Top fishing picks

I got the opportunity to talk with Clayton Porter, SW Fisheries Biologist with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and pick his brain on some of the best fishing opportunities in this part of the state.

While most anglers are reluctant to give up their “secret spots” Porter was happy to promote some of the best lakes in Southwest Oklahoma for folks to get their fishing on.

Traditionally the best sampling and angler results come from Elmer Thomas. This lake that lies partly on Ft. Sill and partly on the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is always loaded with bass. Porter confirmed that once again this is the top spot for numbers of bass, but has the potential to produce some bigger fish as well.

“Lawtonka always makes the list and for good reason,” said Porter. “We have been finding more smallmouth in our samples over the past 2 years and those big trophy bass (8-11 pounds) are still around.” He suggest targeting the Robinsons Landing and Mt. Scott Cove areas.

Comanche Lake is a small lake with big bass. Surveys over the last few years have turned up good quality fish but low in abundance, this would be an area to focus on for larger fish (5-8 pounds) but not to expect as much action.

One surprise in Porters offerings this year is Ft. Cobb.

“For bass this year, Cobb is the place to go,” said Porter. “Angler tournament data reported it to have the 2nd highest weights of fish at weigh ins in the state and our spring samples showed the same for numbers.”

If you are looking for a good quality bass fishery Ft. Cobb is a great bet. It is a larger lake with lots of access, and there are a lot of cedars in the coves and that’s where I would focus, added Porter. Located about an hour north of Lawton, Cobb has always been a good spot for crappie and saugeye, but the bass numbers are a nice surprise.

Sleeper lakes would be a tie with Duncan City Lake, about 12 miles east of the city of Duncan, and Crowder Lake, located about 10 miles south of Weatherford. Both of these lakes produced good size of fish, Duncan had lower abundance but bigger fish while Crowder has average size fish (3-5 pounds) and super high abundance. Duncan lakes do require an additional permit to fish.

With Spring Break upcoming, I asked Porter for some suggestion to take the family.

“For a spring break plan, take the kids to Medicine Creek,” said Porter “It will still have trout and even though the season closes March 15th.” You can still harvest trout (limit 3) but the 15th is the last stocking date of the season. There are also catfish, sunfish, bass, and a few saugeye to be caught, but the atmosphere is a fun place to be.

For another less crowded spot, head to Tom Steed Lake and Great Plains State Park, the catfish are always biting and with the timing the crappie may be wanting to bite in the shallows, there are plenty of areas to camp and picnic, so make a day of it!

As usual, the best advice that Porter gave is to just get out! Load us the kids and enjoy the great spring weather being outdoors. Whether it is a lake, pond or creek, the memories are the most important thing about fishing! And you might catch enough to have a little fish fry. Could you ask for anymore?

A fishing license is required for anyone above 16 to fish in Oklahoma. Some lakes may also require additional city permits (Lawtonka and Ellsworth – Lawton and Duncan Lakes – Duncan) so be sure to check the regulations before heading out. State fishing licenses may be purchased online at gooutdoorsoklahoma.com or at licenses vendors across the state.