Trout Information

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/Lake Perry Park
• Lake Pawhuska (Closed)
• Robbers Cave
• Blue River
• Lake Watonga
• Quartz Mountain (closed due to golden Algae)
• Lake Carl Etling
• 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 in Oklahoma

• Rainbow Trout
• Brown Trout

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.

• Altus Lugert/Quartz Mountain - ​No longer stocked due to ​effects of ​golden algae.    
• Watonga (Roman Nose State Park) - ​Stocking​s occur from November 1 through March 31.    
• Lake Carl Etling - Stocking​s occur ​from November 1 through April 30.
• Blue River - ​Stocking​s occur from November 1 through March 31.  Blue River area WILL be stocked Nov. 1, all except for the catch-and-release portion that will be stocked Nov. 8
• Mountain Fork (Beaver's Bend State Park) -  Stockings occur ​year-round

Lower Mountain Fork River Trout Stocking Update

The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation will soon resume routine trout stocking in the Lower Mountain Fork River pending the award of a new three-year contract to a selected trout hatchery vendor. Stockings are expected to resume within three weeks. 

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 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.

• Illinois River  - Lower Illinois River trout stocking has resumed
• Robbers Cave - ​Stocking​s occur ​from November 1 through March 15.    
• Dolese Youth Park Pond (OKC) - ​Stocking​s  occur from December 1 through February 28.    
• Perry CCC/Lake Perry Park  - ​Stocking​s occur from November 1 through March 31.    
• Medicine Creek - ​Stocking​s occur ​from November 1 through March 15.    
• Veteran's Park Pond, Jenks - ​Stocking​s occur from December 1 through February 28.  

Trout Fishing: Match the Hatch!

Key Aquatic Insects of the Lower Mountain Fork

 Insect and artificial fly information provided by Robert Woodruff.