Author: Lake Havasu Guide

The holiday season is a good time for reflection. A time to be grateful for all that we have. A time to give just for the good feeling we get from giving.

One of the most important things that we all can be thankful for, after good health and good fortune for ourselves and our families is this great land we live in. From coast to coast it is filled with the most wondrous places. Our beautiful mountains, oceans, rivers, streams and lakes that we too often take for granted are truly things to be thankful for. They are great gifts placed here in our land to be enjoyed by all.

Along with these great gifts comes an important responsibility to care for them and preserve them so that future generations can enjoy the pleasures they provide us all. Many of our great rivers and lakes, once on their way to becoming “Toxic Reservoirs” full of “Mutant Aquatic Lifeforms”, are now well on their way to being restored to the condition they were a few hundred years ago when our ancestors settled this great land. The result of this turnaround is largely due to the efforts of a relatively small group of people called conservationists. Not the extremist groups, concerned with protecting some tiny insect from extinction, but ordinary folks with good common sense and, thankfully, a very high degree of responsibility, who have come together to focus attention on the care of our natural resources.

One doesn’t have to have been around too long on Lake Conroe to remember the days when the water was so clear that you could see your toes when you stood or swam in it. That was before “Mother Natures” natural filtration system was removed. Today that wouldn’t be possible even if you were 6 inches tall.

“Remember the Alamo”, huh! “Remember Lake Conroe”. Remember when it was easy for the occasional fisherman to catch a bass.

One doesn’t have to look to far, less that 100 miles, to our north south east or west to see fine examples of what proper conservation methods can do to preserve the pristine cleanliness of our lakes that are teeming with fish that can still be caught by the occasional fisherman. Properly managed these great reservoirs still provide the beautiful clean waters and abound with aquatic life even better than when our forefathers came to this country.

Give your children, grandchildren, great grand children, and so on, the gift of a beautiful and bountiful place to enjoy. Do you part if it’s only by giving something to those who are working hard every day, on a voluntary basis, to keep our lakes and rivers clean in the State of Texas.

Texas Black Bass Unlimited is one such organization. Dedicated to the preservation and conservation of our great lakes and rivers this group of volunteers is working every day, doing things to improve and enhance natures resources. Ordinary hard working every day Joe’s like you doing what they can to make it better for us all.

“Remember Lake Conroe”. Let’s put it back the way it was when you didn’t have to be 6 inches tall to see you feet or “Angler of the Year” to catch a fish.

Give a friend a membership for Christmas. For information call 713-580-1469 or 214-381-0748. Subscribe to “Our Inland Fisheries” magazine today. You can make a difference.
– Lake Havasu

Some 40 odd years ago a grey haired man stood on a bridge with a young boy looking at a bobber floating below in the Arkansas River in Wichita, Kansas. As the old man leaned over the railing to look at some ducks that were swimming by under the bridge something fell from his shirt pocket and into the river. Ploooop ! Well there goes my teeth Grandpa told me with a wry smile on his face and lips flapping, as they tended to do when he talked without his teeth. I was about 6 years old at that time and don’t remember whether we caught a fish or not but that memory was the first I have of Grandpa taking me fishing and one that I’ll have and cherish for the rest of my life.

My dad wasn’t much of a fisherman but was always willing and ready to go along when Grandpa wanted to take me fishing. I remember a trip we went on out of Rehobeth Beach, Maryland in the Atlantic. I was around 8 years old. It was the first time I had gone salt water fishing. I don’t remember whether we caught fish or not but I do remember my poor Dad either hanging over the side of the boat, and he wasn’t dropping his glasses either, or laying in the cabin on the bunk moaning. Poor Dad.

Those early fishing trips kindled a fondness for fishing in me that has grown into a passion. There isn’t much I’d rather be doing than fishing. Even though I’m guiding full time now it is still the best way for me to relax and get things into perspective. Whether it’s just watching the line peel off my reel after a cast and float gently to the water or watching a Heron stalk breakfast along the bank across the cove I’m fishing I can’t imagine a better way to relax. And of course hooking a largemouth and watching him thrash the surface on the end of my line isn’t too bad either, but just being on the water is still often a very magical time for me.
I see that same magic on the faces of the young children I occasionally get the privilege of taking fishing. Every summer there is a tournament on Lake Conroe to benefit the Sunshine Kids. These kids are very special indeed, and I usually benefit much more than they do from the fishing trips we enjoy together. You can feel the excitement in the air the morning of the tournament when the Ladies from Houston Fish, the Bass Club that sponsors the tournament each year, are pairing up the young anglers with their guides for the day. There isn’t money enough in the world to buy the kind of satisfaction one gets from taking a kid fishing.

It doesn’t matter whether you are cat fishing, white bass fishing, crappie fishing or bream fishing children always enjoy themselves.

It doesn’t have to be in a fancy boat or even a boat at all. Some of my fondest memories are fishing a small pond or creek from the bank.

You don’t even have to catch a lot of fish just point out the wonders of nature that are always around us but not often enjoyed.

You don’t need a lot of fancy equipment either. A cane pole will do just fine.

If you aren’t a regular fisherman ask the guy at the local tackle store or marina for some help or look up a local fishing guide and tell him you need some help. You’ll find that all fishermen will be willing and often eager to help you enjoy your fishing more.

Make taking a kid fishing a regular event in your life. Take your son or daughter, niece or nephew or just one of the neighborhood kids.

You’ll be giving them a gift that money can’t buy, they can’t lose, the dog won’t chew up and that they will have for the rest of their life. Hopefully you’ll spark in them what my Grandpa did for me and that fishing will be as good for their soul as it will be for yours. – Lake Havasu

Visit our booth at the Houston Boat Show January 7th – 16th at the Reliant Center, Houston Texas.

Red Wing Boat Company
836 South 75th Street
Houston, Texas 77023
713-921-0656
– Lake Havasu

Visit our booth at the Houston Boat Show January 7th – 16th at the Reliant Center, Houston Texas.

Rinker’s Boat World
2500 W Mt Houston
Houston, Texas 77038
800-847-9247
281-847-0064

– Lake Havasu

ATHENS, Texas—Terry Jones of Jewett turns trash into treasure—metal sculptures that look like prehistoric fish despite being made of old saw blades, meat grinders, car parts and anything else that strikes his fancy.

“A piece is only as good as the quality of the junk that’s in it,” Jones said. But instead of the finished pieces looking like the junk they’re made of, they resemble something from a fishy horror movie—gaping jaws, saw-toothed fins and scissor-like tails.

Jones’ whimsical folk art will be featured at an art show and sale Dec. 4-11 at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center here. Jones said most of his customers so far have come from the Austin area.

In contrast to the metal sculptures, the show will also feature botanical art by Bruce Lyndon Cunningham of Nacogdoches and outdoor-themed paintings by several Athens-area artists. Artists will donate a portion of each sale to the building fund for a new education center at TFFC. Jones and other artists will be at TFFC for the opening of the show on Dec. 4.

