Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge Draft Fishing Plan 2020

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Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge

Draft Fishing Plan

January 2020

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge

11766 S Refuge Road

Tishomingo, OK 73460

Submitted: ______

Project Leader Date

Concurrence: ______

Refuge Supervisor Date

Or Deputy ARD - FAC

Approval: ______

Regional Chief, National Wildlife Refuge System Date

Or Assistant Regional Director - FAC

Table of Contents

I. Introduction ...... 3

II. Statement of Objectives ...... 5

III. Description of Fishing Program ...... 6

A. Areas to be Opened to Fishing ...... 6

B. Species to be Taken, Fishing Periods, Fishing Access ...... 8

C. Fishing Permit Requirements (if applicable) ...... 9

D. Consultation and Coordination with the State...... 9

E. Law Enforcement ...... 10

F. Funding and Staffing Requirements ...... 10

IV. Conduct of the Fishing Program ...... 10

A. Fishing Permit Application, Selection, and/or Registration Procedures (if applicable) 10

B. Hatchery/Refuge-Specific Fishing Regulations ...... 10

C. Relevant State Regulations...... 11

D. Other Hatchery/Refuge Rules and Regulations ...... 11

V. Public Engagement ...... 12

A. Outreach for Announcing and Publicizing the Fishing Program ...... 12

B. Anticipated Public Reaction to the Fishing Program ...... 12

C. How Anglers Will Be Informed of Relevant Rules and Regulations ...... 12

VI. Compatibility Determination ...... 12

List of Figures

Figure 1. Location of Visitor Uses on Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge ...... 7

TISHOMINGO NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE FISHING PLAN

I. Introduction

National wildlife refuges are guided by the mission and goals of the National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS), the purposes of an individual refuge, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) policy, and laws and international treaties. Relevant guidance includes the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, Refuge Recreation Act of 1962, and selected portions of the Code of Federal Regulations and Service Manual.

Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge (NWR/refuge) was established pursuant to Public Land Order 312 on January 24, 1946.

The primary purpose of the refuge is " …for refuge and breeding ground purposes for migratory birds and other wildlife and…shall be administered by him (Secretary of the Interior: directly or in accordance with cooperative agreements…and in accordance with such rules and regulations for the conservation, maintenance, and management of wildlife resources thereof, and its habitat there on…16 U.S.C. (Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act)."

Tishomingo NWR is located in southcentral Oklahoma on the north side of Lake Texoma and encompasses 16,464 acres. The refuge was established to benefit migratory waterfowl in the Central Flyway and help conserve America’s wildlife heritage for current and future generations. The refuge is on the Washita River arm of Lake Texoma and includes the Cumberland Pool. The south and east sides of the refuge are steep, rocky, and generally heavily wooded. The north and west sides are gentle to sloping in topography and include sections suitable for cropping, wildlife and recreational use. Grasslands and forest habitats are intermingled and extend along the periphery of the refuge. Except for about 120 acres of cropland and 500 acres of woodlands, lands are subject to flooding at high water levels.

Tishomingo NWR is an overlay on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Denison Dam and Lake Texoma Project. The USACE retained primary jurisdiction of Denison Dam and Lake Texoma Reservoir lands, including lands on which the refuge is located but entered into a cooperative agreement with the refuge on April 9, 1957. The agreement provides the Service the authority to administer and maintain habitat within the refuge boundaries for wildlife protection.

The predecessor of today’s U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife, also entered into a cooperative agreement with the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Department, currently known as the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC), through the USACE on November 19, 1957. This agreement encompasses cooperative management responsibilities of each agency for the 3,150-acre Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) included within the refuge. The lands of the WMU are allotted by the USACE to be managed by both the Service and ODWC in accordance with the agreement.

Within the WMU, the USACE retains primary jurisdiction of the lands for the operation of its project. The Service and ODWC share secondary jurisdiction and jointly manage the natural resources that occur on the WMU. The cooperative management of the WMU is based upon the objectives and responsibilities of each agency. Game management, including public hunting and fishing programs are the primary responsibility of ODWC. Habitat enhancement and restoration for a diversity of species are the main objectives and responsibilities of the Service. The Service and the ODWC complement each other and the joint management by the two agencies contributes to the success of the hunting and fishing program and habitat conservation on the WMU.

