Catch, Clean & Cook Bass

LARGEMOUTH BASS

Oklahoma’s newest bass regulation went into effect Sunday, September 11, 2022 bringing a welcomed treat to your lunch and dinner table. There is no longer a minimum length limit on largemouth and smallmouth bass in ponds and lakes. The daily limit of six (6) remains in effect and only one (1) may be over 16-inches.

This new rule seeks to improve the overall size and health of Oklahoma’s black bass population, primarily focusing on largemouth bass. ODWC recommends harvesting 8-inch to 15-inch largemouth bass, especially at lakes with an overabundance (see bottom of article for a list of top lakes).

Largemouth bass in this size range are the best to eat for a number of reasons.

First, it helps to sustain a healthy size structure in a body of water through less competition, meaning more food to go around. Fish can become stunted in small bodies of water. Also, the health of the bass population as well as the prey source declines when there are too many similarly sized mouths to feed.

Second, fish continue to grow for their entire life, but grow the fastest in the first few years. Eating fish under 16-inches means that the fish has had less time to accumulate elements like mercury in their meat that can pose health hazards to humans. Fish over 16-inches are great for catch and release, photos and trophy mounts.

Thirdly, smaller fish tend to have better tasting meat with a more desirable firm texture. Older, larger fish tend to have a fishier taste and mushier texture.

8-inch to 15-inch bass fillets are perfect for fried strips or bites. They also sear well in a pan for fish tacos. Whole fillets can be lightly seasoned and buttered and thrown on the grill, wrapped in foil, for a healthier option.

In addition to being delicious, bass in the best eater-size range are also fairly easy to catch. They inhabit shallow structure and cover near the bank looking for easy meals like bugs, invertebrates and small bait fish. Areas such as coves, marinas, rocky or woody banks are ideal fishing locations, making access to this resource available to all.

FISHING TIPS

Largemouth bass are ambush predators that like to hide in brush, rock piles, grass or any other type of structure that provides good cover. Casting live bait or artificial lures and flies toward these types of areas will yield the best results. Keep your lure or bait small in size, less than 3-inches.

Top Bait

Natural/live bait can be drifted below a bobber or fished off the bottom with weight. Small- to medium-sized bait holding hooks and 1/16th up to 1/4th ounce weights are ideal tackle.

Grasshoppers

Grasshoppers are a cheap sustainable bait for fishing. They’re fairly easy to catch by hand and even easier to catch with a net. A small hook and bobber is all that is needed. Simply thread the hook point through the middle of the grasshopper and cast.

Nightcrawlers

Canadian nightcrawlers are one of the largest commonly available worms. They are sometimes called “dew worms” because they are sometimes found outside in the early morning when there is morning dew still on the ground and nearby plants. The scientific name for them is Lumbricus terrestris. Other names include “lobworm” or just “nightcrawlers.” Despite the name, Canadian nightcrawlers are believed to have originated in Europe.

Red Worms

Known under various common names such as manure worm, brandling worm, panfish worm, trout worm, tiger worm, and red wiggler worm, the red worm is a species of earthworm adapted to decaying organic material. These worms thrive in rotting vegetation, compost, and manure. They are epigean, meaning they crawl on the surface of soil, but are rarely found in soil.

Minnows

Minnows are sold in an array of species. The most common minnows sold are fathead minnows and goldfish, but any minnow will work. Bait and tackle stores that advertise “live bait” will have a minnow tank either inside or outside the store. Minnows are typically sold by the dozen, but price and quantity can vary.

Top Lures

Small artificial lures, less than 3″ and no more than 1/8th ounce, are ideal tackle for catching eater-size bass. Soft plastics in natural colors paired with a 1/0 offset hook or 1/32nd up to 1/8th ounce jighead are a great starting point. Spinnerbaits, crankbaits and top water lures are also effective. If the water is muddy or cloudy try white, black, red or chartreuse colors. In normal or clear water stick to earth tones like green pumpkin, watermelon, orange, blue, brown, or purple.

