Tulsa, Oklahoma, may not be the first place you think of for amazing fishing. Yet, this vibrant city and its nearby areas offer incredible angling chances. You can find everything from peaceful lake fishing to exciting river trips. This guide will show you the best fishing spots in Tulsa and the surrounding metro area. You will learn what makes each location perfect for your next big catch.
Discover popular fish like catfish, bass, and crappie. We will cover important fishing rules and share tips to improve your fishing experience. Get ready to explore the diverse waters in and around Tulsa!
A Deep Dive into Tulsa’s Top Fishing Locations
Tulsa boasts a variety of fantastic fishing locations. Whether you prefer large lakes or calm ponds, there is a spot for every angler. First, let’s look at the best lakes.
Top Fishing Lakes in Tulsa for Diverse Catches
These popular lakes are known for abundant fish. They provide excellent fishing opportunities in Tulsa.
- Keystone Lake: This lake is a favorite for anglers. It is famous for its large populations of largemouth bass, sandbass, crappie, and catfish. You can also find some hybrid striped bass and stripers. Keystone Lake offers many fishing docks and boat ramps. The water is often brown due to soil, but it is very productive.
- Fort Gibson Lake: This lake is home to many fish species. These include bass, crappie, and catfish. It offers extensive shoreline and open water. Both new and experienced anglers will enjoy this spot.
- Oologah Lake: Oologah Lake is known for its beautiful scenery. It also has plenty of fish. You can catch largemouth bass, white bass, and various catfish. This lake promises a peaceful and successful day of fishing.
- Hudson Lake: Located in the scenic Cookson Hills, Hudson Lake offers a quiet setting. Anglers can find largemouth bass, crappie, and white bass here.
- Grand Lake: This is one of Oklahoma’s best fishing destinations. It is a haven for bass, crappie, and catfish. Grand Lake features clear water and over 46,500 surface acres.
- Skiatook Lake: Skiatook Lake has clear, blue waters. It is good for walleye, hybrid, striper, bass, crappie, and catfish. It is also gaining a reputation for large smallmouth bass.
- Heyburn Lake: This lake offers good crappie fishing. It is also known for bass and catfish. Heyburn Lake boasts sparkling, clear waters.
- Lake Sahoma: This is a good spot for crappie. However, it requires an additional local permit on top of a state fishing license.
- Sooner Lake: Sooner Lake is known for its clear water. It offers a peaceful setting for fishing and boating.
- Lynn Lane Reservoir: This spot is recommended for beginners. It is an easy place to learn fishing. You can catch good fish here during feeding times.
Exploring Fishing Creeks and Rivers Near Tulsa
Discover the unique challenges and rewards of river and creek fishing in Tulsa. These flowing waters offer a different kind of angling experience.
- Arkansas River: The Arkansas River can be excellent for fishing. This is especially true for catfish, particularly below Keystone Dam. However, it is strongly advised not to eat fish from the river due to past pollution issues. Extended skin exposure to the water is not recommended.
- Lower Illinois River: This river offers the most species of any water within an hour of Tulsa. It is known for trout and great smallmouth bass.
- Upper Illinois River: This section of the Illinois River is known for great smallmouth bass fishing.
- Clear Creek (Hidden Gem): Clear Creek is a local favorite. You can catch spotted bass here, especially in deep pools where fish may be gathered.
Urban Angling: Close to Home Fishing Spots in Tulsa
For convenient and accessible fishing spots in Tulsa, consider the “Close to Home Fishing Program.” This program manages urban ponds.
- Designated Locations: These ponds offer easy access. They are perfect for a quick fishing trip without leaving the city.
- Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area ponds
- Hunter Park Pond
- Braden Park Pond
- Mohawk Park Ponds (two ponds in the southeast corner)
- Commonly Stocked Species: These waters are regularly stocked with channel catfish and hybrid sunfish. Hybrid sunfish include green sunfish, bluegill, and redear sunfish. Some locations also receive seasonal rainbow trout stockings. This happens from December to February. Largemouth bass are also stocked in some ponds.
- Specific Regulations for Close to Home Fishing: These areas have special rules to ensure good fishing for everyone.
