BLUEGILL SUNFISH
REDEAR SUNFISH
GREEN SUNFISH
Sunfish are the everywhere fish. Found in all of the state's water, there are a multitude of different sunfish species, but the most encountered by anglers are bluegill, redear, green and longear sunfish.
Did you know that smallmouth, largemouth and spotted bass are in the sunfish family? Crappie are too!
Like bass and crappie, sunfish are ambush predators that prefer dense cover and structure. They are most often found and caught along weedy, grassy, woody and/or rocky shorelines from April - October.
Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation produces a hybrid sunfish at its Byron Fish Hatchery. These hybrids are a cross between bluegill and green sunfish. These fish have the desirable qualities of green sunfish, such as a larger mouth and voracious appetite, paired with the larger body and maximum weight of bluegill. ODWC stocks these fish in ponds and lakes across the state, most notably in its Close to Home Program water bodies.
SPECIES PROFILE
- Oklahoma Distribution
Bluegill, green and redear sunfish can be found statewide. Other species of sunfish are pocketed across the state.
- Description
Bluegill are a relatively large, deep-bodied sunfish with a small mouth, black opercular (ear) flap, and a black spot at the rear base of the dorsal fin. Later in the summer, slip-bobber rigs can be used to fish deeper waters. Although sunfish will feed throughout the day, peak activity often occurs early in the morning and later in the evening. Bluegill seldom exceed 12-inches in length and a one–pound fish is considered large.
The redear sunfish has a red outer margin on the opercular (ear) flap. Redear can attain lengths up to 12-inches and weight up to two pounds.
- Habitat
Young bluegill frequent shallow, weedy areas near shore, while adults prefer deeper water during the day and shallows in the morning and evening.
Redear usually inhabit clear, slightly vegetated water.
Green sunfish prefer small streams and ponds and can survive in habitats too small or temporary to support most other sunfish.
- Natural Food Sources
- Insects
- Crustaceans
- Larvae
- Snails
- Aquatic plants
- Spawning
Spawning occurs throughout the summer after temperatures reach 75°F. Bluegill are gregarious spawners, constructing colonies of nests on the spawning grounds. Males prepare a nest by excavating a small depression in sand or gravel in water one to three feet deep. Females produce an average of 40,000 eggs per season. After eggs are deposited and fertilized, the males drive the females from the nest and guard the eggs, leaving the young a few days after hatching.
Redear spawning habits are very similar to bluegill, although redear are not as prolific. Redear spawn in late spring or early summer when water temperatures reach 66°F to 70°F.
Green sunfish spawn primarily from May through early summer in a shallow nest-like bottom depression formed by the male.
- Fish Facts
Stilwell City Lake is a top producer of large sunfish where anglers often latch onto bluegill weighing more than 1/2 pound.
Young bluegill are important farm pond forage fish for bass and catfish. However, the high reproductive rate of bluegill often results in overcrowded populations of stunted fish. This problem can be controlled by restricting harvest of largemouth bass.
Although sunfish will feed throughout the day, peak activity often occurs early in the morning and later in the evening.
I'm not a perch, I'm a sunfish. Oklahoma has members of both the perch and sunfish families swimming its waters.
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FISHING TIPS
Fishing for sunfish really picks up in late spring during their spawning period and stays good until the late fall. Sunfish inhabit shallower water, compared to other species, during these months making them easily accessible to all anglers.
Sunfish spawn in bulk numbers. Catching 50 or more fish in a short period of time is not uncommon during the spawning period, which is an excellent opportunity to introduce someone new to fishing.
It is also a great time of year to catch large sunfish exceeding 10-inches. Sunfish are often thought of as a first fish for new anglers, but a 10+ inch fish on micro lite rods with light line will get the most experienced of anglers reinvigorated in pan-fishing.
In clearer water, sunfish spawning beds are easily identifiable. The spawning beds look like a dinner plate-sized shallow crater with a small circle of gravel, or other hard debris, in the middle of the crater and are grouped together sometimes in the hundreds.
Redear sunfish attain lengths up to 12 inches and weights to two pounds. They respond best to natural bait and are more difficult to catch than bluegill. Redear sunfish normally inhabit deeper water than bluegill and congregate around stumps, logs and roots.
