Fisheries Division Monthly Activity Report March 2013 FISHERIES RESEARCH Effectiveness of Stocking 7-inch Channel Catfish to Reservoir Fisheries: Mark identification from otoliths collected from Greenleaf and Lone Chimney reservoirs is ongoing. Habitat mapping and delineation of habitats from the already mapped reservoirs (i.e., Ponca, McMurtry, and Okemah) are still being processed. (OSU Coop) Habitat Use and Movement by Fishes using Shallow-water Habitats in Three Scenic Rivers in Oklahoma Information for Developing Instream Flow Guidelines: We continued to collect flowhabitat data when rainfall increased discharge to the levels needed for our analyses (twice this month). Temperature loggers were placed in Flint Creek to obtain more validation data for our temperature models. Analyses continue. (OSU Coop) Genetic Analysis of Demographic Dynamics of Paddlefish in Grand Lake O the Cherokees: Preliminary results of genetic analyses for mitochondrial DNA (D-loop) and four nuclear microsatellite markers show low levels of genetic diversity both within and among cohorts as previously reported in February 2013. Additional microsatellite markers are required for robust population genetic inferences and are currently under development. Further analysis of additional loci will begin following the completion of the microsatellite library. (OSU Coop) Standardized Methods for Sampling Oklahoma Streams: We continued the literature review of published studies on fish sampling methodology in freshwater systems. To date, >500 studies have been complied, and we have reviewed 179 of the 212 papers focused on lotic systems. A notable trend is the number of studies in coldwater streams (~35%) and the general lack of research in wadeable warmwater streams in the southern United States (< 10%). Also, many studies have attempted to identify sources of variability in stream sampling methods (~70%), with relatively few addressing detection probability and gear efficiency (~40%). The information obtained from the literature search will help us refine our methods for Ozark streams. (OSU Coop) Grow-out catfish stocking: The utility of a small subset of age data for growth interpretation is being investigated. Growth of channel catfish less than 12 inches may be useful in determining stocking rates. Analysis is ongoing. (G. Summers) Walleye stocking evaluation: An updated literature review of walleye stocking has been completed. (G. Summers) Walleye Length Limit Evaluation: OFRL staff collected 33 walleye from Broken Bow Lake during night electrofishing and trapnet samples. Thirty-two of 33 walleye were males (mean length = 435mm). Age and growth analysis is ongoing. (G. Summers) Data warehouse development for outreach purposes: Work was initiated on the Final Report that includes the evaluation of success of the outreach efforts. (G. Summers) Statewide Fisheries Programs Operations and Maintenance: SSP winter netting data from Lake Texoma was analyzed. The analysis of the Chimney Rock Creel was completed and based on the results, and estimated $193,000 was spent by the lake s anglers. Server maintenance was augmented with the replacement of a failed drive on the GISSERVER. The Lake Record Program and the GIS Licensing server were administered. OFRL staff participated in a meeting with OSU Coop Unit personnel to discuss future channel catfish stocking objectives. (G. Summers)
Other Research Laboratory Activities: OFRL staff compiled channel catfish catch data from 20 years of archived SSP data for use in comparing mean catch rates. Preparation for spring electrofishing SSP sampling, including assisting regional crews with the new protocol is ongoing. A statistics class was attended. OFRL staff continue to prepare two manuscripts and presentations for submission to the 2013 SEAFWA Proceedings. Staff continue to coordinate the summer meeting of the SDAFS Reservoir Committee. Staff assisted NWR with setting, running, and pulling walleye nets at Ft. Supply. Staff attended a Canton Lake Association Meeting over water rights. Development of an excel age and growth SSP program began. Alligator gar otoliths were processed and age validation continues. Supervisor, as chair of the Poster Committee for the Little Rock AFS meeting, reviewed the abstracts of 92 poster presentation. Podcast production was completed on the presentations from the 2013 SDAFS Spring Meeting