Jones credits his antique business to an eye for good junk and to friends for supplying him with quality raw materials. “I find a lot of stuff at auctions and estate sales,” he said. “I try to use as many antique tools as possible in my sculptures. Once I get an idea for a piece, I go looking for the parts to make it. One small piece I made recently took four weeks to build because I did not have what I wanted. So I just let it sit until I found the eyes—as soon as I saw them, I knew where they needed to go, and I finished the piece.”

That sculpture, which features gears from an automobile transmission for the eyes and a section of a large sawmill blade as the dorsal fin, will be part of the December show.

Jones’ fishy figures attract a lot of attention at the antique shop and bait store he and wife Carla operate in downtown Jewett. “The look on people’s faces when they see a piece is the real reward,” he said. “They are trying to figure out what all the pieces are and where they came from.”

The sculptures go together in Jones’ head first. Then he welds them together in the parking lot of the store. “Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night with pieces going together in my head,” he said. “The hard part is finding the mouth. That’s the focal point of a fish. You have to start with the mouth and build from there, because the mouth determines how big the rest of the fish will be.” The pieces are sanded clean, welded together and coated with lacquer to make them weatherproof.

Jones, 45, has no formal art training but has always liked to draw. He acquired his welding skills working as an ironworker. He says using one person’s junk to create another person’s treasure requires no special training: “It just boils down to having a good imagination,” he said.

For more information call (903) 676-2277. – Lake Havasu

AUSTIN, Texas — The limestone walls of the Indian Council Room deep within the bowels of historic Longhorn Cavern near Burnet will ring with the sounds of the holiday season at three special Caroling in the Cave performances. The Longhorn Cavern State Park event is just one of a number of holiday events taking place at Texas state parks and historic sites this season.

This is the third year that the acoustically blessed Longhorn Cavern has hosted the underground Christmas concerts that have proven extremely popular. The Westwood Honors Show Choir from Round Rock will give a performance a cappella from 4:15- 6:15 p.m. Dec. 15. Victoria B & Friends will perform on Dec. 18 (2:15-4:15 p.m.) and Dec. 22 (4:15-6:15 p.m.) Reservations are required and can be made by calling (877) 441-2283.

The holiday season in Texas State Parks kicks off early, Nov. 26-Dec. 20, with a Candlelight Christmas Dinner at the Starr Family Home State Historic Site in Marshall, a town known for its lighting festival. Experience a sumptuous Victorian Christmas dinner from a long ago era in the 1890s Blake Home as accomplished singers serenade you. Call (903) 935-3044 to make dinner reservations.

Throughout December, state parks will host a variety of events, including Christmas on the Border at Barton Warnock Environmental Education Center in Lajitas on the Texas-Mexico border. The festive event will include folklorico dancers, school choirs, Christmas treats and refreshments, and a special visit by Santa. The program will start at 6 p.m. on Dec. 12. For information, call (432) 424-3327.

Holiday events in the parks wrap up on Dec. 19 at 6 p.m. with the 35th annual Tree Lighting at Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site in Stonewall. Join the Johnson family for festivities that include performances by carolers, a living nativity, Santa Claus, and a special nighttime tour of the LBJ Ranch and lamp-lit tour of Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm. For more information, call (830) 644-2252.

Other Texas State Parks hosting special holiday tours and other events (most of which charge a fee) this year are as follows:
Big Bend Country

* Fort Leaton State Historic Site Posada del Fortin – Dec. 16. Park staff and Presidio High School student docents will conduct a traditional Texas borderlands Christmas celebration at the old fort. Posada starts at 6 p.m. followed by free refreshments and entertainment by mariachis and folklorico dancers; donations accepted. Located in Presidio County, four miles southeast of Presidio on the River Road to F.M. 170. Call (432) 229-3613.
* Magoffin Home State Historic Site Holiday Victorian Tea – Dec. 5. Begin the Christmas season by joining in an annual holiday tea party. The whole home will be festively decorated with a Christmas tree in each room. There will be two seatings, 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.; fee is $12 per person and includes home tour. Advance ticket purchase is required; no tickets sold day of tea. (Note: this popular event sells out quickly, so contact the park as soon as possible.) Located in El Paso County, in the city of El Paso, east on I.H. 10, exit on Cotton Street; turn right on Myrtle Street, left on Octavia Street, left on Magoffin Street, home is on the right. Call (915) 533-5147.
* Wyler Aerial Tramway State Park Santa at the Tramway – Dec. 16-20, 23-24. Santa will be at the top of Ranger Peak waiting for children to deliver their letters in person and to take their pictures with Ol’ Saint Nick. Noon to 5 p.m.; fees $7 adults, $4 children 4-12. Located in El Paso north of Interstate 10 and west of U.S. 54 North. Exit U.S. 54 North on Fred Wilson; take a left on Fred Wilson, which turns into Alabama Street, follow, Alabama to McKinley Avenue and take a right; McKinley ends at the base of the tramway. Call (915) 562-9899.

Gulf Coast

* Battleship TEXAS State Historic Site, Yuletide Texas – Dec. 1-31. Christmas was a special time for the sailors and officers who served aboard Battleship TEXAS, and now you can get a glimpse at that history. See the dreadnought adorned with lights, ornaments and decorations in the spirit of the season to replicate what crewmembers did while serving their country. Hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; fees are $5 adults, $4 senior citizens, $3 children ages 6-18, and children five and younger are free. The site is located 22 miles east of downtown Houston via Texas 225 and Texas 134. Call (281) 479-2431.
* Brazos Bend State Park A Simple Christmas – Dec. 4. Bring the family for an afternoon and evening of Christmas fun, including face-painting, historical interpretation, piñatas, hayrides, storytelling and Santa Claus. It’s from 3 p.m.-8 p.m. and is in Fort Bend County, 20 miles southeast of Richmond on FM 762 or south of Houston on Texas 288 to Rosharon. Call (979) 553-5101.
* Fulton Mansion State Historic Site 21st Annual Candlelight Christmas Carol – Dec. 11. Celebrate the Christmas spirit and sing along with a medley of carols on the front steps. Light refreshments will be served afterwards at this historic home that has been featured on Home and Garden TV’s “Christmas Castles.” Hours are 6:30-8 p.m. and it’s located in Aransas County three miles north of Rockport off State Highway 35. Call (361) 729-0386
* Varner-Hogg Plantation State Historic Site Lone Star Legacy Candlelight Christmas – Dec. 4. Enjoy an open-house featuring free tours of the plantation house adorned in its seasonal finery. Refreshments will be served. It’s from 6-8 p.m., and donations taken for the park’s Lone Star Legacy endowment fund. It’s located two miles north of West Columbia on FM 2852. From Houston, take State Highway 288 south to State Highway 35. Turn south on State Highway 35 and travel 12 miles to West Columbia. Outside West Columbia take FM 2852 to Park Road 51 (1702 N. 13th St.). Call (800) 792-1112.