Weed beds with mixed hard structure like logs or stumps are ideal habitat for trophy-sized bluegill and redear sunfish.
Green sunfish are usually found in the shallowest of water around cover or structure (branches, weeds, cut banks, etc.). Due to its large mouth and voracious appetite green sunfish can often be caught on much larger baits than the other typical panfish species.
Most people are introduced to sunfish with the most basic of setups: a piece of live worm on a small hook and a bobber. While this is an excellent method, especially to new anglers and youngsters, sunfish are still predators (just lower on the food chain in most bodies of water) and will take artificial lures and flies.
From April to mid-June focus your efforts for sunfish in shallow water in the backs of coves, flats off of main lake areas or creek channels, weedy shoreline and riprap.
If you are employing a basic hook, split shot and bobber technique, try night crawlers, Crappie Nibbles, corn kernels and crickets/grasshoppers. Crappie Nibbles work great for catching sunfish, are easy to store (without refrigeration) and do not make the same mess as worms or other natural baits.
For artificial lures, try small naturally colored tubes, grubs or swimbaits on a 1/32nd or 1/16th ounce jighead. During the spawning period, the bite can be fast and furious, so artificial lures can save on bait for those looking to catch lots of fish over multiple days.
If using bait, stick with thin wire long shank hooks (such as an Aberdeen Hook) in sizes 6 - 8. The long shank is helpful in retrieving the hook from the fish's small mouth opening.
Habitat to Target
- Protected Shoreline - areas with lots of shallow cover and structure, such as weed-lines, brush, riprap, tree lay downs and shade.
- Coves - particularly the backs of coves in the morning and evening hours.
- Docks - individual or marina.
- Standing Timber - patches of submerged logs, stumps and trees.
Rod & Reel Setup
- Light to Medium action rod
- Spinning, spincasting or baitcasting reel
- 2-pound to 10-pound test line
Top Lures
- Tube
1.5" to 3" tube in shades of green, brown, black, white or orange
Editor's pick: 1.5" Bass Pro Shops Crappie Maxx Squirmin' Squirt Tube in Green Pumpkin Red Flake paired with a 1/32nd ounce Bass Pro Shops Squirt Head
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- Curly Tail Grub
1.5" to 3" curly tail grub in shades of green, brown, black, white or orange
- Editor's pick: 2" Bass Pro Shops Crappie Maxx Squirmin' Grub in Electric Blue Chartreuse Metal Flake paired with a 1/32nd or 1/16th ounce jig-head
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- Inline Spinner
1/24th ounce to 1/8th ounce inline spinner in shades of white, chartreuse, pink or orange
- Editor's pick: 1/16th ounce Worden's Original Rooster Tail in Hammered Brass Chartreuse
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- Swimbait
1" to 3" swimbait in shades of white, chartreuse, blue, pink or orange
- Editor's pick: 1.25” Bobby Garland Itty Bit Swim'R in Screamer, Monkey Milk, Outlaw Special or Electric Chicken paired with a 1/16th ounce Itty Bit Jig Head
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- Baby Shad
1.5" to 3" baby shad in shades of white, chartreuse, blue or orange
- Editor's pick: 2" Bobby Garland Baby Shad in Screamer, Monkey Milk, Outlaw Special or Electric Chicken paired with a 1/16th ounce chartreuse Crappie Pro Mo' Glo Jig Head
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- Hair Jig
1/32nd to 1/16th ounce marabou or hair jig in shades of white, black, blue or chartreuse
- Editor's pick: 1/16th ounce Crappie Magnet Pop-Eye Jig in Black, White or Chartreuse
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- Kits
Panfish kits offer great options for anglers of all skill levels
- Editor's pick: Creme Panfish Kit
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Common Sunfish Brands
- Bobby Garland - Follow on Facebook and Youtube (Bobby Garland Crappie & Bobby Garland Crappie TV) for special offers, fishing tips and latest innovations
- Top Lure: Bobby Garland Itty Bit Swim'R
- Top Colors: Screamer, Monkey Milk, Outlaw Special, Electric Chicken
