Before the next Christmas carol turns you into the Grinch, hit the stream. This is something you will regret not doing when you are up to your eyeballs in wrapping paper. I know lives are busy and swept up in the frenzy of last-minute Christmas shopping, but take a day.
I took the load off your shoulders and did the leg work for you. All you have to do is pack the car and hit the river. That’s right winter fishing.
Get your road map out and circle the Mountain Fork river. This amazing Oklahoma river has some of the best fishing in the state and not a lot of people know you can fish in the December. Put on your winter waders and wade in.
Located in the Ouachita Mountains in southeastern Oklahoma north of Broken Bow this river is stocked with Rainbows and Browns with an average size of 9 - 12 inches, but take note that if you fish downstream of the park: The fish are bigger and the water is wider. That’s a good thing!
I know some of you are still caught on the fact I said fishing and winter in the same sentence. You can do it I swear. Make sure though you are wearing good waders with thermals on underneath. I am a big fan of the Patagonia Capolene line. Head to Backwoods on N. May Ave. in OKC. The Backwoods staff knows how to layer you up right.
Practice the buddy system. Be sure to let someone know where you are headed. Very few people frequent the Ouachitas in the winter and you would hate to be hurt or lost with not a soul looking for you. With that said, why not take a friend and you can show off your fishing prowess?
Here are last-minute closing notes if you are looking to fish amazing Oklahoma waters. Maybe even try out the new rod Santa brought you. Head to the Ouachita Mountains and fish the Mountain Fork River. With 12 miles of tail-water it is sure to not disappoint. If that didn’t get you, a 2-pound fish is not uncommon!
December 19th, 2007 at 1:00 pm
What are you using for bait? I personally dig the Blue Fox Vibrax spinners and Panther Martins. I’d be curious how you fish that river.
December 19th, 2007 at 1:59 pm
I am a flyfishing woman, and with these river conditions i would suggest a nymph. Preferablly a Prince nymph. I also like using using a strike indicator. If you don’t have one you can use a dry fly. Tie it above the nymph with enough lead to drag. Give the fly a rub of Froggy Fanny and you are good to go!
December 21st, 2007 at 4:37 pm
Ah, I highbrow angler. I need to learn flyfishing one of these days. I usually go with spinners, though I’ve never fished for trout in Oklahoma. Only in the Rockies so far.