15 Best Catfish Fishing Spots in Oklahoma You Need to Visit

Oklahoma is a catfish angler's paradise, with top spots like Lake Eufaula and Grand Lake offering abundant catches amid serene landscapes. Cast your line in Canton Lake for an experience in pristine waters teeming with fish, or try noodling for flatheads in Grand Lake's rocky depths. Explore Keystone Lake's river channels or the Arkansas River's wooded backwaters teeming with catfish. For a mix of fishing delights, visit Lake Texoma or Fort Gibson Lake, known for their variety and size of catfish. These vibrant locations promise thrilling catches and picturesque settings, inspiring you to discover even more catfishing gems.

Key Takeaways

• Lake Eufaula offers diverse catfish species and is ideal for targeting catfish in creek channels.
• Grand Lake is known for its rocky bottoms and brush piles where large catfish can be found.
• Robert S. Kerr Lake is excellent for various fish, including catfish, crappie, and walleye.
• Keystone Lake provides great catfishing around the dam, river channels, and rocky areas.
• Waurika Lake is renowned for its abundant catfish population and favorable fishing conditions.

Canton Lake

Nestled in northwestern Oklahoma, Canton Lake is a haven for fishing enthusiasts, especially those keen on catfishing. Managed by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC), this lake offers a rich diversity of fish species, including largemouth bass, crappie, and walleye. It's best known for its catfishing, where you might even reel in a channel catfish rivaling the former state record of 34 pounds. The abundant bank access and public boat ramps make it easy for anglers to explore the lake's shoreline and deeper waters. You'll find channel catfish are common and abundant, but don't overlook the potential to catch blue and flathead catfish too. The late spring and early summer months are prime time for catfishing here. Just like the McNary Pool region of Oregon, Canton Lake offers excellent opportunities for channel catfish. Night fishing with lights can significantly improve your chances of landing a trophy catfish. Bring your rod and reel, or try your hand at jugs, trotlines, limb lines, or even hand fishing for an authentic experience. Popular baits include cut bait, live baitfish, chicken liver, and stink baits. Catfish enthusiasts should note that there is a statewide daily limit of 15 channel and/or blue catfish combined, and a separate limit of five flathead catfish, ensuring sustainable fishing practices.

For the best spots, head to the rocky rip rap bank of the dam, which provides great shoreline access and brush piles teeming with fish. Explore the deeper areas near the dam for crappie, or cast your line near the Canadian River entry point, especially in spring, for a productive fishing trip.

Lake Carl Blackwell

Located southeast of Perry, Lake Carl Blackwell is a fantastic destination for catfish enthusiasts and casual anglers alike. Nestled just 7 miles east of I-35 on Highway 51, this lake offers accessible fishing with its ADA-compliant Ski Point boat ramp. With a phone call to 405-372-5157, you can verify seasonal hours, ensuring you're there from 8 am until dark. The lake is conveniently located SE of Perry, making it easily accessible for visitors traveling via the highway.

When it comes to fishing guidelines, remember to have a current State of Oklahoma Fishing License. You can use trot-lines, jug-lines, and throw-lines, but leave the nets and traps at home. The lake's waters teem with channel catfish, hybrid striped bass, and saugeye. Channel catfish, which are found in nearly every body of water in Oklahoma, prefer areas with cover in larger pools and deep holes. Nocturnal feeding habits make evening and night fishing particularly productive for catfish catches. The best spots for catfish are around the riprap at Ski Point and the dam, especially during the summer months.

For bait, fresh cut shad, bluegill, and chicken livers work wonders. Try suspending baits 3 to 5 feet below large bobbers, or go for bottom fishing in cooler seasons. The lake is regularly stocked with hybrid striped bass and saugeye, keeping the fish population healthy and balanced. Be mindful of regulations, especially size and catch limits, to maintain this thriving ecosystem. The spawning season typically occurs from May through July, making these months particularly productive for catching channel catfish.

