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
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) - Stockings occur from November 1 through March 31.
- Lake Carl Etling - Stockings occur from November 1 through April 30.
- 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 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 - Stockings occur from November 1 through March 15.
- Dolese Youth Park Pond (OKC) - Stockings occur from December 1 through February 28.
- Perry CCC/Lake Perry Park - Stockings occur from November 1 through March 31.
- Medicine Creek - Stockings occur from November 1 through March 15.
- Veteran's Park Pond, Jenks - Stockings occur 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 (nymph)
All Year
16
Olive
Spillway Creek Caddis, Serendipity
Caddis (nymph)
All Year
16
Amber
Spillway Creek Caddis
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, August
6, 8
Pale Yellow
Hex Dry,
Yellow Stimulators
Sulphur Mayfly
All Year
14, 16
Yellow
Sulphur Dry,
Rusty Dun Mayfly
Fall
16, 18
Rusty Brown
Parachute P.T.
Blue Wing Olive Mayfly
All Year
16, 18, 20
Olive w/ Gray Wings
BWO Dries, Adams
Caddis
All Year
12, 14
Tan
Elk Hair Caddis, Davey’s Caddis
Gray Dun Mayfly
All Year
12, 14
Gray
Adams
Pale Morning Dun
All Year
14, 16
Tan/Yellow
PMD Dry
Tan Dun Mayfly
Late Summer, Fall
14, 16
Light Tan
Light Cahill
Insect and artificial fly information provided by Robert Woodruff.