Best Trout and Bass Fishing Spots in Oklahoma

If you’re an avid angler or looking to try your hand at fishing, Oklahoma should definitely be on your radar. With a plethora of lakes, rivers, and parks, this state boasts some of the best trout and bass fishing spots in the entire country. From Edwards Park to Glover River, Lake Carl Etling to Lake Pawhuska, and Perry Park to Lake Texoma, there are endless opportunities to cast your rod and reel in some impressive catches. Whether you’re after smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, trout, catfish, or panfish, each location offers a diverse range of fish species for you to target. Plus, fishing enthusiasts will find recommended fly patterns for each spot, ensuring you have the best chance of a successful and enjoyable day on the water. So grab your gear and get ready to explore the best trout and bass fishing spots in Oklahoma!

Trout Fishing Spots

If you’re looking for some great trout fishing spots in Oklahoma, you’re in luck! Oklahoma is home to several fantastic locations where you can reel in some beautiful trout. Here are three spots that are definitely worth checking out:

Edwards Park

Edwards Park is a popular destination for trout fishing enthusiasts. Located in Oklahoma City, this park offers a scenic and peaceful setting for anglers of all skill levels. The park is home to a stocked trout pond, where you can try your luck at catching rainbow trout.

To increase your chances of success at Edwards Park, it’s recommended to use a variety of fly patterns. Some of the recommended fly patterns for this spot include nymphs, emergers, and dry flies. It’s always a good idea to have a selection of different patterns in your tackle box to see which ones the trout are biting on that day.

Glover River

Located in southeastern Oklahoma, the Glover River is another fantastic spot for trout fishing. This designated National Wild and Scenic River offers a serene and picturesque setting for anglers to enjoy. The Glover River is known for its clear waters and abundance of rainbow trout.

When it comes to fly patterns for the Glover River, you’ll want to have an assortment of dry flies and nymphs in your arsenal. Some popular fly patterns to try include Elk Hair Caddis, Pheasant Tail Nymph, and Adams Parachute. These patterns mimic the insects that trout typically feed on, increasing your chances of a successful fishing trip.

Lower Illinois River

If you’re in the northeastern part of Oklahoma, the Lower Illinois River is a must-visit spot for trout fishing. This section of the river is known for its excellent trout population, particularly brown trout and rainbow trout. Anglers flock to this location for its trophy-sized trout and beautiful scenery.

To have a successful fishing experience on the Lower Illinois River, it’s important to have the right fly patterns. Some recommended patterns for this spot include Woolly Buggers, San Juan Worms, and Beadhead Nymphs. These patterns are known to attract the attention of hungry trout and increase your chances of landing a big catch.

Bass Fishing Spots

If bass fishing is more your style, Oklahoma has some incredible spots that are sure to impress even the most seasoned anglers. Here are three bass fishing spots that are definitely worth a visit:

Lake Carl Etling

Lake Carl Etling, located in Black Mesa State Park, is a hidden gem for bass fishing enthusiasts. This secluded lake offers peace and tranquility, allowing you to focus on reeling in the big ones. The lake is home to a healthy population of largemouth bass, making it a prime spot for bass fishing.

When it comes to fly patterns for bass fishing at Lake Carl Etling, you’ll want to have a selection of streamers and poppers in your tackle box. Some popular patterns to try include Clouser Minnows, Woolly Buggers, and Frog Popper flies. These patterns imitate small baitfish and insects, enticing the bass to strike.

Lake Pawhuska

Located in Pawhuska, Lake Pawhuska is a fantastic destination for bass fishing enthusiasts. This lake offers calm waters and beautiful surroundings, making it an enjoyable spot to spend a day on the water. Lake Pawhuska is home to both largemouth bass and smallmouth bass, giving anglers a variety of fish to target.

When it comes to fly patterns for bass fishing at Lake Pawhuska, it’s recommended to have a selection of crayfish patterns and poppers. Some effective patterns to try include Crawdad patterns, Deer Hair Poppers, and Clouser Minnows. These patterns mimic the natural prey of bass and can trigger a aggressive strike.

Lake Texoma

Lake Texoma, located on the Oklahoma-Texas border, is a world-renowned bass fishing destination. This massive reservoir is known for its abundant populations of both largemouth bass and smallmouth bass. With over 89,000 acres of water to explore, there’s no shortage of opportunities to catch some trophy-sized bass.

When it comes to fly patterns for bass fishing on Lake Texoma, you’ll want to have a selection of streamers and topwater flies in your tackle box. Some popular patterns to try include Clouser Minnows, Woolly Buggers, and Popper flies. These patterns imitate the baitfish and insects that bass love to feast on, increasing your chances of a successful fishing trip.