Panhandle Plains

* Abilene State Park Christmas Lane — Dec. 7-Dec. 24. Abilene State Park joins with Abilene State School to sponsor the event. Local organizations and businesses set up holiday displays for school residents and the general public. The Lane also provides an opportunity for individuals with disabilities to participate in holiday activities. More than 100 business and organizations are scheduled to participate this year. The display
will be at Abilene State School, 2501 Maple St. The event is free. Donations for the state school and Volunteer Services Council will be accepted. Call (325) 795-3370.
* Big Spring State Park Holiday Lights Display – Thanksgiving Weekend and Dec. 15-31. The park features a lights display in conjunction with the Festival of Lights, featuring three large poinsettas (eight feet high and 20 feet wide) covered in lights. There will also be an illuminated 10-foot star as part of the display on the edge of the park’s 200-foot bluff that marks the northern limit of the Edward’s Plateau. It’s located in Howard County within the city limits of Big Spring just off FM 700. Call (432) 263-4931.
* Fort Richardson State Park and State Historic Site Children’s Visit with Victorian Santa – Dec. 11. View the parlor decorated for this festive holiday celebration just as the officers’ children did at the fort in the 1870s. Santa is there from 2-4:30 p.m. and the event is located in Jack County, one mile southeast of Jacksboro on U.S. 281. Call (940) 567-3506.

Pineywoods

* Texas State Railroad State Park Victorian Christmas Train – Dec. 4, 11, and 18. This is an annual event hosted by the state park and Palestine Convention and Visitors Bureau. Vintage steam trains will offer a quieter, simpler celebration. The trip will feature ladies in early 1900s Christmas dresses, as well as wassail and an assortment of fruitcakes and nut breads from world-famous Eilenberger’s Bakery. Strolling carolers will add to the charm. The hours are 4-6 p.m.; fees are $25 for adults, $10 for children ages 5-13 and younger; and reservations are required. The park is located in Anderson County, two miles east of Palestine on U.S. 84 to Park Road 70. Call (800) 659-3484 or (903) 723-3014.

Prairies and Lakes

* Cedar Hill State Park Caroling Through Penn Farm – Dec. 4. See Penn Farm by candlelight on a lantern-lit tour. Then participate in a Christmas carol sing-along and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies around a campfire; 6-7:30 p.m. Please call to confirm. Located 10 miles southwest of Dallas, four miles southeast of Grand Prairie, and three miles west of Cedar Hill and is accessible via FM 1382. From US Highway 67 exit FM 1382, 2.5 miles north on the left. From Interstate 20 exit FM 1382, four miles south on the right (on the Joe Pool Reservoir). The park is skirted by FM 1382 and Mansfield Road. Call (972) 291-5940 and (972) 291-3900.
* Lake Mineral Wells State Park and Trailway Cross Timbers Cowboy Campfire Christmas – Dec. 10-12. Bring the entire family for a weekend of holiday fun. Friday and Saturday nights will feature a Christmas-theme campfire program at the Lone Star Amphitheater with cowboy music, poetry and a sing-along from 6-8 p.m. From dusk to 10 p.m., Friday through Sunday, take a drive through the park to see the light display. The park is located in Park County, four miles east of Mineral Wells on U.S. 180 or 15 miles west of Weatherford on U.S. 180. Call (940) 328-1171.
* Monument Hill and Kreische Brewery State Historic Site Trail of Lights – Dec. 10-11, 17-18. Enjoy a fantastic quarter-mile trail illuminated with thousands of lights that decorate the park. Walk a trail overlooking the town of La Grange. Experience the more traditionally decorated, 1850’s-era home of H. L. Kreische, bedecked in holiday splendor and reflecting a Texas-German style. Bring your children to tell secrets to Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus and enjoy the genuine seasonal hospitality of the Friends of Monument Hill and Kreische Brewery, sponsor of the event. Hours are from 6-8 p.m. and fees are $3 for adults and $1 children ages 3-12. It’s located in Fayette County, a mile south of La Grange off U.S. Highway 77 to spur 92. Call (979) 968-5658.
* Sam Bell House Maxey State Historic Site Old-Fashioned Christmas for Kids – Dec. 11. Children and their families are invited to make old-fashioned Victorian Christmas decorations. Children in grades 2-4 are scheduled at 9:30 a.m.; children in grades 5-7 are scheduled at 1:30 p.m. and reservations are required. It’s located at 812 S. Church St. in the heart of Paris. Call (903) 785-5716.
* Sebastopol House State Historic Site Tour of Homes – Dec. 11-12. Sebastopol House will be showcased on the Seguin Conservation Society’s 2004 Annual Tour of Homes. The tour includes some of Seguin’s oldest and finest homes, decked out in holiday splendor. Tickets are available at Gifts & Gourmet (830) 379-1242. It’s located in Guadalupe County, in the city of Seguin. Turn south at State Highway 46 and go one mile to U.S. Highway 90A (Court Street); turn east and go one mile to the park entrance. Call (830) 379-4833.
* Stephen F. Austin State Park — Pancake Breakfast With Santa – Dec. 11. Have a breakfast of homemade pancakes with homemade syrup, sausage, juice and coffee and let Santa know your dreams and wishes for this Christmas. It’s from 8-10a.m. and the fee is $3 per person. Or go on a caroling hayride Dec. 11 from 6-8 p.m. through the park and enjoy cookies and hot chocolate afterwards. Located in Austin County, three miles east of Sealy off I.H.10, take exit F.M. 1458, go north two miles, turn left on Park Road 38 to entrance. Call (979) 885-3613.
* Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site/Barrington Living History Farm Candlelight Christmas – Dec. 10-11. Come share a traditional Christmas with the Anson Jones Family at their annual gathering of friends and neighbors. Enjoy a festive atmosphere filled with 1850’s music and dancing. Wassail and cookies will be served. It’s from 6-8 p.m. and fees are $6 adults, and $4 for children 12 and younger. It’s located in Washington County, eight miles southwest of Navasota off Texas 105 and FM 1155. Call (936) 878-2213.
* Eisenhower Birthplace State Historic Site – Old Fashioned Christmas at Ike’s House, Dec. 4 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Come experience an old time Christmas in the park with arts and crafts vendors, entertainment featuring Bell Ringers, Varsity Choir, and Symphonic Band. The Birthplace is decorated in festive 1890’s style. Santa will also be making an appearance! Tours are available and the event is free. The park is off US Hwy 75, exit Morton St (FM 120 E) to US Hwy 69 (Austin Ave) and go right to Main Street. Call (800) 792-1112.

South Texas Plains

* Goliad State Park — History in Lights – Nov. 25-Dec. 31. Accentuated by a unique lighting display, the history of Mission Espiritu Santo comes to life to celebrate the holiday season. It’s from 5–10 p.m. daily and there is a Christmas Concert on Dec. 4 from 8-9 p.m. It’s located in Goliad County, 1/4 mile south of Goliad on U.S. Highway 183/77A, to park entrance. Call (361) 645-3405.

