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Fly Fishing in Oklahoma

25 featured rivers, lakes and streams in Oklahoma, each with target species, a hatch chart and a map of nearby access.

Barren Fork Creek (Smallmouth Bass, Green Sunfish)
An Ozark stream with crystalline water and gravel bottoms, perfect for sight-casting to aggressive smallmouth bass.
Black Fork River (Spotted Bass, Largemouth Bass)
A major tributary of the Poteau River, offering deep pools and wood-choked bends for targeting large spotted bass.
Blue River (Catch and Release Area) (Rainbow Trout)
This specifically managed section requires technical nymphing and offers the best chance for larger, holdover trout.
Blue River (Upper Section) (Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass)
Spring-fed and stocked with trout in winter, this river offers unique granite boulder hopping and fast-moving water chutes.
Broken Bow Lake (Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye)
Deep, clear reservoir with steep rocky shorelines that allow for excellent surface popping for bass during low light hours.
Caney River (Common Carp, Channel Catfish)
A slow, sandy-bottomed river that provides excellent opportunities for common carp on the fly in the shallow sections.
Elk River (Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass)
A slow-moving, scenic Ozark river ideal for floating in a kayak and casting streamers to submerged timber.
Glover River (Smallmouth Bass, Green Sunfish)
Oklahoma's last free-flowing river, providing a wild experience for adventurous anglers chasing smallmouth through rocky riffles.
Grand Lake o' the Cherokees (Tailwater) (Striped Bass, White Bass)
Below the Pensacola Dam, fly anglers can target large striped bass and white bass during the spring spawning run.
Lake Altus-Lugert (Hybrid Striped Bass, Walleye, White Bass)
Located in the Quartz Mountains, this lake offers unique opportunity to fly fish for walleye and hybrid bass along rocky points.
Lake Carlton (Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass)
A small, sheltered lake within Robbers Cave State Park that is regularly stocked with trout during the colder months.
Lake Etling (Rainbow Trout, Channel Catfish)
A high plains lake in Black Mesa State Park, offering a rare trout fishing experience in the far western panhandle.
Lake Murray (Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass)
Known for its incredible water clarity, Lake Murray allows fly fishers to sight-fish for smallmouth bass on rocky flats.
Lake Tenkiller (Shoreline) (Smallmouth Bass, White Bass)
The rocky bluffs and clear water of Tenkiller make it a top choice for targeting smallmouth with sinking lines and streamers.
Lake Watonga (Rainbow Trout)
Part of Roman Nose State Park, this canyon-locked lake is a premier winter trout destination for float tube fly fishing.
Lee Creek (Smallmouth Bass, Longnose Gar)
Designated as a scenic river, Lee Creek offers high-quality smallmouth habitat in a remote, canyon-like setting.
Little River (Lower) (Largemouth Bass, Redear Sunfish)
Characterized by cypress trees and dark water, this river is a warm-water fly fishing haven for big sunfish and largemouth.
Lower Illinois River (Simp and Helen Watts Management Area) (Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Striped Bass)
Year-round trout fishing below Tenkiller Ferry Dam with cold-water releases that support both rainbows and large browns.
Lower Mountain Fork River (Evening Hole) (Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout)
A classic tailwater section featuring a mix of runs and deep pools, offering year-round trout fishing in a scenic forested setting.
Medicine Creek (Rainbow Trout)
Stocked during winter months, this creek runs through the town of Medicine Park and offers easy access and scenic granite views.
Paw Paw Creek (Sunfish, Spotted Bass)
A quiet, overlooked tributary that provides great wade-fishing access for panfish and small bass in the northeastern woods.
Spavinaw Creek (Smallmouth Bass, Brown Trout)
Braid-like spring-fed creek with excellent visibility, requiring stealthy approaches and long leaders to fool spooked fish.
Spring Creek (Smallmouth Bass, Sunfish)
Arguably the clearest water in Oklahoma; this creek stays cool year-round and is a gem for dry fly enthusiasts.
Upper Kiamichi River (Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass, Sunfish)
A remote, rugged river in the Ouachita Mountains known for spectacular fall foliage and hard-fighting spotted bass.
Upper Mountain Fork River (Smallmouth Bass, Longear Sunfish)
Above the reservoir, this river transitions to a wild smallmouth and sunfish fishery with beautiful limestone bluffs.

Fly Fishing in Oklahoma

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