Fly Fishing in Oklahoma
Year-round trout below two dams in eastern Oklahoma, plus bass, sunfish and carp in lakes and rivers statewide: Oklahoma is a warmwater state with a couple of real trout fisheries.
- 6River guides
- 4Game fish
- Apr–OctPrime season
Flows right now in Oklahoma
3 of 4 top rivers are flowing normal for today
- Arkansas River(USGS gage page, opens in a new tab) 13 cfs Much below normal Below the 10th percentile updated 1 hour ago
- Illinois River(USGS gage page, opens in a new tab) 23 cfs Normal 25th–75th percentile updated 1 hour ago
- Mountain Fork(USGS gage page, opens in a new tab) 9 cfs Normal 25th–75th percentile updated 49 minutes ago
- Fourche Maline(USGS gage page, opens in a new tab) 2 cfs Normal 25th–75th percentile updated 49 minutes ago
USGS readings compared with each gage's daily flow percentiles (historical record for today's date).
Check the water before you go
Live flows, hatches and fishability ratings for every one of these rivers, in the free FlyFishFinder app.
Fish in Oklahoma
Tap a fish to see every Oklahoma river that holds it.
Brown Trout
In 2 river guides
Common Carp
In 1 river guide
Fly fishing in Oklahoma
Most of Oklahoma's water is warm, and largemouth bass, sunfish, white bass and carp are the main fly rod fish across the state. Farm ponds, small lakes and rivers all hold sunfish and bass that take poppers and small streamers through the warm months.
Oklahoma's trout fishing comes mainly from two tailwaters. The Lower Mountain Fork River below Broken Bow Dam, in Beavers Bend State Park, holds rainbow and brown trout year-round in cold water released from the reservoir. The Lower Illinois River below Tenkiller Dam is the other year-round trout stream.
A few other places get trout in the cooler months only, including Medicine Creek in the Wichita Mountains. These are stocked fisheries and are best from late fall into spring.
Tips for fishing Oklahoma
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Check dam releases
On the Lower Mountain Fork and Lower Illinois, flows change with generation. Check the release schedule and wade only at low water.
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Go small on the tailwaters
Midges, small nymphs and soft hackles work well for tailwater trout. A 4 or 5 weight rod is plenty.
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Fish ponds for sunfish
A 3 or 4 weight with small poppers and nymphs is a great way to catch bluegill and other sunfish around the edges of ponds.
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Cast at bass in the evening
In summer, fish poppers and frog patterns along weed lines and shorelines early and late in the day.
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Try carp
Carp are common in Oklahoma's lakes and rivers. Look for feeding fish in shallow water and use small nymphs or crayfish patterns.
Find the right Oklahoma river for today.
- Top Waters Today ranks the rivers near you on live conditions
- Every access point and parking area on one map
- Live flows from every USGS gauge in the state
Oklahoma fly fishing FAQ
Is there trout fishing in Oklahoma?
Yes. The Lower Mountain Fork River below Broken Bow Dam and the Lower Illinois River below Tenkiller Dam hold trout year-round, and a few other waters are stocked in the cooler months.
Where is the best fly fishing in Oklahoma?
For trout, the Lower Mountain Fork in Beavers Bend State Park is the best known. For warmwater, ponds, lakes and rivers across the state hold bass and sunfish.
When is the best time to fly fish for trout in Oklahoma?
Fall through spring is usually best, when the water is cool and the seasonal trout areas are stocked.
Do I need a trout license in Oklahoma?
You need an Oklahoma fishing license. Check the state wildlife agency's current regulations for any extra trout permit and the rules for each trout area.
What flies work on the Lower Mountain Fork?
Midges, small mayfly nymphs, soft hackles and small streamers. Fish them with light tippet in the slower runs.
Can you fly fish for bass in Oklahoma?
Yes. Largemouth bass are common in Oklahoma lakes and ponds and take poppers, frogs and streamers, especially in the evening.