Waurika Lake

As you leave the serene waters of Lake Carl Blackwell, head a bit further south to discover Waurika Lake, a catfish angler's paradise. Located just 10 miles north of Waurika, this sprawling lake covers 10,100 surface acres with 80 miles of inviting shoreline. Nestled on Beaver Creek, a tributary of the Red River, Waurika Lake features standing timber, perfect for limb line fishing. With limited bank access, a boat is your best bet for exploring these rich waters. The lake's murky depths are home to a variety of catfish species, including channel, flathead, and bullhead catfish, alongside largemouth bass and crappie. You'll find the best success using cut bait, live baitfish, chicken liver, or stink baits. Similar to Lake Castaic, night fishing here proves most productive as catfish become more active after dark. Effective methods include jugs, trotlines, and the ever-popular rod and reel. Fish here in late spring and early summer or near large schools of baitfish for ideal results. Flathead catfish are highly prized here, especially by those who enjoy noodling, as they can grow over 50 pounds. Winter anglers should ensure ice thickness safety before venturing onto any frozen sections of the lake. Waurika Lake isn't just about fishing; it boasts six recreation areas with amenities like a full-service marina, picnic spots, RV campsites, and swimming beaches. With over 300 campsites, it offers extensive options for overnight stays, and six boat ramps make it an outdoor enthusiast's dream destination.

Grand Lake

Grand Lake, one of Oklahoma's largest and most popular fishing destinations, offers an exceptional experience for catfish enthusiasts. You'll find a thriving population of blue catfish, channel catfish, and flathead catfish here. This lake is also known for its large sizes of catfish, making it a prime spot for those seeking a memorable catch. Late spring and early summer are prime times to cast your line, especially near steep ledges, flats, and creek channels. Much like Port Mansfield's waters, the lake offers serene fishing experiences away from crowds. Bring along your rod and reel, jugs, trotlines, or limb lines, as they're all proven techniques for landing these catfish. Popular baits include cut bait, live baitfish, chicken livers, and stink baits, sure to attract your target. The lake is home to some monster blue catfish, with a 30-inch length limit highlighting the potential for landing a trophy fish. Similar to Lake of the Ozarks, the extensive shoreline provides countless prime fishing spots.

While fishing at Grand Lake, keep these regulations in mind:

• Daily Limit: 15 combined channel and/or blue catfish, 5 flathead catfish.
• Size Limit: Only 1 blue catfish over 30 inches.
• Prohibited Areas: Restrictions exist below Pensacola Dam.
• Guides: Local guides are available to enhance your experience.

For the best results, head out early in the morning or at night when the lake is less crowded. Search for catfish around hard rocky bottoms and brush piles, typically at depths of 10-20 feet during warmer months. If you're feeling adventurous, try noodling for flatheads in late spring and early summer.

Lake Eufaula

After exploring the abundant waters of Grand Lake, set your sights on Lake Eufaula, another top destination for catfish fishing in Oklahoma. Known for its diverse fishing spots, Lake Eufaula offers a thrilling experience for anglers, especially during late spring and summer. Focus on creek channels as catfish highways, where they move between locations. Night fishing becomes especially productive in the hot summer months when catfish frequent deeper waters. The lake is home to large catfish of various species, making it a popular choice for anglers seeking trophy fish. Like electric motors at Walter Wirth Lake, Lake Eufaula allows small boats for better access to prime fishing spots. As the largest reservoir in Oklahoma, with a surface area of 105,500 acres, Lake Eufaula provides ample opportunities for fishing enthusiasts. Many anglers prefer using studded tracks on their snowmobiles for enhanced ice traction during winter fishing expeditions.

When it comes to bait, you can't go wrong with cut bait, live bait, and stink bait. Live shad works wonders, given it's a primary food source for catfish in the lake. For murky waters, cut bait proves effective, while chicken liver is a go-to for targeting blue and channel catfish.

Seek out key fishing spots like bridges and heated docks, which attract catfish under a variety of conditions. Deep holes in creek and river channels, along with standing timber and brush piles, provide excellent habitats for blue, channel, and flathead catfish. Remember to check size and bag limits, as regulatory compliance is essential for sustainable fishing. Embrace Lake Eufaula's seasonal patterns to enhance your fishing success.

