Oklahoma Fishing Guides

Father Son Fishing @ Broken Bow

Father and Son fishing at Lake Broken Bow Oklahoma
Lake Broken Bow fishing guide Bryce Archey sends us this report:

Last Sunday, 7 year old Cameron Sherbert, his dad Brandon and I went out fishing.

We had an outstanding top water morning! The big fish weighed right at 5 lbs and was the biggest fish Cameron has ever caught. (Click on picture to enlarge.) It was a great outing with father and son.

The bite is still good and I have some openings for the last few days of June if anyone is interested.

Editor’s Note: Way to go Cameron! I’m jealous – what a great bass!! What did you catch him with?

Thanks for the report Bryce! If you want to experience fishing on Lake Broken Bow contact Bryce at 580-494-6447 or 870-582-4561. You can also visit his website at www.brokenbowlakeguide.com.

Tom Steed Record Holder Proclamation

Lake Tom Steed Oklahoma record bass

With some of the best fishing available in the Southwest portion of the state of Oklahoma, Lake Tom Steed and Lake Altus-Lugert need to be added to the lnew state lake records, and I hope to see it done soon. Although these lakes in no way compare to others in the Northeast and Southeast parts of the state, Lake Altus-Lugert does hold the Oklahoma state record hybrid striped bass.

I have fished both the lakes since my arrival in Oklahoma and can tell you that there are not many days that I don’t see a great fish pulled from the water by someone.

Whether its a 50lb flathead catfish, a 7lb hybrid bass, 2+lb crappie or 6lb saugeye, both these lakes have a great variety of fish to challenge any angler and it’s time we give anglers bragging rights – especially if they don’t have the opportunity to fish the better lakes available in Oklahoma.

Here is my most recent catch just the other day. Lake Tom Steed may be a “mud hole” to some, but it’s home to me and with the ever increasing cost of fuel it’s getting harder and harder for fisherman in the Southwest portion to travel to the best lakes in Oklahoma.

Until these lakes are added, I’m claiming the following records for Lake Tom Steed. Fellow fisherman, feel free to better my marks:

  • Largemouth Bass, 6.14lb
  • Crappie, 2.1lb
  • Saugeye, 6.0lb
  • Smallmouth Bass, 5.0lb
  • Hybrid Striped Bass, 6.0lb? possibly bigger
We will just have to use the honor system for now and keep it between friends. Good fishing, practice catch and release to fish another day.

Mike D

Future Bass Pro

Editor’s Note: Well said Mike! This is the first year of the new lakes records program and it appears to be generating alot of interest. I think we will see the Wildlife Department expand the number of lake next year. Perhaps you should volunteer to be an Official Record Keeper in your area. BTW – are you just eyeballing those weights or do you have a working scale in your boat?

Oklahoma Free Fishing Days

Oklahomans looking to try something new with the family this summer may want to give fishing a try, and they can start June 7-8 during Oklahoma’s Free Fishing Days, which allow people to fish without state fishing licenses or permits (including trout licenses and fishing and hunting legacy permits).

Urban areas across the state offer angling opportunities through the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation’s Close to Home Fishing program, which provides quality fishing opportunities without a long drive into the country. Anglers also have access to a number of lakes, rivers, streams and small ponds where they can catch fish all day long as well. And those anglers who just don’t know where to start can turn to the Wildlife Department’s weekly state fishing report to find just the right place to go.

“The Department’s state fishing report reveals inside information on the best places to go angling, when the fish are biting and what baits they are hitting the most,” said Jeff Boxrucker, assistant chief of fisheries for the Wildlife Department.

Compiled by Wildlife Department personnel and independent reporters, the reports even include techniques and locations within specific waters to increase angler success. Anglers can receive the fishing report by subscribing to the Department’s weekly news release at www.wildlifedepartment.com/wl_news.htm.
“Fishing in Oklahoma normally requires a license and a fishing and hunting legacy permit, which you can purchase at various sporting good vendors across the state, but Free Fishing Days gives people a chance to just ‘test the waters’ and see if they would enjoy the sport,” Boxrucker said. “We are confident they will.”

Anglers should note that certain city permits may still apply to specific fishing areas during Free Fishing Days.

Oklahoma was the first state in the nation to offer free fishing days over 25 years ago and has since been followed by dozens of other states that have established similar days.

