Oklahoma are primarily found in the eastern and central portions of the state, and the peak viewing time for bald eagles in Oklahoma will extend into February.
To learn about eagle viewing sites and upcoming viewing events, tour dates and times, log on to wildlifedepartment.com and select the “Wildlife & Land Management” tab, then choose “Birds and Bats.”

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OUTDOOR CALENDAR

JANUARY

5-8: Oklahoma Tackle and Hunting Show at the Oklahoma City Fair Grounds, Oklahoma City.

5-8: Oklahoma Winter Bird Feeder Survey. Help the Wildlife Department track wintering birds at backyard feeders. For more information, log on to www.okwinterbirds.com <http://www.okwinterbirds.com/> .

9: Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission meeting. Meetings are held monthly at 9 a.m. at the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation Building (auditorium), 1801 N. Lincoln, Oklahoma City.

13: Eleventh annual OKC trout fishing clinic at Putnam City High School Gym (5300 NW 50th) for anyone interested in fishing for and catching rainbow trout. Program is free. To register call the H.B Parsons Fish Hatchery at (405) 755-4014.

16: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - State Offices Closed.

17: Bob Walshaw will present a hands-on bluebird program including how to deal with house sparrows at Bass Pro Shops in Broken Arrow at 7 p.m. This event will be held in the upstairs seminar room, is free and open to the public, and door prizes will be awarded. For more information (918) 355-7600.

24: Predator Calling Seminar at 7 p.m. in the upstairs seminar room at Bass Pro Shops in Broken Arrow.. Scott Ruff will cover bobcat calling, and Travis Alzate will cover coyote calling. Both men are expert predator hunters, videographers and seminar presenters with many years of multi-state experience. The event is free and open to the public. For more information call (918) 355-7600.

28: The Lawton Oklahoma Chapter of Ducks Unlimited will be hosting a Waterfowl Hunters Party at the Great Plains Coliseum (Prairie Building) at 920 S. Sheridan Road, Lawton. Doors Open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $25 each, which includes a meal and Ducks Unlimited membership. Auction will be held for decoys and hunting equipment. Come out and enjoy a great evening of fun and fellowship. For more info and to purchase tickets contact Ricky Moore, Lawton Ducks Unlimited Chapter President, at moore6395@sbcglobal.net or (580) 351-8824.

31: Prescribed Burn Workshop. Topics will range from legal considerations and techniques for managing fire to environmental considerations and developing prescribed burning plans. Weather permitting an afternoon demonstration burn will be conducted with an explanation of necessary equipment. Workshop runs from 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Registration fee is $20 and includes lunch. To register call the Noble Foundation at (580) 224-6411 or log on to www.noble.org/AgEvents <http://www.noble.org/AgEvents> .


FISHING REPORT FOR DECEMBER 28, 2011

NORTHEAST

Eucha: December 28. Elevation 7 1/2 ft. below normal, water 60 and dingy. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs around brush and structure. Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits. Report submitted by Dwight Moore, City of Tulsa.

Kaw: December 25. Catfish slow in north and south end of lake fishing with shad. Crappie fair on minnows over submerged brush in deeper water. Report by game warden David Rempe stationed in Grant and Kay counties.

Spavinaw: December 28. Elevation slightly below normal, water 43 and dingy. Crappie fair on jigs and minnows around the dam area. Largemouth bass fair on spinnerbaits. Report submitted by Dwight Moore, City of Tulsa.

Webbers Falls: December 27. Elevation normal, water murky. Catfish good caught on bottom. Crappie good caught around the fishing dock using crankbaits. Report submitted by Lark Wilson, game warden stationed in Muskogee County.

NORTHWEST

Canton: December 27. Lake elevation 12 ft. below normal and clear. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs near brush along dam. Report submitted by Mark Walker, game warden stationed in Blaine County.

SOUTHEAST

McGee Creek: Dec. 27. Elevation 3 ft. below normal, water 52 and clear. Largemouth bass fair on soft plastic lures at 8-20 ft. Crappie fair around cedar brush, just off of main creek channels at 10-20 ft.

Pine Creek: December 28. Elevation above normal and murky. Bass fair on soft plastics. Catfish good on chicken liver baited juglines. Report submitted by Mark Hannah, game warden stationed in McCurtain County.

Robert S. Kerr: December 26. Elevation normal, water murky. Catfish fair on cut bait and shad. Crappie fair on minnows and jigs. Report submitted by Leland Sockey, game warden stationed in Haskell County.

Sardis: December 25. Elevation normal. Largemouth bass good on swim baits, spinnerbaits, crankbaits, topwater lures and plastic worms early and late. Channel and blue catfish good on cut bait and dead minnows. Crappie good on minnows and jigs at 12-14 ft. Walleye good trolling crankbaits, spinners and plastic worms. Report submitted by Dane Polk, game warden stationed in Pushmataha County.

Texoma: December 25. Elevation 4 and 1/2 ft. below normal, water 51 and murky north and clear south. Largemouth and smallmouth bass fair at 10-15 ft. in the creek channels on plastic worms and crankbaits. Striped and white bass fair at 10-20 ft. in the river channels on live bait, sassy shad and slabs. Channel and blue catfish fair at 10-15 ft. from Platter flats to the south on live bait and stinkbait. Crappie fair at 5-10 ft. around underwater brush piles and in the upper ends of the creeks on minnows and jigs. Report submitted by Danny Clubb, game warden stationed in Bryan County.

Wister: December 25. Elevation 5 ft. above normal and murky. Crappie good below the dam on minnows and jigs. Largemouth bass fair on crankbaits and spinnerbaits. Catfish fair to good on juglines bait with cut shad and liver. Report submitted by Randy Fennell, game warden stationed in LeFlore County.


This program operates free from discrimination on the basis of political or religious opinion or affiliation, race, creed, color, gender, age, ancestry, marital status or disability. A person who feels he or she may have been discriminated against or would like further information should write: Director, Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, P.O. Box 53465, Oklahoma City, OK 73152, or Office of Equal Opportunity, U.S. Department of Interior, Washington, D.C. 20240.