Northwest
Fishing in the northwestern part of the state is basically limited to two lakes, Canton and Foss. Stahl manages Canton for its high-quality walleye fishery, but it's also a good place to catch monster hybrids. Hybrids don't get as big in Foss, but it has a lot more of them.

He returned it to the lake, and if it's still alive, that hybrid might be very close to the world record of 27 pounds, 5 ounces.

The reason is shad. Canton is a fertile lake with ideal water quality, so it has an excellent forage base. Foss is comparatively infertile, so it doesn't have the baitfish to promote rapid growth rates. Stahl said that's the place to go to fill the livewell, but he recommended Canton for a wall mount.

"I have held an 18-pounder in my hands below Canton Dam," Stahl said.

That fish washed over the dam in the late 1990s, and Stahl shocked it up during an electrofishing session. He returned it to the lake, and if it's still alive, that hybrid might be very close to the world record of 27 pounds, 5 ounces, which came from Greers Ferry Lake in Arkansas in 1997.

Another good place to catch hybrids this month, Stahl added, is in the creek below Great Salt Plains Lake.

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We've got a little of everything in the way of hybrids here in Oklahoma, from high-volume fishing to potential trophy quality fishing. No matter which path you pursue, you'll be sure to have a lot of fun catching a fish that eats as good as it fights.

Hybrid fishing is always good in Oklahoma, and this year could be one of our best.

Find more about Oklahoma fishing and hunting at: OklahomaGameandFish.com