Spinnerbaits

• 1/32nd ounce up to 1/8th ounce Johnson Beetle Spin

• 1/8th ounce BOOYAH Micro Pond Magic Spinnerbait

Crankbaits

• 1/16th ounce Creme Pond Favorites Shallow Crankbait

• 1/16th ounce Creme Pond Favorites Lipless Crankbait

Tubes/Grubs/Creatures

• 1.5″ Bass Pro Shops Squirmin’ Squirt

• 3″ Zoom Fat Albert

• 3.3″ Googan Baits Bandito Bugs

Worms

• 2-3/4″ Z-Man Finesse TRD

• 4″ YUM Dinger

Swimbait

• 2.25″ Bobby Garland Slab Hunt’R

Top Water

• 2″ Arbogast Hula Popper

• 2″ Arbogast Clicker Jitterbug

• 3″ Berkley Choppo

Common Bass Brands

• Bandit
  • Top Lure: Series 200
  • Top Colors: Viral Perch, Silver Minnow, Chartreuse Blue Back
• Berkley
  • Top Lure: 3” 1/2 ounce Berkley Choppo
  • Top Colors: MF Shad, MF Bluegill, Maverick
• Bomber
  • Top Lure: Model A
  • Top Colors: Chartreuse Blues, Chartreuse Shad, Black/Chartreuse
• Booyah
  • Top Lure: Pond Magic
  • Top Colors: Firebug, Moss Back Craw, Junebug
• Rapala
  • Top Lure: 2-1/4” 5/16th ounce Rapala Ott’s Garage Series Tiny Crankbait
  • Top Colors: Big Shad, Green Gizzard Shad
• Rebel
  • Top Lure: Bluegill
  • Top Colors: Natural Bluegill
• Strike King
  • Top Lure: Mini Pro-Buzz Buzzbait
  • Top Colors: Black, White, Chartreuse/White
• Yamamoto
  • Top Lure: 4″ Senko
  • Top Colors: Smoke/Watermelon-Blue Purple Flake, Green Pumpkin Watermelon, Pumpkin/Black Green Flake
    • Pair with a 3/0, 4/0 or 5/0 off-set hook
      • Top Hook: 4/0 Owner Wide Gap Plus
• Yum
  • Top Lure: 4″ Dinger
  • Top Colors: Elders Magic, Green Pumpkin/Purple Flake, Smoke Red Pepper
    • Pair with a 3/0, 4/0 or 5/0 off-set hook
      • Top Hook: 4/0 Owner Wide Gap Plus
• Z-Man
  • Top Lure: Finesse TRD
  • Top Colors: California Craw, Bubble Gut, Mood Ring
    • Pair with a 1/16th, 1/8th or 1/4th ounce jig head
      • Top Jig Head: 1/8th ounce Z-Man SMH
• Zoom
  • Top Lure: 3″ Fat Albert
  • Top Colors: Rootbeer Pepper Green Flake, Watermelon/Red Flake, Cotton Candy
    • Pair with a 1/8th or 1/4th ounce jig head
      • Top Jig Head: 1/8th ounce Eagle Claw Round

Top Flies

Dry flies are great in the summer and fall months. Terrestrial bugs, poppers and dragon flies are all effective, especially in the morning and evening hours. Stripping bead or jighead flies in shades of green, brown, black, orange or purple are great when cast parallel with the shoreline, particularly where there are weed-lines, rocky and/or woody structure.

Stripping Flies

• Size 2 Clouser Minnow in Sculpin, Silver Shiner or Olive and White

• Size 2 Bead-head Woolly Bugger in Olive, Brown or White

• Size 2/0 to Size 6 jig or bead-head fly in shades of green, brown, black, white or orange
  • Editor’s pick: Chocklett’s Polar Changer in Tan

Nymph Flies

• Size 8-12 Stonefly Nymph

• Size 14 Rubber-Legged Yellow Sally

• Size 16-20 Pheasant Tail Nymph

Dry Flies

• Size 1 Bett’s Bass Bug Popper

• Size 6 Rubber-Legged Hopper

• Size 10-14 Stimulator

CLEANING TIPS

While many people enjoy fishing for sport, many others catch fish to use as food. Fish has always been an important part of the diet. And being able to clean and cook a fish that you caught is great, especially for those who enjoy the taste of fish!

When cleaning your fish, filleting means cutting out the meat of the fish without the bones. Larger fish, like largemouth bass, catfish, striped bass and walleye, are usually filleted. A filleted fish has its skin and all of its bones removed before cooking.

Fillet knives have a long, thin blade that’s very sharp and specifically designed for filleting fish. To work properly, the knife must be really sharp. If you have any slime on your hands or the fillet knife handle, wash it off to prevent slipping.

Tip: When learning how to fillet a fish, you can also wear metal- or rubber-mesh fish-cleaning gloves to protect your hands.

12 Steps to Fillet a Fish

STEP 1

Place the fish on its side on a flat surface.

STEP 2

Cut the fish behind its gills and pectoral fin down to, but not through, the backbone.

STEP 3

Turn the fish so that its back (dorsal fin) is facing you. Make a long slice along the back of the fish from the cut you made behind the gills all the way to the tail.

