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Oklahoma · Fishing
Fishing in Oklahoma City is mostly a lake game, centered on a handful of reservoirs within or just outside city limits.
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Fishing in Oklahoma City is mostly a lake game, centered on a handful of reservoirs within or just outside city limits. Lake Hefner is the most accessible option, a 2,500-acre impoundment on the northwest side of the city with paved parking, maintained shoreline access, and enough open water to make a half-day trip worthwhile without driving an hour out of town. Oknoname 26 Reservoir rounds out the local options, giving anglers an alternative when Hefner gets crowded on weekends. Both waters are managed by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, so an Oklahoma fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older. Expect to target species typical of central Oklahoma urban lakes — white bass, largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie are the most commonly pursued. Neither water appears on the state's gold medal or wild trout designations, so set expectations accordingly: this is solid, accessible urban fishing rather than a destination trip. That said, Lake Hefner in particular has a reputation for producing good white bass runs in spring, and catfish anglers find consistent action through the warmer months. If you're visiting Oklahoma City and want to wet a line without renting a car for a long drive, these lakes deliver.
Yes. Oklahoma requires a valid state fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase one online through the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation website or at most sporting goods retailers in the city. Daily licenses are available if you're just passing through.
Lake Hefner and Oknoname 26 Reservoir are typical central Oklahoma urban lakes, so largemouth bass, white bass, channel catfish, and crappie are your most likely targets. White bass fishing at Hefner tends to pick up noticeably in spring when fish move shallow.
Lake Hefner
~1 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OK.
Arcadia Lake East Ramp
~28 min drive
Easy
Lake Hefner
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OK.
Thunderbird Lake - Little River Park Ramp
~57 min drive
Easy
Oknoname 26 Reservoir
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OK.
Oknoname 083046 Reservoir
~19 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OK.
Cypert 209 Reservoir
~20 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OK.
Cottonwood Creek Site 8 Reservoir
~24 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OK.
Cottonwood Creek Site 16 Reservoir
~25 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OK.
Ten Acre Lake
~33 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OK.
Oknoname 07304 Reservoir
~34 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OK.
Uncle John Creek Site 12 Reservoir
~34 min drive
A worthwhile stop near OK.
Early morning and the hour or two before sunset are the most productive windows, especially for bass and crappie. Catfish anglers often do well after dark, and Hefner's paved access areas make night fishing practical. Midday in summer is generally slow when water temperatures climb.
Shore fishing is very doable at Lake Hefner, which has maintained public access along much of its perimeter. A boat opens up more water and is useful for crappie fishing around structure, but plenty of anglers catch fish from the bank with basic spinning gear.
A medium-action spinning rod in the 6- to 7-foot range covers most situations. For bass and white bass, bring a selection of jigs, soft plastics, and small crankbaits. For catfish, cut bait or prepared stink bait on a simple bottom rig works well. A fishing license, sunscreen, and water are worth packing year-round given Oklahoma's sun exposure.