Anglers should be aware of and abide by all Texas fishing license and permit requirements when fishing the Texas portion of Lake Texoma June 7-8. The Texas Free Fishing Day is June 7, so anglers will be able to fish both Texas and Oklahoma portions of the lake for free that day. On June 8, free fishing will only be allowed on the Oklahoma portion of the lake. Anglers must follow all other fishing regulations.

The City of Oklahoma City will exempt all city permit fee on city lakes for Free Fishing Days – Saturday and Sunday only.

Broken Bow Fishing Report

Lake Broken Bow fishing report and Lake Broken Bow fishing guide Bryce Archey
Last Friday, my wife and I went fishing with Lake Broken Bow fishing guide Bryce Archey and man, did we have a great trip!

We started out around 6am and were on the hunt for walleye. It’s getting close to the end of walleye season and I had never caught one before – I’ve eaten walleye – just never caught one. So the mission was to catch some and learn how to properly handle and clean them. Walleye have lots of very sharp teeth and the edge of their gill plates are razor sharp.

We were throwing crankbaits and soft plastic grubs around some of Bryce’s favorite spots and not only did we catch walleye, but also largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, sand bass and the most beautiful bluegill you’ve ever seen.

We had so much fun! You never knew what was on the end of the line until you got the fish close to the boat. I even caught a largemouth bass when I set my pole down to take a picture of of the bluegill. My grub was in the water and floated down the bottom. Bryce was holding the bluegill and noticed my pole was moving and about to go overboard! You’ve got to love those kind of trips – lots of species and getting fish on without even trying.

You can click on the picture to view a larger version. Check out the bluegill’s coloration; a bright orange belly and tiger striping on it’s side. The walleye were beautiful (and tasty) too; two colors of golden scales with some gray striping.

If you would like to experience fishing on Lake Broken Bow, I recommend that you call Bryce Archey at 580-494-6447 or 870-582-4561. You can also visit his website at www.brokenbowlakeguide.com.

Lake Arcadia Family Fishing Clinics

Learn to fish with Oklahoma's free family fishing clinics. Learn to fish with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation’s Aquatic Resources Education Program (AREP).

“There is a lot of great fishing in Oklahoma, but if you have never been introduced to the sport, it can be beneficial to have some help,” said Damon Springer, aquatic education coordinator for the Wildlife Department. “One of our family fishing clinics, held throughout the summer, is a great place to start.”

Starting May 20, the aquatic education program will host the free family fishing clinics from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. every Tuesday evening through Aug. 12. Pre-registration is required and can be done by calling (405) 521-3855.

The Aquatic Resources Education Program is the Department’s means to promote the sport of fishing and aquatic resource awareness as well as a way to give youth, regardless of family situation, an opportunity to learn about Oklahoma’s aquatic environments and how to fish.

Developed in 1988, the program’s objectives are to increase the understanding, appreciation, and awareness of Oklahoma’s aquatic resources; facilitate the learning of angling skills, outdoor ethics, and sportfishing opportunities in the state; enhance urban fishing opportunities; develop adult fishing clinics or seminars and provide information on specialized fishing techniques.

These one-day events present information on such topics as fish identification, knot-tying, fish cleaning and cooking, fishing tackle selection and use, water safety, outdoor ethics and more. Most clinics, including Lake Arcadia family fishing clinics, include fishing at a nearby pond or lake.

Family fishing clinics are also available in the Tulsa area at the Oklahoma Aquarium’s Zebco Pond. For more information call the Wildlife Department’s Jenks office at (918) 299-2334.

For more information about the Aquatic Resources Education Program, log on to the Department’s Web site at www.wildlifedepartment.com.

May Free Lures & Tackle Winner

Win free fishing lures, free fishing tackle, free graphite fishing rods and free tackle boxes with OklahomaFishingGuides.com

Twice a month, www.OklahomaFishingGuides.com awards free lures & tackle to lucky fishing report subscribers.

In addition, once a quarter a lucky subscriber will also win an Original Readi-Lure tackle box from Tackle Tech AND at the end of the year, one lucky subscriber will win a customized IM8 Hookhider Fishing Rod.

This week’s winner is Bob K. from Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. Bob will receive an assortment of lures & tackle from Alluring Lures & Tackle, Lead Babies Slabs, The Fish Grip, and our newest sponsor River Bottom Lures.

