Lake Texoma has for decades been both a recreational and economical staple for Oklahomas southern border and its residents, with sport fishing being one of the lakes most popular draws. So it makes sense that the health of the fishery is a top subject of interest for outdoor enthusiasts who use the lake. To keep anglers in the know and to seek feedback on upcoming management plans for the Lake Texoma fishery, the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation is providing an opportunity March 3 for the public to learn about a range of Texoma-related fishing information.
A public meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday, March 3 at the Clay Jones Community Center in Durant. Guests will receive informative updates from Department fisheries biologists on the status of the fishery and related issues. Biologists will address the biological and social aspects of fisheries management and regulations at Texoma, and they will present the new Lake Texoma Management Plan developed by the Wildlife Department. Visitors will have a chance to provide feedback on the plan as well as visit with biologists about fishing at the lake.
Angler opinions are important when developing management plans, said Matt Mauck, south central region fisheries supervisor for the Wildlife Department. We encourage the angling public to join us for an evening of informative discussions and input opportunities.
Lake Texoma was formed in 1944 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with the impoundment of the Red River on the Oklahoma/Texas border. At close to 90,000 acres, the lake is widely known for its history of good striper, black bass, crappie and catfish angling and boasts numerous current or former state records including blue catfish, smallmouth bass and alligator gar.
Anglers can learn more about fishing at Lake Texoma by attending the public meeting and can find regulations and harvest limits in the current Oklahoma Fishing Guide, available online at wildlifedepartment.com or anywhere fishing licenses are sold.
The Clay Jones Community Center is located at 1901 S. 9th St. in Durant. For more information, contact Mauck at (580) 924-4087.
http://www.wildlifedepartment.com/texomalakemanagement.htm
