Thread: Kaw Lake Report 2018

Originally Posted by Crappiekey6

Why is red barn closed

In recent years with the new owner they quit selling minnows during the winter because not many bought them. I’ve always relied on blackjack bait east of Newkirk on river road or Kaw one stop.
Last time I went by the red barn, there was a realtor sign in front.
I saw a newspaper ad a month or so ago that said a guy was operating a bait shop between 13th st and 14th streets on east south avenue behind the corner liquor store on 14th. I haven’t checked it out but will try to get by there.
Toms place on the east end of Kaw Dam keeps minnows year around but run out on occasion.
There is a bait shop/connivence store at the entrance to Osage Campground that carries minnows in the summer. I can’t say what he does in the winter. He lives next door so it takes him a bit to get there if he isn’t in the store.

With the government shutdown does anyone know if any ramps on Kaw are closed? I seem to recall with the last government shutdown Sarge Creek ramp was closed.

The ramps are open Kenny. We are getting our minnows from Blackjack Bait in Newkirk. She is the only one that is currently that's selling them by the pound. She is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays but will meet you there if she doesn't have something going on. There contact number is 405-612-7046. They will normally answer or call you back. We are trying to talk the new owner of One Stop in Kaw City to start selling them by the pound. He will have to charge a little more because they get them from Blackjack but it would save a trip. Will keep you updated.

I’m planning my first trip to Kaw Lake the day after Christmas Day. I know nothing about the lake or what kind of structure it has. Any pointers would be great. Going after crappie for a few days. Thanks

Originally Posted by dennishoddy

In recent years with the new owner they quit selling minnows during the winter because not many bought them. I’ve always relied on blackjack bait east of Newkirk on river road or Kaw one stop.
Last time I went by the red barn, there was a realtor sign in front.
I saw a newspaper ad a month or so ago that said a guy was operating a bait shop between 13th st and 14th streets on east south avenue behind the corner liquor store on 14th. I haven’t checked it out but will try to get by there.
Toms place on the east end of Kaw Dam keeps minnows year around but run out on occasion.
There is a bait shop/connivence store at the entrance to Osage Campground that carries minnows in the summer. I can’t say what he does in the winter. He lives next door so it takes him a bit to get there if he isn’t in the store.

Update on the Red Barn. I don't know what's happening, but I was by there today and the realtor sign was gone. There were 5 vehicles around the property. I don't know what's going on, but if they reopen as a bait shop I'll let you guys know. If they don't, I'll let you know as well.

Thanks when the bite gets tough minnows work can't beat live bait🐷🐷

Kaw is 5 1/2 ft high after the heavy rains last week. They finally started dumping a little water yesterday. Water temps are running in the mid to upper 30's. Lake is murky to muddy depending on where you are. Fishing has slowed a lot after the rain but better weather forecast starting this weekend. Looks like the next storm is going to completely miss us in northern Ok so that's a plus. Having the best luck this winter on double minnow rigs with drop shots.

Kaw is 7 ft high and still rising. Can't remember the last time I saw it this high in January. Water temp is holding in the mid to upper 30's and murky. A few fish are moving up shallow in the heat of the day when there is some sun, which has been rare lately. Rocky banks are the most productive. With more rain in the forecast and no water release's, looks like it may continue to rise. Keystone is 8 ft high today but they are releasing 11,000 cf. They won't release any water from Kaw until they get Keystone down. May be a long winter up here.