Fishing Regulations

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Game fishes allowed to be taken on refuge are those listed in the State of Oklahoma Fishing Regulations. See Fishing Map for locations of areas open to fishing. Fishing shall be in accordance with all applicable State laws.

Taking of the various game fish and the designated creel limits are as specified in the State of Oklahoma Fishing Regulations.

Snagging and netting are prohibited on the refuge.

The taking of turtles and mussels is prohibited.

Bowfishing is allowed on the refuge during daylight hours from May 15 - September 30, only as specified in the State of Oklahoma Fishing Regulations.

Trot lines, jug lines, limb lines, and yo-yo's are allowed in the Deep Fork River only. These types of lines must be marked with the owners name and address and must be attended according to time limits specified in the State of Oklahoma Fishing regulations guide. Abandoned lines are a hazard to people and wildlife and must be removed when the owner no longer intends on maintaining and attending the lines. These lines are prohibited in sloughs, ponds and impoundments to protect wading birds such as herons, and egrets from becoming entangled or hooked.

Noodling allowed according to State of Oklahoma Fishing Regulations.

Please respect other refuge users. Pick up trash including waste fishing line. Do not leave left over bait fish and fish parts to decay in refuge parking areas and trails. Releasing long-lived fish like flathead catfish is not required, but is encouraged. Fisherman should consider taking only what they need for food consumption.
Fish are not an unlimited resource.

Safety First Use caution when navigating the Deep Fork River. Numerous submerged tree stumps exist in shallow waters. River currents can be very hazardous.

See refuge specific hunting and fishing regulations