and a mobile site created as well. Wildlife Division was assisted with utility payment processing. Three research final reports were reviewed and edited for Federal Aid. ODWC GCP LCC Science Team member reviewed the 25 focal species list and the proposed request for Statements of Interest regarding a Texoma project. Contacts were made with Coop Units for Oklahoma and Texas to coordinate a proposal for the GCP LCC. Fishing license income was calculated for calendar year 2012 for Division Chief. OFRL Supervisor responsibilities were listed for Division Administration. (G. Summers) FISHERIES MANAGEMENT OKC Region: Fish feeders were filled and serviced at several CTHFP sites. A sampling schedule was prepared for 2013 for the OKC Region lakes and ponds. Area lakes levels were monitored along with boating / fishing access facility availability. Tables and graphs were prepared for the Pauls Valley Lake Management Plan. Compliance documents were completed at the request of Federal Aid and submitted to supervisor regarding potential maintenance work at Dahlgren Lake. The pond aeration system at Little River Park in Moore was inspected, cleaned and turned on. The OFRL plant growing cells were cleaned of debris and the water levels were topped off. Maintenance was performed on the habitat barge at the Arcadia. Staff provided technical assistance to eight stakeholders regarding Arcadia Lake brush pile GPS coordinates, crappie angling activity, saugeye angling activity, fish identification, farm pond management, fish producers list for pond owners, aquatic vegetation sources and angling opportunities at CTHFP sites. Channel catfish were hauled and stocked into the Wildhorse Park pond at Mustang. The 28th Norman trout derby and clinic was held this month. Approx. 1,000 trout were stocked into the NE Lions park pond. A trout fishing clinic was held for 200 kids and parents the night before the derby. Stations at the clinic included; live trout display, cooking and cleaning, knot tying, safe casting, be prepared, bait and tackle, OK trout areas video and Q&A. OFRL staff prepared handout materials for the fishing clinic. The original fishing simulator was sent back to the manufacturer for repair. The OFRL portable aquarium was patched and painted. An initial PMP was assembled for the new technician. (G. Summers) (G. Summers) NW Region: Walleye season was completed on April 4, 2013 with 5.3 million eggs harvested. Budget for FY2014 was submitted. Collected 42 northern largemouth bass brooders for Holdenville Hatchery for farm pond production. Regional supervisor and biologist attended a town hall meeting at Canton. Visited Close to Home ponds in Enid to check angling activity. Regional technician and secretary received P- card training. Assisted law enforcement with pulling juglines at Ft. Supply. Provided technical assistance to four pond owners. Regional supervisor contacted the State Historical Society and State Archeology Society concerning routine maintenance at ODWC lakes. (J. Stahl) Northeast Region: Northeast Region fisheries personnel provided general assistance to public, ensured routine maintenance of state vehicles was performed. Attended Pcard training in Oklahoma City. Northeast Region fisheries personnel participated in regional staff meetings; maintained fish division boats, trailers and equipment; completed weekly and monthly timesheets, vehicle logs, and P-card paperwork; ordered supplies and equipment for fish management; and continued preparing budget needs for FY14. Attended a meeting with GRDA and State Parks regarding boating access projects at Twin Bridges and Bernice State Parks. Answered questions of pond owners and other constituents. (B. Gordon)
North Central Region: A new lake record White Bass was verified weighing 4.65 pounds caught in Kaw Lake.. Completed the 2013 SSP Sampling Schedule for NCR. The shocker boat hull was buffed and equipment was prepared for spring sampling season. Initiated work on the Regional FY14 Budget. Weekly staff meetings were held to prioritize regional activities. Quarterly HACCP log was sent to ANS Biologist. Fish sample was given to DEQ biologist and 2013 collections were discussed. Two attempts were made to collect white bass males for hatchery production. A total of 35 males were delivered to Byron Hatchery. Two detection trips on Kaw Lake were made during this time period to