Visit the Web (http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/) or call (512) 389-8900 for more information about events and campsite or lodging accommodations. – Lake Havasu

AUSTIN, Texas — You won’t need a fishing license this winter to try your luck at hooking one of the thousands of rainbow trout being stocked in lakes and rivers at more than a dozen Texas state parks.

The Family Fishing Celebration, a special promotion to encourage families to enjoy fishing in Texas state parks, waives the fishing license and stamp requirements for adults at about 70 state parks. And winter trout season is an opportune time to take advantage of this special promotion.

Fifteen Texas state parks will benefit from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s trout stocking taking place December through February. Four parks, (Fort Boggy, Fort Richardson, Fort Parker, and Lake Tawakoni), are conducting special trout fishing events as part of the Family Fishing Celebration.

On Dec. 11, Fort Richardson State Park in Jacksboro will hold its annual Kids Fishing Day. From 10 a.m. to noon, children 12 and younger can fish for trout at Quarry Lake, which will be stocked with 1,000 of the 8-12 inch fish. Prizes will be awarded for the first and largest fish caught. The agency’s Inland Fisheries Division will furnish a limited number of rods and reels.

An additional 1,000 rainbows will be stocked at Fort Richardson in preparation for Family Fishing Day on Jan. 15. Anglers of all ages will be able to participate at the Saturday event held at Quarry Lake. Call the park at (940) 567-3506 for more information about the fishing events.

Fort Boggy State Park near Centerville will host Trout Fishing Day from 8 a.m. to noon on Jan. 22. The free fishing event is open to children ages 4-16 and they must be accompanied by an adult. The fee for adults is $2. For additional information, call the park at (903) 344-1116.

Pair-a-Trees Pond at Lake Tawakoni State Park just east of Dallas will be stocked with 500 trout in advance of a Junior Angler Education program and Kids Fishing Day to be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Feb. 19. Participants in the TPWD-sponsored education program will have the first shot at fishing the park pond. The pond will be open to anglers of all ages the following day. Hot dogs and hamburgers will be provided by Wills Point Kiwanis Club. Call (903) 560-1795 for details.

At Fort Parker State Park, the Mexia Bass Club will be sponsoring a trout fishing clinic providing children with an opportunity to come out and fish Lake Springfield, which will be stocked with 1,200 rainbows. The clinic will be held Jan. 29 and 30. For more information, call (254) 562-5751.

The following state parks will offer trout fishing (starting dates noted) this winter:

* Abilene State Park (Jan. 11)
* Blanco State Park (Dec. 9, Jan. 5, Jan. 20, Feb. 17)
* Bob Sandlin State Park (Dec. 27, Jan. 30)
* Buescher State Park (Dec. 16)
* Copper Breaks State Park (Feb. 8)
* Fort Boggy State Park (Jan. 30)
* Fort Parker State Park (Jan. 22)
* Fort Richardson State Park (Dec. 11, Jan. 15)
* Landmark Inn State Historic Site (Jan. 16)
* Meridian State Park (Jan. 9)
* Lake Tawakoni State Park (Feb. 19)
* Palmetto State Park (Jan. 30)
* Rusk State Park (Dec. 16)
* South Llano River State Park (Dec. 18, Feb. 3)
* Tyler State Park (Dec. 3, Jan. 7)

TPWD launched the Family Fishing Celebration on Labor Day Weekend in 2003 and decided its success warranted its continuation for at least an additional year. The promotion has been extended through Aug. 31, 2005. Academy Sports & Outdoors also has come on board as the exclusive sponsor for fiscal year 2005.

TPWD has the authority to grant the license waivers for such events under Texas Parks and Wildlife Code. The waiver will save Texas residents fishing in state parks the $28 cost of a freshwater fishing license package and non-residents $55. Park admission fees, as well as fish catch and size limits, still apply during the yearlong event. Any fish requiring a tag, such as oversize red drum and tarpon, must still be tagged. As of Sept. 1, a special rainbow trout stamp is no longer required in Texas.

During the Family Fishing Celebration, license-free angling will be restricted to bank and pier fishing, and to fishing in bodies of water totally contained within the boundaries of a state park,
such as Lake Raven in Huntsville, according to Bryan Frazier, FFC coordinator for Texas State Parks. If anglers launch boats from state park property to access an adjacent lake or other water body, he said, they will still need a fishing license and requisite stamps because the waiver will not apply outside state park boundaries.

Frazier said that the Family Fishing Celebration’s no-license policy also applies to piers operated by the state, such as Copano Bay Fishing Pier, and to wade-fishing where applicable within the boundaries of a state park. The license waiver does not apply to the state’s 50 Wildlife Management Areas.

To enhance the fishing experience, many state parks have lighted piers, fish-cleaning stations, boat ramps, lakeside campsites and other facilities. If you don’t have a boat, some parks will rent you watercrafts, such as kayaks and canoes.

A complete list of state parks offering fishing opportunities and dates of upcoming special fishing events and seminars is available on the TPWD Web site (http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/familyfish/), or by calling (800) 792-1112. – Lake Havasu

ZAPATA, Texas — At and around the Falcon Lake area on the Mexican border, game wardens had a busy November.

“Efforts of game wardens in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies have been very successful in the past few weeks in the Falcon Lake area,” said Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Law Enforcement Director, Col. James Stinebaugh. “We intend to keep the pressure on all of our border areas to enforce game laws and assist other agencies in their missions when called upon to do so.”

Following are some of the November accomplishments of the wardens:

* Wardens observed a Mexico commercial fishing vessel enter into United States waters on the Rio Grande River. When the officers attempted to stop the vessel, the subjects evaded arrest and went to Mexico. During the pursuit, the officers noticed a large number of plastic-covered bundles in the center of the violator boat which they suspected to be drugs. When the officers back-tracked the pursuit route, they discovered one of the plastic bundles floating in the water. The bundle, which was later determined to be marijuana, was turned over to the U.S. Border Patrol and weighed 41 pounds. The investigation continues.
* Wardens received a call advising that a vehicle loaded with drugs had just left a border location and was traveling toward Laredo. U.S. Border Patrol initiated the vehicle stop and Game Wardens were backing them up. The suspect vehicle drove off the highway and crashed into some thick brush and the driver fled. The officers were unable to locate the suspect; however, the vehicle was seized along with 348 pounds of marijuana.
* Wardens observed a vessel enter into U.S. waters from Mexico. The wardens followed the vessel to a public boat ramp in Zapata and initiated a water safety inspection. While inspecting the vessel, the game wardens noticed an open compartment that contained what they believed to be a bundle of marijuana. Upon further inspection of the vessel, the wardens located a total of 11 bundles of marijuana which was later weighed and totaled 125 pounds. The case was turned over to the U.S. Border Patrol.
* While working at Falcon Lake, wardens observed a Mexico commercial fishing vessel enter into U.S. waters. When the vessel entered into Arroyo Tigre, game wardens stopped the vessel. The operator of the vessel beached his boat on the bank and he and his passenger fled into some thick brush. The officers searched the area but were unable to locate the two subjects. The officers seized the vessel along with 3,000 feet of gill net.
* Wardens observed a Mexico Commercial fishing vessel enter into U.S. waters around Zapata. The wardens initiated a stop of the vessel and two Mexico commercial fishermen were arrested for possession of illegal fishing devices (gill nets) and transported to the Zapata County Jail. The violators were fined $450 each and their boat, motor and nets (900 feet) were seized by the wardens pending forfeiture proceedings.
* Other general seizures made in November include 3,000 feet of unattended gill nets and one unattended hoop net. – Lake Havasu

