Fishing Fort Gibson Lake

AKA: Fort Gibson Reservoir

Popular Fish Species
Gibson Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
Local Fishing Guides
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Contact Info

Fort Gibson Lake, OK

Popular Fish Species Gibson Lake, OK

Blue Catfish Fishing

Big blue catfish are consistently being caught out of Gibson Lake. Most of the local guides offer catfish trips, and big blues are the favorite target. The state record is over 95 pounds. Fishing for blue catfish is most often productive during spring through summer around any kind of structure. The river end of the lake is often the area where the bigger catfish are caught. Road beds, creek channels and rocky points are all good places to begin. Use a slip sinker or Carolina rig with cut bait or other popular catfish baits. Other catfish in the lake include channel and flathead catfish.

White Bass Fishing

Successful spawns in prior years have white bass schools flourishing in Gibson Lake. Anglers should expect some great fishing this year. White bass are aggressive, hard-fighting and just plain fun to catch. When fishing for white bass, the average fish is typically in the one- to two-pound range. These schooling fish tend to roam around the lake looking for ideal water conditions and baitfish. Look for them to generally be in 15 to 35 feet of water, whether they are hovering around the bottom or swimming in open water. Fish finders are the best way to locate big schools of white bass. In spring, once the water temperature rises into the mid sixties, they move shallow into the backs of coves and creek channels to spawn. At this time anglers can fish from shore and often do quite well. Use lures that imitate baitfish, including small crankbaits, small jerkbaits, jigs and spoons.

Crappie Fishing

Crappie anglers are enjoying really good results at Gibson Lake for several years now. The lake has good populations of both black crappie and white crappie. These two species generally school by with their own, but once located around cover, you may find that you catch both species, due to the fact they often share the same cover. Crappie fishing can be found in varying size schools, hanging around brush, vegetation, wood or other cover. Using a fish finder any time of year can help locate these crappie schools, which tend to stack vertically around cover. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels, especially areas with brush or timber in deeper water.

Gibson Lake Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, blue catfish, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, green sunfish, redear sunfish, white bass, hybrid striped bass and paddlefish at Fort Gibson Lake in Oklahoma.

Two dozen boat launch ramps provide easy access to Fort Gibson Lake, also known as Fort Gibson Reservoir, for all types of pleasure boating, water sports and fishing. 225 miles of shoreline wrap this 20,000-acre lake, some of which includes the Fort Gibson Wildlife Management Area, Sequoyah State Park and other public use areas. Anglers can enjoy catching bass, crappie, catfish, wipers, sunfish and walleye. The lake's diverse fish population ensures that anglers of all skill levels will have a rewarding fishing experience.

Primary fish species residing in Fort Gibson Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Fort Gibson Lake Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Fort Gibson Dam Boat Ramp
Located in the southwest corner of the lake, at the west end of the Fort Gibson Dam, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

Jackson Bay Boat Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off N 50th Street E, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

Rocky Point Public Boat Ramp
Located in the northwest corner of the lake, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Snug Harbor Public Use Area
Located mid lake, west side, off S 324 Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.

Toppers Boat Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Lakeview Drive, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Wahoo Bay Public Use Boat Ramp
Located in the southwest corner of the lake, off Wahoo Bay Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Wildwood Recreation Area Boat Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off Highway 80, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.