document tagged striped bass and hybrid movements. Although no fish were detected above the Kaw City Bridge, several fish began movement patterns, but most fish remained in general locations. SUR data was downloaded and analyzed from the Kaw Forebay and Stilling Basin locations. Regional staff assisted PRC with Paddlefish Pickups and larvae collections on Spring River and Neosho River. Continued writing draft Skiatook Nursery Pond Operation Manual. Received edits from hatchery supervisor and manager and completed manual. Met with the Skiatook Lake Association and gave a program update on the nursery pond and also met to train SLA members and USACE on the operation of the pond. Staff stocked 36 pounds of Fathead minnows into Skiatook Lake Nursery Pond for FLMB production. Proofed the media press release concerning the Skiatook Nursery Pond. The Pole Barn Lighting project was completed and tested. Met and worked on a B/A application with cooperator at Lake Carl Blackwell. Received updates from Asst. Chief on B/A issues, and communicated to OSU. Processed a letter requesting a time extension from Ponca City on their BA project. Met with cooperator and contractor to review construction progress on Restroom. Supervisor attended two days of HRDS training. View podcasts from Black Bass Symposium. Department vehicles, drill press and air compressor were serviced, seines repaired. All reports were completed by deadlines. Office duties were completed as needed. (B. Wentroth) Southwest Region: Planned and prepared gear for spring sampling. Discussed channel catfish sampling issues with OFRL and OSU; reviewed past SSP data. Ordered supplies for display aquarium and planned spring fishing education events. Analyzed trout angler survey and sent summary to partners. Cut traction grooves in boat ramps at Ft. Cobb main ramp, Fly Inn 2, and Tom Steed main ramp with rented concrete grinder. Built steel concrete forms for boating access projects. Poured single-car portion of ADA pad and final section of new boat ramp at Crow s Roost East and cut expansion joints in existing pads. Inspected Frederick Lake dock. Contacted City of Chickasha, Quartz Mountain Park and Crowder Lake officials to determine status of BA projects. Reviewed Caney Creek BA project plans for SCR. Submitted list of potential SWR BA projects to OKC for FY14. Worked on barge and four wheeler for spring brush pile projects. Submitted proposed FY14 budget to OKC. Took down MC trout area signs. Supervisor and Tech worked shift at RPC. Worked on weight box for tractor. Worked on Federal Aid documents for work on Department Lakes. Held quarterly safety and planning meetings with staff. Completed new PMPs for staff. Reviewed materials and re-certified with aquatic pesticide applicator exam. Checked shoreline at Altus-Lugert and found no fresh fish mortality, but golden algae symptoms still present. (L. Cofer) Lake Maintenance: Dirt was hauled to Manning Hatchery and spread in bottom of ponds and stock piled for future use. A later trip was made to Manning to dig up a leak in main water line. All equipment was transported back to Headquarters and serviced. Trash run and inspection of area were made at Lakes Hall and Vanderwork. A trip was made to Jap Beaver to remove a large tree from boat ramp and check area. Ned assisted Larry Cofer with concrete work on boat ramp at Fort Cobb Lake. The track-hoe was transported to Lake Fort Cobb to assist with cleaning up debris along shoreline and line shoreline with rock. Repaired fence on Grady Co WMA. Crew burned off shoreline around Lake Burtschi. Repaired a gate on the North WMA fishing pond. Two loads of rock were hauled and spread on South access road. Mowing has started at Lake Burtschi. Old red dump truck was hauled to OKC for under carriage repairs. All buildings, grounds, equipment and vehicles were repaired as needed and maintained as scheduled. (T. Waters) East Central Region: Continued draft of new 2014 budget for Area 10. Reviewed Area 33 budget for habitat coordinator and Area 05 for Streams and submitted to OKC. Met with the COE and a representative from the rural electric company to discuss power options for the lower Illinois River SDOX system. Met with COE and Cookson Hills Electric Coop. Researched costs and prepared comparisons between propane and electric options for operating the Illinois River SDOX for inclusion into budget.
