With over a million surface acres of water and more than 200 lakes, Oklahoma is the perfect state to cast your line. All the scenic ponds, rivers, and lakes here are home to over 40 documented fish species. Irrespective of your method – from gigging and noodling to limblines and juglines – you’re in for an adventure of a lifetime when angling Oklahoma’s plentiful waters. Fishing in Oklahoma allows you to continually experience new coves and streams hosting the Sooner State’s abundant crappie, bass, and catfish. Whether you want to fish around a lush forested shoreline or pilot your boat while surrounded by rolling hills and ancient mountains, there’s a lake for every avid angler. Before heading out fishing Oklahoma with your rod and reel, ensure that you get your Oklahoma fishing license and Oklahoma City fishing permit.
Fishing Spots in Oklahoma
Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees
Over 1,300 miles of shoreline and 46,500 surface acres of water make Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees, located in northeast Oklahoma in the Ozarks foothills, a premier destination for fishing and camping in Oklahoma. You’re sure to have a blast looking for white bass, channel catfish, largemouth bass, crappie, and bluegill on the Grand Lake’s waters. Most places at the Grand Lake, such as the Snowdale Recreation area, have easy-to-shoreline sections, and many private resorts run fishing docks and concessions.
Broken Bow Lake
Located just nine miles northeast of the town of Broken Bow on the Mountain Fork River, Broken Bow Lake is a gorgeous and forested lake that stretches for about 22 miles through Oklahoma’s most scenic terrain. Aside from fishing, the lake’s clear water offers other fantastic recreational opportunities such as boating and scuba diving. If you’re looking for good fishing spots in Oklahoma, then Broken Bow Lake is one of the top year-round spots in the state that allows you to reel in a wide variety of crappie, catfish, bass, and many different species of sunfish. While at this gem in southeastern Oklahoma, you can’t afford to leave without exploring your surroundings at the mountainous, pine-covered Beavers Bend State Park for some adventure and breathtaking views.
Lake Murray
Lake Murray is a 5,700-acre reservoir within Lake Murray State Park, near Ardmore. With picturesque terrain, jaw-dropping trails, and exceptional historical sites, the lake offers one of the most serene natural areas to visit for fishing in Oklahoma. The lake’s marina and numerous boat launch ramps welcome all kinds of fishing and pleasure boats. Here, there’s a varied choice of fish species as you can expect to catch striped bass, white bass, sunfish, crappie, and walleye. Other outdoor activities include picnicking, golf, camping, hiking, and trail running.
Lake Altus-Lugert
A stunning oasis nestled on the North Fork Red River in the southwestern part of Oklahoma, Lake Altus-Lugert offers a wide variety of activities. Located just about 17 miles north of Altus, this lake covers approximately 6,500 acres of land. Here, fishing is available year-round, and you can expect to catch various species, including largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, and white bass. Each year, hundreds of trout are released in the North Fork Red River for the annual trout derby. This presents a perfect opportunity to participate in the event and fish for tagged, prize-winning trout.
Lower Mountain Fork River
Located in Broken Bow, the Lower Mountain Fork River presents year-round trout fishing throughout its tributaries from the Broken Bow dam to the U.S. 70 bridge. In addition to fishing, the river is a popular kayak and canoe float trip destination from spring through fall. Approximately five miles of the river flows through the Beavers Bend State Park, where you’ll find unlimited boat access. Because of the Fork River’s consistent flow and cool waters, you can expect to easily catch brown and rainbow trout in any season, and it’s perfect for fly fishing. And If you’re also seeking a more challenging thrill ride, the river features plenty of small waterfalls, rapids, and rock gardens suitable for canoeing, rafting, and kayaking.
Lake Thunderbird
Located east of Downtown Norman, Lake Thunderbird boasts 86 miles of shoreline, offering various water activities. Featuring nine boat ramps, two swim beaches, and two marinas, a visit to this scenic jewel is the best way to beat central Oklahoma’s summer heat. Fishing is excellent, with saugeye, largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish being some of the most after fish species. Additionally, you can participate in archery and shotgun waterfowl at the large public hunting area.
Blue River
Located in Tishomingo, Blue River is Red River’s tributary flowing for about 140 miles. It’s a seasonal winter trout fishing spot stocked from November to March, which gives you the chance to fish during the colder months. Apart from throwing your line for other fish species like smallmouth bass and blue catfish, you can try your luck at the trout stream for some brown and rainbow trout. You can access the stream by wading or from the bank and find a series of plunges and pools, giving you various techniques and depths to try fishing in Oklahoma. Anglers can also enjoy other outdoor recreation activities such as swimming, camping, and turkey, and wild hog hunting.
Where to Fish in Oklahoma
Because Oklahoma boasts good fishing spots like the Oklahoma Fishing Trail, finding where to fish in Oklahoma couldn’t be made any easier. The trail highlights 38 lakes around the Sooner State and 20 central Oklahoma fishing experiences. Lake Eufaula, for instance, is well-known for its annual fishing tournaments and its enclosed docks, which make angling comfortable year-round. When you head to the south, you’ll find Lake Texoma, famous for guided striper excursions.
Camping and Fishing in Oklahoma
You’ll want to be sure that you carry protective clothing against rain, sunlight, or wind. For safety reasons, it’s wise to get shoes or sandals with toes that fasten securely to your feet for when you’re fishing. Remember to pack a first aid kit that includes bandages, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment, and non-latex gloves.
You’ll want to have enough energy and stay hydrated, so bring along non-perishable snacks like granola snacks or almonds and plenty of water. Also, carry a cooler for storing your catch and keeping bottled water cold.
If you aren’t fishing with a captain or guide, find out the best type of freshwater or saltwater rods and reels you’ll need. What’s more, ensure that you bring along plenty of extra fishing lines. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about fishing.
With an RV rental, your fishing trip will be a little more comfortable! After you’ve spent a long day fishing, grill up your catch right at your campsite. Then, retire inside to enjoy all the comforts of home on board your RV. Plan your perfect fishing getaway with an RV rental from RVshare.
