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Oklahoma · Fishing
Claremore sits in Rogers County in northeastern Oklahoma, and while it's better known as Will Rogers' hometown, it holds a quiet but legitimate fishing scene worth knowing about.
3 spotsUpdated dailyFree to access
View on mapFishing · 3 spots
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Claremore sits in Rogers County in northeastern Oklahoma, and while it's better known as Will Rogers' hometown, it holds a quiet but legitimate fishing scene worth knowing about. The options here are small in number but varied in character: Big Lake offers the classic still-water lake fishing setup, while Spencer Creek and Blue Creek give you moving-water alternatives that suit a different style of angling altogether. None of these are destination waters that draw crowds from across the state, which is actually part of the appeal — access tends to be straightforward and you're unlikely to be fighting for a spot. The creek fishing on Spencer and Blue Creek leans toward a wade-and-explore approach, so expect to work for your fish rather than sitting in a lawn chair. Big Lake is the more relaxed option and a reasonable starting point if you're new to the area or bringing younger anglers. Rogers County gets warm summers and mild springs, which shapes when fish are most active — early mornings in late spring and fall tend to be the most productive windows across all three waters. If you're driving in from Tulsa or the surrounding area, Claremore's fishing spots make for a manageable half-day or full-day outing without a lot of logistical overhead.
You've got two distinct setups: lake fishing at Big Lake and moving-water fishing on Spencer Creek and Blue Creek. The creek options are listed as surf fishing, which in this inland context means fishing flowing water rather than still water — think wading or fishing from the bank along current. Big Lake is the more traditional sit-and-fish experience.
The activity listings don't specify target species for these waters, so we won't guess. For current stocking information and species data on Big Lake, Spencer Creek, and Blue Creek, check the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation's online fishing report tool before your trip — it's updated regularly and covers Rogers County waters.
Blue Creek
~8 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OK.
Blue Bill Point
~49 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OK.
Dam Site (fort Gibson Lake)
~1h 12m drive
A worthwhile stop near OK.
Oologah Lake - Spencer Creek Arm
~9 min drive
Easy
Big Lake
~23 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OK.
Hawthorn Bluff
~8 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OK.
Flat Rock Creek
~49 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OK.
Skiatook Lake - Tall Chief Cove
~42 min drive
Easy
Inola Lake
~24 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OK.
Spencer Creek
~15 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OK.
Grand Lake O' the Cherokees - Sailboat Bridge Area
~1h 5m drive
Easy
Scarbow Lake
~33 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OK.
Yes. Oklahoma requires a valid fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase one through the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation website or at local sporting goods retailers. Make sure to check whether a separate trout license or any special permits apply to the specific water you're fishing.
Early morning is generally your best window on moving water in Oklahoma, especially from late spring through summer when midday temperatures push fish into slower, deeper sections. In fall, you can get productive fishing through mid-morning before the day heats up. Avoid the hottest part of summer afternoons on the creeks.
Big Lake is the most accessible of the three options for newer anglers or families — still water is more forgiving than creek fishing when it comes to casting and managing lines. The creek spots on Spencer and Blue Creek involve more active fishing and some wading, which is better suited to anglers comfortable moving around in current.