Other Fish Species

While trout and bass are certainly the stars of the show in Oklahoma, there are plenty of other fish species to target as well. Whether you’re looking to catch some catfish for a delicious dinner or reel in some panfish for some family fun, Oklahoma offers a variety of options. Here are a few other fish species you can try your luck at catching:

Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth bass are a prized catch among anglers, and Oklahoma is home to some fantastic smallmouth bass fishing opportunities. These feisty fish can be found in various lakes and rivers throughout the state, including the Glover River and Lake Pawhuska. When targeting smallmouth bass, it’s recommended to use streamers and crayfish patterns.

Largemouth Bass

Largemouth bass are one of the most popular freshwater game fish in the United States, and Oklahoma is no exception. With its abundance of lakes and rivers, Oklahoma offers excellent largemouth bass fishing opportunities. Some of the top spots for largemouth bass fishing include Lake Carl Etling and Lake Texoma. When targeting largemouth bass, it’s recommended to use a variety of streamers, poppers, and spinnerbaits.

Catfish

Catfish are a staple of southern cuisine, and Oklahoma is known for its excellent catfish populations. From small farm ponds to large reservoirs, there are plenty of opportunities to catch some delicious catfish in Oklahoma. Some popular spots for catfish fishing include Lake Texoma and the Lower Illinois River. When catfishing, it’s recommended to use stink baits or cut baits to attract these bottom-dwelling fish.

Panfish

Panfish, including bluegill, crappie, and sunfish, are excellent species to target for families and beginners. These fish are abundant in many of Oklahoma’s lakes and ponds, providing endless opportunities for anglers to have some fun. Some popular spots for panfish fishing include Perry Park and Lake Carl Etling. When targeting panfish, it’s recommended to use small jigs, flies, or live bait to entice these feisty fish.

Fly Patterns for Trout Fishing

Fly fishing for trout can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but having the right fly patterns can make all the difference. Here are some recommended fly patterns for each of the trout fishing spots mentioned earlier:

Recommended Fly Patterns for Edwards Park

• Nymphs: Pheasant Tail Nymph, Hare’s Ear Nymph, and Copper John
• Emergers: RS2, Blue Wing Olive, and Sparkle Dun
• Dry Flies: Adams, Elk Hair Caddis, and Royal Wulff

These fly patterns imitate the natural insects that trout feed on, increasing your chances of success at Edwards Park.

Recommended Fly Patterns for Glover River

• Nymphs: Prince Nymph, Green Rock Worm, and Zebra Midge
• Emergers: Blue Wing Olive, Midge Emerger, and Parachute Adams
• Dry Flies: Griffith’s Gnat, Elk Hair Caddis, and Blue Quill

These fly patterns mimic the insects that trout typically feed on in the clear waters of the Glover River.

Recommended Fly Patterns for Lower Illinois River

• Nymphs: San Juan Worm, Hare’s Ear Nymph, and Copper John
• Emergers: Sparkle Dun, Blue Wing Olive, and RS2
• Dry Flies: Adams, Elk Hair Caddis, and Royal Wulff

These fly patterns are proven to attract the attention of brown trout and rainbow trout on the Lower Illinois River.

Fly Patterns for Bass Fishing

When it comes to fly fishing for bass, having the right fly patterns is essential. Here are some recommended fly patterns for each of the bass fishing spots mentioned earlier:

Recommended Fly Patterns for Lake Carl Etling

• Streamers: Clouser Minnow, Woolly Bugger, and Game Changer
• Poppers: Deer Hair Popper, Foam Popper, and Gurgler

These fly patterns imitate the small baitfish and insects that bass feed on in Lake Carl Etling.

Recommended Fly Patterns for Lake Pawhuska

• Streamers: Clouser Minnow, Woolly Bugger, and Game Changer
• Poppers: Frog Popper, Bass Popper, and Dahlberg Diver

These fly patterns mimic the natural prey of largemouth bass and smallmouth bass in Lake Pawhuska.

Recommended Fly Patterns for Lake Texoma

• Streamers: Clouser Minnow, Woolly Bugger, and Game Changer
• Topwater Flies: Popper, Gurgler, and Crease Fly

These fly patterns imitate the baitfish and insects that largemouth bass and smallmouth bass love to devour in Lake Texoma.

With these recommended fly patterns, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle the trout and bass fishing spots in Oklahoma. Remember to adjust your approach based on the specific conditions and the preferences of the fish on any given day. Happy fishing!