Enjoy National Fishing Month by visiting some OKC fishing hot spots
August is National Fishing Month, a time when you can head to your favorite lake or pond to drop a line or two in hopes of reeling in that big one that somehow always seems to elude you.
If you are an avid angler and have been around Oklahoma City for a few years, then you already know there are some good fishing holes in and around the OKC metro. Even if you don’t consider yourself a big fishing aficionado or you’re just a beginner at the sport, you may still want to know where the most popular fishing spots are in OKC. National Fishing Month may be just the catalyst you needed to get up from your lounge chair and head out the door with your tackle box and fishing pole in hand.
Most fishing in the Oklahoma City area is done at the city’s three main lakes: Lake Hefner, Lake Stanely Draper and Lake Overholser. Veteran fishermen have also found success on the Oklahoma River and at Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge adjacent to Lake Overholser. But first, make sure you have all the necessary fishing and boating permits up to date before casting your reel!
Below is brief description of the aforementioned fishing spots in Oklahoma City, as well as other spots that might not be as well known:
- Lake Hefner — This 2,500-acre lake is in northwest Oklahoma City and is a local favorite for fishing and other recreational activities. Fishing is allowed by boat or along the lake’s 18 miles of shoreline or off the fishing docks. During cooler weather, there is even an enclosed and heated fishing dock from which you can comfortably fish. Expect to see walleye, crappie and a variety of catfish and bass species.
- Lake Overholser — This lake in west Oklahoma City features seven miles of shoreline encompassing 1,500 acres, where anglers can expect to see hybrid striped bass, white crappie and several species of catfish. There is a covered fishing pier on the lake's southwest corner, as well as boat ramps and docks on the lake's east side and on the south end by the dam. The Stitchcomb Wildlife Refuge is right next door to Lake Overholser and features a quiet and serene setting for fishing, hiking, bird watching and exploring. This unique fishing spot contains bass, catfish and sunfish.
- Lake Stanely Draper — This 2,900-acre lake located in far southeast Oklahoma City has 34 miles of shoreline where visitors can camp, picnic and fish. Dirt bike riding, jogging, cycling and horseback riding are also some popular activities at Lake Stanely Draper. The lake offers anglers a variety of opportunities, from either land or water, to enjoy or perfect their craft. There are many covered and uncovered fishing piers surrounding the lake, along with several boat ramps and tending docks, including at its marina. Lake Stanley Draper is home to walleye, as well as several varieties of bass, catfish and crappie.
- Oklahoma River — Both hybrid striped bass and channel catfish can be caught in the Oklahoma River, which stretches for several miles west to east just south of Interstate 40 near downtown.
- Other Notable OKC Fishing Spots — Crystal Lake, Dolese Youth Park Pond, Edwards Fishing Pond and Kitchen Lake.
SUBSCRIBE