A year-round rainbow trout fishery miles from Texas
The Lower Mountain Fork River in southeastern Oklahoma runs with cold water and supports rainbow trout — sometimes browns — year-round. The river is stocked nearly every two weeks.“Anglers can catch trout any time, but it’s great that they can get an idea of when new stockings are taking place,” said Jay Barfield, streams management technician for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. “Having the schedule right there online is like having an inside scoop on the fishing, yet it’s free to everyone who will log on and take advantage of the information.”
The Lower Mountain Fork River designated trout stream includes a 12-mile portion of the Lower Mountain Fork extending from the Broken Bow Lake spillway downstream to the U.S. Route 70 bridge. About five miles of the trout fishery lies within Beaver’s Bend State Park in McCurtain County. Bank access is unlimited within the state park and downstream to the re-regulation dam. The area attracts anglers from all over to enjoy the fishing.
“Besides the great scenery and fishing opportunities, trout fishing can be as easy or as challenging as you want, so anglers of any experience level can enjoy it,” Barfield said. “Whether you want to use fly-fishing equipment or ultra-light tackle and salmon eggs, it’s really a matter of getting out there on the water and casting a line.”
A trout license is required for all who fish in state-designated trout areas or in tributaries of state-designated trout streams during trout season. Trout anglers also must carry an Oklahoma fishing license, unless exempt, while fishing. Starting Jan. 1, the trout license requirement will be eliminated, and anglers will only be required to carry a fishing license.