The mission of the NWRS, as outlined by the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act (NWRSAA), as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act (16 U.S.C. 668dd et seq.), is:

“... to administer a national network of lands and waters for the conservation, management and, where appropriate, restoration of the fish, wildlife, and plant resources and their habitats within the United States for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.”

The NWRSAA mandates the Secretary of the Interior in administering the System to (16 U.S.C. 668dd(a)(4):

 Provide for the conservation of fish, wildlife, and plants, and their habitats within the NWRS;  Ensure that the biological integrity, diversity, and environmental health of the NWRS are maintained for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans;  Ensure that the mission of the NWRS described at 16 U.S.C. 668dd(a)(2) and the purposes of each refuge are carried out;  Ensure effective coordination, interaction, and cooperation with owners of land adjoining refuges and the fish and wildlife agency of the States in which the units of the NWRS are located;  Assist in the maintenance of adequate water quantity and water quality to fulfill the mission of the NWRS and the purposes of each refuge;  Recognize compatible wildlife-dependent recreational uses as the priority general public uses of the NWRS through which the American public can develop an appreciation for fish and wildlife;  Ensure that opportunities are provided within the NWRS for compatible wildlife- dependent recreational uses; and  Monitor the status and trends of fish, wildlife, and plants in each refuge.

Therefore, it is a priority of the Service to provide for wildlife-dependent recreation opportunities, including hunting and fishing, when those opportunities are compatible with the purposes for which the refuge was established and the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System.

The Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and the fishing Compatibility Determination (CD) were completed in 2010, and address the fishing opportunities on the refuge. Per the 1957

agreement between the refuge and the ODWC, the state manages the fishing program on the WMU portion of the refuge. The area is open to fishing under Oklahoma fishing laws, which can be found in the State of Oklahoma’s annual fishing regulations.

The fish hatchery located near the refuge has a verbal agreement fishing plan with the refuge, which consists of stocking 50 channel catfish per acre (5–7 inches in length) every other year in the following ponds and lakes located on the refuge and wildlife management unit: Bell Creek, Reeves Ravine, Dick’s Pond, Cottonwood Pond, McAdams Pond, Lost Lake and Rattlesnake Gulch. The refuge plans to develop a fish stocking plan with the hatchery in the future.

Fishing has been allowed since the refuge was established. Fishing is open on the Cumberland Pool and surrounding lakes. Bowfishing has not historically been allowed. The Washita River and Pennington Creek are open during the boating season from March 1 to September 30. Bank fishing is allowed year-round. Through this fishing plan the refuge will open to bowfishing year around on the Washita River and Pennington Creek during daylight hours and update the existing fishing plan. Rock Creek and Bell Creek lakes will also be open to fishing and boating year around.

II. Statement of Objectives

Fishing is consistent with the refuge CCP’s larger goals, objectives, and strategies of providing the additional public opportunities to participate in priority, wildlife-dependent recreational activities. Expanding the fishing program by allowing bowfishing on the refuge will provide an additional wildlife dependent fishing experience.

Fishing Plan Goal The main goal of this fishing plan is to increase angling participation. Diverse, stable, and productive angling opportunities are the basis for increased angling participation. Programs should foster life-long participation in fishing and the outdoors based on easily available opportunities and skills that can be learned at any age.

Fishing Plan Objectives

The objectives of the fishing program on Tishomingo NWR are to:

 Provide the public with additional recreational experiences on refuge lands and increase fishing opportunities.  Maintain biological diversity by preserving the natural diversity and variety of biotic communities occurring on refuge lands.  Provide wildlife-dependent public recreation as mandated by and according to Service policy.  Expand fishing opportunities on public lands to align with Secretarial Order 3356 (Hunting, Fishing, Recreational Shooting, and Wildlife Conservation Opportunities and Coordination with States, Tribes, and Territories).

The program will:

 Include clear and concise regulations that are readily available to visitors on the refuge website and visitor center.  Pose minimal conflict with other priority public uses.  Provide a quality angling program that provides opportunities for visitors to fish on refuge lands.

