Why are catfish wearing green tags in Grand Lake?

The bright green tags aren’t a fashion statement; they’re for research. The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) recently announced on Facebook that it is tagging flathead catfish in Grand Lake.

According to the ODWC's website, flathead catfish are a favorite of many anglers. Most are taken while trotlining, juglining, limblining or noodling. Flatheads can exceed 100 pounds.

The tagging project is part of a broader effort to study fish movement, harvest rates, and spawning patterns. Anglers who catch a tagged catfish are encouraged to call or text 918-504-2303 to report it.

Can I Keep a Tagged Fish?

According to a Facebook comment from the ODWC, yes, anglers are allowed to keep tagged catfish. As long as the catch is reported, the data still helps support the study.

Provided by the ODWC's Facebook, here are some examples of what some tagged catfish look like. 

And here we have some of the impressively large catfish that Oklahomans have caught!

How Do I Keep Loved Ones (Not just the Fish) Safe?

The ODWC said in a Facebook comment that the project is “carefully planned and monitored by biologists.” But with increased activity on the lake this summer, officials remind visitors to follow safety guidelines while boating and fishing.

Related: Oklahoma Lake and River Safety Tips from GRDA

As lake and river traffic increases during the summer season, the Grand River Dam Authority (GRDA) Police Department is urging everyone to stay safe while enjoying Oklahoma’s waterways.

“There is plenty of room for everyone to visit the beautiful waters we have here in Northeast Oklahoma,” said GRDA Corporate Spokesperson Justin Alberty. “We just encourage them to play safe, watch out for others, and use common sense while boating and floating.”

What Makes Grand Lake Ideal for Tagging?

Grand Lake, a popular recreation spot in northeastern Oklahoma, was recently in the spotlight as it hosted the 16th annual High School Fishing World Finals and National Championship, drawing young anglers from across the country.

For another fin-tastic read: National High School Fishing Championship Comes to Grand Lake

According to the ODWC website, channel, blue and flathead catfish can all be found at Grand Lake and in great numbers at that! Grand Lake sets up good for year-round catfishing opportunities with its mix of deep channels, bluff channel swings and adjacent flats.

This story was written by Hayden Grubbs with contributions by Katie Alexander.