Oklahoma Fishing Guides

Invasive Algae in Lower Mountain Fork River

The recent discovery of an invasive alga in a southeast Oklahoma river serves to remind anglers of their role in helping prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species.

Biologists with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and the University of Oklahoma recently confirmed the presence of Didymosphenia geminata, also known by anglers as “Didymo” or “rock snot,” in the Lower Mountain Fork River below Broken Bow Lake. The invasive species is native to North America and thrives in low-nutrient, cold, flowing streams rich in oxygen, such as the Lower Mountain Fork River, the Lower Illinois River and the Blue River.

Didymo starts out as small tufted colonies, but can grow into dense, thick mats that cover large portions of a streambed.

“When it forms extensive mats or produces large blooms, rock snot can outcompete native algae relied on by aquatic insects,” said Curtis Tackett, aquatic nuisance biologist for the Wildlife Department. “That may not sound like a problem, except that those insects provide an important source of food for trout in the Lower Mountain Fork River.”

Tackett said that in some cases, the reduction of available food sources for trout because of competition from invasive species like Didymo can result in smaller fish. Additionally, Didymo can clog water pipes and other flow structures as well as become quite a nuisance to anglers because of how easily it can be snagged by a fish hook.

“Anglers can help prevent further spread of Didymo and other aquatic nuisance species, and it just takes a little bit of effort,” Tackett said. “But that effort can go a long way.”

According to Tackett, the following measures can be taken to prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species:

  • Before leaving a river or stream, remove all clumps of algae and look for hidden fragments.
  • Soak and scrub all gear for at least one minute in a two percent bleach solution, or five percent salt solution, or simply use hot water and dishwashing soap.
  • If cleaning is not practical, then wait at least 48 hours before contact with another water body after equipment has dried.
  • Consider keeping two sets of wading boots, and alternate their use between cleaning and drying. * Avoid using felt-soled waders.
  • Avoid wading through colonies of the algae. Breaking up the material could cause future colonies and blooms to occur further downstream.

For more information about the Lower Mountain Fork River trout fishery, log on to the Wildlife Department’s Web site at wildlifedepartment.com.

Blue River Trout Derby This Weekend

If you haven’t made plans yet, it’s not too late to attend the 2009 Blue River President’s Day Trout Derby in Tishomingo on Saturday and Sunday, February 14th & 15th.

$1000 in tagged trout ($100, $50 and $20 tags) will be stocked along with several trout in the 3-6 pound range. Over $1000 in trophies and door prizes will be given away. Each participant will receive a Blue River Derby Cap.

Additional Prizes include:
* Male Heavy Stringer 2-day total wins $100
* Female Heavy Stringer 2-day total wins $100
* Fly Fishing Heavy Stringer 2-day total wins $100
* Youth 15 and under Heavy Stringer 2-day total wins $100
* Heaviest Trout Caught wins $100

Entry Fees = Adult $25.00, Youth 15 & Under $20.00. Printable Entry Form.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL: (580) 371-9288 – (580) 371-2175

Note: Due to rising cost of quality trout for the derby as well as the Blue River Association’s donations to save the aquifer, we would welcome any donations to defray these costs. If you would like to make a donation, please include with your registration and you will be listed as a Derby Sponsor on the Sponsorship Board.

Rules:
*Must Be Present to Win Any of the Prizes During the Drawing (Except the Pre-Entry Prize)

*Contest Open To All Ages- Fee Good For Both Days
*Tickets Must Be Purchased Before You Start Fishing

Sponsored by the Johnston County Chamber of Commerce, City of Tishomingo, Oklahoma & the Blue River Association. State Fishing Laws Apply.

Editor’s Note: I’m definitely in! See you there!! If you need a place to stay, check out Alberta Creek Resort & Marina, south of the Blue River on Lake Texoma.

Blue River Trout Derby, Nov. 15 & 16

You are cordially invited to participate in the 2008 Veteran’s Day Blue River Trout Derby in Tishomingo on Saturday and Sunday, November 15th & 16th.

$1000 in tagged trout ($100, $50 and $20 tags) will be stocked along with several trout in the 3-6 pound range. Over $1000 in trophies and door prizes will be given away. Each participant will receive a Blue River Derby Cap.

Additional Prizes include:
* Male Heavy Stringer 2-day total wins $100
* Female Heavy Stringer 2-day total wins $100
* Fly Fishing Heavy Stringer 2-day total wins $100
* Youth 15 and under Heavy Stringer 2-day total wins $100
* Heaviest Trout Caught wins $100
* Early Bird Drawing: Pre-Enter by Nov. 8, 2008 to be Eligible for Prize Worth $100.00

Entry Fees = Adult $25.00, Youth 15 & Under $20.00. Printable Entry Form.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL: (580) 371-9288 – (580) 371-2175

Note: Due to rising cost of quality trout for the derby as well as the Blue River Association’s donations to save the aquifer, we would welcome any donations to defray these costs. If you would like to make a donation, please include with your registration and you will be listed as a Derby Sponsor on the Sponsorship Board.

Rules:
*Must Be Present to Win Any of the Prizes During the Drawing (Except the Pre-Entry Prize)

*Contest Open To All Ages- Fee Good For Both Days
*Tickets Must Be Purchased Before You Start Fishing

Sponsored by the Johnston County Chamber of Commerce, City of Tishomingo, Oklahoma & the Blue River Association. State Fishing Laws Apply.

Editor’s Note: I’m definitely in! See you there!! If you need a place to stay, check out Alberta Creek Resort & Marina, south of the Blue River on Lake Texoma.