Fishing Plan Strategies

 Develop a fishing tearsheet with support from regional visitor services staff.  Continue to stock fish when available, in cooperation with the Tishomingo Fish Hatchery on the WMU and refuge ponds.  Provide fishing line recycling containers for anglers to discard their used monofilament line.  Allow bowfishing on Pennington Creek and the Washita River.  Allow boating on the Washita River year around.  Allow boating and fishing on Bell Creek and Rock Creek lakes year around.

III. Description of Fishing Program

A. Areas to be Opened to Fishing

The Tishomingo NWR fishing program is designed to provide compatible fishing opportunities while minimizing conflicts with other user groups.

Public boat ramps are available for boating activities associated with fishing on the Cumberland Pool, at the campground boat ramp, Murray 23, and Nida Point.

Fishing opportunities on the refuge are currently available at Cumberland Pool, Washita River, Rock Creek Lake, Pennington Creek, Bell Creek Lake, Goose pen Pond, Dicks Pond, and Big Sandy Creek.

Fishing is allowed in all of the wetlands listed above, which total 5,289 acres and 21 river miles. Implementing bowfishing on the refuge will provide an additional 19 river miles for this activity.

Fishing is allowed on the Wildlife Management Unit portion of the refuge on McAdams Pond, Reeves Ravine Lake, Whiskey Creek, Bobcat Lake, Mule Lake, and Lost Lake.

Figure 1. Location of Visitor Uses on Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge

B. Species to be Taken, Fishing Periods, Fishing Access

Daytime fishing from the shore is allowed refuge-wide, year-round, and in accordance with State regulations. Fishing from boats is allowed 24 hours a day during the designated boating season. Night fishing from the bank is permitted at the headquarters area, Sandy Creek Bridge, Murray 23, Nida Point, and Pennington Creek, as well as within the WMU. Access to Sandy Creek, Goose Pen Pond, Pennington Creek, Dicks Pond and the Cumberland Pool is through the Refuge Road entrance, east of the city of Tishomingo. Access to Murray 23 is via Murray 23 Road from Highway 22. Access to Nida Point is from Highway 22. Access to Bell Creek Lake is from Bell Creek Road (from the south) and Management Unit Road (from the north). Access to Rock Creek Lake is from Linn and Cemetery Roads. Public boat ramps are available for boating activities associated with fishing on the Cumberland Pool, at the campground boat ramp, Murray 23, and Nida Point. Nida Point is for kayak and two-person boat launching only depending on lake levels because during drought conditions full-sized boats/trailers typically get stuck in the sand prior to launching. Parking areas are provided at all of the fishing locations, but there are no fish cleaning stations on the refuge as cleaning fish prior to reaching a final destination is prohibited unless camping. There are no comfort stations on the refuge. Restrooms are located at the visitor center and at the pavilion, both of which are located on Refuge Road. See Figure 1 for access and additional facility information.

Fishing is conducted on the refuge with season stipulations. The established boating season within the refuge is March 1 through September 30 with the exception of the Washita River which is open year-round to boating and fishing. Bell Creek and Rock Creek Lakes located on the south end of the refuge will be open to boating and fishing year-round. The vast majority of all boating activities are directly tied to fishing. A large portion of fishing visits occur during the spring season when crappie and white bass make their yearly spawning runs.

Fishing activities with the use of boats are not allowed during the months of October through February to provide an extended sanctuary zone for migratory and shore birds. The two established bird sanctuaries protect the Big Sandy Creek outlet and the Washita River inlet to the Cumberland Pool. Shoreline fishing is allowed on the refuge yearlong with the exception of the two sanctuary zones.

Bowfishing is permitted on the Washita River and Pennington Creek during daylight hours and may be used to take nongame fish only. Legal bowfishing is restricted to any bow (including a crossbow) and devices that permit a bow to be held mechanically at full or partial draw are permitted. See Section IV(C) of this plan for state definition of non-game fish species.

