Hooked on Choctaw Country

Choctaw Country Destinations

Hooked on Choctaw Country

Fishing is a meditation of sorts. From the moment you cast your line, everything else seems to fade away – no bills, no deadlines, no planning what to eat for dinner. It allows us to find stillness amidst the rushing current of everyday life.

And when you find the perfect spot, it becomes sacred ground. A quiet place with an easy breeze, where the light hits the water just right, the fish are always biting and the voice of the river speaks to your soul. A place you’ll seek out time and again, season after season, year after year.

Choctaw Country is teeming with idyllic fishing holes like this. Whether you’re a master angler or just dipping your toe in the waters of the fishing world, we welcome you to reel in the adventure at some of our favorite fishing spots.

BROKEN BOW LAKE & MOUNTAIN FORK RIVER
The area around Beavers Bend State Park is one of the most popular fishing destinations in all of Choctaw Country – and for good reason. From smallmouth, largemouth and spotted bass to black or white crappie and more, Broken Bow Lake offers a diverse population of fish. To make the most of your day on the lake, be sure to pick up a stylish ride at Bandits ATV & Boat Rental.

Just south of the lake, the Lower Mountain Fork River, known for its year-round supply of trout, is a choice spot for fly fishers. If you’re new to fly fishing, or even if you just want help from someone familiar with the area, check out one of the local guides, like Beavers Bend Fly Fishing Guide Service. They’ll know which flies are in season and are happy to teach beginners the basics, like how to tie a fly.

ATOKA LAKE & McGEE CREEK STATE PARK
If you’re looking for a quiet place with a little less traffic, Atoka Lake delivers with channel catfish, largemouth bass, crappie and sunfish. There’s also a small site for primitive camping with accommodations for both tents and RVs (without water or electrical hookups).

McGee Creek State Park lies nearby, another peaceful refuge off the beaten path. The McGee Creek Reservoir is one of the best places to fish in the state, with an ample supply of smallmouth and largemouth bass, channel catfish, sunfish, perch and crappie – to name a few. But the fun doesn’t stop on the water. Boasting hiking and equestrian trails, primitive and RV campsites with full hookups, picnic areas, a playground and a gift shop, there’s plenty to keep you and the family busy while you’re here.

LAKE JOHN WELLS & ROBERT S. KERR RESERVOIR
Another of the lesser-known fishing hotspots, Lake John Wells lies tucked away outside of Stigler. Local anglers report largemouth bass, black crappie, white crappie and bluegill fish. There’s a small camping area by the lake, but spots are limited so be sure to stake your claim early.

If you want a little more room to spread out, the Robert S. Kerr Reservoir, the third largest lake in Oklahoma, can be found to the east. This sprawling lake is home to largemouth and spotted bass, black crappie, white crappie and catfish of all sorts, including blue, channel and flathead. Some of the most popular places to cast a line are the Sans Bois and Sallisaw Creeks and the Illinois and Canadian Rivers – the lake’s major tributaries.