Bass Fishing In Oklahoma

Guide to great Bass Fishing Lakes In Oklahoma

By Rick Seaman

Oklahoma Bass Fishing

Fish for spotted, smallmouth and largemouth bass. The purpose of this page is to share basic information about bass fishing and bass lakes in the state. Bass fishing in Oklahoma is a beloved pursuit, cherished by anglers of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels. Few experiences rival the thrill of hooking into a largemouth or smallmouth bass, making it a timeless pastime that transcends cultural boundaries. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a novice angler eager to learn the ropes, mastering the art of bass fishing can be immensely rewarding. That's why this page is dedicated to offering invaluable insights and tips on bass fishing, providing a comprehensive guide on everything from bass fishing techniques to essential bass-catching strategies. Whether you're seeking advice on selecting the perfect lure or honing your casting skills, we're here to equip you with the knowledge and expertise needed to excel on the water. Dive into our wealth of information to discover the secrets of successful bass fishing and unlock the full potential of your angling endeavors.

Bass Fishing In The State

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Largemouth Bass Fishing In Oklahoma

Largemouth bass are the most abundant, and most pursued bass in Oklahoma. They are available in most warm-water lakes in the state, they tend to thrive in most water conditions and grow to bragging size in relative short order. Often called big mouth bass, or wide mouth bass, they are savvy predators that feed on most things that live in their territory. Bass in the 5 to 10-pound range are common in Oklahoma. The state record largemouth bass is over 14 pounds.

Finding & Catching Bigmouth Bass

Anglers can target big mouth bass in various lakes, reservoirs, and rivers. Spring and early summer are typically the best seasons for targeting largemouth bass as they are more active and feeding in the shallows near shoreline cover. Start with topwater baits, as they cover the water most efficiently. Reaction baits like crankbaits and spinnerbaits are the next choice. For finicky bass, plastic worms and jigs may entice a bite as you can move them very slowly around cover. In the heat of summer and the cold of winter bass move to deeper water, usually following the baitfish. Jigs, drop shot rigs and spoons are a good approach for bass holding in deep water. Vary your retrieve speed and action to find what the bass like today!

Whether you prefer casting from the shore or navigating the waters on a boat, you can find numerous hotspots throughout the state that hold trophy-sized largemouth bass.

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Smallmouth Bass Fishing In Oklahoma

While smallmouth bass don't grow as large as their cousin the largemouth, they make up the difference with tenacious fights. Known for long battles and spectacular jumps, smallies grow fat and strong but rarely exceed ten pounds. Their range and locations are often with or nearby the largemouths. The state record smallmouth bass is over 8 pounds.

The state's clear-water streams and rivers, such as the Illinois River and the lower Mountain Fork River, are popular destinations for smallmouth bass fishing. Anglers can test their skills by using a variety of techniques, including casting crankbaits, spinnerbaits, or soft plastic lures to entice these bronzebacks.

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Spotted Bass Fishing In Oklahoma

Another bass species found in Oklahoma is the spotted bass, which shares many characteristics with both largemouth and smallmouth bass. Spotted bass are known for their voracious appetite and their tendency to strike aggressively. They can be found in lakes and reservoirs across the state, particularly in the eastern region. While not as abundant as largemouth bass, spotted bass offer a unique fishing experience and can provide a pleasant surprise to anglers targeting other bass species.

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When planning a bass fishing trip to Oklahoma, it's important to be aware of the state's fishing regulations and obtain the necessary licenses. The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation provides up-to-date information on fishing seasons, bag limits, and any special regulations that may apply to specific bodies of water. Respecting the environment and practicing catch-and-release whenever possible ensures the sustainability of bass populations and preserves the fishing experience for future generations.

Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out, Oklahoma's bass fishing opportunities are sure to captivate you. With its diverse bass species, scenic locations, and a passionate angling community, the state offers an unforgettable fishing adventure for anyone with a love for bass fishing. So grab your tackle box, hit the water, and get ready to reel in some trophy bass in the Sooner State.

Bass fishing basics video.

Best Bass Fishing Lakes In Oklahoma

Bass is king in Oklahoma, and for good reason. All major lakes contain healthy populations of bass. These lakes include Broken Bow Reservoir, Canton Lake, Fort Cobb Reservoir, Fort Gibson Lake, Foss Lake, Grand Lake of the Cherokees, Great Salt Plains Lake, Hugo Lake, Hulah Lake, Kaw Lake, Keystone Lake, Lake Altus-Lugert, Lake Carl Blackwell, Lake Ellsworth, Lake Eucha, Lake Eufaula, Lake Hudson, Lake Konawa, Lake Lawtonka, Lake Murray, Lake Stanley Draper, Lake Texoma, Lake Thunderbird, Lake Wister, McGee Creek Reservoir, Oologah Lake, Pine Creek Lake, Robert S Kerr Reservoir, Sardis Lake, Skiatook Reservoir, Sooner Lake, Tenkiller Lake, Tom Steed Reservoir, Waurika Lake and Webber Falls Reservoir. And if that weren't enough bass inhabit a high percentage of the smaller lakes, rivers and ponds across the state.

Click the images and links above for species details.

Top 5 bass fishing lures for Oklahoma this year

When bass are shallow, spinnerbaits, crankbaits and top water lures are the most productive. As they move deeper, worms and jigs are among the top producers.

Oklahoma Bass Records

The state record largemouth bass was caught in Cedar Lake.

The state record smallmouth bass was taken from Lake Lawtonka.

The state record spotted bass was caught out of a pond.

Bass are one of the most sought after of all the game fish. Its appeal spans cultures, age groups and genders to tap on the heart strings of anglers everywhere. Join us in our endeavor to offer information about bass fishing on your favorite bass lake in Oklahoma.

Understanding the primary seasonal movements of smallmouth bass and largemouth bass is key to locating them on local lakes in the Sooner State.

Catch big bass!

Learn the secrets of the pros and apply them to your local bass fishing waters here in Oklahoma. Visit the Bass Knowledge Center for additional, valuable information about bass and bass fishing.

Bass fishing information by state.

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