Trout Areas
Oklahoma has two introduced species of trout - rainbows, and browns, with rainbows being far more abundant. Brown trout are stocked in the Lower Mountain Fork River below Broken Bow dam and in the Lower Illinois River when available, while rainbows are usually stocked at all eight of the state’s trout areas. Anglers can use the following tips to help them put trout on the stringer:
- Perry CCC
- Robbers Cave
- Blue River
- Lake Watonga (Stocking Suspended Winter 2021-2022)
- Sunset Lake
- Lower Illinois River
- Lower Mt. Fork River
- Medicine Park (November 1 - March 15)
- OKC and Jenks Trout Fishing
Biologist’s Tips
Use ultra-light tackle, 4-6 lb. line, and very small hooks, size 8-14. Live or prepared bait is preferred, but flies and small spinners or jigs also will catch fish (artificial lures and barbless hooks are required in some areas -- check current regulations for details). Fish near large rocks and logs and in deep holes.
Trout Stocking
Stocking is tentative based on flooding, water temperatures, trout availability, road conditions, and other unforeseen circumstances. If stockings are temporarily suspended due to water conditions, they will resume once conditions allow. Any stocking changes will be noted here. Anglers can find information about the most recent stocking dates in the weekly ODWC fishing reports.
- Blue River - Stockings occur from November 1 through March 31.
- Mountain Fork (Beaver's Bend State Park) - Stockings occur year-round
Biologists are continuing to collect water profile data at both of the state’s year-round trout fisheries, Lower Mountain Fork, and the Lower Illinois River. Stream temperatures and low dissolved oxygen often threaten continued stockings, especially during the summer months. The Wildlife Department will requests water releases as necessary to maintain the trout fisheries, but lack of available water and high summer temperatures could curtail trout stockings anytime during the remainder of the summer.
- Lower Illinois River - Stockings occur year-round.
- Robbers Cave - Stockings occur from November 1 through March 15.
- Edwards & Route 66 (OKC) - Stockings occurs from December 1 through February 28.
- Perry CCC - Stockings occur from November 1 through March 31.
- Medicine Creek - Stockings occur from November 1 through March 15.
- Veteran's Park Pond (Jenks) - Stockings occurs from December 1 through February 28.
Trout Fishing: Match the Hatch!
Key Aquatic Insects of the Lower Mountain Fork
SPECIES | TIME | SIZE | COLOR | FLY |
---|---|---|---|---|
Caddis | Jan-Feb | 16 | Black | Elk Hair Caddis |
March Brown Mayfly (nymph) | All Year | 12 | Mottled Brown | P.T., GRHE, Wired Hare’s Ear |
March Brown Mayfly (adult) | Feb-March | 12, 14 | Mottled Brown | Parachute P.T., March Brown |
Caddis | Feb-May | 14 | Gray | Elk Hair Caddis, Davey's Caddis |
Caddis | All Year | 12, 14 | Tan | Elk Hair Caddis, Davey's Caddis |
Caddis (nymph) | All Year | 16 | Olive | Spillway Creek Caddis, Serendipity |
Caddis (nymph) | All Year | 16 | Amber | Spillway Creek Caddis |
Midge | All Year | 20, 22 | Cream | Midge Dry |
Midge | All Year | 20, 22 | Black | Midge Dry, Griffith's Gnat |
Midge (nymph) | All Year | 20, 22 | Red/Maroon | Disco Caddis, Red Hot, Thread Midge, Brassie |
Hexagenia Mayfly | June, July, Aug. | 6, 8 | Pale Yellow | Hex Dry, Yellow Stimulators |
Sulphur Mayfly | All Year | 14, 16 | Yellow | Sulphur Dry |
Gray Dun Mayfly | All Year | 12, 14 | Gray | Adams |
Rusty Dun Mayfly | Fall | 16, 18 | Rusty Brown | Parachute P.T. |
Tan Dun Mayfly | Late Summer, Fall | 14,16 | Light Tan | Light Cahill |
Blue Wing Olive Mayfly | All Year | 16, 18, 20 | Olive w/ Gray Wings | BWO Dries, Adams |
Pale Morning Dun | All Year | 14, 16 | Tan/Yellow | PMD Dry |
Insect and artificial fly information provided by Robert Woodruff.