A First Timer's Guide to The Lower Mountain Fork River
The most difficult part about fishing a new river is preparing for the unknown. This guide will help you plan a successful trip to one of the best trout fisheries in the south. Hiring a guide can quickly get you up to speed when fishing a new area. If you are like me, the best part of the adventure is exploring new territory on your own.
The Lower Mountain Fork offers 12 miles of
designated trout fishing from the Broken Bow Reservoir Spillway downstream to
the U.S. Hwy 70 bridge. It offers a variety
of types of water from small fast creeks to big open water with deep pools. No
matter what your skill level or style of fishing you will find something that
works for you.
When I began researching the Lower Mountain Fork, accurate
information was hard to come by. Most of the maps and regulations had changed.
In fact, it was near impossible to find current well marked maps. Many
helpful forums exist with post recommending flies to bring and holes to try, but
if you don’t have someone to show you the way, you'll waste a lot of valuable
fishing time. If you bookmark this article on your smartphone you will have all the resources you need for a great day on the river right at your fingertips.
WHEN TO GO
Fishing is good year round, but park attendance is
highest from late spring until school starts again. This popular
river can get busy on the weekends, but if you plan your trip during off peak
times you will have access to more areas to fish. Knowing where to start your
morning will help you secure a great spot before the crowds arrive.
Trout are stocked year round, but planning your trip
close to a stocking date may increase your odds. The trout stocking schedule is updated as needed.
Check the Power Generation Schedule Website before you plan which section of the river you will fish and make sure
you call the automated generation hotline for the most current information before you set out (866-494-1993). If
they are generating electric, the stretch below the powerhouse will be
unfishable and you will want to get a spot above it before the park gets
crowded. Generally speaking, this area is a great place for a
first timer to start. When you're ready to try a more technical zone you can venture below the state park
dam and if your lucky it will be less crowded.
GEAR
Knowing what gear to pack will help you travel light
and still be prepared for any situation. I recommend a 9 ½’ 4 or 5 weight rod. A 7 ½ ft leader with 5x tippet will work well for most situations. You can get away with only taking floating line. If you have a shorter rod, you may want to
bring it to fish Spillway Creek. Casting room is a little tighter in this
area. The rocks are slick so bring a good pair of boots and maybe even a wading staff if you plan on going to zone 2.
FEES AND REGULATIONS
Daily
park entrance is free, but a resident or nonresident fishing license is
required to fish. The annual license is the best value if you plan on two or
more trips a year. The annual license expires the last day of the calendar year. You can purchase a license online or once you
get to town. I got mine at the Broken Bow Wal-Mart. They are open 24 hours and
someone was able to process mine at midnight!
This map is the best I found for publicly known fishing hole locations and other park areas and landmarks of interest. I recommend you print a copy for your trip. When you see the park maps you'll thank me later! Also, familiarize yourself with the fishing zone map so you understand
which special regulations apply to you.This information can be found inside the park and on the Oklahoma Wildlife Department Regulations Website. (see trout and trout area regulations)
LODGING
Accommodations can be found both inside and outside
the park. Camping and cabin facilities are available within the State Park and
below the Re-regulation Dam. For information call the park at (580) 494-6300.
If you want to stay in a cabin make sure to plan ahead.
OTHER INFO
Check out the current fishing report
posted by Rob Woodruff. Rob is a full-time Orvis endorsed fly fishing guide with
over 30 years experience. He has a degree in Entomology and teaches seminars on
a variety of other fly fishing and fly tying subjects. I feel like I should mention I'm in no way affiliated with him, but if you would like more information on his services check his guide webpage
for more information. If you've had a good experience with another guide or have a tip for our readers please share a comment below. Take a moment to like our Facebook page for future updates and reports. You can also subscribe to our Youtube page for more fly fishing videos.
Good luck and tight lines!
Good luck and tight lines!
