The Best Places to SUP Fish in Oklahoma: Top Locations, Lures, and Target Species
Oklahoma is a hidden gem for paddleboard fishing enthusiasts. With its diverse landscapes, serene lakes, and abundant water bodies, the state offers a plethora of opportunities to combine stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) with fishing. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a beginner looking for a unique fishing experience, Oklahoma has something to offer. In this article, we'll explore the 20 best places to SUP fish in Oklahoma, the best types of lures or bait to use at each location, the types of fish one can catch, and the optimal time of year to fish at each spot.
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Lake Texoma:
Located on the border of Oklahoma and Texas, Lake Texoma is one of the largest reservoirs in the United States. This massive lake is renowned for its fantastic striper fishing. For paddleboard anglers, using swimbaits or topwater lures can yield excellent results. The prime time to fish here is in the spring and fall, particularly during March and October. The largest target species caught at Lake Texoma was a 35-pound striper in April 2022.
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Grand Lake:
Known as the "Grand" lake of the Cherokees, this northeastern Oklahoma gem offers excellent paddleboard fishing opportunities. Anglers can target largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and catfish. Jigs, soft plastics, and crankbaits are productive lures to use here. Spring and early summer are the best times to fish Grand Lake, with the largest recorded catch being a 9-pound largemouth bass in May 2021.
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Lake Eufaula:
As one of the largest lakes in the state, Lake Eufaula provides SUP anglers with a vast expanse of water to explore. The lake is teeming with catfish, including blue, channel, and flathead varieties. Stinkbaits and cut baits work wonders for catching catfish here. For the best results, fish during the summer months when catfish are most active. The largest recorded catfish caught at Lake Eufaula weighed 47 pounds in July 2023.
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Lake Tenkiller:
Nestled in the Cookson Hills, Lake Tenkiller boasts clear waters and picturesque scenery. Anglers can target various species such as spotted bass, largemouth bass, and walleye. Using jerkbaits and spinnerbaits is highly effective in enticing strikes. The spring and fall seasons are prime for fishing at Lake Tenkiller. The largest recorded catch was a 6-pound walleye in May 2023.
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Keystone Lake:
Just a short drive from Tulsa, Keystone Lake offers excellent opportunities for SUP fishing. This lake is known for its healthy population of crappie, and using jigs or small minnows can lead to a productive day on the water. Crappie fishing is best during the spring and early summer months. The largest recorded crappie caught at Keystone Lake measured 16 inches in April 2023.
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Lake Murray:
Located in southern Oklahoma, Lake Murray is a popular destination for anglers seeking a variety of fish species. Bass fishing reigns supreme here, with largemouth and smallmouth bass being the primary targets. Plastic worms and topwater lures are great choices for these bass. Fish during the spring and fall for the best action. The largest recorded bass caught at Lake Murray was a 7-pound largemouth in October 2022.
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Fort Cobb Lake:
Fort Cobb Lake is a smaller reservoir, but it offers fantastic paddleboard fishing opportunities. Crappie are the main draw here, and using live minnows or jigs can lead to a successful day of fishing. The best time to fish for crappie is during the spring spawning season. The largest recorded crappie caught at Fort Cobb Lake was 14 inches in May 2023.
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Lake Thunderbird:
Close to the bustling city of Norman, Lake Thunderbird provides a convenient escape for paddleboard anglers. The lake is well-known for its hybrid striped bass fishery. Casting swimbaits and spoons can entice these aggressive predators. Early summer and fall are the prime times for hybrid striped bass fishing. The largest recorded catch was a 10-pound hybrid striped bass in September 2022.
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Oologah Lake:
Situated in northeastern Oklahoma, Oologah Lake is a favorite destination for anglers seeking catfish and white bass. Cut baits and live shad are effective baits for catfish, while small jigs or crankbaits work well for white bass. Fish during the summer months for the best results. The largest recorded catfish caught at Oologah Lake weighed 35 pounds in July 2022, and the largest white bass caught measured 18 inches in June 2022.
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Waurika Lake:
Waurika Lake, located in the southwestern part of the state, is a lesser-known gem for SUP fishing. The lake is abundant in channel catfish, and using chicken liver or stinkbaits can yield impressive catches. For the best results, fish during the warmer months. The largest recorded channel catfish caught at Waurika Lake was 28 pounds in August 2023.
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Lake Hefner:
In the heart of Oklahoma City, Lake Hefner offers convenient paddleboard fishing opportunities for urban anglers. This lake is home to blue catfish and largemouth bass. Using cut shad or shad imitating lures can produce good results. Fish during the warmer months for the best chances. The largest recorded blue catfish caught at Lake Hefner was 30 pounds in June 2022, and the largest largemouth bass was 6 pounds in May 2021.
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Birch Lake:
Tucked away in northeastern Oklahoma's Osage Hills, Birch Lake is a peaceful location for SUP fishing. Anglers can target largemouth bass and crappie here. Using plastic worms and jigs for bass and small minnows for crappie is recommended. The best time to fish Birch Lake is during the spring and fall. The largest recorded largemouth bass caught at Birch Lake weighed 8 pounds in October 2022, and the largest crappie was 15 inches in May 2023.
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Canton Lake:
Located in northwest Oklahoma, Canton Lake is a prime spot for SUP anglers seeking walleye. Jigs, crankbaits, and live minnows are all effective choices for walleye fishing here. The best time to target walleye is during the cooler months of spring and fall. The largest recorded walleye caught at Canton Lake was 8 pounds in April 2023.