STEP 4

Repeat this slicing motion until you can lift the meat part way away from the back bone with your thumb.

STEP 5

Once you can lift the meat partially away, continue to run the tip of the knife along the ribs of the fish till you lift the fillet most of the way off the carcass.

STEP 6

Push the blade of your fillet knife all the way through the body of fish from the dorsal (top) side through to belly at the anal vent, and pull the knife towards the tail to separate the fillet from the rest of the fish.

STEP 7

Repeat these steps on the other side of the fish.

STEP 8

Put the fillet on the table with the skin side down. Insert the knife blade about a half-inch from the tail, gripping firmly, and put the blade between the skin and the meat at an angle.

STEP 9

Using a little pressure and a sawing motion, cut against, but not through, the skin.

STEP 10

Remove the fillets from the skin.

STEP 11

Wash each fillet in cold water.

STEP 12

Pat dry with a clean cloth or paper towel. The fillets are ready to cook or freeze.

COOKING TIPS

Cooking is the next-to-last step in finishing a great fishing trip. Below is a simple recipe for cooking your fish fillet.

Pan Frying Fish

Pan frying is a popular way to cook fish, and it is the quickest and easiest way to cook your catch at your campsite, at the park or on shore.

6 Steps to Pan Fry Fish

STEP 1

First, coat the fish fillet with flour. Feel free to add your favorite seasonings to the flour before coating.

STEP 2

Dredge the flour-covered fillet in a beaten egg.

STEP 3

Coat the fillet with bread crumbs.

STEP 4

Heat some cooking oil in a skillet. Test the heat by dropping some bread crumbs into the skillet. If it sizzles, the oil is hot enough.

STEP 5

Add your fish to the skillet, cooking on each side for 3 or 4 minutes, or until the coating is brown.

STEP 6

The final step to a successful fishing trip is enjoying the taste of your catch. Enjoy with fellow anglers or family and friends.

TOP LAKES

These lakes have been identified by ODWC’s Fisheries Division as having an overabundance of bass under 16-inches.

American Horse

American Horse Lake (Google Map) is located in Blaine County 10 miles west of Geary (S5,T13N,R12W).

American Horse Lake was constructed by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation in 1966. Vegetation around the lake is post-oak-blackjack forest and mixed-grass eroded plains types.

The lake has one concrete boat ramp, several picnic tables, and one water well. Geary is the nearest town in which to obtain picnic and fishing supplies. The lake supports an abundant population of good-sized bluegill and catchable-size largemouth bass.

Contacts

• Fishing: (580) 474-2663
• Game Warden: (580) 623-0206

Lake Details

• Shoreline Length: 6.80 mi.
• Volume: 2,200.00 ac. ft.
• Max. Depth: 75.00 ft.
• Surface Area: 100.00 ac.

Recreational Facilities

The lake has one concrete boat ramp, several picnic tables and one water well. Geary is the nearest town in which to obtain picnic and fishing supplies. The lake supports an abundant population of good-sized bluegill and catchable size largemouth bass.

Campgrounds Nearby

• Roman Nose State Park

Bait & Tackle Nearby

• Walmart Supercenter (1349 Eagle Rd, Weatherford, OK 73096) – (580) 772-1408
• Roman Nose General Store (2738 Lot 301, OK-8A, Watonga, OK 73772) – (580) 623-7750
• Gilchrist General Store (122 W Main St, Canton, OK 73724) – (580) 886-3200
• Walmart Supercenter (2400 S Country Club Rd, El Reno, OK 73036) – (405) 262-7354
• Walmart Supercenter (200 Starlite Dr, Kingfisher, OK 73750) – (405) 375-5743
• Lead Babies Slabs (215 E Main St, New Cordell, OK 73632) – (580) 832-5177
• Walmart Supercenter (1200 Garth Brooks Blvd, Yukon, OK 73099) – (405) 350-1900
• Academy (12324 NW 10th St, Yukon, OK 73099) – (405) 246-1429
• Walmart Supercenter (951 E State Hwy 152, Mustang, OK 73064) – (405) 376-4549
• Walmart Supercenter (7800 Northwest Expy, Oklahoma City, OK 73132)- (405) 773-2625

Management Practices

Largemouth bass spring electrofishing and fall hoop nets to evaluate fish populations. Cedar trees are added to refurbish existing habitats.

Area Specific Fishing Regulations

• Daily/Size Limits
  • Channel and/or blue catfish: six combined per day.
• Methods
  • Two rods and reels per person. Bowfishing allowed. All other methods are prohibited.

