If you've ever flown over the Oklahoma landscape, you've probably noticed a lot more from the air than you can see from the ground. It seems that over each hill there is a valley with a dam across its span. These small lakes and ponds can range in size from 1 to more than 30 acres and generally have a fish population that has never seen a Hoo-Daddy or Salt Craw.

But those bodies of water are usually too small to launch a bass boat on, so let's leave those waters to the bank and aluminum boat crowd and talk about lakes of less than 4,000 acres. And I have one in mind.

Hulah Lake was impounded in 1951 to control flooding in the Caney River basin. Its waters grow from almost 3,600 acres at normal level, to just over 6,000 when spring rains come. The lake reached the end of its nromal life span a few years ago and has since been turned over to the state's Department of Parks and Tourism. The Corps of Engineers still maintains the release of water from its dam during periods of heavy rain.

At normal level, the lake holds a good population of white and black bass in its main body and spring is the time many local anglers walk the banks in search of white and black crappie as they spawn along the shores. But if you're in search of quality "football" bass, the creeks and the river are the place to be.

As in most flood-control lakes, Hulah's water clarity leaves much to be desired. The lake is considered to be extremely shallow due to silting, but other than just a few places, is easy to navigate. The main-lake area provides three boat ramps on its east side, just before crossing the dam, while the river is the site of a new ramp, giving those anglers wanting to fish the river a safe place to launch and load.

To the north on the main lake, there are two creeks that contain enough water depth to hold fish and in early spring are the places to find the big females seeking shelter in their many laydowns.

Hickory Creek enters the lake along the northwest side and requires a close eye on the locator as you idle in, motor trimmed high. Once you find the entrance, the water drops fairly fast to a maximum of eight feet. You may begin fishing as soon as it does and be prepared to use the net - the fish are very fiesty and even a two-pounder will strip drag.

To the east of Hickory is Skull Creek. The mouth of the creek is hard to recognize and can be treacherous at low lake levels, but once inside the channel, many willing bass can be found. My largest was around seven pounds last year and came from skinny water of about two feet.

Running from the main lake section to the river section of Hulah can be dangerous. As spring rains occur, fallen trees and limbs will wash towards the dam and as current flow subsides, are placed in the river section of the lake known as the "mine field". Unless you have a local angler with you, I would suggest using the Rocky Ford Ramp, just inside the mouth of the river to bypass this obstacle.

After unloading the boat, there really is no need to start your big engine. Just drop the trolling motor and start casting. The river runs for many miles and can afford you many hours of fishing by hitting one brush pile after another. In fact, many anglers fish the first five miles of river and return home that evening with stories of the "one that got away". This is the best area to fish and can reward you with a fish approaching nine pounds.

Okay, you know where. But what about lures?

I've found as the water warms, a black/blue jig, black/chartreuse Salt Craw or blue fleck Power Worm to be the best lures for early year trips. A spinnerbait in the "fruit salad" colors (orange/yellow/chartreuse) with an Indiana or Colorado blade in the #4 to #6 sizes to be best. Later, I've found a chartreuse/white with a gold willow leaf blade in the #4.5 size to work better. Crankbaits produce better in late summer and early fall as the fish begin actively feeding on the huge population of shad that keep the fish fat and sassy. But don't forget the crankbait if you feel comfortable fishing one. Firetiger Model A's and chrome/black Wiggle Warts work well as do Rat-L-Traps in blue/chrome and black/chrome.

To get to Hulah Lake, travel north of Bartlesville to the town of Copan and turn left on highway 10 for approximately 12 miles. Turn right when you approach the dam and you can go to the main lake ramps or continue across the dam and follow the signs for the river ramp.

The lake offers both primitive and modern lake-side campsites at Wah-Sha-She State Park, located across the dam. And if you run into a Park Ranger, they'll be more than happy to give you any fishing tips you might need to enjoy your stay.