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Lake Overholser:
Nestled on the western edge of Oklahoma City, Lake Overholser is a convenient spot for urban paddleboard fishing. This lake is abundant in catfish, with blue catfish being the most sought-after species. Chicken liver and cut shad are top choices for catfish here. Fish during the warmer months for the best results. The largest recorded blue catfish caught at Lake Overholser was 22 pounds in June 2023.
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Sooner Lake:
Sooner Lake, located near Stillwater, Oklahoma, is a lesser-known but productive fishing spot. Paddleboard anglers can target white bass and crappie here. Small jigs and crankbaits work well for both species. Fish during the spring for white bass and spring and fall for crappie. The largest recorded white bass caught at Sooner Lake was 17 inches in April 2022, and the largest crappie was 14 inches in October 2022.
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Lake Carl Etling:
Nestled in the Wichita Mountains, Lake Carl Etling is a scenic and peaceful fishing destination. This lake is known for its healthy population of bluegill and redear sunfish. Using small jigs, worms, or crickets can lead to a fun day of catching these panfish. The best time to fish for bluegill and redear sunfish is during the spring and early summer months. The largest recorded bluegill caught at Lake Carl Etling measured 9 inches in May 2023, and the largest redear sunfish was 11 inches in June 2022.
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Great Salt Plains Lake:
Located in northern Oklahoma, Great Salt Plains Lake offers a unique fishing experience for paddleboard anglers. This lake is known for its excellent white bass fishing. Using small jigs or inline spinners can be highly effective. Fish during the spring and early summer for the best action. The largest recorded white bass caught at Great Salt Plains Lake was 16 inches in May 2022.
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Lake Ponca:
Situated in the city of Ponca City, Lake Ponca provides urban anglers with convenient fishing opportunities. This lake is home to largemouth bass and catfish. Using plastic worms and crankbaits for bass and chicken liver for catfish can produce great results. The best time to fish Lake Ponca is during the spring and summer months. The largest recorded largemouth bass caught at Lake Ponca weighed 7 pounds in June 2022, and the largest catfish was 25 pounds in July 2023.
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McGee Creek Lake:
Nestled in the Ouachita Mountains, McGee Creek Lake is a tranquil destination for paddleboard fishing. This lake is known for its trophy-sized largemouth bass. Using swimbaits, plastic worms, and jigs can lead to impressive catches. The best time to fish for largemouth bass is during the spring and fall. The largest recorded largemouth bass caught at McGee Creek Lake was 10 pounds in October 2022.
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Broken Bow Lake:
Nestled in the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains in southeastern Oklahoma, Broken Bow Lake is a picturesque destination for paddleboard fishing. This clear, deep reservoir offers a serene and scenic fishing experience. The lake is home to a variety of fish species, including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, and catfish.
For largemouth bass, paddleboard anglers can have success using plastic worms, crankbaits, and spinnerbaits. Early morning and late evening fishing are particularly productive during the warmer months. The largest recorded largemouth bass caught at Broken Bow Lake was 8 pounds in July 2022.
Smallmouth bass can also be targeted in Broken Bow Lake, with rocky points and submerged structures being the prime spots to find them. Using jigs, soft plastics, and small crankbaits can entice these feisty fighters. Spring and fall are the best times to pursue smallmouth bass. The largest recorded smallmouth bass caught at Broken Bow Lake was 5 pounds in September 2022.
Crappie fishing is popular at Broken Bow Lake, especially during the spring spawning season. Anglers can use small jigs, minnows, or small spinners to catch these panfish. Targeting the submerged brush and fallen trees can lead to rewarding catches. The largest recorded crappie caught at Broken Bow Lake was 13 inches in May 2023.
Catfish enthusiasts will also find ample opportunities at Broken Bow Lake. The lake is home to blue catfish and channel catfish. Using cut baits, chicken liver, or stinkbaits can yield great results. Fishing during the warmer months, particularly in the evenings, is ideal for catching catfish. The largest recorded catfish caught at Broken Bow Lake was a 30-pound blue catfish in June 2023.
With its stunning scenery and diverse fishery, Broken Bow Lake offers an unforgettable SUP fishing experience. Whether you're after trophy-sized bass, scrappy smallmouth, or delicious crappie and catfish, this southeastern Oklahoma gem has it all. As always, practice responsible fishing practices and respect the environment to preserve the beauty of Broken Bow Lake for future generations of anglers.
Conclusion:
Oklahoma offers an abundance of beautiful and diverse fishing locations for SUP enthusiasts. Whether you're after trophy-sized catfish, bass, or panfish, the state has a wide range of options to suit all preferences. From the massive reservoirs to the serene mountain lakes, each fishing spot presents a unique experience for paddleboard anglers. Remember to check local regulations and acquire the necessary fishing permits before venturing out. Always practice catch-and-release when appropriate to help sustain the fisheries for generations to come. So, grab your paddleboard, fishing gear, and head to these incredible Oklahoma fishing spots for an unforgettable experience on the water. Happy fishing!
Glide Paddle Boards SUP Fishing Tips.
Welcome to our Comprehensive Guide on paddle board fishing! Whether you're a beginner or an experienced angler, we have a wealth of tips and information to make your SUP fishing experience a success. Glide Paddle Boards offers a wide range of paddle boards suitable for all your needs.
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