2007 Spring Rain brings positive effects on fishing!
Recent springtime rains can trigger fish spawns, cause aggressive feeding behavior and provide nursery areas for young fish that can lead to outstanding angling in the future, according to biologists with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.
According to Paul Balkenbush, southeast region fisheries supervisor for the Wildlife Department, anglers should take advantage of fishing opportunities now.
"The weather may be wet at times, but the temperatures outside haven't become hot yet," Balkenbush said. "And the significant rainfall that we've been getting lately can have positive effects on the fishing, both now and in the future."
Balkenbush also said that flowing water can make for some great fishing action, especially for catfish. "Moving water usually means an active catfish bite," Balkenbush said. "And the warmer weather tends to heat up the angling for most all species."
According to Balkenbush, key spots to fish are those where tributary streams are flowing into a reservoir. Species like channel catfish concentrate in these areas and take advantage of the abundant food source. Oklahoma's sport fish are also cold-blooded and become less active in the winter months, but they become aggressive feeders when waters warm up during the spring.
As area lakes fill up, shoreline vegetation also becomes flooded which creates great nursery areas for newly-hatched fish. This means that more young fish may survive and show up in anglers' creels in following years.
Although last year's drought cycle did not significantly affect fishing, Department biologists say recent rains are a relief for state lakes. Many lakes, especially in the eastern portion of the state, are currently near or above normal levels.
Balkenbush said anglers who venture out in the spring, even after heavy rains, can look forward to some of the best fishing the state offers throughout the year.
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http://www.wildlifedepartment.com/storyofweek4.htm ---> OWF Source