Red River

The Red River, stretching along the border of Texas and Oklahoma, is a hidden gem for catfish enthusiasts seeking a unique fishing experience. Imagine pristine waters free of development and boat traffic, offering you a peaceful escape into nature. While the adventure is rewarding, accessing the Red River can be challenging due to its shallow waters and private land. Airboats are your best bet to navigate through sandbars and reach those prime fishing spots.

You'll find some of the best trophy blue catfish action in the U.S. here. With no minimum length for blue and channel catfish, and a combined daily bag limit of 15 fish, the Red River offers generous opportunities. Just remember, only one blue catfish 30 inches or greater can be retained each day. The area is renowned for its record-breaking catches, including a notable 66.28 lb blue catfish which set the Texas State Junior Angler record. Oklahoma is known for its traditional fishing methods, such as juglines and limblines, which are particularly effective for catching catfish in the state's abundant waterways.

Wildlife adds to the allure of the Red River. While you're fishing, keep an eye out for:

• Bald eagles soaring overhead
• Feral hogs roaming the riverbanks
• Deer grazing nearby
• A variety of other fascinating creatures

When planning your trip, guarantee you have a valid Oklahoma fishing license. Consider a guided trip to fully experience the river's hidden fishing spots.

Washita River

Ever wondered where you can find some of the best catfish fishing in Oklahoma? Look no further than the Washita River. This hidden gem is a prime spot for blue, channel, and potentially flathead catfish. With effective baits like cut perch, worms, and other live options, the river promises a rewarding fishing experience. Whether you're on the bank or in a small craft like a jon boat or canoe, the Washita River offers ample access around two bridge areas. While there aren't any boat ramps, you can still enjoy various fishing methods like hand fishing, jug lines, and trotlines. The Washita River is known for its frequent flooding events that have created excellent habitat for aquatic life, making it a thriving environment for fish.

Part of the Washita River runs through the Washita National Wildlife Refuge, which includes 1,900 acres of Foss Lake. Here, you'll find a diverse range of fish species, including largemouth bass and crappie, with year-round bank fishing available. However, boat fishing is restricted from March 15 to October 14 within the refuge. Nearby, you'll also find Lake Texoma, famous for striped bass, and other lakes like Waurika and Eufaula, offering fantastic catfish adventures. The Washita River and its surrounding areas provide a rich and diverse fishing experience that you shouldn't miss. Alongside the river, you might even spot a river otter, a rare and exciting sight for wildlife enthusiasts.

Arkansas River

Exploring the Arkansas River reveals a catfish angler's paradise, brimming with diverse fishing opportunities. This mighty river offers a variety of environments and techniques for every angler. If you're on the hunt for channel catfish, dam riprap and creek channels are particularly productive areas from late April to May. Blue catfish enthusiasts should cast cut shad on circle hooks along river and creek channel ledges for the best results. Flathead catfish lurk in heavily wooded backwaters and tributaries, where live bluegill works wonders. Fishing is limited to a single hand-held rod or pole and to taking scaled rough fish with bow and arrow from 100 yards below any dam and within specific outlet channels. Bait and tackle can significantly influence success, with shad and skipjack being popular choices for catfish baits. Regulations are vital to guarantee a sustainable fishing experience. You'll want to remember these key rules:

• Daily limits and size restrictions: Ten channel catfish under 16 inches can be taken in addition to the daily limit.
• Unique area rules: No catfish limit exists from the Mississippi confluence to the Yancopin Railroad Bridge.
• Commercial fishing restrictions: Prohibited between arrival point signs and any lock and dam.
• Gear restrictions: Handicapped-accessible piers available; trotlines not allowed in certain areas.

Make sure to visit the R.S. Kerr Pool for its range of depths, and don't miss Kaw Lake for its reputation in producing large catfish.

Canadian River

After enjoying the rich fishing opportunities of the Arkansas River, you'll find the Canadian River offers a unique experience for catfish enthusiasts. Flowing through Texas and Oklahoma as part of the Mississippi River drainage system, the Canadian River is a haven for those seeking channel, blue, and flathead catfish. Governed by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, this river invites you to explore its bends, confluences, and dam areas, where catfish are most abundant. The Lower Canadian winds through sandy bottomlands approximately 27 miles before its confluence with the Arkansas river, providing an ideal environment for a variety of fish species. Catfish hold in areas with slow-moving water, often behind obstructions like brush piles and dams, making these spots ideal for catching them.

