Oklahoma · Fishing
Fishing in Perry, Oklahoma
Perry, Oklahoma sits in the middle of a cluster of small conservation reservoirs that most out-of-state anglers never hear about, which is part of the appeal.
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Perry, Oklahoma sits in the middle of a cluster of small conservation reservoirs that most out-of-state anglers never hear about, which is part of the appeal. The fishable water here comes from the USDA watershed program — a network of flood-control impoundments built on Red Rock Creek and Black Bear Creek drainages. Within a short drive of town you have access to Upper Red Rock Creek Site 55 Reservoir, Lower Red Rock Creek Site 16 Reservoir, and three Black Bear Creek impoundments: Site 45, Site 67, and Site 70. These are modest-sized lakes, not destination trophy fisheries, but they hold largemouth bass, channel catfish, and bluegill in water that sees a fraction of the pressure you'd find at Kaw Lake or Sooner Lake to the north. The tradeoff is that facilities are minimal — most sites have a gravel ramp or none at all, so a jon boat or kayak is more practical than a full-size bass rig. If you're driving from Oklahoma City or Tulsa, Perry makes a reasonable overnight base, and fishing multiple impoundments in a single day is realistic given how close they are to each other.
Frequently asked questions
What fish species can I expect to catch at these reservoirs near Perry?
The Red Rock Creek and Black Bear Creek impoundments are managed primarily for largemouth bass, channel catfish, and panfish including bluegill and redear sunfish. These are not designated gold-medal or wild-trout waters, so don't plan a fly-fishing trip expecting trout — warmwater species are the target here.
Do I need a boat, or can I fish from the bank?
Bank fishing is possible at most of these sites since the shorelines are accessible, but the vegetation and shallow coves at impoundments like Upper Black Bear Creek Site 45 and Site 70 can make casting room tight in summer. A kayak or small jon boat gives you a real advantage for reaching open water and working the deeper edges near the dam faces.
What time of year is best for fishing these lakes?
Spring (late March through May) is the most productive window, when bass move shallow to spawn and catfish become more active as water temperatures climb. Fall (September through October) is a close second for bass. Midsummer fishing is slower during midday heat, but early morning and evening sessions on any of the five reservoirs can still produce catfish and panfish.
What license do I need, and where do I get it?
You need a valid Oklahoma fishing license, which you can purchase online through the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation website or at local retailers in Perry. Standard statewide regulations apply to these reservoirs — check the current ODWC regulation booklet for size and bag limits on bass and catfish before you go, as they can be updated annually.
Are there boat ramps and parking at these sites?
Facilities vary by site and are generally minimal — expect gravel or earthen ramps rather than paved launches, and basic parking areas without restrooms. It's worth scouting the specific reservoir you plan to visit before hauling a trailer out, since some of the smaller Black Bear Creek impoundments have limited turnaround space for larger vehicles.