When It Rains, It Pours — Texas’ natural resources showed their potential in 2004, thanks to higher than normal rainfall across most of the state. The abundance of water created lush habitat conditions, setting the stage for near-record production among many wildlife species, particularly quail and deer. While hunters were enjoying the rewards of a bountiful season, anglers and park visitors saw newfound opportunities as rivers and streams flowed again and lakes, like Falcon, returned to normal levels.

Rare Species Rebound — Several high-profile species of concern passed milestones in 2004, including record highs for whooping cranes and Kemp’s ridley sea turtles. This winter, the world’s last natural wild population of whooping cranes flew past the 200 mark, a landmark event for an endangered bird species that has come back from the brink of extinction during the past six decades. Throughout the summer of 2004, the world’s most endangered sea turtle returned to nest on Texas beaches in record numbers. Forty-one Kemp’s ridley nests were reported. Also encouraging was the change in status of the black-tailed prairie dog, which was removed from the candidate list of species considered for threatened status under the Endangered Species Act.

Producing and Paying for Fish — The process to build and finance a new state fish hatchery got under way in 2004, with Jasper getting the nod as the site for the facility. To help pay for the new hatchery, the Texas Legislature created a Freshwater Fishing Stamp, providing the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department with an opportunity to reposition its suite of hunting and fishing licenses. The agency eliminated requirements for several specialty stamps and created license packages that better reflect a user-pay, user-benefit philosophy. Also making a big “splash” in a state fish hatchery this year was the donation of a new state record blue catfish to the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens. The 121-pound behemoth was transported alive to the TFFC where it continues to be on display to the public in the facility’s aquarium.

New State Parks Pass Proves Popular — More than 50,000 state park fans have purchased the new Texas State Parks Pass that went on sale Jan. 1. The new annual pass is similar in appearance to a credit card and is designed to be easier to use. The Texas State Parks Pass costs $60 for one card and $75 for a two card family membership. It replaced the gold Texas Conservation Passport. The new pass provides free entry to all state parks and historic sites for members and their guests, camping discounts and “extra perks.”

Birds Take Center Stage — The long-awaited debut in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of the $7 million World Birding Center drew dignitaries from state and local governmental entities and interested ‚birders‛ to the Oct. 23-24 grand opening. The WBC headquarters in Mission becomes the second of eight sites to open along the Texas-Mexico border from Roma to South Padre Island. Another first in the Texas birding community also came along in 2004 with the inclusion of a blind and visually-impaired birding category in the 8th annual Great Texas Birding Classic’s team competition, which was held in April along the central
and upper Texas coast. The groups identify birds by sound instead of sight. The España Tweetybirds beat out two other teams in the category by identifying 40 species. A Texas birding team and a team of young birders from Illinois, Maryland, Michigan and New York tied for first, identifying 359 bird species. A total of 56 teams competed. Winning teams were awarded a total of $51,000 that they then donated to fund Texas coastal conservation habitat projects to benefit birds and birders.

Golden Alga Spreads — A naturally-occurring toxin that has become deadly to fish in North and Central Texas expanded its range in 2004, hitting Lake Texoma, one of the states’ biggest lakes, and spreading into Oklahoma. Resource conservation agencies from Texas and Oklahoma are now combining efforts to research and monitor golden alga there. Since 2001, golden alga fish kills have occurred at two dozen reservoirs in Texas.

Bighorn Sheep Hunt Giveaway Signals Species Comeback — Coincidentally, a pair of firefighters from different parts of the state were selected in a drawing of all licensed hunters in Texas to receive a complimentary desert bighorn sheep hunt. TPWD sheep census surveys in 2004 indicated record-high populations of desert bighorns and, in a gesture of appreciation to hunters whose license dollars have helped restore this majestic big game animal, the agency decided to give two hunts away.

Justice Served for Nature — A decades old legal dispute was finally resolved bya mitigation settlement. The case stemmed from mercury discharge into Lavaca Bay by Alcoa and a sister company. Alcoa has already spent $40 million and will spend another $11 million for remaining cleanup. The company will also compensate the public for lost ecological and recreational resources, including adding land to a national wildlife refuge, restoring marshes, creating a new oyster reef and funding a series of fishing piers and boat docks around the bay. Earlier in the year, four individuals who wounded and killed several state-protected trumpeter swans were brought to justice after an extensive and exhausting investigation by state game wardens. Three of the five swans, which are a protected migratory non-game species, died and the other two are being cared for at an Iowa rehabilitation facility. The poachers involved pled guilty to 20 various game law violations and were assessed more than $17,000 in fines and related costs.

San Jacinto Battleground Artifacts Uncovered — An unprecedented archeological project under way at the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site near LaPorte led to the discovery of dozens of battle artifacts such as musket balls, belt buckles and Mexican coins. A display of some of the discoveries, which already are shedding new light on the decisive 1836 battle that led to Texas’ independence from Mexico, highlighted the annual San Jacinto Symposium held at the University of Houston April 23. The archeological project is the precursor to the implementation of the first part of a $47 million master plan for the park, which calls for restoring the battleground to its 1836 appearance, a new Visitor’s Center and Museum, among other improvements. – Lake Havasu

AUSTIN, Texas — TengoInternet and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department are starting a pilot program to offer wireless Internet service at five Texas state parks — Choke Canyon State Park (Calliham) near Three Rivers, Blanco State Park near Blanco, Balmorhea State Park near Toyahvale, Goose Island State Park near Rockport, and Ray Roberts Lake State Park (Isle du Bois) near Pilot Point.

The pilot program is designed to determine visitor interest for Wi-Fi within the state parks system. Wi-Fi, short for wireless fidelity, allows computer users to share a high-speed Internet connection without the *****bersome wires or delays caused by dial-up access. The wireless service will allow park guests to access the Internet to gain park information, send e-mail or pictures, or just surf the Web, without having to plug cables into a network.

The TengoInternet service will be available for park visitors in the pilot parks beginning Jan. 1. Park visitors will be able to use the service for free during a promotional period and then pay for usage later in the spring.