Prepared program for presentation at the Clean Lakes Meeting in Stillwater. Attended P-card training in Oklahoma City. Responded to phone calls and emails from public and private entities. Processed Wildlife and Fish Utility bills. Cleaned office and made presentable to the public. Updated region budget and organized files and office supplies. Maintenance of grounds and equipment as needed including maintenance of shocker boat. Continued work on sturgeon trotlines and worked on random sampling maps for area reservoirs. Build new aluminum fish hauling tank. Took stream boat to Paddlefish Research Center in Miami. Participated in weekly conference calls with the COE and SWPA. Developed random map locations for habitat evaluations in preparation for spring electrofishing and conducted habitat assessment for electrofishing on Fort Gibson Reservoir. Shovelnose sturgeon sampling done on the Arkansas River. Continued with preparation of boating access packet for the City of Webbers Falls. Collected age-1 sauger below Webbers Falls Lock and Dam 16 for research analysis. Electrofished Lock and Dam 17 and Webber Falls for young of year of sauger. Stocked trout in lower Illinois River. Collected white bass brood stock for the hatchery on Grand River at Choteau Bend. Florida strain largemouth bass pick up from hatchery and stocked into Taft and Onapa Lakes. Assisted personnel with paddlefish center duties. (J. Burroughs) NE Streams Program: Conducted a review and trial run of software to quantify egg samples from smallmouth bass nests. Discussed with OSU COOP staff needs for data collection on the lower Illinois River for future modeling efforts. Attend streams meeting in OKC with region staff and Coop personnel. Attend annual gigging tournament in Jay and collected information regarding species and numbers of fish harvested. Contacted Cherokee Nation regarding trash dump at Spring Creek and discussed clean-up project. Prepared for and conducted presentations at NSU fish and wildlife club, ODWC streams and Oklahoma Clean Lakes meetings. Attended Spring Creek Coalition meeting. Worked on Field Guide to Fishes of Oklahoma. Entered and calculated flow data, put info together for OSU and Hackberry Flat Day. Cleaned out round tanks and keyed Shorthead Redhorse, Silver Chubs, White Perch and buffalo fish species. Collected darters and madtoms at Barren Fork and prepared live fish for Mississippi Museum of Natural History s aquarium. Assisted Tulsa Nature Conservancy with stream electrofishing at 4 sites on the Nickel Preserve. Worked on meter stick and laser measurer, took flows on Peavine, Whitmire, Sycamore, Lost, Five Mile, Sycamore and Brush Creeks. (B. Brown/J. Burroughs) Central Region: Routine maintenance of buildings and grounds, vehicles, boats, motors and equipment was performed as necessary. All logs, reports, forms, budgets, and inventories were completed and updated as needed. Staff conducted HAACP protocol on all equipment and maintained logs as required. Continued work on fish attractor questionnaire. Approved 95 lb blue catfish lake record caught in Mill Creek arm of Eufaula Lake. Planned fin clip collections for FLMB genetics testing and planned collections for ODEQ mercury screenings. Created grid maps for SSP work. Salvaged rope from old gillnets. Continued 2013 creel survey on the South Canadian arm of Eufaula Lake. Cut cedars and installed at Shawnee Twin Lake #2 refurbishing 3 sites and creating 3 new sites. Submitted GPS coordinates to OFRL. Continued building starfish fish attractor structures and purchased supplies for their construction. Put in 4 new cedar trees in Holdenville Lake. Assisted with 6 fishing clinics at Shawnee with aquatic ed coordinator and Pottawatomie County Warden. Assisted Tulsa World newspaper with article on fish attractor work. Assisted with paddlefish project at Grand Lake. (D. Bowen) Southeast Region: Routine maintenance of buildings and grounds, vehicles, boats, motors and equipment was performed as necessary. All logs, reports, forms, budgets, and inventories were completed and updated as needed. Staff conducted HAACP protocol on all equipment and maintained logs as required. Budget wish list items and prices were listed. A Poteau area taxidermist was coached on otolith removal. Staff attended the USFS Shady Loop campground public meeting. Made edits to the Broken Bow Lake fisheries management plan. Sampling and habitat evaluation maps were prepared. Intern applications were reviewed and interviewed two candidates for SER Higgins internship. The USACE Pine Creek EA was reviewed for comments. White bass spawning activity was monitored at Sardis Lake. Staff discussed brush row project and prepared poster for OCLWA conference. Technician assisted Holdenville crew with Shawnee Lake habitat improvements adding brush and marker buoys. Technical assistance was provided for farm pond fish applications. Biologist scheduled a trout stocking demonstration and fishing derby on LMFR. Technician prepped aquatic education rods, reels and related equipment for Choctaw fishing clinic. Staff assisted with FLMB broodstock collections. Staff improved