Want a chance to win free fishing lures & tackle OR a new tackle box OR a customized IM8 Hookhider fishing rod? Sign Up Here!

Editor’s Note: Congratulations Bob and good luck with all your fishing adventures this year!

Lake Canton Walley Rodeo

Lake Canton Walleye RodeoOklahoma’s oldest & largest fishing tournament, the Annual Walleye Rodeo Fishing Contest, is about to kick off at Lake Canton.

Starting May 15th and running through May 18th, this annual contest awards prizes for:

* Top 5 largest Walleye

* Total pounds of Walleye for all four days
* Largest fish caught in 10 different species
* Daily sweepstake prizes
* Special “Out of Staters Day” on Saturday
* Children’s fishing derby for ages 12 and under on Sunday from 8am-noon.

There are also specially tagged fish ranging from $10-$500. Event hours are Thursday-Saturday 8am-9pm and Sun 8am-noon.

For questions or additional information, email: jean@csbcanton.com

New Oklahoma Lake Records

New Oklahoma Lake Record Fish Program
The New Oklahoma Lake Record Fish Program is really taking off and each week brings new records all over the state:

* A 23.2lb. striped bass hybrid from Lake Canton (barely missed the state record)

* A 43lb. blue cat from Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees

* A 6.7lb. largemouth bass from Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees

* A 6.6lb. smallmouth bass from Lake Skiatook

* An 8.0lb. walleye/saugeye from Lake Skiatook

* A 9.128lb. spotted gar from Lake of the Arbuckles

* A 2.8 lb. crappie at Lake Texoma

* A 2.3 lb. crappie at Lake Thunderbird

So what are you waiting for? Get out there and get your name in the record book.

Lakes included in the program include Arbuckle, Broken Bow, Canton, Eufaula, Ft. Cobb, Grand, Kaw, Keystone, Sardis, Skiatook, Tenkiller, Texoma and Thunderbird.

Species eligible for spots in the lake records book include blue, channel and flathead catfish and largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass in addition to crappie, paddlefish, striped bass, striped bass hybrids, sunfish (combined) walleye/saugeye and white bass. Minimum weights are set for each species are detailed on the Wildlife Department’s Web site at www.wildlifedepartment.com.

Anglers who catch a potential record from a participating lake should contact designated business locations around the lake that are enrolled as lake record keepers.

Once it has been determined that an angler has landed a record fish, the media is notified and the public will be able to view information about the catch on the Wildlife Department’s Web site at www.wildlifedepartment.com.

May Free Lures & Tackle Winner

Twice a month, www.OklahomaFishingGuides.com awards free lures & tackle to lucky fishing report subscribers.

In addition, once a quarter a lucky subscriber will also win an Original Readi-Lure tackle box from Tackle Tech AND at the end of the year, one lucky subscriber will win a customized IM8 Hookhider Fishing Rod.

This week’s winner is Craig M. from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Craig will receive an assortment of lures & tackle from Alluring Lures & Tackle, Lead Babies Slabs, The Fish Grip, and our newest sponsor River Bottom Lures.

Want a chance to win free fishing lures & tackle OR a new tackle box OR a customized IM8 Hookhider fishing rod? Sign Up Here!


Editor’s Note: Congratulations Craig and good luck with all your fishing adventures this year!

Broken Bow Fishing Report

Lake Broken Bow bass fishing, Beaver's Bend bass fishing, Lake Broken Bow fishing guide Bryce Archey.

Fishing guide Bryce Archey sends us this report from Lake Broken Bow (Beaver’s Bend State Park):

All ramps are now open and fishing is awesome. Largemouth, smallmouth, spotted and white bass are all being caught in numbers. My last 7 trips we have averaged over 60 fish a day! (Click picture for a larger view.)

I have just a few days left in May and I booking June now, so if anyone is interested in a great fishing trip just have them give me a call. Dates are limited so don’t delay! Call me at 580-494-6447 or 870-582-4561.

Editor’s Note: Thanks for the fishing report and pictures. Looks like a great trip. I’m glad to see an OSU fan such as yourself can take a KU fan out for a great day of fishing. (For our reader’s, I am a KU grad – Rock Chalk Jayhawks!)