[Piscator]

News Release

Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation
9097 N. 34th St. W.
Porter, OK 74454-2743

Program: Streams Management (area 05)
Contact: Chris Whisenhunt or Paul Balkenbush
Phone: 918-683-1031 (Chris) or 580-924-4087 (Paul)
FAX: 918-683-1031

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Meetings Set for Lower Mountain Fork River Rule Change

Who: The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC).

What: Two public “town hall� meetings to discuss a proposed rule change for the recently restored Evening Hole and Lost Creek areas of the lower Mountain Fork River trout fishery. If approved by the Wildlife Commission the proposal will be submitted as an emergency rule.

When: The two meetings, which will both begin at 7:00 PM, have been scheduled on different days and in separate areas. The first is slated for 17 October 2006 (Broken Bow Public Library) and the second is on 19 October 2006 (ODWC’s central office auditorium).

Where: 17 October 2006 - Broken Bow Public Library: 404 North Broadway, Broken Bow, OK 74728.
19 October 2006 - ODWC’s central office auditorium: 1801 N. Lincoln, Oklahoma City, OK 73152.

Why: ODWC is nearing completion of the most ambitious stream restoration project ever conducted in Oklahoma. This project will improve stream flow, sediment transport, water temperature, in stream habitat and available wetland area in a degraded portion of the lower Mountain Fork River known as Evening Hole. An additional trout stream will also be constructed in a remnant floodplain offering anglers a new and exciting area to fish in a scenic, woodland environment. The initiative was made possible by significant donations from cooperating trout angling groups.

This proposal would change trout angling and harvest rules in the newly restored and created reaches of the lower Mountain Fork River. Specifically, the rule would impact the stream segments from the new water diversion at Lost Creek downstream to the first Highway 259 Scenic bridge crossing. Under this proposal, rules in these two areas would become more restrictive and the same as that pertaining to the trophy trout management area in Zone II. In these areas anglers could harvest no more than one rainbow trout and one brown trout twenty inches in length or longer. Tackle would be restricted to artificial flies and lures only and barbless hooks only.

How: Meetings are open to the public and are being held so comments on the proposed rule can be given. Written comments can also be submitted by those that cannot attend the meetings. Written comments should be submitted to:

Lower MFR Rule Change
2021 Caddo Hwy
Caddo, OK 74729

The deadline for written comments is 27 October 2006.

[BigCliff]

I think that would be a great rule to put in place. This would ensure that all the potential of this section of river is used to grow trout to their maximum size rather than be a holding tank for smaller food fish.