Fishing Kaw Lake
AKA: Kaw Reservoir
Popular Fish Species Kaw Lake, OK
Crappie Fishing
Black and white crappie both reside in Kaw Lake, with black crappie typically out-weighing white crappie. They do school together so when you find them you may catch both species. Crappie fishing is on the rise and they can be found in sizeable schools. Crappie always like cover and structure, so locate brush and vegetation. Using a fish finder can help locate schools of crappie, 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 in deeper water.
Striped Bass Fishing
Due to their large size, striped bass are a favorite of many locals and fishing guides at Kaw Lake. Thanks to the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, they are plentiful, run in schools and can grow to bragging size. In Spring and Fall work the upper end of the lake where water is flowing into the lake. Look for deeper water in the river channel, as a holding place for stripers. In Summer and Winter, stripers hang out in deeper water during the day Morning often draws the stripers to much shallower water, look for them from the surface down to around the 20-foot range as they feed on shallow-running schools of bait. The lake is filled with plenty of baitfish and sunfish to to keep the fishery thriving. Being successful at fishing for stripers is a matter of locating schools of bait, and the wolf packs of stripers which are likely to be nearby. Fish finders, and forward facing sonar, are a big help in locating these roaming schools. Live bait is very effective here, and stripers can be caught year round. Hybrid stripers are available in Kaw Lake as well.
Channel Catfish Fishing
Kaw Lake, again this year, supports plenty of channel catfish. In Spring channel these cats migrate toward incoming water, so stay up river away from the main lake. Night fishing for channel catfish often delivers better results than fishing during the day. In early summer look for rocky banks, the bigger the rocks the better. In summer and winter deeper structure is where to look. The river end of the lake is often the area where the bigger catfish are caught. Fishing for channel catfish is often productive around any kind of structure in the area. Road beds, creek channels and rocky points are all good places to begin. Use a slip sinker or Carolina rig with popular catfish baits. Flathead catfish and blue catfish also reside in the lake and fishing for them is often good as well.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, blue catfish, white crappie, walleye, bluegill, green sunfish, redear sunfish, white bass, striped bass, hybrid striped bass, paddlefish and saugeye at Kaw Lake in Oklahoma.
Kaw Lake Fishing Video
Local anglers favor fishing for crappie and blue catfish on Kaw Lake, over fishing for the many other species here. The lake also has flathead and channel cats, largemouth bass, striped bass, hybrid stripers, bluegill, white bass, paddlefish, sunfish, walleye and saugeye.
Kaw Lake, located in north-central Oklahoma, is a captivating destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a memorable experience in nature. Fishing at Kaw Lake is a popular activity, attracting anglers with its diverse fish population. The lake is home to a variety of fish species, including striped bass, white bass, largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, and walleye. Anglers can cast their lines from the shoreline, fish from a boat, or even try their luck from a kayak. Kaw Lake provides ample opportunities for both recreational fishing and challenging pursuits, ensuring an exciting and fulfilling angling adventure for all.
This 17,000-acre reservoir sits in the north-central part of the state, at Kaw City, OK. Traverse the 170 miles of shoreline in a canoe, kayak, pleasure boat, pontoon or a variety of bass boats and other fishing boats. Many boat launch ramps, two marinas, a half-dozen camping areas, boat rental and convenience stores are handy for enhancing your camping, boating or fishing experience. Rocky banks, bluffs, islands, points, river channels, ledges and some areas with brush are primary holding areas for the fish and bait in this lake.
Located in north-central Oklahoma, Kaw Lake offers a delightful combination of fishing, boating, and camping experiences. Whether you're casting your line for your favorite fish species, cruising on the calm waters, or unwinding at a lakeside campsite, Kaw Lake provides a picturesque and serene destination for outdoor enthusiasts to create lasting memories and embrace the natural beauty of Oklahoma.
Primary fish species residing in Kaw Lake
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Kaw Lake Amenities
Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: NEARBY
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boating is another major draw at Kaw Lake, thanks to its expansive waters and scenic surroundings. Boaters can navigate the lake's vast expanse, take in the natural beauty, and engage in various water-based activities. From leisurely cruises to water skiing and wakeboarding, the lake offers something for every boating enthusiast. Whether you bring your own watercraft or rent one from the marina, Kaw Lake provides a serene setting for boaters to enjoy their favorite pastimes on the water.
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Bear Creek Cove Boat Ramp
Located in the northern section of the lake, east side, off N 3420 Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Burbank Landing Boat Ramps
Located mid lake, on the southeast side of the lake, off Burbank Landing Road, these are two, one-lane, concrete ramps with paved parking.
Coon Creek Cove North Boat Ramp
Located mid lake, on the northwest side of the lake, off Lake Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Mc Fadden Cove Boat Ramp
Located in the southwest corner of the lake, off East Lake Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Osage Cove Boat Ramp
Located in the southern section of the lake, east side, off Osage Park Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Ponca Cove Boat Ramp
Located in the southwest corner of the lake, in Ponca Cove Campground, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.
Sarge Creek Boat Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, at the east end of the Highway 11 Bridge, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Washunga North Campground
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off Washunga Bay Road, this is a single-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Marinas
Hideaway Marina
1000 McFadden Cove Rd
Ponca City, OK 74604
580 765-0696
Fishing Guides On Kaw Lake
Thomas Guide Service - catfish, stripers, crappie
If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.
Fishing License
Click here for a Oklahoma Fishing License.
Camping at Kaw Lake is a cherished experience, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the tranquil ambiance of the area. The lake offers several campgrounds with a range of camping options, from primitive sites to those with modern amenities. Set up camp amidst the scenic surroundings, enjoy campfires under the starry sky, and appreciate the serenity of nature. Campers can also take advantage of the lake's proximity by swimming, hiking along the shoreline, or simply relaxing in the peaceful atmosphere.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
McFadden Cove Campgrounds - 580 762-5611
Coon Creek Cove Campground - 580 362-2466
Bear Creek Cove Campground - 580 762-5611
MC RV Park - 580 762-2157
Osage Cove Campground - 580 762-5611
Sandbur RV Park - 580 761-5140
Kaw Lake OK Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Kaw Lake
Sandbur RV Park - Kaw Lake
13444 OK-11
Kaw City, OK 74641
580 761-5140
Fishing lakes in each state.
062424
Kaw Lake in Oklahoma.
OKLAHOMA
Information about fishing lakes in Oklahoma
Kaw Lake is known for great crappie and blue catfish fishing, plus fishing for largemouth bass, striped bass, hybrid stripers, bluegill, white bass, paddlefish, sunfish, walleye and saugeye in north-central Oklahoma.
