12-22-2006, 05:10 AM
January 1 will mark the first day of trout season at Dolese Youth Park Pond in Oklahoma City. The sixth annual trout season is made possible through a cooperative partnership between the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and the City of Oklahoma City as part of the "Close to Home" fishing program.
According to Gene Gilliland, senior fisheries biologist with the Wildlife Department, there will be no shortage of fish for anglers to catch. Over the course of the season, (Jan. 1-Feb. 28), about 10,000 rainbow trout will be stocked in the pond, located north of NW 50th and a half block west of Meridian Ave. Fish will be stocked every two weeks during the two-month season. Stocking dates are Jan. 4, Jan. 18, Feb. 1 and Feb. 15. The trout are purchased through funding by a local sponsor, BancFirst, and the Wildlife Department as part of the Federal Sport Fish Restoration program.<br />
"BancFirst has donated the matching funds to help purchase the fish, and their donation is matched with sport fish restoration dollars through the Wildlife Department," Gilliland said.<br />
BancFirst Chairman David Rainbolt said BancFirst is pleased to be a part of providing this opportunity to the people of Oklahoma.<br />
"This reinforces our commitment and loyalty to the community in which BancFirst makes its home," Rainbolt said.<br />
Oklahoma City fisheries biologist Bob Martin is pleased with the program's ongoing success.<br />
"We are grateful once again to have the support of BancFirst and the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation," Martin said. "They are important partners in our efforts to provide quality, local fishing opportunities for our trout anglers."<br />
Martin said anglers should have success catching Dolese trout on 4- to 6- pound test line equipped with a slip sinker and small hook. Choice baits include salmon eggs, power baits, corn, worms, spinners, Panther Martins, and small crappie jigs.<br />
Like its name suggests, the "Close to Home" fishing program provides fishing areas that are often just a short drive away from urban locations, saving anglers time and gas money. In addition, it allows parents and children to fish together after school or on a busy weekend.<br />
"It's a great chance to bring the family out - that's the whole idea of the 'Close to Home' fishing program," Gilliland said. "Plus, it's not every day that Oklahoma anglers can make time for a quick cast or two for such an interesting fish."<br />
An ordinance passed by the Oklahoma City Council in November sets a daily limit of six trout per person at Dolese Youth Park Pond. In addition, each angler may only use one rod and reel while fishing for trout.<br />
"The new ordinance mirrors existing catch limit regulations set by the State Department of Wildlife," said Wendel Whisenhunt, Director of the City's Park and Recreation Department. "However, now local wildlife officials will have the authority to intervene should an issue arise. It is a very positive move which will help ensure our trout are more fairly distributed to all our anglers throughout the season."<br />
Those fishing for trout at Dolese must purchase an annual state fishing license and a fishing and hunting legacy permit unless exempt. In addition, an Oklahoma City Fishing Permit is required for anglers ages 16-61 unless exempt. No state trout license is required. For more city fishing and permit information, contact the city's H.B. Parsons Fish Hatchery at (405) 755-4014, or visit the Lakes and Fishing page of the city's Web site at okc.gov. For a map, log on to http://wildlifedepartment.com/dolesemap.jpg. For more information on the "Close to Home" fishing program, log on to wildlifedepartment.com. Dolese Youth Park and the H.B. Parsons Fish Hatchery are operated by the City of Oklahoma City's Parks and Recreation Department.
According to Gene Gilliland, senior fisheries biologist with the Wildlife Department, there will be no shortage of fish for anglers to catch. Over the course of the season, (Jan. 1-Feb. 28), about 10,000 rainbow trout will be stocked in the pond, located north of NW 50th and a half block west of Meridian Ave. Fish will be stocked every two weeks during the two-month season. Stocking dates are Jan. 4, Jan. 18, Feb. 1 and Feb. 15. The trout are purchased through funding by a local sponsor, BancFirst, and the Wildlife Department as part of the Federal Sport Fish Restoration program.<br />
"BancFirst has donated the matching funds to help purchase the fish, and their donation is matched with sport fish restoration dollars through the Wildlife Department," Gilliland said.<br />
BancFirst Chairman David Rainbolt said BancFirst is pleased to be a part of providing this opportunity to the people of Oklahoma.<br />
"This reinforces our commitment and loyalty to the community in which BancFirst makes its home," Rainbolt said.<br />
Oklahoma City fisheries biologist Bob Martin is pleased with the program's ongoing success.<br />
"We are grateful once again to have the support of BancFirst and the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation," Martin said. "They are important partners in our efforts to provide quality, local fishing opportunities for our trout anglers."<br />
Martin said anglers should have success catching Dolese trout on 4- to 6- pound test line equipped with a slip sinker and small hook. Choice baits include salmon eggs, power baits, corn, worms, spinners, Panther Martins, and small crappie jigs.<br />
Like its name suggests, the "Close to Home" fishing program provides fishing areas that are often just a short drive away from urban locations, saving anglers time and gas money. In addition, it allows parents and children to fish together after school or on a busy weekend.<br />
"It's a great chance to bring the family out - that's the whole idea of the 'Close to Home' fishing program," Gilliland said. "Plus, it's not every day that Oklahoma anglers can make time for a quick cast or two for such an interesting fish."<br />
An ordinance passed by the Oklahoma City Council in November sets a daily limit of six trout per person at Dolese Youth Park Pond. In addition, each angler may only use one rod and reel while fishing for trout.<br />
"The new ordinance mirrors existing catch limit regulations set by the State Department of Wildlife," said Wendel Whisenhunt, Director of the City's Park and Recreation Department. "However, now local wildlife officials will have the authority to intervene should an issue arise. It is a very positive move which will help ensure our trout are more fairly distributed to all our anglers throughout the season."<br />
Those fishing for trout at Dolese must purchase an annual state fishing license and a fishing and hunting legacy permit unless exempt. In addition, an Oklahoma City Fishing Permit is required for anglers ages 16-61 unless exempt. No state trout license is required. For more city fishing and permit information, contact the city's H.B. Parsons Fish Hatchery at (405) 755-4014, or visit the Lakes and Fishing page of the city's Web site at okc.gov. For a map, log on to http://wildlifedepartment.com/dolesemap.jpg. For more information on the "Close to Home" fishing program, log on to wildlifedepartment.com. Dolese Youth Park and the H.B. Parsons Fish Hatchery are operated by the City of Oklahoma City's Parks and Recreation Department.