- Fishing is limited to no more than three rods and reels per person. Trout ponds may have a limit of one rod and reel.
- A maximum of three hooks per line is allowed. Treble hooks count as one.
- An aggregate daily limit of three panfish, rainbow trout, and channel catfish per person applies.
- Netting of any kind, including cast netting, is prohibited.
- All other species follow general statewide regulations.
Essential Tips for Fishing in Tulsa
Maximize your success and ensure you follow rules when visiting any fishing spot in Tulsa. Good preparation makes for a better trip.
- Fishing Licenses and Permits:
- An Oklahoma fishing license is required for all persons 18 or older. This applies to taking or possessing fish. Electronic licenses on your phone are allowed.
- Some municipal lakes, like Lake Sahoma, require additional local permits.
- A free paddlefish permit is required for all persons fishing for paddlefish. This is true regardless of age or exemption status.
- Fish Consumption Advisories: Be aware of advisories. It is recommended not to consume fish from the Arkansas River due to pollution concerns. Also, check state health advisories for other lakes regarding mercury levels.
- Recommended Gear and Bait:
- For catfish, a good surf rod is often effective. Use typical catfish bait like raw chicken livers, cut shad, or worms.
- For bass, topwater poppers, senko, and zoom worms can be productive.
- Tulsa has local tackle shops. Tulsa Tackle & Outdoors specializes in hard-to-find products. Their staff offers knowledgeable guidance. SCHEELS also has a wide selection of gear and fishing experts.
- Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Prevention: Always remember to CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY your boat, trailer, and equipment. This prevents the spread of invasive species like zebra mussels.
- Best Times to Visit: Fishing can be excellent during specific seasons. Summer offers good topwater bites. Catfish are often hungry after spawning. Colder water often brings out bigger fish. May through July are generally best for catfish spawning. Early morning is often ideal for white bass.
Your Next Tulsa Fishing Adventure Awaits!
Tulsa and its surrounding areas offer many excellent fishing spots. They cater to every angler’s preference. You can find expansive lakes like Keystone and Fort Gibson, or peaceful urban ponds. Flowing rivers also provide unique experiences.
Whether you seek the thrill of a big catfish fight or a tranquil trout stream, the diverse fishing spots in Tulsa are ready for you. Before heading out, always consult the latest Oklahoma Fishing Regulations. Check for any local permits you might need. Consider renting a boat or booking a fishing charter to enhance your experience.
FAQ: Common Questions About Fishing in Tulsa
Is it safe to eat fish from the Arkansas River near Tulsa? It is generally recommended not to eat fish from the Arkansas River near Tulsa. This is due to past pollution concerns. Extended skin exposure to the water is also not advised.
What are the best lakes for crappie fishing near Tulsa? Keystone Lake, Lake Sahoma (requires a permit), and Lake Heyburn are noted for good crappie fishing. Fort Gibson Lake, Oologah Lake, and Grand Lake also have crappie populations.
Do I need a special permit to fish in Tulsa city parks? According to Tulsa municipal code, recreational fishing is allowed at public bodies of water unless prohibited. Only a valid Oklahoma fishing license is required for most locations. However, some specific municipal lakes, like Sahoma, may require additional permits.
What kind of fish can I catch in Tulsa’s “Close to Home” fishing areas? These areas are regularly stocked with channel catfish and hybrid sunfish (green, bluegill, redear). Some locations also receive seasonal rainbow trout stockings from December to February.
Are there any clear water lakes around Tulsa for fishing or other activities? Yes, lakes known for clear waters suitable for fishing include Skiatook Lake and Heyburn Lake. Sooner Lake is also known for its clear water.Tulsa, Oklahoma, may not be the first place you think of for amazing fishing. Yet, this vibrant city and its nearby areas offer incredible angling chances. You can find everything from peaceful lake fishing to exciting river trips. This guide will show you the best fishing spots in Tulsa and the surrounding metro area. You will learn what makes each location perfect for your next big catch.
Discover popular fish like catfish, bass, and crappie. We will cover important fishing rules and share tips to improve your fishing experience in and around Tulsa. Get ready to explore the diverse waters!
