Oklahoma’s Top 17 Fishing Spots You’ve Probably Overlooked 🎣
Oklahoma, known for its sweeping plains and rich Native American heritage, also boasts one of America’s most diverse freshwater fishing destinations. With over 200 reservoirs, 500 streams, and more than a million acres of fishable water, the Sooner State offers unparalleled angling opportunities. From the famous “Striper Capital of the World” to hidden gem trout streams, Oklahoma’s waters hold treasures for every angler.
We’re counting down to Oklahoma’s premier fishing destinations, revealing their unique features, and the impressive species that await your line!
Jump to a Lake
- #17 Lake Carl Blackwell
- #16 Lake Hefner
- #15 Lake Wister
- #14 Oologah Lake
- #13 Keystone Lake
- #12 Lake Hudson
- #11 Lake Murray
Source: Pixabay
17. Lake Carl Blackwell
Primary Target Species: Largemouth Bass, Crappie, Channel Catfish, Bluegill, White Bass, Flathead Catfish.
Highlights: Lake Carl Blackwell is a hidden gem located just west of Stillwater, offering consistent fishing action for anglers seeking a productive day on the water. This 3,400-acre reservoir is particularly noted for its excellent crappie fishing and healthy populations of largemouth bass, channel catfish, and bluegill.
Its relatively smaller size compared to Oklahoma’s giants makes it perfect for intimate fishing experiences and family outings. It is popular with Oklahoma State University students and locals.
- 🎣 Top 10 Bass Fishing Lures That Actually Work: Proven lures anglers swear by in lakes across the U.S.
Source: Pixabay
16. Lake Hefner
Primary Target Species: Walleye, Hybrid Striped Bass, Blue Catfish, Channel Catfish, Flathead Catfish, White Bass.
Highlights: Lake Hefner serves as Oklahoma City’s urban fishing jewel, providing excellent angling opportunities within the metro area. This reservoir is especially renowned for its walleye and hybrid striped bass populations, along with impressive blue catfish and channel catfish.
The lake’s urban setting doesn’t diminish its fishing quality, making it a favorite for both serious anglers and casual family fishing trips. It is easily accessible with multiple boat ramps and shore fishing opportunities.
- 📋 U.S. Fishing License & Regulation Guide: Everything you need to know before casting your line.
Source: Pixabay
15. Lake Wister
Primary Target Species: Largemouth Bass, Crappie, Channel Catfish, Bluegill, Flathead Catfish, White Bass.
Highlights: Lake Wister is nestled in the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains in southeastern Oklahoma, offering a scenic backdrop for excellent fishing. This reservoir provides diverse fishing opportunities with healthy populations of bass, crappie, catfish, and sunfish.
The surrounding Lake Wister State Park enhances the fishing experience with excellent facilities and camping opportunities for extended fishing trips. It is known for tree-lined banks and shallow coves that create perfect fish habitat.
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Source: Pixabay
14. Oologah Lake
Primary Target Species: Blue Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Walleye, Crappie, Hybrid Striped Bass, Channel Catfish, Paddlefish, Bluegill.
Highlights: Oologah Lake spans 29,000 surface acres with over 200 miles of shoreline, making it a fisherman’s paradise in northeastern Oklahoma. The lake has earned a reputation for producing some of the state’s largest blue catfish, with specimens exceeding 50 pounds caught regularly.
Its diverse fish population and numerous boat ramps make it accessible and productive for anglers of all skill levels. It is known for trophy blue catfish and excellent sailing conditions, with numerous access points and marinas.
- 🏆 America’s 25 Most Legendary Fishing Spots: Bucket-list destinations for serious anglers.
Source: Pixabay
13. Keystone Lake
Primary Target Species: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Striped Bass, White Bass, Channel Catfish, Crappie, Paddlefish.
Highlights: Keystone Lake stretches across northeastern Oklahoma along the Arkansas River, offering 26,000 acres of prime fishing water. This reservoir is particularly famous for its largemouth and smallmouth bass populations, making it a regular stop for professional bass fishing tournaments.
The lake’s proximity to Tulsa combined with its excellent fishing makes it one of Oklahoma’s most popular destinations. It is a popular tournament lake near Tulsa, formed by the Arkansas River, and known for excellent bass fishing and hosting professional fishing competitions.
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Source: Pixabay
12. Lake Hudson
Primary Target Species: Largemouth Bass, Spotted Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Crappie, Channel Catfish, White Bass, Bluegill.
Highlights: Lake Hudson, also known as Markham Ferry Reservoir, is located in northeastern Oklahoma near Salina. This 12,000-acre lake offers excellent fishing for multiple bass species and is particularly noted for its spotted bass population.
The lake’s rocky bluffs, submerged creek channels, and varied aquatic vegetation provide excellent habitat for bass and other game fish. It is located on the Grand River with diverse underwater habitat.
- 🎣 Top 10 Bass Fishing Lures That Actually Work: Proven lures anglers swear by in lakes across the U.S.
Source: Pixabay
11. Lake Murray
Primary Target Species: Largemouth Bass, Crappie, Channel Catfish, Bluegill, White Bass, Sunfish.
Highlights: Lake Murray holds the distinction of being Oklahoma’s oldest state park lake, offering clear blue waters surrounded by the scenic Arbuckle Mountains. This 5,700-acre reservoir is known for its excellent largemouth bass fishing and crystal-clear water that allows sight fishing opportunities.
The historic Tucker Tower, built in 1933, serves as both a landmark and geological museum overlooking the lake. It is Oklahoma’s oldest state park lake, featuring excellent sight fishing opportunities for bass.