Sought after species on the refuge include white crappie (Pomoxis annularis), black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus), bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus), blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus), channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris), common carp (Cyprinus carpio), river carpsucker (Carpiodes carpio), smallmouth buffalo (Ictiobus bubalus), bigmouth buffalo (Ictiobus cyprinellus), spotted gar (Lepisosteus oculatus), longnose gar (Lepisosteus osseus), shortnose gar (Lepisosteus platostomus), alligator gar (Atractosteus spatula), largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), spotted bass (Micropterus punctulatus), white bass (Morone chyrsops), striped bass (Morone saxatilis), redear sunfish (Lepomis microlophus), and warmouth (Lepomis gulosus).

The refuge and WMU follow the special regulations set by the state of Oklahoma and Texas for Lake Texoma. Special daily bag and size limits for each species are listed in Table 1.

Table 1. Special daily bag and size limits for fished species on Tishomingo NWR

Species Size Daily Limit

White/Black Crappie 10 inch minimum 37

Channel/Blue Catfish 12 inch minimum 15 Combined

Flathead Catfish 20 inch minimum 5

Striped/Hybrid Bass Only 2 may be longer than 10 Combined 20 inches

White Bass No size limit 25

Largemouth/Smallmouth 14 inch minimum 5 Combined

Spotted Bass No size limit 5 Combined with Largemouth/Smallmouth

This information can also be found on the hunting/fishing regulation tearsheets provided by the refuge and the Oklahoma fishing regulations which are updated by the State every year.

C. Fishing Permit Requirements (if applicable)

Anglers who are eligible to fish under Oklahoma law are eligible to fish at Tishomingo NWR. They must obtain an Oklahoma fishing license and follow Oklahoma State laws, limits, and regulations.

D. Consultation and Coordination with the State

The refuge reviewed the operations and fishing regulations of the WMU to find consistency where possible. The refuge also reached out to the local state biologist during the development of this plan on April 29, 2019, in order to solicit comments on the current fishing program and allowing bowfishing on the Washita River and Pennington Creek. The refuge also consulted with the Tishomingo National Fish Hatchery on August 12, 2019, to discuss the fish management plan implemented on the refuge and the wildlife management unit.

Tishomingo NWR and ODWC will continue to work together to ensure safe and enjoyable recreational fishing opportunities. Changes or modifications to the fishing program will be incorporated if species populations, habitat, or success rates significantly change or effect wildlife populations.

E. Law Enforcement

Tishomingo NWR currently shares one full time federal wildlife officer with Hagerman NWR, located on the south end of Lake Texoma in Texas. This officer along with two State conservation officers will enforce State/Federal regulations and refuge specific regulations.

The following methods are used to control and enforce fishing regulations:

1. The refuge boundary and fishing areas will be clearly delineated. 2. The refuge will provide a tearsheet outlining hunting, fishing, and boating regulations. The tearsheets will also be available on the refuge website and include a map illustrating fishing areas. 3. Fishing information (tearsheet) will also be available at the visitor center kiosk. 4. Federal wildlife officers and state conservation officers will check anglers for compliance with Federal and State laws, as well as refuge-specific regulations. 5. Federal wildlife officers will coordinate with ODWC, Johnston and Marshall County Sheriff's Office, and other law enforcement agencies as needed.

F. Funding and Staffing Requirements

Annual costs to administer the fishing program at Tishomingo NWR, including salary, equipment, and maintenance, total approximately $5,000. Expenses consist primarily of maintaining fishing parking lots after flood events, law enforcement patrols, and retrieval of monofilament line as needed from collection receptacles, removing trash from containers, and dissemination of materials regarding fishing access and regulations (tearsheets).

IV. Conduct of the Fishing Program

A. Fishing Permit Application, Selection, and/or Registration Procedures (if applicable)

No special application or registration is required other than a current state fishing license (if applicable).

B. Refuge-Specific Fishing Regulations

Listed below are refuge-specific regulations that pertain to fishing on Tishomingo NWR as of the date of this plan. These regulations may be modified as conditions change or if refuge expansion occurs.

(g) Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge

(4) Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions.

(i) Anglers may bank and wade fish with pole and line or rod and reel year-round.

