Lacey Swope’s Fishing Journey

Watch our latest podcast episode featuring News 9 Meteorologist Lacey Swope! Lacey shares how she fell in love with fishing, the memories that keep her coming back to the water, and why spending time outdoors has become such an important part of her life. Whether you’re an avid angler or just looking for an inspiring conversation, this episode is full of laughs, stories, and a reminder that fishing is about so much more than catching fish.

Photo provided by Bridget Kirk.

Trifecta Black Bass

Three bass. One fishing trip.

Oklahoma is home to three black bass species: largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass. If catching all three is on your fishing bucket list, there are several Oklahoma waters where you can make it happen.

At Lake Tenkiller, anglers can find bass around points, coves, standing timber, brush, docks and creek channels. Lake Tenkiller is especially interesting due its connection to the Lower Illinois River, where you can also catch all three black bass species.

Broken Bow provides plenty of habitat to explore. Rocky shorelines, creek channels, points, standing timber and coves are all worth investigating. Broken Bow is also known for its black bass fishery, with largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass all present. The lake’s clear water and extensive structure make it a popular destination for anglers looking to target multiple bass species.

Pro tip: Don’t assume every bass you catch is a largemouth. Learn the differences between the three species before you hit the water and see if you can complete Oklahoma’s black bass trifecta.

Kayak-Friendly Fishing Spots

Kayak fishing gives anglers a different way to experience Oklahoma’s lakes, rivers and streams. You can quietly work shallow water, get into tighter areas and explore stretches of water that may be difficult to reach from a larger boat.

Don’t overlook Oklahoma’s OLAP fishing areas. Depending on the individual property, OLAP provides public fishing access to private lands and includes waters where gas-powered vessels are prohibited while kayaks, canoes and other non-motorized vessels are allowed.

Because OLAP properties can have property-specific restrictions and access dates, check the OLAP map and regulations before launching.

ODWC also has Wildlife Management Area’s across the state that provide anglers with access to lakes, ponds, rivers and streams, giving kayak anglers plenty of opportunities to explore new water. Depending on the area, kayaks and other non-motorized vessels can provide a great way to reach water that may be difficult to access from shore.

Other Department-managed areas throughout Oklahoma offer additional opportunities for kayak anglers. Before you load up the kayak, check the regulations and access information for the specific WMA you’re planning to visit. Some areas have special restrictions on boating, access or launching.

STEP Events

Join us at ranges across the state throughout August and September for our free wing shooting workshops. Perfect for those wanting to hone their skills or those just starting their shooting journey.

We supply the throwers, targets, ammo, and guns. And each workshop is taught and led by ODWC professionals.

Space is limited for each workshop. To register, go to wildlifedepartment.com/education/hunter-ed and select “shooting event” in the “Type” field.

Largemouth bass photo provided by Julius Caygill.

Send Us Your Fishing Photos

The Wildlife Department is proud to showcase your Oklahoma fish catches to the world. The Dock is a photo sharing platform at wildlifedepartment.com where anglers can upload fish photos right from their mobile phone. So catch that fish, snap that pic and show it off at The Dock