Page 22 - 2022/2023 Oklahoma Fishing & Hunting Regulations

TR O U T AR E A I N F O R M A TI O N
TROUT AREA INFORMATION

Lower Illinois River

Trout Stocking Season:
Year-round.
Designated Trout Area/Size/Location:
A 7.75-mile portion of the Illinois River from Tenkiller Ferry
Dam to U.S. 64 bridge near Gore in Sequoyah Coun ty.

Bank Access/Boat Ramps:
The Lower Illinois River Public Fishing and Hunting Area –
Simp and Helen Watts Management Unit offers public fishing
access to almost one mile of the trout stream and 320 acres of
public hunting opportunity (see map). To reach the area, travel
north on State Highway 100 from Gore about four miles. Turn east
onto county road E0990 and travel about one mile to the entrance.
Park in the designated parking area only. The area is managed
for walk-in access only.
Four other public access sites are available along the state-des-
ignated trout stream, including a pool off the river located im-
mediately below the dam which allows trout fishing even during
high power generation. Another good site is located at the River
Road Public Access Area about six miles downstream from the
dam. The Gore Landing Public Access Area, operated by the town
of Gore, (918) 489-2636, offers camping and a boat launching ramp.

Special Regulations: Daily limit
Daily limit is three trout, only one of which may be a brown trout
no less than 20 inches, from USGS stream gauge downstream to Gravel Pit County
Road: daily limit is one trout, 20 inch minimum length.
Trout fishing in the Lower Illinois River Simp and Helen Watts Management Unit
from the USGS stream gauge downstream to Gravel Pit County Road is restricted
to artificial flies and lures only and barbless hooks only (see page 17). Single barbed
hooks 3/0 or larger may be used only when fishing with natural bait for species
other than trout. Artificial baits and treble hooks with barbs when using hooks 3/0
or larger are also allowed when fishing for species other than trout.
Lower Illinois River Public Fishing and Hunting Area
Simp and Helen Watts Management Unit – all general trout fishing regulations
apply (see page 17). No overnight camping is allowed on the area.

Perry CCC / Lake Perry Park Watonga Lake

Trout Stocking Season All trout stockings have been temporarily diverted to Boecher
Trout are stocked from Nov. 1 to March 31 of the following cal- Lake within Roman Nose State Park while Watonga Dam repairs
endar year. are ongoing.
Designated Trout Area/Size/Location Trout Stocking Season
One mile south of Perry off State Highway 86 in Noble County. This Trout are stocked from Nov. 1 through March 31 of the following
32-acre lake is within five minutes of Interstate 35. calendar year.
Bank Access/Boat Ramps Designated Trout Area/Size/Location
Bank access plentiful; boat ramp on west side of the lake. Seven miles north of Watonga in Blaine County. This 55-acre lake is
within Roman Nose State Park.
Notes of Interest
Historic pavilions near the south shoreline were projects of the Bank Access/Boat Ramps
Civilian Conservation Corps in 1934. Bank access and a boat ramp on the west side of the lake.
Special Regulations Notes of Interest
The City of Perry issues permits for fishing and boating (trolling Camping and lodge facilities are available within Roman Nose State
motors only). Camping is available nearby. For information, call (580) Park. For information, call the park at (800) 892-8690.
336-4241.

20 2022-2023 OKLAHOMA FISHING & HUNTING REGULATIONS