Guide To The Best Fishing Lakes In Oklahoma

Top places to fish for bass, catfish, crappie and more in OK.

Oklahoma is home to a wide range of fishing lakes that cater to different preferences and species. The state boasts both warm water lakes and cold water lakes, each offering unique fishing opportunities for anglers.

Warm water lakes in Oklahoma are known for their abundance of species such as bass, crappie, sunfish, and catfish. Lakes such as Lake Texoma, Grand Lake O' the Cherokees, and Lake Eufaula are popular warm water destinations. These lakes provide ample opportunities for anglers to target largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, as well as channel catfish, blue catfish, and flathead catfish. Crappie fishing is also excellent in these warm water lakes, with black crappie and white crappie being the primary targets. Additionally, sunfish species such as bluegill, redear sunfish, and green sunfish are plentiful, offering fun and accessible fishing experiences for all skill levels.

On the other hand, Oklahoma's cold water lakes are renowned for their trout fishing. These lakes are stocked with rainbow trout, brown trout, and occasionally, brook trout. Lakes such as Lake Watonga, Lake Carl Etling, and Lake Pawhuska are popular cold water destinations. Trout fishing in these lakes is typically best during the cooler months of the year when the water temperatures are suitable for trout survival. Anglers can enjoy the challenge of catching these elusive and highly prized game fish, either from the shore or by boating.

It's important to note that some lakes in Oklahoma, particularly those managed by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, may feature a combination of warm and cold water species. These lakes are carefully managed to provide diverse fishing experiences and opportunities for anglers. Fishing regulations and licenses should always be reviewed and followed to ensure compliance with state regulations.

Whether you're drawn to the excitement of warm water lake fishing for bass or catfish, or you prefer the serene atmosphere of cold water lake fishing for trout, Oklahoma's fishing lakes offer a wealth of options. With its diverse range of species and beautiful natural settings, the state provides a rich and rewarding fishing experience for all anglers. So pack your fishing gear, explore the lakes of Oklahoma, and get ready to reel in some memorable catches.

Top Fishing Lakes in Oklahoma

Broken Bow Reservoir, Fort Gibson Lake, Grand Lake of the Cherokees, Hugo Lake, Kaw Lake, Keystone Lake, Lake Eufaula, Lake Hudson, Lake Murray, Lake Texoma, Oologah Lake, Pine Creek Lake, Robert S Kerr Reservoir, Sardis Lake, Skiatook Reservoir, Tenkiller Lake, Waurika Lake and Webber Falls Reservoir are the most popular places for fishing in Oklahoma, offering anglers the chance to pursue a variety of fish species. The Boat Rental Page lists options for fishing boat rentals at some of these lakes.

Bass Lakes

Broken Bow Reservoir, Canton Lake, Fort Cobb Reservoir, Fort Gibson Lake, Foss Lake, Grand Lake of the Cherokees, Hugo Lake, Keystone Lake, Lake Eucha, Lake Eufaula, Lake Hudson, Lake Konawa, Lake Lawtonka, Lake Murray, Lake Stanley Draper, Lake Texoma, Lake Wister, McGee Creek Reservoir, Robert S Kerr Reservoir, Sardis Lake, Skiatook Reservoir, Sooner Lake, Tenkiller Lake and Webber Falls Reservoir are considered the best options for largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass. More...

Catfish Lakes

Fort Gibson Lake, Grand Lake of the Cherokees, Hulah Lake, Keystone Lake, Lake Ellsworth, Lake Eufaula, Lake Hudson, Lake Konawa, Lake Murray, Lake of the Arbuckles, Lake Overholser, Lake Texoma, Oologah Lake, Pine Creek Lake and Robert S Kerr Reservoir are favorite options for channel, blue, white and flathead catfish. More...

Crappie Lakes

Broken Bow Reservoir, Hugo Lake, Kaw Lake, Keystone Lake, Lake Altus-Lugert, Lake Ellsworth, Lake Eucha, Lake Eufaula, Lake Hudson, Lake Murray, Lake of the Arbuckles, Lake Texoma, Oologah Lake, Lake Overholser, Sooner Lake, Tom Steed Reservoir, Waurika Lake and Webber Falls Reservoir are the most popular for black and white crappie. More...

Sunfish & Panfish Lakes

Broken Bow Reservoir, Foss Lake, Grand Lake of the Cherokees, Kaw Lake, Keystone Lake, Lake Eufaula, Lake Hudson, Lake Murray, Lake Overholser, Lake Texoma, Oologah Lake, Robert S Kerr Reservoir, Sardis Lake, Tenkiller Lake and Waurika Lake are popular spots to fish for bluegill, bream, perch and other sunfish. More...

Walleye Lakes

Broken Bow Reservoir, Canton Lake, Fort Gibson Reservoir, Foss Lake, Grand Lake of the Cherokees, Keystone Lake, Lake Altus-Lugert, Lake Hefner, Lake Lawtonka, Lake Stanley Draper, Robert S Kerr Reservoir, Sardis Lake, Skiatook Reservoir and Webber Falls Reservoir are considered the top locations for walleye fishing. More...

Striped Bass Lakes

Fort Cobb Reservoir, Foss Lake, Grand Lake of the Cherokees, Hugo Lake, Kaw Lake, Lake Carl Blackwell, Lake Eufaula, Lake Hefner, Lake Konawa, Lake Murray, Lake Overholser, Lake Texoma, Oologah Lake, Robert S Kerr Reservoir and Waurika Lake are the best options for striped bass and hybrid striped bass. More...

Visit the Oklahoma fishing page for links to information covering a wide variety of fish species and destinations in the state. Visit the Oklahoma map to identify your best route to these top fishing locations. The Marinas Page offers a list of popular marinas on some of these lakes. Look to our sister site for additional information about boating in OK at many of the most popular destinations in the state.

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