News from the City of Purcell

From the Purcell Parks and Recreation Department

The 2022 Purcell Carp Classic will be held on Sunday, September 25, at Purcell Lake.

Purcell Lake has a large carp population, which are notorious for altering natural ecosystems. They uproot and disturb submerged vegetation while searching for insect larvae to eat. Carp reduces water clarity and stir up bottom phosphorus-containing sediments, which contributes to algae blooms.

The City of Purcell Parks and Recreation Department is partnering with Oklahoma Fly Fishing to organize and promote the tournament. Participants are to catch as many carp as they can, while returning other species of fish, such as bass, crappie, and catfish, back to the water. This helps to control carp numbers and let wild habitats in the lake regenerate.

The entry is $10 per participant. Anglers compete in two divisions: Fly Fishing and Traditional Rod and Reel. They are to meet for a pre-tournament meeting at the Chandler Pavilion starting at 8:30 a.m. Fishing begins at 9 a.m. and will go until 3 p.m. Anglers must have their fish back to the Chandler Pavilion by 3:30 p.m. for the fish count.

Prizes are awarded by the total number of carp caught. Funds collected go towards prizes and to help pay for the construction of plant cages to protect new aquatic plants from hungry carp.

For more information, please contact the Parks and Recreation department at 405-527-7227.