- Pair with a 1/64th, 1/48th, 1/32nd or 1/16th ounce jig head
- Top Jig Head: 1/16th ounce Itty Bit Jig Head
- Pair with a 1/64th, 1/48th, 1/32nd or 1/16th ounce jig head
- Johnson
- Top Lure: 1/16th ounce Original Beetle Spin
- Top Colors: Black Chartreuse Orange, Fluorescent Chartreuse, Black Chartreuse
- Strike King
- Top Lure: Mr. Crappie Sausage Head Jig
- Top Colors: Monkey Shine, Tuxedo Black-Chartreuse, Pink Tuxedo
- Kalin's
- Top Lure: Triple Threat 2" Grub
- Top Colors: Chartreuse Shad, Junebug Chartreuse, Blue and Silver
- Pair with a 1/16th or 1/8th ounce jig head
- Top Jig Head: 1/16th ounce Eagle Claw Round
- Pair with a 1/16th or 1/8th ounce jig head
- Mister Twister
- Top Lure: 2-1/2" Sassy Shad
- Top Colors: Chartreuse Flake, Pearl Gold, White Pearl
- Pair with a 1/16th or 1/8th ounce jig head
- Top Jig Head: 1/8th ounce Crappie Pro Mo' Glo
- Pair with a 1/16th or 1/8th ounce jig head
- Bass Pro Shops
- Top Lure: 1-1/2" Crappie Maxx Squirmin' Squirt
- Top Colors: Green Pumpkin Red & Black Flake, Orange Core Chartreuse, Electric Purple Chartreuse
- Pair with a 1/16th or 3/32nd ounce tube jig head
- Top Jig Head: 1/16th ounce Squirt Head
- Pair with a 1/16th or 3/32nd ounce tube jig head
- Worden's
- Top Lure: 1/8th ounce Original Rooster Tail
- Top Colors: Frog, Grasshopper, Hammered Silver White
- Creme
- Top Lure: Pond Favorites Lipless Crankbait
- Top Colors: Black Back
Top Bait
Natural/live bait can be drifted below a bobber or fished near the bottom with weight. Small to medium sized bait-holding hooks are ideal tackle.
- Red Worm
Known under various common names such as manure worm, brandling worm, panfish worm, trout worm, tiger worm, and red wiggler worm, the red worm is a species of earthworm adapted to decaying organic material. These worms thrive in rotting vegetation, compost, and manure. They are epigean, meaning they crawl on the surface of soil, but are rarely found in soil.
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- Nightcrawler
Canadian nightcrawlers are one of the largest commonly available worms. They are sometimes called "dew worms" because they are sometimes found outside in the early morning when there is morning dew still on the ground and nearby plants. The scientific name for them is Lumbricus terrestris. Other names include "lobworm" or just "nightcrawlers." Despite the name, Canadian nightcrawlers are believed to have originated in Europe.
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- Short-Horned Grasshopper
Family: Acrididae (short-horned grasshoppers) in the order Orthoptera (grasshoppers, katydids, crickets)
Description: The short-horned grasshopper family includes many familiar jumpers. They are named for their antennae, which are relatively short compared to those in the "long-horned" (katydid) group. The antennae are usually less than half the length of the body and have fewer than 30 segments. Most short-horned grasshoppers are camouflaged with green, olive, tan, brown, or black, though some are quite colorful. Some have colorful wings that only show in flight. The hind legs are specialized for jumping; the mouthparts for chewing.
Like other members of order Orthoptera, short-horned grasshoppers have the first pair of wings long, narrow, fairly thick, and many-veined, functioning as a cover for the second pair, which are membranous and used for flying.
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CLEANING TIPS
COOKING TIPS
![Watch How to Clean and Cook Bluegill [Clean & Cook] on YouTube.](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/MjtBRsW0u_M/sddefault.jpg)
AREA HIGHLIGHTS
Southwest
Not Submitted
Northwest
- American Horse
American Horse Lake
American Horse Lake (Google Map) is located in Blaine County 10 miles west of Geary (S5,T13N,R12W).
American Horse Lake was constructed by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation in 1966. Vegetation around the lake is post-oak-blackjack forest and mixed-grass eroded plains types.
The lake has one concrete boat ramp, several picnic tables, and one water well. Geary is the nearest town in which to obtain picnic and fishing supplies. The lake supports an abundant population of good-sized bluegill and catchable-size largemouth bass.