(ii) Anglers may use boats from March 1 through September 30 in designated waters unless otherwise designated on the fishing tearsheet.

(iii) Anglers may "no-wake" boat fish during the boating season with line and pole or rod and reel, except in areas designated as Sanctuary Zones.

(iv) Anglers may use trotlines and other set tackle only in the Cumberland Pool (designated areas), Rock Creek, and between the natural banks of the Washita River. Anglers may only use set tackle with anchored floats.

(v) We prohibit the use of limblines, throwlines, juglines, and yo-yos.

(vi) We prohibit the use of any containers (jugs, bottles) as floats.

(vii) Anglers may fish after legal sunset from a boat (during boating season) in the Cumberland Pool, except in the sanctuary zones. Anglers may fish after legal sunset at the Headquarters Boat Ramp Area, Goose Pen Pond, Sandy Creek Bridge, Murray 23, and Nida Point.

(viii) We allow bowfishing in Pennington Creek and the Washita River during daylight hours.

(ix) We prohibit the take of fish by use of hands (noodling).

(x) We prohibit the take of frog, turtle or mussel (see § 27.21 of this chapter).

C. Relevant State Regulations

Largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass; black and white crappie; rainbow and brown trout; sauger, saugeye and walleye; white and striped bass; and blue and channel catfish are considered game fish by the state. Species not listed are considered nongame fish. There are no daily or minimum size limits on nongame fish other than shad and species of special concern. Alligator gar has a daily limit of one and must be reported to ODWC within 24 hours. The majority of these species may be found on the refuge but anglers should consult the refuge specific regulation tearsheet and the Oklahoma fishing regulations for daily/size limits, which in most cases differ from state regulations. The regulations differ because the states of Oklahoma and Texas have developed special regulations for Lake Texoma and the refuge adheres to these special regulations in regards to species creel and size limits. Many lakes in Oklahoma and Texas do not follow State regulations, but have their own lake regulations in place due to their unique conditions such as age of the lake, depth, species present, and special goals of each particular lake.

D. Other Refuge Rules and Regulations

1. Camping is allowed in designated areas. 2. Cleaning of fish on the refuge is prohibited (unless camping at designated sites). This rule is in place to allow federal wildlife officers to confirm that retained fish actually meet the size limit requirement prior to being cleaned.

3. Pets must be on leash while on the refuge. 4. Open fires are not permitted on the refuge except in designated areas.

V. Public Engagement

A. Outreach for Announcing and Publicizing the Fishing Program

The refuge uses press releases to local newspapers to notify the public of upcoming fishing and boating seasons and any other special information that needs to be communicated. Refuge- specific information about hunting and fishing opportunities is also available on the Tishomingo NWR website.

B. Anticipated Public Reaction to the Fishing Program

Two public comments were received during the comment period for the draft CCP and the Environmental Assessment in 2010. The local public is generally in favor of fishing. It is anticipated that the additional fishing opportunities will be appreciated by our consumptive users. A public notice seeking comments regarding the development of a hunt plan was placed on the Tishomingo refuge website, county courthouse, library, and refuge office in September 2018. The notice proposed allowing archery deer hunting, migratory bird hunting, wild turkey hunting and bowfishing at the Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge. No comments were received during the comment period. A notification was also sent to the ODWC biologist who is responsible for the WMU in early 2019 requesting input/comments in regards to updating the fishing plan. No comments were received.

C. How Anglers Will Be Informed of Relevant Rules and Regulations

General information regarding fishing and other wildlife-dependent public uses can be obtained at refuge headquarters at 11766 S. Refuge Road, Tishomingo, Oklahoma 73460 or by calling 580-371-2402. Fishing information will also be available on the refuge website and at the visitor center.

VI. Compatibility Determination

A draft compatibility determination has been completed in conjunction with this Fishing Plan and the Environmental Assessment. Fishing and all associated program activities proposed in this plan are expected to be found compatible with the purposes of the refuge.

References

Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge, Comprehensive Conservation Plan. 2010. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, http://www.fws.gov/southwest/Refuges/plan/completeplans.html

Tishomingo National Fish Hatchery, verbal agreement fishing plan. 2019. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.