Additional Resources

• Map of Lake
• Oklahoma Fishing Trail
• Department Fishing Area Regulations

Birch

Birch Lake (Google Map) is located 2 miles south of SH 11 on 8th St.

Contacts

• Fishing: (580) 762-2248
• Game Warden: (918) 440-9880, (580) 761-4097, (918) 381-4099, (918) 331-5798, (918) 331-5798

Lake Details

• Shoreline Length: 31.00 mi.
• Volume: 19,000.00 ac. ft.
• Max. Depth: 52.50 ft.
• Surface Area: 1,137.00 ac.

Recreational Facilities

U.S. Corps of Engineers manages campgrounds, boat ramps, picnic areas and designated swimming areas.

Campgrounds Nearby

• Birch Lake USACE
• Skiatook USACE
• Keystone USACE
• Keystone State Park
• Oologah USACE
• Copan USACE

Bait & Tackle Nearby

• Mister Bass Inc (4000 W Rogers Blvd, Skiatook, OK 74070) – (918) 396-3848
• Walmart Supercenter (700 W Rogers Blvd, Skiatook, OK 74070) – (918) 396-1244 Walmart Supercenter (4000 Green Country Rd, Bartlesville, OK 74006) – (918) 335-6600
• Keystone Lake Bait & Store (998 W Oak Grove Rd, Cleveland, OK 74020) – (918) 899-2649
• Walmart Supercenter (12101 E 96th St N, Owasso, OK 74055) – (918) 272-6609
• North Harvard Bait (3326 N Harvard Ave, Tulsa, OK 74115) – (918) 313-3788
• Woody’s Bait & Tackle (20913 W 8th St, Sand Springs, OK 74063) – (918) 245-8491
• Walmart Supercenter (220 OK-97, Sand Springs, OK 74063) – (918) 245-0213
• The Tackle Box (7405 OK-88, Oologah, OK 74053) – (918) 559-9505
• Bait Shop (Mannford, OK 74044) – (918) 865-3335

Management Practices

Hybrid striped bass are stocked.

Additional Resources

• Map of Lake
• Depth Lines
• Operator: U.S. Corps of Engineers
• USACE Lake Level

Bixhoma

Bixhoma Lake (Google Map) is located 2 miles south of Leonard on Bixoma Lake Rd.

Contacts

• Fishing: (918) 299-2334
• Game Warden: (918) 625-5796, (918) 625-5085

Campgrounds Nearby

• Okmulgee Recreation Area
• Dripping Springs Recreation Area
• Sequoyah Bay State Park
• Sequoyah State Park
• Keystone USACE
• Keystone State Park

Bait & Tackle Nearby

• Pat’s Achery & Outdoors (12601 US-75, Okmulgee, OK 74447) – (918) 756-4632
• Walmart Supercenter (1800 S Wood Dr, Okmulgee, OK 74447) – (918) 756-6790
• North Harvard Bait (3326 N Harvard Ave, Tulsa, OK 74115) – (918) 313-3788
• Bait Masters (1516 OK-51, Wagoner, OK 74467) – (918) 485-9206
• Walmart Supercenter (410 S Dewey Ave, Wagoner, OK 74467) – (918) 485-9515
• Walmart Supercenter (220 OK-97, Sand Springs, OK 74063) – (918) 245-0213
• Bait Barn (550 W Harris Rd, Muskogee, OK 74403) – (918) 682-4479
• Walmart Supercenter (1000 W Shawnee St, Muskogee, OK 74401) – (918) 687-0058
• Dunham’s Sports (2346 E Shawnee Rd, Muskogee, OK 74403) – (918) 913-4250
• Mike’s Outdoors (2015 N York St, Muskogee, OK 74403) – (918) 687-3146

ADA Information

The northwest shoreline has a fishing dock. For additional info contact Wagnor County, (918) 366-3859.

Additional Resources

• Map of Lake
• Depth Lines

Carl Blackwell

Lake Carl Blackwell (Google Map) is located 2 miles north of SH 51 on SH 51C.

Contacts

• Fishing: (580) 762-2248
• Game Warden: (405) 747-0505
• Fees & Facilities: (918) 372-5157

Recreational Facilities

Oklahoma State University manages campgrounds with full RV hookups, cabins, boat ramps, fishing docks and designated swimming areas. An enclosed crappie dock is located just north of the lake store.