fishing access at Ozzie Cobb Department Lake. HACCP logs were submitted to ANS biologist. Staff completed mandatory p-card training. Firearms qualification, training, and inspections were completed. Attended Poteau River Symposium. Met with Landowner regarding encroachment issues on Lake Schooler. Facilitated and attended Broken Bow Re-regulation Hydropower license coordination meeting at Higgins office. Prepared Area 12, 14, & 20 FY14 budgets. Prepared compliance documents for Department Lakes and Higgins office. (K. James) SE Streams: A SE streams outline was prepared for the streams meeting. Staff attended the streams meeting in OKC. Tidbits were deployed in the Kiamichi River to record water temperature. Routine maintenance of buildings and grounds, vehicles, boats, motors and equipment was performed as necessary. All logs, reports, forms, budgets, and inventories were completed and updated as needed. Staff conducted HAACP protocol on all equipment and maintained logs as required. Monitored flows and temperatures in regional streams and compiled LMFR temperature data in spreadsheet. Coordinated and conducted bi-weekly, mitigation and surplus trout stockings at the lower Mountain Fork River with Cedar Lake Trout Fishery and hatchery staff. Assisted hatchery with trout trip to Mountain Home, ARK (Norfork Federal Hatchery) to haul and stock rainbow trout in the LMFR. Staff researched instream flow/ecology relationships and literature pertaining to Kiamichi River. Researched Bubble Plume Diffuser Project. Prepared and deployed tidbits in the Kiamichi River to record water temperature. Attended Poteau River Symposium. Reviewed and prepared LMFR Foundation trout egg application for approval. (J. Barfield) South Central Region: Assisted Durant Hatchery with bass brood stock collection, marking channel catfish, and with trout stocking. Prepared fishing equipment and stocked hybrid sunfish for aquatic education event. Reviewed Department web site and submitted changes as needed. Finalized and submitted region budget. Prepared for and hosted Blue River coordination meeting. Hosted meeting with TPWD staff to discuss Lake Texoma issues. Attended conference call regarding Red River fish kill in 2011 and 2012. Continued discussion and preliminary action on proposed BA improvement. Prepared FLMB stocking request list. Inspected water levels and access conditions at Atoka Lake. Reviewed internship applications. Attended quarterly safety meeting. Entered and summarized SSP data. Completed SSP Electrofishing at Ardmore City Lake, Scott King, and Mountain Lake. Updated habitat maps. Provided technical assistance to farm pond owner (Bryan Co.)and discussed private pond fish kill with owner (Johnston Co.). Worked on OKAFS tasks. Attended DOM informal conference and presented Agency Statement. Environmental review on pending USCOE action. Provided environmental review for BOR for proposed action. Blue River - Maintenance of office building, grounds and equipment, restroom facilities and campsites. Mowed area grounds, maintained area roadways, removed several downed trees from roadways, repaired signs, removed garbage from trash barrels and maintained fence boundaries. Conducted and monitored prescribed burn on Blue River PFHA. Assisted at the Paddlefish Research Center. (M. Mauck) Environmental: Participated in Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies & Teaming with Wildlife Fly-in Days in Washington DC to promote State Wildlife Grants. Attended negotiations meeting with mining companies to discuss mitigation and damage claims associated with terrestrial damages at the Tar Creek superfund site. Attended Tar Creek Trustee Council meeting. Reviewed investment options and provided guidance for Tar Creek Trustee council on needed changes with regards to monies invested in USFWS NRDA fund. Presented information on state listed species and ODWC's environmental review process at the Environmental Federation of Oklahoma Threatened and Endangered Species Workshop. Presented a poster on mussel survey in the Poteau River at the Poteau River Watershed Meeting. Respond to environmental review requests. Take part in Oklahoma Clean Lakes and Watershed Association Executive Board meeting and assisted in planning for annual meeting scheduled for April 2013. Prepared worksheet for budget add-ins related to State Wildlife Grant, ESA Sec 6 grants, SNS grants, and streams related SFR grants for FY14 budget. Investigate fish kill in Beacon Hill housing addition pond in Oklahoma City. Investigate fish kill in Oklahoma River. (W. Ray) Paddlefish: Paddlefish Research Center personnel provided general assistance to public, ensured routine maintenance of state vehicles was performed, worked on caviar sales, and made facility repairs at the Paddlefish Research Center. Performed paddlefish rostrum morphometrics study. Continued
