A First Timer's Guide to The Lower Mountain Fork River


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.
  
Beavers Bend Fly Shop is located inside the park, so stop in Eddie will be happy to help you with a selection of flies. Some of their website's information is a little outdated but the forum has a wealth of good information on the river and flies. You can also check this hatch chart so you can tie a few flies before you leave. Keep in mind these are stocked trout and are usually not as selective as older more adapt fish on the river. If one thing doesn’t seem to be working for you try something else. Hint: small nymphs and crayfish imitations are good year round.

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!

21 comments:

  1. Thanks for putting all yhis info together. It is a big help in planing my fall trip.
    California fly guy.

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  2. Thanks brother. Great info! Can't wait for my next trip!

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  3. Planning my first trip. Great info. Thanks!

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  4. I made a trip to the Lower Mountain Fork several months ago... a TON of fish, but they were very weary of anything I tossed their way. A lot of smallies, and a TON of freshwater drum roaming around... I think these fish are seasoned though, they probably see thousands of boats come through a year!

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  5. This is a very nice river to fish, with some nice trout in it as well. I am used to fishing the Blue river in Oklahoma which is only stocked during the cold months. I 12 rainbows that ranged from 14-17" the 2 days I fished it and several smaller ones. I also managed a couple of browns. Definitely a great place to fish if you take your time and find some good holes.

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  7. I am coming from Kansas with my children for a few days over Christmas. Would like to catch a few trout and enjoy while we are there. Do i need to purchase fly rod and gear? Or are there areas there to bank fish with decent results?

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  8. Anyone? Anyone? Anyone?

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    Replies
    1. THERE ARE PLACES TO FISH IN THE PARK FROM THE BANK. YOU CAN USE AN ULTRALITE REEL WITH AS SMALL BAITS AS YOU CAN THROW. THE TROUT ARE SMALLER IN THE PARK BUT PLENTIFUL. GOOD LUCK!!

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  9. I can't access the map. Anyone have help. I am going there this weekend.

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    Replies
    1. Map updated. Thanks for the notice Shelly hope you have a fantastic trip!

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  10. What are the water temperatures in the river this time of year (late June)?

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  11. we are going to be there for a week over spring break at buckeye campground. Can we expect good fish there or will i need to walk down to zone 2 for better?

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  12. I love fishing from a river. It’s one of the most enjoyable activities whenever I am off duty. However, I am planning to engage a new river in a few weeks’ time. The information you deliver in your article has helped me learn some new skills, which will definitely come in handy. I also found some more tips and tricks from the following post: http://survival-mastery.com/skills/scouting/river-fishing-tips.html

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  13. Thank you very much. Just moved to Oklahoma and need to find good trout water to toss flies.

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  14. This is very suitable place for fishing. Thanks for sharing this blog.

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  15. Thank you very much for some terrific resources to make anyone’s trip to Broken Bow a special one.

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  16. I really enjoyed reading this post, big fan. Keep up the good work andplease tell me when can you publish more articles or where can I read more on the subject?
    fishing tackle 

    ReplyDelete
  17. Odious
    Tight lines to all. I am planning a trip to the river soon and am wondering about the camp grounds there. Seems like its all first come first serve. Any knowledge of the turn-around there as for as small camper spots. Looking at staying about 4-6 days. Any help would be great.

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  18. Samtgemeinde Sögel Exceptional entry! I found it very interesting. I'll check back later to see if more posts are added.

    ReplyDelete