Campgrounds Nearby

• OSU Lake Carl Blackwell
• Lake McMurtry
• Guthrie Lake
• Liberty Lake

Bait & Tackle Nearby

• Cowboy Corner at Lake Carl Blackwell (11000 Oklahoma 51 West, Stillwater, OK 74074) – (405) 743-1977
• Lake McMurtry West Bait Shop (30285 Bronco Curve, Stillwater, OK 74075) – (405) 747-8085
• Walmart Supercenter (4545 W 6th Ave, Stillwater, OK 74074) – (405) 707-0744
• Academy (2409 N Perkins Rd, Stillwater, OK 74075) – (405) 742-6010
• R.C. Bait and Tackle (11608 Fairgrounds Rd, Perkins, OK 74059) – (405) 880-5522
• Walmart Supercenter (1608 S Division St, Guthrie, OK 73044) – (405) 282-7900
• Magic Bait Co (700 E Industrial Rd, Guthrie, OK 73044) – (405) 282-8040
• Lakeview Grocery (7803 S Sooner Rd, Guthrie, OK 73044) – (405) 877-3155
• Walmart Supercenter (3100 E 1st St, Chandler, OK 74834) – (405) 258-0541
• Walmart Supercenter (1225 W I- 35 Frontage Rd, Edmond, OK 73034) – (405) 348-8005

Management Practices

Hybrid striped bass are stocked. Saugeye are stocked to manage for quality crappie.

ADA Information

Ski Point boat ramp is ADA compliant.

Area Specific Fishing Regulations

• Daily/Size Limits
  • Walleye, sauger and saugeye: six combined per day/18-inch minimum.
• Methods
  • Noodling is prohibited.

Additional Resources

• Map of Lake
• Depth Lines
• Operator: Oklahoma State University

Carl Etling

Lake Carl Etling (Google Map) is located 26 miles northwest of Boise City in Cimarron County within Black Mesa State Park. Vegetation around the lake is pinon-juniper-mesa type. (S5&6,T4N,R2E). The lake has two boat ramps, good picnic and camping facilities, and state park cabins.

Good populations of largemouth bass, flathead catfish, walleye, and smallmouth bass are present.

Lake Carl Etling was constructed by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation in 1958.

Contacts

• Fishing: (580) 474-2663
• Game Warden: (580) 651-9133

Lake Details

• Shoreline Length: 4.50 mi.
• Volume: 1,717.00 ac. ft.
• Max. Depth: 38.00 ft.
• Surface Area: 159.00 ac.

Recreational Facilities

The lake has two boat ramps, good picnic, camping facilities and state park cabins.

Campgrounds Nearby

• Black Mesa State Park

Bait & Tackle Nearby

• Walmart Supercenter (2600 US-64, Guymon, OK 73942) – (580) 338-1611

Management Practices

Good populations of largemouth bass, flathead catfish, walleye, and smallmouth bass are present.

Area Specific Fishing Regulations

• Daily/Size Limits
  • Channel and/or blue catfish: six combined per day.
• Methods
  • Two rods and reels per person. Bowfishing allowed. Cast nets may be used to take bait for personal use. All other methods are prohibited.

Additional Resources

• Map of Lake
• Oklahoma Fishing Trail
• Department Fishing Area Regulations

Dripping Springs

Dripping Springs Lake (Google Map) is located 6.5 miles southwest of SH 56 on Dripping Springs Rd. Dripping Springs Lake is a fishing only lake (no water sports allowed) operated by the City of Okmulgee. Dripping Springs Lake contains one boat ramp, one boat dock and one fishing dock.

Contacts

• Fishing: (405) 379-5408
• Game Warden: (918) 625-5971, (918) 625-6013
• Fees & Facilities: (918) 756-5971

Lake Details

• Shoreline Length: 22.00 mi.
• Volume: 17,008.00 ac. ft.
• Max. Depth: 36.00 ft.
• Surface Area: 1,055.00 ac.

Recreational Facilities

City of Okmulgee manages campgrounds with full RV hookups, a boat ramp and fishing dock.

Campgrounds Nearby

• Dripping Springs Recreation Area
• Okmulgee Recreation Area

Bait & Tackle Nearby

• Baitshop at Dripping Springs/Okmulgee Lakes (19285 Dripping Springs Lake Rd, Okmulgee, OK 74447) – (918) 758-5533
• Walmart Supercenter (1800 S Wood Dr, Okmulgee, OK 74447) – (918) 756-6790
• Bulls Corner Bait Shop (9952 Hornbeam Rd, Henryetta, OK 74437)
• Pat’s Achery & Outdoors (12601 US-75, Okmulgee, OK 74447) – (918) 756-4632
• Walmart (605 E Main St, Henryetta, OK 74437) – (918) 652-9676
• Lake Eufaula Marina (HC, Box 1435, 60, Checotah, OK 74426) – (918) 689-7337
• Newman Wholesale Fishing Tackle Distribution (419023 Texanna Rd, Eufaula, OK 74432)
• Flamingo Fish & Marine (325 N Main St, Eufaula, OK 74432)
• Eufaula Cove Marina (400 Lakeshore Dr, Eufaula, OK 74432) – (918) 689-7723
• Belle Starr Marina (420146 E. 1158, Checotah Dr, Checotah, OK 74426) – (918) 689-2132

Management Practices

Florida strain largemouth bass are stocked frequently.