“The State Parks Division is excited to provide wireless Internet to our visitors at some of our state parks in Texas,” said Pam Carleton, TPWD’s state parks concession manager. “Though we realize many folks want to escape technology while at parks, this is an option for those who want to plan their next camping stop, check weather and get other information online.”

“This is a great opportunity for TengoInternet to help TPWD assess interest for Wi-Fi in its parks and to demonstrate our excellent service,” said Eric Stumberg, president and CEO of TengoInternet.

TengoInternet is the oldest and largest wireless Internet service provider for the campground industry, enabling campground operators to keep their customers connected. TengoInternet currently provides broadband wireless access service for campgrounds, hotels and apartment complexes throughout the United States.

For more information about TengoInternet’s wireless service, please call (512) 750-4979. For overnight camping reservations at a Texas state park, please call (512) 389-8900. For general state park information, call (800) 792-1112. – Lake Havasu

AUSTIN, Texas – Students and history buffs of all ages can follow along Jan. 4-27 via the Internet as dozens of school students from California and Texas board horse-drawn wagons to retrace the route of gold rush adventurer William P. Huff.

Huff’s 300,000-word diary shares a detailed account of his mid-1800s trip from near Houston to near Fresno, California. The students’ journey this month will retrace Huff’s route in reverse, starting near El Paso tomorrow and heading back across Texas. They will stop for a ceremony at the capitol building in Austin on Jan. 25 and end on Jan. 27 at the Houston area grave of William Huff, where they will return the borrowed diary to his descendants.

Fourteen California schoolchildren will make the entire journey. Dozens of Texas schoolchildren from the Dallas/Fort Worth, Waco, Houston, El Paso and West Texas regions will join the wagon train temporarily at various points.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will post the progress of the student adventure on its Web site, including student comments and video diaries of their journey. Other schoolchildren may email questions of the traveling students, which TPWD employees will relay on to the children during their trip.

History has paid little attention to the trials and experiences of the “southern Argonauts” as they trekked across difficult terrain to seek their fortunes in the Gold Rush of 1849. Huff did not strike it rich in the Gold Rush, but he left a rich trove for historians in the details of his diary.

California teacher Bill Coate created the school wagon train adventure to bring the historic journey of pioneers such as William Huff to life for today’s young people. His students and Texas students will learn to harness mules, sleep in tents, cook over fires and otherwise experience life during the pioneer era. Along the way, they will read Huff’s diary along the way and keep their own journals. The students will share their experiences at the end of the trail by publishing a book.

The educational project is a partnership venture of Madera Unified School District, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, and the Texas Historical Commission.

On the Net:
· To follow the adventure online, see the TPWD Webcast home page www.tpwd.state.tx.us/expltx/eft – Lake Havasu

Happy New Year! Hope everyone had a great Holiday Season.

This week on Lake Fork the water temp is back up into the low 50’s and the lake is full and in great shape with the grass still green. The weather is to say the least interesting. We fished two days after Christmas and the temp. was 27 degrees to start out. This morning it was 70 degrees. This warm trend is supposed to continue for at least another week if the weathermen are right. I won’t bet on that!

The deep bite has been the stable bite. As long as the wind doesn’t blow, we have been concentrating on it. Drop shot, Carolina rigs and hardware like spoons- tailspinners and swim baits are the ticket. If it stays cloudy look for the big girls to move from the deep to points near creeks. Some will start to show in the back of creeks near bends and deep water. The last deep turn of a creek should be the best spot. A ½ ounce black and blue jig and pig should do the trick. Use a double skirt and rattle and work the timber and shore line. I have caught some hawgs in a foot of water this time of year. Suspending jerk baits wouldn’t be a bad choice either around points, grass and creek backs.

The RED rattle trap is about to earn its keep. The trap is one of the most effective reaction baits there is. Fish it around grass and use a rip and stop retrieve. If this isn’t effective try different speed retrieves until the fish tell you what speed they prefer. I also use a deep retrieve with a trap. Fish it in 8-10 feet of water and kinda slow roll it. Fish a spinnerbait the same way. Fish either slow for a feeding bite or fast and deflect for a reaction strike. Either way Fork is the place. Expect big fish, not numbers. See you on the lake!

We are entering our peak season for bookings. Please book as early as possible as Guides and Motel rooms are filling our spring schedules fast. We don’t want you to get left out!

If you would like to book a trip call 903-765-2155 or email me at jeffgunn@direcway.com

Please purchase our sponsors and associates fine products and services:
Ranger Boats, Mercury Outboards, Castaway Rods, Shimano Reels, Triple-Fish Line, Precision Marine, Costa Del Mar Polarized Sunglasses, Lake Fork Tackle, Service Marine, Owner Hooks, Bass Assassin, Weedless Lures, Pradco, Tanglefree, Superlube, Ron Kelly’s Taxidermy, Yellow Magic, Bass Pro Shops and Schumacher battery chargers.

Gunns Guide Service

Jeff & Joanie Gunn

611 Rains County Road 2610

Alba, Texas 75410

903-765-2155

mailto:jeffgunn@direcway.com

http://www.gunnsguideservice.com – Lake Havasu

AUSTIN, Texas — A couple of isolated and relatively minor active fish kills on Lake Granbury have been traced to elevated levels of golden alga toxins, according to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department officials.

“We could be seeing the beginning stages of an outbreak or it could be some isolated incidents that just go away, there’s no way to tell at this time,” said Joan Glass, an investigator with TPWD’s Kills and Spills Team. “The good news is because of all the recent rains the creeks are all running and there are places for fish to hide and get away from the toxins.”

TPWD and Brazos River Authority staff are continuing to monitor the 8,700-acre impoundment located 30 miles southwest of Fort Worth. According to Glass, water samples pulled from the Ports O’ Call homeowner canal near the dam and from the Bentwater Shores canal near Highway 377 revealed elevated golden alga cell counts. Most of the fish kill has occurred in shallow water near those areas.

At present, Granbury is the only lake in Texas experiencing an active fish kill related to golden alga. “Things are looking good at Possum Kingdom and Lake Texoma and Lake Whitney is also in pretty good shape,” Glass noted. “We’re hoping this event follows the same course as the one we saw on Whitney last November where it just went away.”

First discovered in Texas in 1985, golden alga (Prymnesium parvum) was identified in a fish kill in the Pecos River and has since been responsible for fish kills in the Colorado, Canadian, Wichita, Red and Brazos river systems as well.

This alga releases a toxin that kills gill-breathing organisms such as fish and clams. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, anecdotal evidence has shown no human health risks associated with golden alga.

Since 2001, golden alga fish kills have occurred on two dozen reservoirs in Texas. Since 1985, nearly 18 million fish have been killed. Although significant numbers of game fish were affected in several areas, most of the fish killed were either forage or rough fish species. – Lake Havasu

AUSTIN, Texas – Walter Cronkite has narrated a one-hour video program about Texas water resources, which will air Feb. 3 on all Texas public television stations. “Texas: the State of Water—Finding a Balance” explores what’s at stake in the struggle to provide enough clean water for wildlife and the environment, cities, industry and agriculture.