Fishing Tips
Submitted by Northwest Region Fisheries Intern Jarrett Sinclair
Local Lure Favorites: 1/32oz Jig heads with tubes or curly tail grubs, Small hair jigs, also work well, colors vary but a good base to start out with include pink, red, white, and chartreuse.
Live bait: live worms, small crickets, and grasshoppers under a bobber or slip cork with a split shot weight and a size 10 hook.
General Info: sunfish fishing is best in the warmer spring months of May and June. Sunfish can be caught along banks with structure such as fallen limbs, rocks, and aquatic vegetation.
Fishing Contact
Game Warden
Operator
Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation
Location
American Horse Lake (Google Map) is located in Blaine County 10 miles west of Geary (S5,T13N,R12W). Vegetation around the lake is post-oak-blackjack forest and mixed grass eroded plains types.
Drive Time
From OKC - 1.25 hours
From Tulsa - 2.5 hours
From Weatherford - 45 minutes
Recreational Facilities
The lake has one concrete boat ramp, several picnic tables and one water well. Geary is the nearest town in which to obtain picnic and fishing supplies. The lake supports an abundant population of good-sized bluegill and catchable size largemouth bass.
Find a Fishing Campground
- Primitive camping is permitted only in designated camping areas. Limited to 3-days. Operation or use of any audio-producing device including radios, televisions and musical instruments or motorized equipment used in such a manner as to reasonably annoy or endanger persons at any time or exceed state or local laws governing noise levels is prohibited.
Other Fish Species of Interest
Bait & Tackle Nearby
- Walmart Supercenter
- Roman Nose General Store
- Gilchrist General Store
- Walmart Supercenter
- Walmart Supercenter
- Lead Babies Slabs
- Walmart Supercenter
- Academy
- Walmart Supercenter
- Walmart Supercenter
Physical Description
- Shoreline Length - 6.80 mi.
- Volume - 2,200.00 ac. ft.
- Max. Depth - 75.00 ft.
- Surface Area - 100.00 ac.
Management Practices
Largemouth bass spring electrofishing and fall hoop nets to evaluate fish populations. Cedar trees are added to refurbish existing habitats.
Area Specific Fishing Regulations
- Daily/Size Limits
- Channel and/or blue catfish: six combined per day.
- Methods
- Two rods and reels per person. Bowfishing allowed. All other methods are prohibited.
Additional Information
- Vincent
Lake Vincent
Lake Vincent is located in the Ellis County Public Hunting Area in Ellis County, 13 miles southwest of Arnett (S1&12, T18N, R26W). Vegetation around the lake is shinnery oak-grassland type.
The lake has one boat ramp and picnic areas. Arnett is the nearest town in which to obtain picnic and fishing supplies. This lake is known for its redear sunfish catches along with largemouth bass, saugeye, bluegill, channel, and blue catfish, and crappie.
Lake Vincent was constructed by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation in 1961. It was renovated and restocked in 2000.
Fishing Tips
Submitted by Northwest Region Fisheries Intern Jarrett Sinclair
Local Lure Favorites: 1/32-1/16 oz jig heads with curly tail grubs, small inline spinners, and small crankbaits. Colors vary but good colors to have in a tackle box are red, white, pink, and chartreuse.
Live bait: live worms, crickets, grasshoppers under a clip-on bobber or slip cork with a split shot weight and a size 10 hook.
General Info: warmer spring months when fish are up shallow produce the best fishing. Sunfish can be caught along banks with structure such as aquatic vegetation, rocks, fallen limbs and brush piles.
Fishing Contact
Game Warden
Operator
Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation
Location
Lake Vincent (Google Map) is located in the Ellis County Public Hunting Area in Ellis County, 13 miles southwest of Arnett (S1&12, T18N, R26W). Vegetation around the lake is shinnery oak-grassland type.
Drive Time
From OKC - 3 hours
From Tulsa - 4.25 hours
From Elk City - 1.5 hours
Recreational Facilities
The lake has one boat ramp and picnic areas. Arnett is the nearest town in which to obtain picnic and fishing supplies. This lake is known for its redear sunfish catches along with largemouth bass, saugeye, bluegill sunfish, channel catfish, blue catfish and crappie.
