Although there are still many who think of Oklahoma as a dry and dusty place, the truth is that the state offers some of the best freshwater fishing you can find in the US. The many man-made lakes and reservoirs provide for an abundance of fish which includes crappie.
For those who live in Oklahoma and those who have never visited the state, there are plenty of opportunities to catch crappie if you know where to look, what to use, and when is the best time to go.
Oklahoma Crappie Fishing Tips
Best Lakes & Reservoirs
You’ll find plenty of crappie or googleeye, paper mouth, or bridge perch as they are known locally in the state. Although no crappie that has been caught approaches the world record, the state record for black crappie is still an impressive 4 lbs. 10 oz, while the largest white crappie was 4 lbs. 15 oz.
The most popular lakes and reservoirs in the state for crappie include the following.
- Lake Eufaula, Hugo Lake, and Kaw Lake
- Lake Texoma, Oologah Lake, and Waurika Lake
- Broken Bow Reservoir, Skiatook Reservoir, and Webbers Falls Reservoir
There are many other lakes that also have plenty of crappies, including Grand Lake and Keystone Lake which are located in the northeastern part of the state.
However, there are many private ponds in the state that also have an abundance of crappie. In fact, the state record for black crappie was caught in a private pond. So, if you can gain legal access to such ponds, you may catch quite a few crappies.
Best Bait
During the cold winter months when crappie fishing begins, the best baits are often the artificial ones. Perhaps because of the brighter colors, the artificial baits tend to be far more desirable to the crappie. It also pays to have plenty of stock bait around to use as you can alternate to find the best one.
You’ll want to fish along the muddy waters which may be close to the shoreline during the winter months. This is where crappie tends to gather during this time. It will make the bait you use more effective.
Early Spring
Like most other southern states, Oklahoma tends to warm up faster in the spring compared to the northern sections of the country. Of course, the weather in Oklahoma can change on a dime, so be sure to check the reports before you head out on your fishing trip.
Because of the warmer conditions, fishing for crappie can start as early as January in some parts of the state. This includes freshwater lakes in the southern part of the state such as Lake Texoma. However, the rest of the state tends to catch up by mid-February as the crappie begin their mating season. This means that the best time to go is from late January to May.
Crappie fishing in Oklahoma is similar to many other southern states in that you’ll find an abundance of crappie in the many lakes and reservoirs across the state. Heading to the right location at the right time of the year with the proper fishing gear will give you the best chance to locate and catch crappie.
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