“I’m afraid that many Texans presume that there will always be plenty of water for all of our needs, but it’s important for all of us to take a closer look now,” said Robert L. Cook, executive director of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, which is producing the program.

“Even if you’re not an angler or boater or have no connection with water resource development, this issue affects every single Texan,” Cook said. “There is still time to plan for a future with enough water for people and fish and wildlife. But we need to act responsibly now.”

For the second time, the Emmy Award-winning television series “Texas Parks & Wildlife” is teaming with the state’s 13 PBS affiliates to broadcast original programming in prime-time on one night. The series’ first one-hour program about water resources, a partnership venture with KERA-TV in Dallas, aired May 29, 2003.

“The greatness of Texas, its future, its well-being and its prosperity depend on its people understanding the vital role played by the wise and equitable distribution of its water supply,” said Cronkite, who donated his services to the program project.

Cronkite, 88, was born in Missouri but moved to Texas as a boy and grew up in the Houston area. He still has family in the Austin area and returns to visit frequently.

He was anchorman and managing editor of the CBS Evening News for 19 years, until 1981. He is still a special correspondent for CBS News, but now also co-owns the Cronkite Ward Company in New York, which produces programs for The Discovery Channel, PBS and other outlets.

Cronkite recorded narration for the program at the “Texas Parks & Wildlife” TV series production studio while in Austin in November. The weekly half-hour series runs on PBS stations in Texas and some other states.

Topics explored in the program include the controversial “rule of capture,” an overview of agencies and laws that regulate surface water and groundwater, river instream flows, water lawsuits, controversies involving environmental river flow permits, how water use affects endangered species and other aquatic life, water rights permitting, proposed reservoirs, water as a commodity, interbasin water transfers from one river basin to another, and how river inflows affect the ecological health of bays and estuaries.

The program concludes with what people can do to help, including ways to conserve water, enhance groundwater recharge and retention, improve housing developments, and get involved as volunteers.

The program is part of a broader TPWD public information initiative that began in July 2002 with the first of an annual series of special issues of the Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine devoted to water issues. The July 2005 special issue will focus on groundwater, in which some of the best writers in the state along with TPWD experts, will help explain what groundwater is, how it works, and why readers should care. The overall communications initiative also includes using the TPWD radio series, Web site and other media to get messages out there.

The “Texas: the State of Water” 2005 communications initiative is funded in part by underwriting sponsor The Boone Pickens Foundation, A Communities Foundation of Texas Fund, patron sponsor Brazos Mutual Funds and supporting sponsors San Antonio River Authority, Brazos River Authority and Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority.

The following stations (and cities they cover) will broadcast “Texas: the State of Water—Finding a Balance” in the listed cities on Feb. 3. Unless otherwise indicated below, stations will air the program from 8-9 p.m. Central Standard Time.

* KERA: Abilene, Dallas, Denton, Fort Worth, Longview, Lufkin, Marshall, Nacogdoches, Paris, San Angelo, Sherman, Texarkana, Tyler, Wichita Falls.
* KUHT: Beaumont, Galveston, Houston, Port Arthur, Texas City, Victoria.
* KLRN: Kerrville, Laredo, San Antonio.

* KMBH: Brownsville, Harlingen, McAllen, Mission.
* KWBU: Waco.
* KOCV: Midland, Odessa.
* KNCT: Killeen, Temple.
* KCOS: El Paso (8 p.m. Mountain Time).
* KTXT: Lubbock
* KACV: Amarillo
* KLRU: Austin
* KEDT: Corpus Christi
* KAMU: Bryan, College Station
– Lake Havasu

AUSTIN, Texas — Free trout fishing access is available on the Guadalupe River below Canyon Lake until March 17 at two sites leased by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

The cliffs access site is located just past the third bridge crossing on River Road. This access site offers parking and wade-fishing access via a marked path to the river. There is no bank fishing access at this site. Wade fishing is advised only at river flows below 500 cubic feet per second.

The second access site, Camp Huaco Springs, is located just below the first bridge crossing on river road. This site offers approximately a mile of bank access, as well as good wade fishing opportunities. In order for the daily access fee to be waived at this site, anglers must park in the designated parking area and walk to the river.

TPWD stocks trout at both these sites as part of its annual winter trout stocking program, which provides economical access to fishing at more than 100 water bodies around the state. Camp Huaco Springs receives about 25 percent of all the trout stocked by the department on the Guadalupe River. River road runs along the Guadalupe River from New Braunfels to Sattler.

Trout stockings on the Guadalupe River are slated for Jan. 21 and Feb. 11. Additional Guadalupe River trout stocking sites include the fishing pier directly below Canyon Dam (free access), Whitewater Sports on Highway 306 (fee charged) and the bridge crossing in Sattler (fee charged by Rio Raft company). Anglers should consult the 2004-05 TPWD Outdoor Annual for specific trout fishing regulations on the Guadalupe River.

For the first time in many years, Texas anglers do not need a special trout fishing stamp in order to fish, however a freshwater fishing package is required. Youth ages 16 and younger and anyone fishing from the bank in state parks are exempt from the fishing package requirement.

TPWD has been stocking rainbow trout in small urban lakes, state park lakes and popular river tailraces each winter since the 1970s, providing Texans a simple and economical opportunity to go fishing. – Lake Havasu

ATHENS, Texas – Each year the public has a chance to nominate a favorite fishing icon for consideration as an inductee to the Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame. Nominations will be accepted until Feb. 28.

The Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame, which is housed at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center here, honors legendary anglers, fisheries professionals and organizations that have made a contribution to freshwater fishing in Texas. One nominee will be chosen by an independent selection committee and formally inducted during the annual Hall of Fame Banquet in May. The honoree will join a legendary group of fishing Hall of Famers including Floyd Mabry, Jackie Hewlett, R.D. Hull, Bob Kemp, Nick Creme, Charlie Inman, Sugar Ferris, Leonard Ranne, Earl Golding, Kathy Magers, the Sabine River Authority, Skeeter Boats and Michael (“Shorty”) Powers.

The rules are simple. The nominee must be a Texan or Texas organization that made a lasting, beneficial impact on freshwater fishing or freshwater fisheries management in Texas. Individuals may be either living or deceased. The nomination form must be completed and postmarked by Feb. 28.

