Trout Stocking Under Way at State's Fishing Spots

Wildlife Department Fisheries technician Charles Baker runs a net full of trout from the stocking tank to the Blue River. Trout stocking is under way at all six of the state's seasonal trout fishing spots. (Matt Gamble/ODWC)

Anglers needn’t hang up their gear just because winter’s getting near. There’s still plenty of fishing fun to be found at Oklahoma’s seasonal and year-round trout fishing areas, including on the Lower Illinois River in Sequoyah County.

Each year, the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation stocks trout at six seasonal trout fishing areas across the state, beginning Nov. 1 and continuing into March or April. Those areas are Perry CCC/Lake Perry Park, Robbers Cave, Blue River, Lake Watonga, Medicine Creek and Lake Carl Etling. For more information, go to wildlifedepartment.com/fishing/trout-information.

In addition to these “cold weather” trout fisheries, the department also operates two year-round trout fisheries in the Lower Mountain Fork River below Broken Bow dam and in the Lower Illinois River below Tenkiller Ferry Dam. Trout are normally stocked in these areas every week or two, as long as water conditions are conducive to trout survival.

Trout, both rainbows and browns, are introduced species to Oklahoma. They thrive in colder waters and make excellent table fare. Using ultralight fishing gear with 4- to 6-pound test line and small hooks can lead to some thrilling action. But anyone can catch trout using regular angling gear with small jigs or spinners, prepared bait or live bait.

Trout anglers must carry a resident or nonresident fishing license while fishing. 

Trout fishing regulations, including daily and size limits, restricted areas and maps, can be found in the current Oklahoma Hunting and Fishing Regulations Guide, available at wildlifedepartment.com, in the "OK Fishing and Hunting Guide" mobile app for Apple and Android, or free in print from license dealers statewide.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

For more news stories stay tuned to The MIX 105.1 or visit www.kxmx.com