Find a Fishing Campground
- Primitive camping is permitted only in designated camping areas. Limited to 3-days. Operation or use of any audio-producing device including radios, televisions and musical instruments or motorized equipment used in such a manner as to reasonably annoy or endanger persons at any time or exceed state or local laws governing noise levels is prohibited.
Other Fish Species of Interest
Bait & Tackle Nearby
- Walmart Supercenter
- Walmart Supercenter
- Gilchrist General Store
- Lead Babies Slabs
Physical Description
- Shoreline Length - 5.1 mi.
- Volume - 2,579 ac. ft.
- Max. Depth - 48.00 ft.
- Surface Area - 160.00 ac.
Area Specific Fishing Regulations
- Daily/Size Limits
- Channel and/or blue catfish: six combined per day.
- Methods
- Two rods and reels per person. Bowfishing allowed. All other methods are prohibited.
Additional Information
North-Central
- Pawhuska
Lake Pawhuska
With over three miles of shoreline, Lake Pawhuska has the distinction of being the second-best sunfish lake in the entire state, promising the perfect opportunity to introduce your little anglers to the joys of fishing. Facilities include primitive campsites and picnic areas available for rental. A boat ramp, boat/fishing dock, parking area and restrooms on-site are all handicap-accessible. Campsites with electrical hookups are available at nearby Lake Bluestem. Explore a fishing access trail around the lakeshore along with several nature trails.
Fishing Tips
Submitted by Fisheries Biologist Jeremy Duck
Best times are April – September in the morning and evening. Best areas are to fish are close to the shore in coves on the edge of the vegetation line and off the dock on the east side of the lake.
Best baits – Worms, Crickets, Grasshoppers, Powerbait
Fishing Contact
Game Warden
Operator
Location
Lake Pawhuska (Google Map) is located 2 miles south of US 60 on 5205 Rd.
Drive Time
From OKC - 2.5 hours
From Tulsa - 1.25 hours
From Ponca City - 50 minutes
Recreational Facilities
City of Pawhuska manages primitive campgrounds, a boat ramp and a fishing pier.
Find a Fishing Campground
Other Fish Species of Interest
Bait & Tackle Nearby
- Walmart Supercenter
- Mister Bass Inc
- Walmart Supercenter
- Lakeview Campground, Boat Storage, Bait Shop & Store
- Keystone Lake Bait & Store
- Copan Bait & Tackle
- Woody's Bait & Tackle
- Bait Shop
- Walmart Supercenter
- Walmart Supercenter
Physical Description
Surface area - 3,370 ac.
Shoreline length - 59.2 mi.
Volume - 61,500 ac. ft.
Maximum depth - 45.9 ft.
Management Practices
The lake is managed as a trophy sunfish fishery and brush piles are put into the lake for fish habitat.
Additional Information
- Ponca
Lake Ponca
Lake Ponca is a great place for a fun weekend adventure. Lots of activities from boating, wakeboarding, tubing, fishing, a swim beach, camping, play structure, sand volleyball courts, hiking trail, shelter houses, disc golf, indoor fishing dock or just picnicking with the family! If you want to be active or just relax there is something for everyone!
Nestled on the east side of Lake Ponca play a round of golf on the beautiful 4 star 18 hole Lew Wentz Golf Course! Cool off in the historic Wentz Pool that overlooks Lake Ponca! Bring your bike and ride the Lake Ponca Mountain Bike Trails!
Fishing Tips
Submitted by Fisheries Biologist Jeremy Duck
Best times are April – September in the morning and evening. Best areas are to fish are close to the shore in coves on the edge of the vegetation line, the two floating fishing docks, the bridge dividing the east and west lakes along the rocks, and the sailboat ramp on the east lake.
Best baits – Worms, Crickets, Grasshoppers, Powerbait
Fishing Contact
Game Warden
Operator
Location
Lake Ponca (Google Map) is located 5 miles east of Ponca City via Lake Rd.
Drive Time
From OKC - 1.75 hours
From Tulsa - 1.5 hours
From Ponca City - 10 minutes
Recreational Facilities
Two ADA compliant crappie docks are located on the west lake on the west bank and east bank.
