The old saying is, "When the dogwoods are in bloom, the sandbass are running.”

Well, not really running, because they have no feet, but going through the yearly spawn. A lot of trees are in bloom, including the dogwood trees and no great amount of sandbass being caught.

The high water, low water temperature, and Mother Nature are several reasons the sandbass and other fish are still in school and not wanting to go play with anglers’ fishing lures.

Crappie, sandbass, catfish, stripers and including spoonbills have an open invitation for dinner at many people’s homes, including mine. Of course, those fish that accept the invitation would have to be properly cleaned and dressed for the special occasion. Nothing like having fresh fish for dinner.

Fort Gibson Lake elevation is around 23 feet. The recent rains have caused the lake to continue to rise. The Corps of Engineers have all 30 gates open and four turbines on. Anglers fishing out of a boat are setting limblines catching catfish feeding close to the bank. Anglers are catching catfish from the bank in flooded grassy areas were the catfish will eat bugs, worms, and other insects. Fishing with worms in these flooded areas will help you catch catfish.

Anglers fishing below Fort Gibson Dam are snagging plenty of spoonbill. Paul Ledbetter of Muskogee brought in a 70-pound spoonbill. Paul wanted his picture put on the famous Mr. Crappie Brag Board. Join Paul with your catch today.

Most of the spoonbills brought in the store have been 18 to 35-pounds. Paul's 70-pound is the biggest to date. The game rangers are spending time at the dam, making sure the barbs are bent down on the treble hooks and making sure anglers have the required paddlefish permit. Permits are free.

There are reports of some sandbass being caught on jigs below the dam. A silver spoon, roostertail lures or jigs are great lures for catching sandbass.

Minnows are another bait used for catching both crappie and sandbass as well as catfish. Several crappie have been caught on the west side of the dam. Cut shad is used to catch catfish when fished in the turbines. It has been awhile since the 40- to 50-pound catfish were taken from the turbines. Any catfish 5- to 20-pounds belongs on the dinner table with all the fixins.

May 1 will begin the Mr. Crappie Biggest Crappie contest. There will be an adult and a 12-year-old and under class. Money, trophy, T-shirts and hats will be given to those participating in the crappie contest. Plan a fishing trip with a child. Teach a young angler to fish and create a lifetime of memories. We can only hope the water will recede enough, making for a great crappie contest. Locate your crappie fishing spot early. Bring in that winning crappie in May.

Take advantage of the slow fishing. Take the fishing rods and check all the line guides. Replace all the broken guides. Clean, lube and oil your reels. Replace the old fishing line with new. Make sure you have a 2008 Oklahoma fishing license. Make sure you have all the permits on the license.

Once you have completed the items on the checklist: Let’s go fishing.

Oh wait, before you get to the water, one important reminder; take along a flotation device or anything that may come in handy in case of an emergency. Be extremely careful around rising water or flooded areas.

When taking children fishing, be very careful and watch them every minute. Accidents happen so quickly. Make 2008 safe and the best fishing season on record. Til next week, good fishing and good luck.