To submit a nomination:

* Obtain an official nomination form available from http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fish/infish or from the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center by calling (903) 676-2277.
* Complete the nomination form and mail it to the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame, c/o Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center, 5550 FM 2495, Athens, Texas 75752, or fax to (903) 676-3474 by the deadline.
* Include copies of supporting do*****entation (testimonials, videos, photos, samples, etc.)
* Nomination forms and all materials submitted with them become the property of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and will not be returned. – Lake Havasu

The Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), Texas Chapter in Houston is hosting the first stop on the 2005 PVA Bass Tour on Lake Conroe on April 1-3, 2005. We are looking for assistance in obtaining about 70 boaters to register and compete alongside the diabled angler…also for about 15 non-boaters to fish with a disabled angler who brings their own boat to fish. The Texas BASS Federation is helping with getting the word out to many of its bass clubs. Please consider joining us and fishing. Registration information is available on our web site at www.pvabasstour.com or by contacting the event organizer (me). Anglers, Sponsors, Donors…help make this event a success!

Thanks

Greg Joyce
Texas PVA Bass tour Coordinator
GJ10SPEED@AOL.COM
Cell – 281-639-3952 – Lake Havasu

AUSTIN, Texas – Active golden alga blooms are causing fish kills in nearly a dozen water bodies in north-central Texas, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

Most of the fish kills are relatively small and involve shad, an abundant forage fish, but some game fish species are also being lost, say investigators with TPWD’s Kills and Spills Team.

“We’re seeing more ongoing activity,” said David Sager, Ecosystem/Habitat Assessment branch chief at TPWD. “We’re monitoring and taking water samples, studying the water chemistry and a lot of other parameters of the lakes during the blooms to see if there’s anything we can attribute to the cause.”

TPWD is currently monitoring golden alga activity on Lake Whitney, where cell counts had been rising during the last two weeks and a fish kill occurred on Sunday, Jan. 30 in the upper end of the lake.

“Unfortunately, it is happening, but we expected it because cell counts (the density of the alga) were going up and the water was turning yellow and foamy,” said Joan Glass, a Kills and Spills Team investigator.

Golden alga activity has been ongoing along the Brazos River watershed for several weeks, impacting fisheries at Possum Kingdom Reservoir and Lake Granbury. Because of recent rainfall, dams at both impoundments have been releasing water, which Glass said may be contributing to activity at Lake Whitney.

TPWD is also monitoring for golden alga on the following: Lake Kemp, Lake Diversion, Lake Sweetwater, Lake Colorado City, Moss Creek Lake, Wadley-Barron Park pond in Midland and Red Bluff Reservoir in New Mexico. E. V. Spence Reservoir is not experiencing a kill and the Colorado River between Spence and O.H. Ivie Reservoir is stable. There have been no reports of any dead or stressed fishes in O.H. Ivie Reservoir.

Biologists at the Dundee State Fish Hatchery in Wichita Falls are also experiencing golden alga in several hatchery ponds and are experimenting with various techniques to control the alga. “They’re looking at various treatment options including barley straw in containers to see if it helps control the toxins,” said Sager. “Straw has been used to control algae in other lakes and areas, but it’s never been tried on golden alga.”

While golden alga is present on several lakes, biologists say the good news is that the blooms have not returned to Lake Texoma. Texas and Oklahoma fisheries biologists have not found any high concentrations of the toxin producing alga in samples taken throughout the lake.

Glass also reported that golden alga activity on Lake Granbury appears to be subsiding. “We’re not losing any more fish and a fishing tournament was held there over the weekend and they were catching fish so that’s a good sign,” she noted.

The ongoing algal blooms also are providing researchers with an active event to study, according to Sager. “We’ve begun an intensive monitoring program at Lake Whitney and will be taking samples of all the different plankton communities. We’ll share that information with the universities so they can use it in conjunction with their research.”

Scientists from several universities in Texas are working in laboratories and with net enclosures at Possum Kingdom Reservoir studying the affects of water quality on algal bloom toxicity. Researchers are also looking at algae genetics. Another study is focusing on the economic impacts of fish kills; specifically at the 2001 golden alga fish kill events at Possum Kingdom Reservoir.

“We’re also working in cooperation with river authorities and local governments to obtain water samples from around the state to see where golden alga might be present,” added Sager. “That could be helpful if we find it in locations that aren’t experiencing kills. We could try to identify what controls are present at those sites that aren’t present at sites experiencing fish kills.”

First discovered in Texas in 1985, golden alga (Prymnesium parvum) was identified in a fish kill in the Pecos River and has since been responsible for fish kills in the Colorado, Canadian, Wichita, Red and Brazos river systems as well.

This alga releases a toxin that kills gill-breathing organisms such as fish and clams. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, anecdotal evidence has shown no human health risks associated with golden alga.

Since 2001, golden alga fish kills have occurred on two dozen reservoirs in Texas. Since 1985, nearly 18 million fish have been killed, most of which were either forage or rough fish species. – Lake Havasu

ATHENS, Texas — The sixth annual Fly Fish Texas is scheduled for March 5 at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center here. TFFC has hosted the event each year since 2001.

Expert fly fishers from all over Texas will converge to share tips and techniques during seminars and hands-on demonstrations. Participants can tie flies, practice casting and fish for bass, sunfish and rainbow trout in TFFC’s ponds and streams.

Seminars will cover fly fishing for bass and carp, fly fishing the Texas coast, kayak fishing, urban fly fishing and fishing small streams in Texas and Colorado. Dutch oven cooks will serve up breads and desserts hot off the coals.

Many of the speakers are well known in Texas fly fishing circles. Colby (“Pops”) Sorrells will speak about “Bass Buggin”Texas Style.” Mark Marmon will reveal the secrets to “Urban Fly Fishing,” while Steve Rawls, Marty Cecil and Ronnie Ray will tell how and where to fish streams in Texas and Colorado. Steve Robbins’ session about “Bream Bustin’ with a Fly Rod” spotlights a fishing opportunity that offers fast-paced action on almost any body of water.

Young people make up a large part of the thousand attendees each year, and basic and intermediate fly-fishing classes are the reason. Kids ages 12 and older learn what makes good fish habitat and get to collect and identify bugs from TFFC streams and ponds. Then they learn how to tie flies that mimic those bugs and use them to catch fish using fly-fishing gear provided on-site.

Admission to the day-long event is included with regular admission to TFFC: $5.50 for adults, $4.50 for seniors and $3.50 for children ages 4-12. TFFC is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is located at 5550 F.M. 2495, three miles east of Athens. Athens is 75 miles southeast of Dallas.

Sponsors and vendors for the event include the Sabine River Authority, Orvis, Texas Department of Agriculture, Dwight Cooley Foods, Post Oak Master Naturalists, Jimmie’s Fishing Jewelry, Boy Scout Troop 1299, Temple Fork Outfitters, Steve Robbins Backcountry Fly Shop, Steve Rawls Fly Fishing Guide Service, Marty Cecil Elk Trout Lodge, Deborah Wade Dame Julia Fly Tying, Chris Dukeminier Mariner Sails, Jim Partin ArkAnglers and Brooke’s Seasonings.

For more information and a schedule of events and seminars call (903) 676-2277 or (903) 670-2222. – Lake Havasu