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Oklahoma's year round trout fisheries make
for fun summer vacation
Though there are six seasonal trout fishing areas
in Oklahoma, anglers don't have to wait until Nov. 1 to catch
trout. There are two additional first class trout fisheries in
Oklahoma where anglers can fish for trout no matter what the
time of year - at the Lower Mountain Fork River and the Lower
Illinois River.
Both the Lower Mountain Fork River and the Lower
Illinois River are year round trout fisheries, and rainbow trout
usually are stocked about every two weeks, while brown trout
are occasionally stocked.
"One of the great things about summertime
trout fishing in Oklahoma is that you can take an affordable
vacation with your entire family," said Paul Balkenbush,
southeast region fisheries supervisor for the Oklahoma Department
of Wildlife Conservation. "Take the Lower Mountain Fork
River for example. Even though it's hot outside, you've got this
pristine, cool stream cascading through the mountains, mature
forests all around you and great fishing. And the scenery is
second to none. If trout fishing isn't your thing, there is a
beautiful reservoir - Broken Bow Lake - feeding the river where
you can enjoy a multitude of activities, including some great
white bass fishing. There's also nice campgrounds and cabins
nearby, swimming, boating, hiking, awesome summertime squirrel
hunting in public areas, golfing, a nature center and a neat
train you can ride through the state park. There is something
for everyone in the family to enjoy, which makes for a great
family vacation when gas prices are high and kids are still on
summer break."
The Wildlife Department's streams management team
works vigorously on projects to enhance trout habitat in certain
state waters. Recent trout habitat improvement projects have
included renovations at the Evening Hole portion of the Lower
Mountain Fork River during the summer of 2006. At the same time,
a new trout stream dubbed "Lost Creek" was also created
that is providing additional trout fishing opportunities.
Seasonal trout fisheries in Oklahoma include Lake
Pawhuska, Robbers Cave, Blue River, Lake Watonga, Quartz Mountain
and Lake Carl Etling. Trout season in these areas kicks off Nov.
1.
Trout are an introduced species to Oklahoma, and
they are stocked regularly at all eight trout areas. Anglers
can view the trout stocking schedules on the Wildlife Department's
Web site at wildlifedepartment.com.
Trout anglers must carry a resident or nonresident
fishing license and a fishing and hunting legacy permit, unless
exempt, while fishing. Additionally, a trout license is required
for all who fish in state-designated trout areas or in tributaries
of state-designated trout streams during trout season. Anglers
should also note the special trout angling regulations that are
in effect in certain areas.
For trout angling tips as well as daily trout limits,
season dates and other trout fishing regulations for each area,
log on to wildlifedepartment.com or consult the current "Oklahoma
Fishing Guide."
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