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Oklahoma bass fishing heats
up; 12-pound largemouth caught at McGee Creek
March 5, 2007 - One Sooner angler has already
proven that now is the time to be bass fishing in Oklahoma. Clayton
Dorris, Blanchard, landed a 12 lb., 6 oz. largemouth bass Feb.
23 out of McGee Creek Lake in Atoka County.
 Clayton
Dorris, Blanchard, caught this 12 lb., 6 oz. largemouth bass
Feb. 23 that measured over 28 inches in length, confirming claims
from Wildlife Department officials that now is a great time for
trophy bass fishing. Dorris caught the bass at McGee Creek Lake.
Photo by Mackey Keener, McGee Creek State Park
Ranger
The fish measured over 28 inches in length and
had a 21-inch girth. Dorris caught the fish while preparing for
an upcoming tournament at McGee Creek. The fish missed being
one of the top 20 heaviest largemouth bass caught in Oklahoma
by only seven ounces.
"My intent was not to catch a big fish, but
it just happened that I was in the right spot at the right time,"
Dorris said.
Dorris probably didn't realize just how true his
words were when he spoke them. According to fisheries biologists
with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, right
now through the next month is among the best time all year for
catching big bass.
"We are entering prime trophy bass fishing
season," said Paul Mauck, southcentral region fisheries
supervisor for the Wildlife Department. "Since we are coming
out of this colder weather, bass are actively feeding and putting
on weight for spawning, and that means they will be found in
shallower waters and may bite an angler's line more often."
Officials at the Wildlife Department say bass are
the most sought after game fish in Oklahoma.
"Something about this time of year gets people
excited about things like bass fishing, and that's good because
it's one of the best times of the year to go," Mauck said.
"Another great thing about bass is that they are powerful
fighters and are easy to find in Oklahoma. They do well in ponds,
lakes, rivers and streams and will hit anything from a worm on
a child's hook to a surface lure worked by a seasoned angler."
Dorris caught his trophy bass by fishing 16-20
ft. deep with a shad-colored spinnerbait. He used a "yo-yo"
technique to attract the fish, but he claims the catch was more
a result of getting out there and fishing than being a highly
skillful angler. He is active in two clubs and said he will fish
about 4-7 days a month between now and November. He claims anybody
can have luck bass fishing in Oklahoma if they learn a few simple
tips and simply go fishing.
"You don't have to be a professional. You
just have to be on the water," Dorris said. "You'll
never catch a big fish sitting at home."
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