Thread: Structure

Does anyone know the rules for putting brush in lakes? I know that oologah has a brushpile day but i wasnt sure if you can put anything in the lake other than that. I cant seem to find any info on this.

Oologah would be the Army Corp of Engineers. I know you cannot cut any timer on the lake but I would imagine they have a rule against cover but could be wrong. Just call the number on the Tulsa District website and they will tell you. I could not imagine someone putting cover in oologah lake without the Corp's approval, that would be just plum crazy :D :D :D Other than that if it is within a city limits all you have to worry about is city ordinances or made up lake ranger laws.

I was told by the fisheries department that it was illegal to put bush or any other type of cover in any Oklahoma lake. I was told you have to go thru several different agencies to get approval and then the owners of the body of water could still turn you down. so midnight runs might be the only way to do it and not get caught. it carries some pretty hefty fines if they catch you doing it. the guy I spoke to said he wished the people running the state agencies would wake up and allow people to put cover in the lakes in this state because most of the cover in the lakes is almost gone. they do have some state lake maps with the cover the fisheries department went thru the long process of getting approved. they are on the game and fish department web site. while looking at the maps you can see the GPS coordinates of the cover in the lower left corner of the screen as you move you mouse around on the map.

In a former life I was a photojournalist and did an indepth interview of the corp relating to this topic. A few of the comments I recieved from corp officials were -- The corp does not see their impoundments as fisheries. The lakes are flood control impoundments, nothing more. The Corp is not in the recreation business. It has been my understanding since then, and to this day, that the Corp could care less about improving fishing, tourism and the boost in economics that would follow if they cooperated with the wildlife department, tourism department and the fishing public in general. I would rather take my chances and load brush on a pontoon boat and make a midnight run as deal with them.

I have never seen anyone get stopped for putting brush out I have put it in by the boat loads in the fore mentioned lakes and no one cared so I say do what ya want just dont cut any on a landowners area might get shot

I checked with the Corp. of engineers at FT. Gibson a while back and they said it was OK to put brush in as long as it wasn't a hazard to navigation and do not cut it off shore. There number is 918 682 4314 if you want to talk to them.

About 10+ years ago there was quite a bit of publicity about the new "clean water act" and how lake patrols were ticketing people for sinking brushpiles. Back then, you could contact the lake project office (located by the dam) and get a permit. You had to fill out a form describing the type and location of the structure you'd be sinking. What's funny is that months after all the big deal was made over illegally sinking brush, I was still the first person to get a permit on Tenkiller. I think most people just got sneakier instead of a permit.

I think it's one of those laws that if an officer wanted to be a prick about it, he could be. I talk to the supervisor all the time for Oologah. He knows I place structure and has never said a thing. Oologah Corp peeps are great! Once a year, they have a brush building day. They supply the boats, captains, chain saws, fuel, food, drink and prizes to those who help out. They will also be first to tell you that the lake is "Flood Control Only". But, I think they also realize that the people that frequent the lakes, also pay out their rears in ramp and camping fees. The better the fishing, the more they take in. It's all good. I just wish they would allow some private docks and a few more commercial areas around the lake. Oh, and lets bannish the jet skis from Oologah while we're at it. Ha!

Originally Posted by Crappie Reaper

I think it's one of those laws that if an officer wanted to be a prick about it, he could be. I talk to the supervisor all the time for Oologah. He knows I place structure and has never said a thing. Oologah Corp peeps are great! Once a year, they have a brush building day. They supply the boats, captains, chain saws, fuel, food, drink and prizes to those who help out. They will also be first to tell you that the lake is "Flood Control Only". But, I think they also realize that the people that frequent the lakes, also pay out their rears in ramp and camping fees. The better the fishing, the more they take in. It's all good. I just wish they would allow some private docks and a few more commercial areas around the lake. Oh, and lets bannish the jet skis from Oologah while we're at it. Ha!

Why? Do they not pay taxes too?