You'll have plenty of techniques at your disposal. Use rod and reel, jug lines, trotlines, or limb lines to catch your next big fish. For bait, consider cut bait, live baitfish, chicken liver, or the reliable stink bait. Look for slow-moving waters around large obstructions to increase your chances. Late spring and early summer promise the best catches, so plan your trip accordingly.

Access is a breeze with public points near Whitefield and Stigler, while bait shops like Double K Bait & More guarantee you're well-equipped. Remember, gigs and spears aren't allowed, keeping the sport fair and sustainable. With a diversity of catfish species and community events, the Canadian River is a must-visit spot.

Cimarron River

Delving into the heart of Oklahoma's rich fishing landscape, you'll discover that while the Cimarron River meanders through Colorado and New Mexico, it doesn't grace Oklahoma's list of top catfish spots. The Cimarron River's headwaters are in the Gunnison River Basin, providing a scenic backdrop for fishing enthusiasts. Instead, your focus should be on the state's bountiful waters teeming with channel, blue, and flathead catfish. Oklahoma offers prime fishing locales that promise thrilling adventures and rewarding catches. It's important to note that baitfish cannot be transported into or out of the Southern Bait Management Zone, ensuring the protection of local ecosystems.

Rather than the Cimarron River, consider exploring:

• Lake Eufaula: The largest lake in Oklahoma, renowned for its big flathead and blue catfish.
• Waurika Lake: Ideal for boat fishing with its standing timber, though bank access is limited.
• Lake Carl Blackwell: Known for hotspots around Canadian Cove and dam riprap.
• Fishing Techniques: Rod and reel, jugs, trotlines, limb lines, and noodling for different angling experiences.

These waters not only offer a variety of fishing methods but also promise successful outings when you use the right baits, like cut bait, live baitfish, and chicken liver. Timing is essential—late spring and early summer are peak seasons. So, gear up and get ready to explore Oklahoma's best catfish fishing spots!

Keystone Lake

Keystone Lake, nestled just 8 miles west of Sand Springs along US 412 and SH 51, offers a rewarding fishing experience for enthusiasts. Managed by the U.S. Corps of Engineers and Oklahoma State Parks, this lake brims with catfish, bass, and more. Channel and blue catfish thrive here, especially around the dam, river channels, and rocky areas. You'll find them biting on cut bait and live shad. Adhering to the daily limits is indispensable: a combined 15 channel and blue catfish with only one blue catfish over 30 inches, plus five flathead catfish with no size restriction. Notably, Keystone Lake is located in Osage, Creek, Tulsa Counties, making it accessible to a wide range of visitors. Keystone Lake is also home to the largest paddlefish ever recorded, weighing 164 pounds, which adds to its allure for fishing enthusiasts.

Equipped with campgrounds featuring full RV hookups, boat ramps, and swimming areas, Keystone Lake is perfect for a fishing getaway. Visit bait shops like Woody's Bait & Tackle or Keystone Lake Bait & Store to stock up on essentials. Try your luck using rod and reel, jugs, or trotlines. Late spring and early summer are prime times, but any season can be rewarding if you focus on areas with large baitfish schools. For an enhanced experience, consider booking a guided tour through Advanced Angling Guide Service or B&C Fishing Adventures. Enjoy the serene yet thrilling fishing adventure Keystone Lake promises.

Sooner Lake

If you're keen to explore more fishing opportunities, Sooner Lake should be on your radar. Located conveniently between Stillwater and Ponca City on US 177, this lake offers both angling excitement and scenic beauty. With multiple boat ramps, including the Academy and Lakeview Campground ramps, you'll have easy access to the water. Nearby bait shops like Lake McMurtry West and R.C. Bait and Tackle guarantee you're well-prepared for a successful day.

