Must We Fish?

To first begin the blog I am catering to those, like myself, who live in a rather flat and dry area of the country not conducive to trout fishing. Living in Oklahoma for the past 4 years of college has driven me to seek out fishing opportunities that are often a significant distance away. Before we venture to other more well known and glamorous trout rivers we must first examine what is close to home.

Beaver's Bend State Park in south eastern Oklahoma is home to the Lower Mountain Fork River. Oklahoma plus trout fishing is not a proper equation in most people's mind so prepare to stand corrected. The river emerges from the dam keeping back Broken Bow Lake as a tailwater with cold clear water, an ideal environment for trout to live. The Oklahoma Game and Fish Department stocks nearly 4000 trout every other Thursday, which is surprising to most people.
The river had something even bigger happen recently. The Dallas Fly Fishers Club raised $10,000 to donate for stream improvement which consists of placing boulders, stones, and other objects in the river to increase the level of oxygen in the water, which trout need to live.
With the river about a three hour drive from Oklahoma City as well as the Dallas/ Ft. Worth area the river sees a substantial amount of pressure. Do not be discouraged. The average fish stocked tends to be about 10-14 inches with some larger fish being the exception.

An avid Oklahoma fly fisherman, Patrick Gilbert, said, "I've always had a great time at the LMF. To catch trout in this part of the country is a treat!"

With all of this new found knowledge fly fisherman in this region can prepare for great weekend trips throughout the year. Located just outside Broken Bow, Okla. the Lower Mountain Fork is an excellent place to "wet a line."

Just ask the folks in Beavers Bend Fly Shop or at Three Rivers Fly Shop. Pack a 4 or 5 weight rod and all other essential gear. Make sure to bring an assortment of flies including pheasant tails, San Juan worms, egg patterns, wooley buggers, and some parachute adams if dry flies are your thing. All flies should be in the size 18-14 range.