Find a Fishing Campground
Other Fish Species of Interest
Bait & Tackle Nearby
- Walmart Supercenter
- Lakeview Campground, Boat Storage, Bait Shop & Store
- Grit & Grace Outdoors
- Bubba's Outdoor Sports
- Lake McMurtry West Bait Shop
- Academy
- Cowboy Corner at Lake Carl Blackwell
- Walmart Supercenter
- R.C. Bait and Tackle
- Keystone Lake Bait & Store
Physical Description
Surface area - 778 ac.
Shoreline length - 17.2 mi.
Volume - 13,577 ac. ft.
Maximum depth - 50.1 ft.
Area Specific Fishing Regulations
- Daily/Size Limits
- Walleye, sauger and saugeye: six combined per day/18-inch minimum.
- Methods
- Rod and reel only.
Additional Information
- Sanborn
- Image
Sanborn Lake
Fishing and bird-watching enthusiasts will find excellent access to all lake areas with a hiking trail maintained by the Payne County Audubon Society and City of Stillwater Parks, Events, and Recreation Department.
Fishing Tips
Submitted by Fisheries Biologist Jeremy Duck
Best times are April – September in the morning and evening. Best areas are to fish are close to the shore in coves on the edge of the vegetation line. The walking trail extends all around the lake allowing access to the entire shoreline.
Best baits – Worms, Crickets, Grasshoppers, Powerbait
Fishing Contact
Game Warden
Operator
Location
Sanborn Lake (Google Map) is located 4 miles north of Stillwater via N Washington St.
Drive Time
From OKC - 1 hour
From Tulsa - 1 hour
From Stillwater - 5 minutes
Recreational Facilities
Sanborn Park & Sports Complex includes five ball fields, concession stands, restrooms, picnic tables, and a walking trail.Find a Fishing Campground
Bait & Tackle Nearby
Cowboy Corner at Lake Carl Blackwell
Lake McMurtry West Bait Shop
Walmart Supercenter
Academy
R.C. Bait and Tackle
Walmart Supercenter
Magic Bait Co
Lakeview Grocery
Walmart Supercenter
Walmart Supercenter
Northeast
- Bristow
Bristow City Lake
Located in Bristow City Park, Bristow City Lake has great public shoreline access with well maintained concrete trails.
Fishing Tips
Submitted by Fisheries Biologist Chris Wisenhunt
Access areas: The lake sits inside Bristow City Park and Klinger Smith Park and has shoreline access around most of the lake. The north end of the lake is private property. There is a boat ramp and a fishing dock on the east side of the lake.
Fishing tips: Bristow City Lake has a very good population of redear sunfish along with bluegill and other sunfish.
In late spring and early summer (late May to early June), sunfish move into the shallow areas along the shoreline to begin spawning and tend to remain active through most of the summer. Most sunfish can be caught on natural baits (worms, grasshoppers, grubs, etc.) fished under small bobbers. Other effective baits include small chunks of hot dogs, lunch meat, or cheese. When active, sunfish are aggressive feeders and will take most anything. Some artificial lures affective for catching sunfish include small jigs, micro spinners, and small crank baits.
Fishing Contact
Game Warden
Operator
Location
Bristow City Lake (Google Maps) is located in Creek County in the town of Bristow.
Drive Time
From OKC - 2.25 hours
From Tulsa - 35 minutes
From Claremore - 5 minutes
Bait & Tackle Nearby
- Walmart Supercenter
- Walmart Supercenter
- R.C. Bait and Tackle
- Bait Shop
- Keystone Lake Bait & Store
- Woody's Bait & Tackle
- Baitshop at Dripping Springs/Okmulgee Lakes
- Walmart Supercenter
- Academy
- Walmart Supercenter
- Walmart Supercenter
- North Harvard Bait
- Pat's Achery & Outdoors
- Walmart Supercenter
- Mister Bass Inc
- Walmart Supercenter
- Claremore
Claremore Lake
Developed in 1929 with the completion of the dam, Claremore Lake Park has been a source of family-friendly outdoor relaxation for nearly a century. This city park features a splash pad and two playground areas perfect for letting the little ones in your crowd frolic. Breathe in the fresh country air while taking advantage of the park's walking trails.
