/ Fishing
About the Program
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation's Oklahoma Angler Recognition Program recognizes anglers who catch exceptional fish in Oklahoma waters.
The program is designed to acknowledge anglers for outstanding sportfishing accomplishments, to encourage and celebrate the catch of trophy-size fish and to obtain information on large fish caught throughout the state.
Trophy Angler Award: Catch a fish larger than the minimum length for that species. (see table below)
Master Angler Award: Catch five or more trophy designated fish that have been reviewed and awarded a trophy designation (see table below). Requires applicant to submit application once they believe they have fulfilled all requirements, ODWC will not initiate this process.
Who Can Apply?
Fishing enthusiasts of all ages are eligible for the Oklahoma Angler Recognition Program Awards, including both residents and non-residents.
Trophy Angler Form Master Angler Form
If you are interested in applying for the Master Angler Award please contact Jonathan West at trophyangler@odwc.ok.gov
What Will You Receive?
Trophy Angler Award:
A digital certificate memorializing your catch. Trophy anglers will also be listed on the ODWC website and in an annual report.
Master Angler Award:
A digital certificate similar to the Trophy Angler plus a physical memento such as a pin or challenge coin that is unique to this program. Master anglers will also be listed on ODWC website and in an annual report.
How Do You Qualify?
Trophy Angler Award
- You must catch a fish that meets or exceeds the minimum length listed as the minimum for each eligible species.
- Fish must be taken in Oklahoma waters following Oklahoma fishing regulations. Fish taken from hatcheries or fee-fishing areas are not eligible.
- Application for trophy angler designation must occur within 30 days of catch.
- Only fish caught on hook and line are eligible (rod and reel, cane pole, trotline, limbline, jugline) and must be played by only one person.
- Fish should be measured on a flat surface from the tip of the snout to the end of the tail with the mouth closed and tail lobes pressed together. Measuring illustrated below.
- A clear photograph showing a side view of the fish against the measuring device must be submitted to verify the species and length of the fish. All submitted photographs become the property of the Department.
- ODWC reserves the right to review, reject or accept any application submitted. All ODWC Angler Recognition decisions on a submission will be final. All photos submitted become property of ODWC for use in other publications and distributions.
- Any attempt at fraud, misuse, misrepresentation or other illegal means to attain Trophy or Master Angler designation will result in disqualification of any submissions and a permanent ban from the program.
Master Angler Award
- Anglers must have 5 or more Trophy Angler Awards.
- Date of submission will determine the year on the award
- Once attained, any of the 5 fish submitted cannot be used for future Master Angler certifications
- No more than two submissions of a single fish species can be used towards the Master Angler designation
- Trophy Angler Award rules #1-8 apply.
- Master Angler must apply for the designation and supply Trophy Angler certificates to verify eligibility.
| Species | Length (inches) |
|---|---|
Bass | |
| Largemouth | 23 |
| Smallmouth | 20 |
| Spotted | 18 |
True Bass | |
| Striped | 34 |
| White | 19 |
| Striped/White Hybrid | 28 |
Catfish | |
| Channel | 34 |
| Blue | 41 |
| Flathead | 42 |
Crappie | |
| Black/White | 15 |
True Perch | |
| Sauger | 19 |
| Walleye | 26 |
| Saugeye | 25 |
Sunfish | |
| All species | 9 |
Trout | |
| Rainbow Trout | 20 |
| Brown Trout | 21 |
Measuring Fish
When measuring fish, total length is measured from the tip of the snout to the end of the tail, with fish laid flat on a ruler, mouth closed and tail fin lobes pressed together.
