Fisherman standing on the rocky lake edge at Quanah Parker Lake.

Fishing is permitted in all refuge lakes in the public use section of the refuge. Refuge waters include 12 manmade lakes totaling approximately 500 acres. Fishing season is year-round. Available species include largemouth bass, sunfish, crappie and channel catfish. 

Only an Oklahoma State fishing license is required to fish on the refuge. Fish may be taken with poles and lines or rods and reels. Since wading is permitted when fishing, fishermen may use tube type floaters, life jackets or buoyant vests. Obtaining any type of bait from refuge lands or waters is prohibited, as is taking of frogs and turtles.

Hand-powered boats, as well as electric trolling motors on boats 14 feet or less, are permitted on Jed Johnson, Rush, Quanah Parker and French Lakes. Boats of any size are permitted on Lake Elmer Thomas, but a "no wake" speed limit is enforced lake-wide. Personal water craft, such as Jet Skis, Sea-Doos, Wave-Runners and others are prohibited. 

 Oklahoma Fishing Regulations 

Buy your hunting or fishing license online.

Surface Area of Lakes

 Name of Lake       Surface Acreage    Additional Information 
Sunset Pool1.1 acres
Elmer Thomas360 acres2 accessible piers, concrete boat launch, dock 
Quanah Parker96 acresAccessible fishing pier
Jed Johnson57.5 acresboat ramp
Rush51.6 acresboat launch area
French35 acresboat launch area
Lost10.2 acresoldest Refuge lake
Caddo11.4 acres
Burford7.1 acressecond oldest lake
Osage5.5 acres
Treasure2.9 acres
Post Oak2.8 acres
Crater9.3 acres
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