ADA Information

Boat ramp and fishing dock are ADA compliant.

Additional Resources

• Map of Lake
• Oklahoma Fishing Trail
• Operator: City of Okmulgee

Hugo

Hugo Lake (Google Map) is located 7 miles east of Hugo on US 70.

Contacts

• Fishing: (918) 297-0150
• Game Warden: (580) 317-5000

Lake Details

• Shoreline Length: 98.60 mi.
• Volume: 126,741.00 ac. ft.
• Max. Depth: 51.50 ft.
• Surface Area: 11,592.00 ac.

Recreational Facilities

U.S. Corps of Engineers and Little Dixie Community manage campgrounds with full RV hookups, cabins, boat ramps, designated swimming areas and trails for hiking, biking, and equestrian.

Campgrounds Nearby

• Hugo USACE
• Hugo Lake State Park
• Raymond Gary State Park
• Lake Ozzie Cobb
• Pine Creek USACE

Bait & Tackle Nearby

• Red Barn Propane – Bait, Tackle (2926 US-Hwy 70, Hugo, OK 74743) – (580) 317-9479
• Walmart Supercenter (1911 E Jackson St, Hugo, OK 74743) – (580) 326-6494
• JC’s Store (4456 Pine Creek Rd, Valliant, OK 74764) – (580) 933-4957
• Walmart Supercenter (1907 SE Washington St, Idabel, OK 74745) – (580) 286-6696
• Walmart Supercenter (501 S Park Dr, Broken Bow, OK 74728) – (580) 584-3324
• Hookers Live Bait Fire & Ice (9114 US-259, Broken Bow, OK 74728) – (580) 236-4784
• Beavers Bend Marina (196 Marina Ln, Broken Bow, OK 74728) – (580) 722-5200
• Beavers Bend Fly Shop (545 Beavers Bend Rd, Broken Bow, OK 74728) – (580) 494-6071
• Playin Hooky Bait Tackle and More (1071 S Mississippi Ave, Atoka, OK 74525) – (580) 239-0104
• Sardis Lake Custom Lures (481 SE SW 240th Rd, Tuskahoma, OK 74574) – (918) 942-8118

Additional Resources

• Map of Lake
• Depth Lines
• Oklahoma Fishing Trail
• Operator: U.S. Corps of Engineers
• USACE Lake Level

Konawa

Konawa Lake (Google Map) is located just east of Konawa between SH 39, US 377 (SH 3E & Sh 99), SH 3 and 140 Rd. Operated by OG&E. Konawa Lake contains 3 boat ramps and picnic areas. No Camping. No Fees.

Konawa Lake was constructed by Oklahoma Gas and Electric Company and first opened to recreational uses in 1971.

Fish stockings began shortly after with a focus on Florida largemouth bass, Hybrid striped bass and forage species. In 1994, a slot length limit for largemouth bass of 16-22 inches with only one bass over 22 inches was put in place to increase the numbers of trophy size bass for anglers. Bass regulations changed once again in 2003 to six bass per day of which only one may be 22 inches or longer. The purpose of this regulation was to encourage more angler harvest of smaller bass. Florida largemouth bass stocking ceased in 2005 to further prevent overcrowding. These changes appeared to be working with a sizeable decrease in largemouth bass abundance by 2006, however, abundance has increased and varied slightly since.

In recent years hybrid striped bass stockings have been reduced with the purpose of reducing competition for forage in order to maintain growth rates of largemouth bass.

Konawa Lake is an excellent largemouth bass and channel catfish fishery.

Contacts

• Fishing: (405) 379-5408
• Game Warden: (405) 380-8995
• Fees & Facilities: (580) 925-2071

Lake Details

• Shoreline Length: 20.30 mi.
• Volume: 23,000.00 ac. ft.
• Max. Depth: 40.00 ft.
• Surface Area: 1,350.00 ac.

Recreational Facilities

OG&E manages 3 boat ramps, picnic areas and a designated swimming area.