paddlefish larval collections for Grand Lake stock assessment and data analyses on paddlefish including PRC 2008-2013, netting, and band recovery. Continued MICRA paddlefish collection datasheet transcription and digital data entry. Administered the PRC Internship Program and performed intern performance evaluations. Worked on all certifications dealing with PRC: FDA, NOAA, DEQ, State Health Dept. and reviewed and updated HACCP plan and notebook. Obtained and took paddlefish samples to lab for pathogen testing and contaminants. (B. Gordon) FISH HATCHERIES HOLDENVILLE FISH HATCHERY: Various fish were sampled and feeding rates were adjusted accordingly. Water quality parameters were monitored in culture ponds. Hatchery reservoir water level and pumps were monitored. Distributed 4,718 rainbow trout from Greer s Ferry to the Mountain Fork River. Hatchery staff deterred herons, egrets, cormorants and river otters from culture ponds. Hatchery personnel assisted the Byron State Fish Hatchery y with the distribution of brown trout to the Illinois River. Four ponds were prepared and stocked with 500,000 saugeye fry. The wintering pond of Northern largemouth bass brooders was harvested and brooders were transferred to their spawning ponds. Three ponds of channel catfish fingerlings were harvested 12,000 fish were restocked into culture ponds for additional growth and the remainder were stocked into public waters. Ponds were mowed, disked and graded for upcoming culture season. Hatchery personnel repaired a leak in the pond dike of pond 15. Aquatic Education catfish were delivered to the hatchery and stocked into holding ponds. Coordinated and distributed the stocking of three aquatic educational clinic ponds. Hatchery roads were graded and maintained. Hatchery grounds were maintained though out the month. Repairs were made to ponds, nets, seine and screens where needed. Shop and vehicle storage buildings were cleaned as needed. Repairs and maintenance to buildings, equipment and hatchery grounds were made as needed. DATE SPECIES NUMBER WATER 4/04/13 Rainbow Trout 4,718 Mt. Fork River 3/20/13 Channel Catfish 200 Mustang Creek (Elem) 3/20/13 Channel Catfish 200 Big 5 Fishing Clinic 3/20/13 Channel Catfish 200 Shawnee Clinic Pond 4/15/13 Channel Catfish 11,070 Shawnee #2 (J.Davenport) Durant Hatchery: Hatchery staff met Cedar Springs Trout Farm personnel and assisted with every other week trout stockings at the Mtn. Fork River. Cedar Springs Trout Farm delivered Rainbow Trout every other week to the Durant Hatchery for the hatchery stockpile and weekly stockings into the Blue River. Trout stockpile held at the Durant Hatchery were fed twice a day and raceways and screens cleaned weekly and cleaned after last Blue River stocking. Catfish overwintering ponds were harvested and DH personnel hauled 9 channel catfish to public stocking sites and also assisted the HH with stocking Aquatic Ed. Catfish into a fishing clinic pond. Assisted SCR with fin clipping 9 catfish prior to public stocking. SCR, SER and Streams personnel assisted DH staff with electrofishing Flmb broodstock from overwintering ponds. Flmb were treated and stocked into spawning ponds along with Bluegill broodstock into separate spawning ponds. Koi fry were monitored and supplemental fertilization added as needed. Several ponds were bagged, filled and fertilized for DH Koi, Goldfish, Bluegill and Golden Shiner spawning needs. Traps and snares were checked regularly for ongoing otter control. Tours were given to several visitors, packets with general ODWC information were distributed and numerous walk-in visitors were assisted during this reporting period. Repairs were completed to shallow-end pond fill lines. DH staff submitted new hatchery fiscal year budget. DH staff attended Blue River coordination meeting. DH and SCR attended a safety class on March 27th. There is a rise of senior and disabled fishing application being handled in the office due to the fishing season. All fish species were monitored and fed, water quality maintained and nuisance aquatic vegetation controlled. DH staff received and unloaded fertilizer for ponds. Repairs to 12 PVC pond water supply line were completed. Hatchery grounds, buildings, equipment, and vehicles were maintained and equipment repaired. Distribution truck was taken in for repairs. DH staff continued monitoring and deterring otters, cormorants, and herons from