When it comes to fishing, Claremore Lake Park makes getting your line in the water easy with boat ramps, docks and two fishing docks (one enclosed with heat and air). Duck hunting is allowed with a permit for those who win a draw for the 20 duck blind slots on Claremore Lake each season. Picnic areas, outdoor grills, picnic shelters and more are available to enhance your experience at Claremore Lake Park. Visit the website for more information on reserving a shelter or entering the duck blind draw.
Fishing Tips
Submitted by Fisheries Biologist Chris Wisenhunt
Access areas: There are multiple publicly accessible shoreline locations around the lake but also some private property to be aware of when finding places for bank access. There is a public boat ramp located near Lake Ranger building inside Claremore Lake Park. A city permit is required for fishing the lake unless proof of residency for the City of Claremore is provided.
Fishing tips: Like many city lakes, Claremore Lake has good populations of a variety of sunfish including bluegill, redear, longear, and green sunfish.
In late spring and early summer (late May to early June), sunfish move into the shallow areas along the shoreline to begin spawning and tend to remain active through most of the summer. Most sunfish can be caught on natural baits (worms, grasshoppers, grubs, etc.) fished under small bobbers. Other effective baits include small chunks of hot dogs, lunch meat, or cheese. When active, sunfish are aggressive feeders and will take most anything. Some artificial lures affective for catching sunfish include small jigs, micro spinners, and small crank baits.
Fishing Contact
Game Warden
Operator
Location
Claremore Lake (Google Maps) is located in Rogers County in the town of Claremore.
Drive Time
From OKC - 2.25 hours
From Tulsa - 35 minutes
From Claremore - 5 minutes
Recreational Facilities
Rated as a top attraction on TripAdvisor.com, Claremore Lake is the ideal spot for family fun, with more than four miles of paved paths perfect for running, walking, and cycling. There are two playgrounds for the younger visitors, as well as five shelters, two of which are available for private rental. Throughout the park are tables and grills for public use. Claremore Lake is also home to the city’s newest splash pad, with indoor public restrooms adjacent. The park is clean and quiet, with plenty of green space for activities. A wheelchair-accessible fishing pier is located near the Lake Ranger's office. For additional info contact Rogers County, (918) 341-1238.
Find a Fishing Campground
Other Fish Species of Interest
Bait & Tackle Nearby
The Tackle Box
Lazy J's Tackle
JD Tackle Box
Nabatak Outdoors
Walmart Supercenter
Walmart Supercenter
Walmart Supercenter
Big Daddy's Lures
Pokey's Trading Post Bait & Tackle Shop
North Harvard Bait
Physical Description
Surface area - 621 ac.
Shoreline length - 17.8 mi.
Volume - 5,188 ac. ft.
Maximum depth - 24.3 ft.
Additional Information
- Close to Home Fishing Program - Tulsa Area
- Image
Veterans Park Pond, Kelly Lane Pond, Hunter Park Pond, Mohawk Park Pond, Braden Park Pond, Turkey Mountain Pond and Lee Lake.
Fishing Tips
Submitted by Fisheries Biologist Chris Wisenhunt
Close-to-Home Fishing Program Ponds are routinely stocked with hybrid sunfish and most have a variety of native sunfish populations already existing.
Access areas: Most ponds in the Close-to-Home Program have almost complete shoreline access with some ponds (Veterans Pond in Jenks and Hunter Park Pond in Tulsa) have fishing docks that are handicap accessible.
Fishing tips: In late spring and early summer (late May to early June), sunfish move into the shallow areas along the shoreline to begin spawning and tend to remain active through most of the summer. Most sunfish can be caught on natural baits (worms, grasshoppers, grubs, etc.) fished under small bobbers. Other effective baits include small chunks of hot dogs, lunch meat, or cheese. When active, sunfish are aggressive feeders and will take most anything. Some artificial lures affective for catching sunfish include small jigs, micro spinners, and small crank baits. Fly fishing for bluegill sunfish can be an enjoyable challenge as they will often bite wet flies, dry flies, or poppers.
East-Central
- Adair Park
TravelOK.comAdair Park Lake
Adair Park Lake has ample shoreline available to fish including a fishing dock. Water is generally clear with submerged and emergent vegetation near the shoreline and in shallow areas. The lake's surface area is 7 acres.
