In Oklahoma, fishing is a way of life. Every fishing license purchased not only benefits conservation efforts in the state, it also helps bring fish species like striped bass, trout, and saugeye to the state. Getting a license is the easy part. Finding a great place to fish is a bit harder. We’re here to help. These are the five best fishing spots in Oklahoma.
This lake park is designated as a premier largemouth bass fishery. The use of gas-powered motors is prohibited, which makes this reservoir the perfect place for a quiet day of fishing. Currently, the lake is only open dawn to dusk from Friday through Sunday. It does have a boat ramp, fire rings, and picnic tables, but you won’t be able to camp on site. The town of Vinita is proud to have this lake open to the public for some excellent fishing.
The Wildlife Department stocks Medicine Creek with rainbow trout in the winter months, but the fishing here is good all year long. It’s family friendly and easy for kids to access because granite rock lines the banks of the creek. For anyone that needs to pick up live bait, ice, and other supplies before hitting the water, the Little Dam Bait Shop right in Medicine Park is a reliable option. After your day of fishing is through, you can enjoy restaurants and shops within walking distance.
Lake Eufaula is one of the premier vacation spots in Oklahoma, but it’s also one of the most popular fishing destinations. It’s the largest lake in Oklahoma. You’ll find bass, crappie, sunfish, catfish, and walleye. There is a kid’s pond, perfect for when you have youngsters not ready for the lake, and there’s even an enclosed fishing dock for colder months. Fishing is so popular in the area, the park has a tackle shop and a marina.
Grand Lake is one of the top bass fishing lakes in the country and it hosted the 2016 Bassmaster Classic. With more than 1,300 miles of shoreline, it might be difficult to figure out where to start, but the Bernice Area is a good place to put your line in the water and get a taste of what’s available. You’ll find smallmouth and largemouth bass, crappie, multiple varieties of catfish, and hybrid stripers. People fish off the bridge and on the banks at the park. Check the fishing reports to make sure the lake levels aren’t too high to get into the park.
Lake Tenkiller is a water paradise with year-round fishing. The lake has black bass, striped bass, crappie, walleye, bream, and trout stocked in the river below the dam. You’ll find three heated fishing docks if you like to fish in the winter. Field and Stream ranked Lake Tenkiller as one of the best fishing holes in the country. There are plenty of places to put your boat in the water or just fish from the shore. You’ll also find many local resources to help you figure out the best spots around the lake to catch the fish you’re hoping. If you are coming in from the Tahlequah, Oklahoma, area and you’re in need of some gear for catching crappie, stop in at S & S Spoons for handmade crappie spoons.