culture ponds and hatchery water supply reservoirs. The shop and office were cleaned weekly and as needed. The following fish were distributed to public waters. DATE SPECIES NUMBER SIZE NO/LB WATER STOCKED COUNTY 03/18 RBT* 1,700 11-14 1.40 Blue River Johnston 03/18 RBT* 120 14-24 0.89 Blue River Johnston 03/20 CCF** 200 11-14 1.42 Big 5 Fishing Clinic Pond Marshall 03/25 CCF*** 520 9.0 5.25 Wintersmith Park Pontotoc 03/25 CCF*** 920 9.0 5.25 Madill City #1 Marshall 03/26 CCF*** 100 9.0 5.25 Shale Pit Pond USFS LeFlore 03/26 CCF*** 300 9.0 5.25 Boney Ridge USFS LeFlore 03/26 CCF*** 682 9.0 5.25 Crooked Branch USFS LeFlore 03/26 CCF*** 3,402 9.0 5.25 Cedar Lake USFS LeFlore 03/26 CCF*** 2,085 9.0 7.50 Carlton Latimer 03/26 CCF*** 3,000 9.0 7.50 Clayton Pushmataha 03/26 CCF*** 600 9.0 7.50 Boswell State Park Choctaw 03/26 CCF*** 1,404 9.0 7.50 Schooler Choctaw 04/09 FLMB**** 130 7.0 10.0 Onapa McIntosh 04/09 FLMB**** 130 7.0 10.0 Taft Muskogee Source: *Cedar Springs Trout **Holdenville Hatchery ***Durant State Fish Hatchery ****(DSFH) NER Hauled (G. Schomer) Byron Hatchery: Fish culture activities completed this month include incubation and hatching of walleye and saugeye. The eggs were tempered, enumerated and incubated in hatching jars until ready to hatch. While incubating the eggs were treated with hydrogen peroxide to control fungus. The eggs were enumerated again to get estimated number to hatch and percent hatch and then they were moved to the aquarium tables. Fish in the ponds were fed and water levels monitored. This month 2 brown trout ponds were harvested and stocked into the Illinois River. Sunfish and the fathead minnow ponds were harvested and fish moved to other ponds on the hatchery. Two walleye and 4 saugeye ponds were set, filled, fertilized, and stocked this month. The plankton populations was sampled and enumerated for the walleye ponds. White bass males were received and stocked into the holding pond. Maintenance activities completed this month include repairing air compressor, replacement of septic tank, and work was started on repair of hauling unit. Roads were bladed, and limbs picked up after wind storms. Hatching jars and aquariums were cleaned and sterilized as used in the fish house. Other activities completed this month include assisting at the paddlefish research center, attending p-card training, and completion and submission of Byron hatchery and hatchery section budgets. Broodstock collections and stockings were coordinated this month as well. The following fish were stocked this month. DATE SPECIES NUMBER SIZE WATER STOCKED TYPE 3/28/13 Brown Trout 3,173 7 Illinois River Public 4/1/13 Walleye 2,200,000 Fry Foss Public 4/1/13 Walleye 800,000 Fry Ft. Supply Public 4/5/13 Walleye 600,000 Fry H. B. Parsons Hatchery Transfer 4/5/13 Saugeye 400,000 Fry Holdenville Hatchery Transfer 4/8/13 Walleye 580,000 Fry Ft. Supply Public 4/10/13 Walleye 750,000 Fry Ft. Supply Public 4/11/13 Walleye 40,000 Fry Chambers Public 4/11/13 Walleye 360,000 Fry Ft. Supply Public (S. Spade) J A Manning Hatchery: Performed routine maintenance to equipment and vehicles as scheduled or needed. Repaired leak on 12 waterline near water treatment plant. Hatchery manager and new technician went to Byron to pick up walleye fry for the hatchery and Foss Lake. Stocked 22 bags of fry
into Foss Lake and 8 bags into hatchery ponds. Harvested one pond of 6 channel catfish and split them between two other ponds to try to get them up to 12 inches. Technician position was finally filled after being vacant for 8 months. Completed PMP for new technician. New technician attended orientation in Oklahoma City. Completed budget for 2013-2014 and submitted to supervisor and Assistant Chief. Continued to control predators from hatchery ponds. Harvested Northern Largemouth bass and sunfish brooder pond. Sorted out sunfish brooders, bass brooders and forage. Stocked bass brooders into three spawning ponds. Stocked sunfish brooders into one holding pond. Stocked forage into one holding pond. Assisted Lake Maintenance crew with repairs to two ponds that had drainage issues. Feed catfish daily and monitor water quality. Collected plankton samples and counted plankton from walleye ponds. Applied 4 tons of organic fertilizer and liquid fertilizer to walleye and saugeye ponds. Shut off all water to the hatchery and contacted Lake Maintenance crew to dig out a water leak on 12 water lines. Applied repair sleeve to water line and turned all water back on to hatchery. Built and repaired filter boxes to filter out unwanted species that come through our water lines. Sprayed copper sulfate into three channel catfish ponds. Sprayed weeds that were growing in front of the office. (T. Wright)