A Guide to Oklahoma City Fishing: Best Places to Go & What to Know

There are some great places you can fish in Oklahoma City and the nearby area. You’ll find a list below, as well as answers to some of the most common questions you might have about fishing here in the area.

Places You Can Fish in Oklahoma City & Surrounding Area

Lake Hefner: Located in northwest Oklahoma City, Lake Hefner is a popular spot for fishing, with a variety of species including catfish, bass, and crappie. There are several public fishing docks and piers, as well as boat ramps and rental boats available.

Lake Overholser: Located in west Oklahoma City, Lake Overholser is another popular spot for fishing, including the same list of species as Lake Hefner.  It also contains a few fishing docks, piers, and boat ramps. 

Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge: Just north of Lake Overholser is the Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge that contains the North Canadian River along with some smaller pond areas.

Lake Stanley Draper: Located in southeast Oklahoma City, Lake Stanley Draper is a large man-made lake with all of the same amenities as the others. 

Lake Thunderbird: Drive a little further Southwest from Stanley Draper and you’ll run into Lake Thunderbird.  Here, you may just catch some sunfish, saugeye, bass, crappie, or catfish.

Arcadia Lake: Located just Northeast of Oklahoma City, Arcadia Lake is an excellent fishing spot for those that live a little north of the city or those that don’t mind a little drive. Be prepared to pay a small fee to access the lake and grounds here though.

Oklahoma River: Located in downtown Oklahoma City, the Oklahoma River may be a more popular and accessible place to fish.  For your safety, be sure to stay at least 100 feet from dams and locks.  You could get a citation if you’re caught not abiding by this safety rule.

Smaller “Close to Home” Places: (Click on the name for map & directions)

South Lakes Park Ponds
Kitchen Lake
Kids’ Lake
Zoo Lake
Edwards Park Fishing Lake
Route 66 Park Ponds
Crystal Lake
Dolese Youth Park Pond

Commonly Asked Questions About OKC Fishing

Do you need a license to fish in Oklahoma City?

In Oklahoma, you need a fishing license to fish in any public waters, including in Oklahoma City. There are several types of fishing licenses available, including annual licenses, short-term licenses, and special licenses for seniors and disabled individuals. You can purchase a fishing license online or at a local license vendor. Children under 16 years of age do not need a fishing license in Oklahoma.

For Trout, keep in mind that there are special seasons and regulations that apply for this type of fish.

For more information on City and State licenses, check out the information on the Parks and Recreation page here on this page here

How much is a fishing license and where can you get one?

A general annual fishing license is $25.00. However, the pricing depends on other factors. You can see the full pricing list here: Oklahoma License Fees

You can purchase a fishing license online from the link below or visit a bait and tackle store such as Cabela’s, Bass pro, or even Walmart. Some small “mom and pop” bait and tackle stores also offer them. Here are some more places you can get a fishing license: Places to get Oklahoma Fishing License

Get Your Fishing License Online (you’ll need to register): Oklahoma Fishing License Online

What happens if you get caught fishing without a license in Oklahoma?

In Oklahoma, it is illegal to fish in any public waters without a valid fishing license. If you are caught fishing without a license, you may be subject to fines and other legal penalties. The specific consequences for fishing without a license in Oklahoma will depend on the circumstances of your case and the discretion of the court.

If you are cited for fishing without a license, you may be required to pay a fine and may also be required to obtain a fishing license before you are allowed to fish again. In addition to legal penalties, fishing without a license may also result in the confiscation of your fishing gear and the loss of your fishing privileges.

Who can fish without a license in Oklahoma?

• Children under 16: Children under the age of 16 do not need a fishing license to fish in Oklahoma.
• Non residents that are under 14 years of age.
• Resident disabled veterans with 60% or more disability.
• Anyone legally blind or physically impaired and one person accompanying them

You can see the full list here: https://www.wildlifedepartment.com/fishing/getting-started

Where can I fish in Oklahoma without a license?

Private ponds and lakes. You do not need a fishing license to fish on private ponds or lakes that are owned by you or someone you have permission from.

Can you fish in rivers for free?

No. You must have a valid fishing license to fish on any body of water that is not on land that you privately own or lease.

When can you fish for free in Oklahoma?

You can fish for free on the first weekend in June. This year in 2023 will be June 3rd and 4th.

How many fish can you keep in Oklahoma?

In Oklahoma, the number of fish that you can keep will depend on the species of fish and the specific regulations that apply to that species. Some species may have limits on the number of fish that can be kept, while others may have no limits at all.

For a detailed list of which kind for which species, check out the Oklahoma Regulations here

Keep in mind that this does not apply to bodies of water on privately owned or leased land.

How many rods & hooks can I fish with in Oklahoma?

In Oklahoma, the number of fishing rods and hooks that you can use at one time will depend on the specific regulations that apply to the body of water where you are fishing and the type of fishing you are doing.

In general, the use of multiple rods and hooks is allowed in Oklahoma, but there are some restrictions on the number of rods that can be used and how they can be used. For example, in some waters, you may be limited to using no more than three rods at a time, while in other waters, there may be no limit on the number of rods you can use.

You can read about the specifics of these rules here: Fishing regulations per specific area

Can you drink beer while fishing in Oklahoma?

In Oklahoma, it is generally legal to consume alcohol while fishing as long as you are of legal drinking age and not operating a boat or vehicle. However, you should be aware of the specific laws and regulations that apply to the area where you are fishing.

Some parks and bodies of water may have specific rules or bans on alcohol consumption, and it is important to respect and follow these rules. Additionally, it is important to be responsible and ensure that your ability to fish safely is not impaired by alcohol.

Can you have your fishing license on your phone in Oklahoma?

Yes, the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) offers a free mobile app called “Go Outdoors Oklahoma” that allows you to purchase and display your fishing license on your phone.

To use the app, you will need to create an account, purchase your license, and then display it on your phone when requested by a game warden or other law enforcement officer.

It is important to note that you should always have a physical copy of your license with you as well, as the digital version may not be accepted in all circumstances.