Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Report as of March, 2008
Information from the February 2008 gill netting survey conducted by
fisheries personnel with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and
the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department from 30 sampling locations from the
upper Washita River Arm to the dam, to the upper Red River Arm on Lake Texoma
was completed and analyzed. I am attaching two graphs that show long-term
trends in striped bass population levels and also size structure of 596 fish
collected during the survey.
Our data indicates that overall abundance of striped bass continues to be
very good with total numbers slightly lower than levels observed in 2007, but
still ranking 7th in the past 16 year trend. Abundance of 20 inch and larger
stripers increased slightly compared to 2007 levels.
The 2007/2008 population size structure and abundance graph indicates that
good numbers of (11-13 inch) stripers from the 2006 year class were
collected; In 2007 there were excellent numbers of 16 – 18 inch fish. These
fish have now grown into the 19 – 21 inch class and should provide excellent
angling for stripers greater than 20 inches.
What does this mean? We should have another good fishing season ahead of us
in 2008 barring unforeseen problems such as the flood of 2007. We should
have a good summer of fishing with high numbers of 11 – 15 inch fish
available for catching, with 20 inch fish still representing (two out of
every ten fish caught). There should be an increased number of 19 – 22 inch
stripers for anglers to catch in 2008. Anglers should also have ample
opportunity to catch numerous quality 4 – 10 lb. fish and some trophy fish as
well to photograph and release or put on the wall of the den.
Again I would encourage everyone to take the necessary precautions to protect
this tremendous resource and return the fish in good condition where they can
survive and fight again. Thanks again for the great support the “Six Old
Geezers” family have provided our Department through the years. The new
electrofishing boat you helped purchase will be rigged out this summer and be
ready for survey work.
Good luck to everyone and let me know if you need anything.