At Sooner Lake, you'll find a diverse array of fish species. The lake is stocked with Florida strain largemouth bass, hybrid striped bass, and saugeye. Keep an eye on the daily size limits: striped bass have a minimum length of 20 inches, while saugeye require 18 inches. Catfish enthusiasts will love the chance to catch channel and blue catfish using trotlines, limb lines, and jugs. Anglers should note that the statewide bag limit for forked tail catfish is fifteen, with only one blue catfish allowed to exceed thirty inches. The shoreline length of Sooner Lake is 51.80 miles, offering plenty of space for fishing and exploring.

• Recreational activities: Enjoy camping and boating alongside fishing.
• Fishing methods: Try rod and reel, bowfishing, or noodling.
• Wildlife management: The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation manages the lake.
• Bank fishing: Permitted in specific buoy-marked areas, warranting a relaxing experience.

Robert S. Kerr Lake

Nestled in the heart of Oklahoma, Robert S. Kerr Lake is a catfish angler's paradise. Located just 7 miles south of I-40 on US 59, this massive 43,800-acre reservoir is the third largest in the state. Managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers, it's not just about the size; it's about the quality of your fishing experience here. The lake offers excellent fishing not only for catfish but also crappie, white bass, and walleye. With its picturesque surroundings and tranquil atmosphere, the lake provides a perfect setting for both serious anglers and family outings. For those wanting to comply with statewide daily limits, it's important to know that the limit for channel and/or blue catfish here is six combined per day.

For prime catfish action, head to the rip rap along the dam, the mouth of Canadian Cove, or explore access points off Thunder Road. The shallow waters, dotted with islands and sand bars, make for an exciting day of fishing. Use cut or live shad, chicken liver, or even hotdogs to lure those big catfish.

Lake Texoma

Adventure awaits at Lake Texoma, where the thrill of catfish fishing is matched only by the lake's stunning vistas. This sprawling body of water, straddling the Texas-Oklahoma border, is a catfish angler's dream. You'll find blue, channel, and flathead catfish lurking in its depths, each offering unique challenges and rewards. The lake's varied habitats, from rocky shores to deep river channels, provide endless opportunities to land a big one. During the peak season from November to March, the abundance of Blue Catfish is particularly enticing for anglers. This lake is unique because a Lake Texoma fishing license allows anglers to fish in both Texas and Oklahoma waters without additional licenses.

Before you cast your line, make sure you understand the fishing regulations. You'll need a Lake Texoma fishing license, as the lake spans both states. Keep in mind the daily bag limits:

• Blue and Channel Catfish: 15 combined, with only 1 blue catfish over 30 inches.
• Flathead Catfish: Limit of 5 per day.
• Gear Restrictions: Drain boats and livewells to prevent invasive species.
• Transport Restrictions: No live, nongame fish transport downstream.

Prime spots like Preston and Eisenhower State Park offer excellent access. For the best experience, consider hiring a guide. With their expertise, you'll navigate the lake's dynamic conditions and optimize your chances of a memorable catch.

Fort Gibson Lake

Beneath the expansive Oklahoma sky, Fort Gibson Lake beckons catfish enthusiasts with its alluring promise of bountiful waters and diverse fishing spots. This lake is a treasure for anglers, offering rocky banks from Rocky Point to Snug Harbor and Rickelson Ranch Cove to Taylors Ferry. The steep banks near the Hwy 51 bridge are perfect for those seeking the thrill of catfish tugging at their line. Don't overlook Applegate Cove and Cowlington Point Corps areas for excellent bank fishing opportunities.

The lake's feeder creeks like Jane Dennis, Clear Creek, and Ranger Creek provide varied habitats teeming with catfish potential. With standing and fallen timber and deep water flats, these creeks are catfish havens. Target the creek mouths where inflowing waters meet the main lake for the best results. Several bald eagles make their winter home at Fort Gibson Lake and are often spotted fishing, adding to the scenic beauty of your fishing adventure.

When fishing Fort Gibson, use live bait like big shad or live perch near rocky banks. Flathead catfish are known to hibernate during the winter months, so anglers may find them less active. Cast your line with medium to extra-heavy rods and a 10-80 pound test line. The best times are morning, evening, or overnight, ensuring a successful outing. Don't forget, the lake offers 24 boat ramps for easy access to these prime spots.