Fishing Tips
Submitted by Fisheries Biologist Jon West
Adair park, located in Stilwell, is home to a beautiful 7 acre lake situated next to the fairgrounds just on the edge of town. It has a small watershed and is also spring fed leading to mostly stable water levels. The water is clear with a dark tannic tinge. In addition to maintaining the grounds and operating campsites, the city of Stilwell has added aeration to help improve water quality and the fishery. Adair park pond is a great place to take a family with kids or beginners fishing.
Most of the pond is easily accessible and includes two fishing docks and several jetties leading to an irregular shape which increases shoreline habitat. In addition to the natural habitat, ODWC has placed fish attractors around the fishing docks and just out from central jetty. Adair pond sunfish are abundant and include green sunfish, redear and bluegill.
Summertime is the right time to try to catch these sunfish. The classic setup is an Aberdeen hook with a worm and a small bobber as an indicator. If you don’t want to use worms or other live bait, you can buy or tie your own flies and still be successful. These can be tied on a plain hook or a jig-head and can be tied to resemble almost anything from a small baitfish to an emergent insect or even a topwater pattern like a grasshopper. As with most fishing, you’ll want to target cover such as brush, vegetation, docks and other types of structure.
When fishing for sunfish think small, especially where bluegill are concerned. Using small hooks (sized 8-10) will lead to more hookups and less frustration with missed hook-sets and lost bait. Tailoring your rod and reel to this “small” style of fishing by using light action rods and 1000-2000 size reels and light line can help with hook-sets and make the playing and landing of the fish even more enjoyable.
Adair park fishing regulations limit anglers to one rod and reel. Please consult the City of Stilwell website for any other regulations and available amenities.
Fishing Contact
Game Warden
Location
Adair Park Pond (Google Map) is located 1 mile north of Stilwell via HWY 59 and HWY 51.
Drive Time
From OKC: 3 hours
From Tulsa: 1.5 hours
From Muskogee: 1 hour
From Tahlequah: 30 minutes
Recreational Facilities
This area has easy access to the water's edge at normal lake levels. For additional info contact Adair County (918) 696-6613.
Bait & Tackle Nearby
Walmart Supercenter
Bait Barn
Walmart Supercenter
Mike's Outdoors
Dunham's Sports
Dave's Bait & Tackle
- Walmart Supercenter
Jimmy Houston Outdoors Store
- Gibson Bait & Tackle
Southeast
Not Submitted
South-Central
Not Submitted
Central
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Fishing Tips
Submitted by Aquatic Education/R3 Fishing Coordinator Skylar St.Yves
For lure fishing, my go-to is to buy a 15 pack of 1.5" Bass Pro Shops Tournament Series Squirmin' Squirt tubes in Green Pumpkin Red Flake and a 15 pack of 1/32nd or 1/16th ounce Bass Pro Shops Squirt Head jig-heads. I pre-rig the tubes with the jig-heads and put them back into the plastic pack the tubes came in along with a pair of line clippers. That fits into my chest pocket and allows me to fish unencumbered without hauling a bunch of gear. They can be cast out and steadily retrieved or fished below a bobber. Each tube will catch several fish before it needs to be changed out for a fresh one.
For bait fishing, buy a cheap pack of size 6 Aberdeen hooks. Eagle Claw is the brand you are most likely to encounter, but any brand will work fine. You can attach a small to medium sized piece of split shot to the line an inch above your hook if you are using a stick or peg bobber, which will allow the bobber to "stand up" on the water. Otherwise a small round bobber will work without weight. Place the bobber 1-2 feet above the hook and thread a small piece of live red worm or nightcrawler onto the hook. Grasshoppers work excellent too. Stick the hook point through the center of the grasshopper belly until the hook point comes through the center of the back.
Look for areas around the pond that have lots of cover, structure and shade. Depending on the body of water, these areas could be weed-lines, lily pads, tree or brush lay-downs, over-hanging trees or brush on the bank and rip rap (rocks usually found on the dam or fishing jetties). Cast to the edges of these features and wait for your bobber to submerge, then set the hook.
Sunfish can be caught all day in shallow water from April through October. During the hot days of July, August and September fishing will be at its best in the morning and evening hours; focus on shaded water during the daylight hours.