Bait & Tackle Nearby

• Keith’s Country Store (35329 EW 1310, Maud, OK 74854) – (405) 905-0359
• Walmart Supercenter (1419 N Country Club Rd, Ada, OK 74820) – (580) 332-2232
• Bailey’s Outdoor Shop (100 S Mississippi Ave, Ada, OK 74820) – (580) 332-8786
• Walmart Supercenter (1500 E Wrangler Blvd, Seminole, OK 74868) – (405) 382-5290
• Our Acres Bait Shop LLC (17208 OK-102, Shawnee, OK 74801) – (405) 432-4212
• Walmart Supercenter (196 Shawnee Mall Dr, Shawnee, OK 74804) – (405) 275-1030
• Walmart Supercenter (2008 W Grant Ave, Pauls Valley, OK 73075) – (405) 238-7353
• Calypso Cove Marina (100 Calypso Cove Ave, Norman, OK 73026) – (405) 360-9846
• Little River Marina (13801 Marina Rd, Norman, OK 73026) – (405) 364-8335
• Walmart Supercenter (2705 W Broadway Ave, Sulphur, OK 73086) – (580) 622-6146

Management Practices

Hybrid striped bass are stocked periodically. Fish attractors are maintained to help increase angler success.

• 2021 Status of Konawa Lake Fishery (PDF)
• 2020 Konawa Survey Report (PDF)
• 2007-2019 Konawa Survey Report (PDF)

Area Specific Fishing Regulations

• Methods
  • Rod and reel, bowfishing, and noodling are allowed. All other methods are prohibited.

Additional Resources

• Map of Lake
• Depth Lines
• Oklahoma Fishing Trail
• Operator: OG&E

McMurtry

Lake McMurtry (Google Map) is located 6 miles north of SH 51 via 180 Rd. An enclosed crappie dock is located on the west side of the lake.

Contacts

• Fishing: (580) 762-2248
• Game Warden: (580) 370-0700

Lake Details

• Shoreline Length: 23.60 mi.
• Volume: 19,733.00 ac. ft.
• Max. Depth: 43.60 ft.
• Surface Area: 1,155.00 ac.

Recreational Facilities

City of Stillwater manages campgrounds with full RV hookups and boat ramps.

Campgrounds Nearby

• Lake McMurtry
• OSU Lake Carl Blackwell
• Guthrie Lake
• Liberty Lake

Bait & Tackle Nearby

• Lake McMurtry West Bait Shop (30285 Bronco Curve, Stillwater, OK 74075) – (405) 747-8085
• Cowboy Corner at Lake Carl Blackwell (11000 Oklahoma 51 West, Stillwater, OK 74074) – (405) 743-1977
• Walmart Supercenter (4545 W 6th Ave, Stillwater, OK 74074) – (405) 707-0744
• Academy (2409 N Perkins Rd, Stillwater, OK 74075) – (405) 742-6010
• R.C. Bait and Tackle (11608 Fairgrounds Rd, Perkins, OK 74059) – (405) 880-5522
• Walmart Supercenter (1608 S Division St, Guthrie, OK 73044) – (405) 282-7900
• Magic Bait Co (700 E Industrial Rd, Guthrie, OK 73044) – (405) 282-8040
• Lakeview Grocery (7803 S Sooner Rd, Guthrie, OK 73044) – (405) 877-3155
• Walmart Supercenter (3100 E 1st St, Chandler, OK 74834) – (405) 258-0541
• Walmart Supercenter (1225 W I- 35 Frontage Rd, Edmond, OK 73034) – (405) 348-8005

Management Practices

Brushpiles are placed around the lake for anglers to utilize. Saugeye are stocked to help improve crappie size.

Additional Resources

• Map of Lake
• Depth Lines
• Operator: City of Stillwater

Skiatook

Skiatook Lake (Google Map) is located 10 miles west of Skiatook on US 20. Operated by the US Army Corp of Engineers.

Contacts

• Fishing: (580) 762-2248
• Game Warden: (918) 440-9880, (580) 761-4097, (918) 381-4099, (918) 331-5798, (918) 331-5798
• Fees & Facilities: (918) 396-3170

Lake Details

• Shoreline Length: 187.00 mi.
• Volume: 322,700.00 ac. ft.
• Surface Area: 10,190.00 ac.

Recreational Facilities

U.S. Corps of Engineers manages campgrounds, boat ramps and designated swimming areas.

