Warm Water Delays Trout Stocking in Oklahoma

According to the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, trout stocking is delayed at two locations in Oklahoma due to warmer than usual weather this fall.

Seasonal trout fishing will begin on scheduled Nov. 1 for all locations with the exception of Medicine Creek in southwestern Oklahoma and at Perry/CCC Lake in north-central Oklahoma. Once water temperatures reach the 60s in the two delayed locations, the fisheries will be stocked for the season.

“Trout require cooler water to survive. Water around 70 degrees is simply too warm,” said Barry Bolton, chief of Fisheries with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. “The most responsible thing to do is to wait until we have water temperatures that are more trout-friendly.”

Oklahoma currently has two year-long trout fisheries in the Lower Illinois River and Lower Mountain Fork River. Seasonal fisheries from ODWC include:

• Robbers Cave: In Robbers Cave State Park, this trout fishery is in the Fourche Maline River directly below Carlton Dam to the south boundary of the park. Trout stocking season runs Nov. 1 to March 15. From Wilburton, go 5 miles north on State Highway 2. Bank access and wade fishing is available anywhere within state park boundaries. Camping facilities and cabins are available at the park.
• Lake Watonga: This 55-acre lake is in Roman Nose State Park. Trout stocking season runs Nov. 1 to March 31. From Watonga, go 7 miles north on State Highway 8A. Bank access and a boat ramp are on the west side of the lake. Camping and lodging are available at the park.  NOTE: Due to safety concerns, public access to the dam is closed. Fishing from the dam or walking across the dam is not permitted at this time.
• Blue River: This river flows through the Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area near Tishomingo. Trout stocking season runs Nov. 1 to March 31. From Tishomingo, go 4 miles east on State Highway 78 and then 6 miles north. Bank access and wade fishing is available throughout the area. Primitive camping is allowed at the Blue River campground.
• Lake Carl Etling: This lake is at Black Mesa State Park in Cimarron County. Trout stocking season runs Nov. 1 to April 30. From Boise City, go 28 miles west on U.S. 325. Boat ramps are on the south and east sides of the lake. Primitive and developed camping facilities are available at the park.

For more information about the trout season, visit our partners at wildlifedepartment.com.