Campgrounds Nearby

• Skiatook USACE
• Birch Lake USACE
• Keystone USACE
• Keystone State Park
• Oologah USACE

Bait & Tackle Nearby

• Mister Bass Inc (4000 W Rogers Blvd, Skiatook, OK 74070) – (918) 396-3848
• Walmart Supercenter (700 W Rogers Blvd, Skiatook, OK 74070) – (918) 396-1244
• North Harvard Bait (3326 N Harvard Ave, Tulsa, OK 74115) – (918) 313-3788
• Walmart Supercenter (220 OK-97, Sand Springs, OK 74063) – (918) 245-0213
• Walmart Supercenter (12101 E 96th St N, Owasso, OK 74055) – (918) 272-6609
• Woody’s Bait & Tackle (20913 W 8th St, Sand Springs, OK 74063) – (918) 245-8491
• Keystone Lake Bait & Store (998 W Oak Grove Rd, Cleveland, OK 74020) – (918) 899-2649
• Bait Shop (Mannford, OK 74044) – (918) 865-3335
• The Tackle Box (7405 OK-88, Oologah, OK 74053) – (918) 559-9505
• Walmart Supercenter (1400 S Reavis Rd, Claremore, OK 74017) – (918) 341-2765

Management Practices

Florida strain largemouth bass, hybrid striped bass and walleye are stocked.

Area Specific Fishing Regulations

• Daily/Size Limits
  • Striped bass and striped bass hybrids (does not include white bass): five per day, of which only two may be 20 inches or longer.

Additional Resources

• Map of Lake
• Depth Lines
• Oklahoma Fishing Trail
• Operator: U.S. Corps of Engineers
• USACE Lake Level

Stroud

Stroud Lake (Google Map) is located 7 miles northeast of Stroud on OK-99 N and E 840 Rd.

Contacts

• Fishing: (918) 299-2334
• Game Warden: (918) 625-6801, (918) 625-6363, (405) 240-1870

Campgrounds Nearby

• Stroud Lake
• Chandler Lake
• Keystone State Park

Bait & Tackle Nearby

• Walmart Supercenter (3100 E 1st St, Chandler, OK 74834) – (405) 258-0541
• R.C. Bait and Tackle (11608 Fairgrounds Rd, Perkins, OK 74059) – (405) 880-5522
• Bait Shop (Mannford, OK 74044)- (918) 865-3335
• Keystone Lake Bait & Store (998 W Oak Grove Rd, Cleveland, OK 74020) – (918) 899-2649
• Woody’s Bait & Tackle (20913 W 8th St, Sand Springs, OK 74063) – (918) 245-8491
• Walmart Supercenter (196 Shawnee Mall Dr, Shawnee, OK 74804) – (405) 275-1030
• Academy (2409 N Perkins Rd, Stillwater, OK 74075) – (405) 742-6010
• Walmart Supercenter (220 OK-97, Sand Springs, OK 74063) – (918) 245-0213
• Walmart Supercenter (4545 W 6th Ave, Stillwater, OK 74074) – (405) 707-0744

Additional Resources

• Map of Lake

Vincent

Lake Vincent (Google Map) is located in the Ellis County Public Hunting Area in Ellis County, 13 miles southwest of Arnett (S1&12, T18N, R26W). Vegetation around the lake is shinnery oak-grassland type.

The lake has one boat ramp and picnic areas. Arnett is the nearest town in which to obtain picnic and fishing supplies. This lake is known for its redear sunfish catches along with largemouth bass, saugeye, bluegill, channel, and blue catfish, and crappie.

Lake Vincent was constructed by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation in 1961. It was renovated and restocked in 2000.

Contacts

• Fishing: (580) 474-2663
• Game Warden: (580) 860-4967

Lake Details

• Shoreline Length: 5.10 mi.
• Volume: 2,579.00 ac. ft.
• Max. Depth: 48.00 ft.
• Surface Area: 160.00 ac.

Recreational Facilities

The lake has one boat ramp and picnic areas. Arnett is the nearest town in which to obtain picnic and fishing supplies. This lake is known for its redear sunfish catches along with largemouth bass, saugeye, bluegill sunfish, channel catfish, blue catfish and crappie.

Bait & Tackle Nearby

• Walmart Supercenter (3215 Williams Ave, Woodward, OK 73801) – (580) 254-3331
• Walmart Supercenter (210 Regional Dr, Elk City, OK 73644) – (580) 225-3003
• Gilchrist General Store (122 W Main St, Canton, OK 73724) – (580) 886-3200
• Lead Babies Slabs (215 E Main St, New Cordell, OK 73632) – (580) 832-5177

Area Specific Fishing Regulations

• Daily/Size Limits
  • Channel and/or blue catfish: six combined per day.
• Methods
  • Two rods and reels per person. Bowfishing allowed. All other methods are prohibited.

Additional Resources

• Map of Lake
• Depth Lines
• Department Fishing Area Regulations

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