USSFN:  10/28/03 - While many Oklahoma sportsmen may be making last minute preparations for the upcoming hunting seasons, it’s not time to put away the fishing rods yet.

Beginning Nov. 1, trout season opens at the six designated winter trout areas managed by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. From the panhandle to southeast Oklahoma, these fisheries provide trout fishing in areas where warm water temperatures are not suitable for trout during the summer. They are stocked regularly with catchable size rainbow trout and are very popular with anglers all over the state, said Barry Bolton, assistant chief of fisheries for the Department.

"The fall and winter is a great time to go out and try trout fishing," Bolton said. "These winter trout fisheries provide additional opportunities for anglers to enjoy all winter long."

Savvy anglers can find maps, fishing tips and even up-to-date trout stocking schedules on the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation's official Web site, www.wildlifedepartment.com.

"The trout stocking schedules have proven to be a popular service," Bolton said. “We have always tried to provide anglers with the information they need to make their time outdoors as enjoyable as possible.”

However, Bolton noted, anglers need to be aware that trout stockings are subject to change without notice due to circumstances beyond the Department’s control.

Once logged on the Fishing page within the Department's Web site, choose “Trout Areas” then "Stocking Schedule" for the complete schedule.

To fish for trout in Oklahoma, anglers need either a resident or non-resident fishing license, as well as a trout license, which costs $10. Youth trout licenses are available for just $5. There are no exemptions from purchasing the trout license. Before going, check the “2003 Oklahoma Fishing Guide” for complete regulations, as well as maps and additional information for each area.

Winter trout fishing areas:

Lake Carl Etling - This 159-acre lake is at Black Mesa State Park in Cimarron County. Trout season runs Nov. 1 - April 30. To get there, take US-325 28 miles west of Boise City. Boat ramps are on the south and east sides of the lake. Primitive and developed camping facilities are available at the park.

Quartz Mountain - The trout water is in the North Fork of the Red River directly below the dam at Lake Altus-Lugert. Trout season runs Nov. 1 - March 15. To get there from Altus, take OK-44A north about 18 miles. Lodging and camping facilities are available at Quartz Mountain State Park.

Blue River - The Blue River flows through the Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area near Tishomingo. Trout season runs Nov. 1 - March 31. To get there from Tishomingo, go four miles east on OK-78 and then six miles north. Bank access and wade fishing is available throughout the area. Primitive camping is allowed at the Blue River campground.

Robbers Cave - Located in Robbers Cave State Park, the Robbers Cave trout fishery is in the Fourche Maline River directly below Carlton Dam to the south boundary of the park. Trout season runs Nov. 1 - March 15. To get there from Wilburton, go five miles north on OK-2. Bank access and wade fishing is available anywhere within state park boundaries. Camping facilities and cabins are available at the park.

Lake Watonga - This 55-acre lake is in Roman Nose State Park. Trout season runs Nov. 1 - March 31. To get there from Watonga, go seven miles north on OK-8A. Bank access and a boat ramp are on the west side of the lake. Camping and lodging are available at the park.

Lake Pawhuska - This 96-acre lake is about three miles south of Pawhuska. Trout season runs Nov. 1 - March 31. During that time, the City of Pawhuska waives the City fishing fee. To get there from Pawhuska, go three miles south on OK-60, and then go 1.75 miles east on a marked County road. The lake has a boat ramp, fishing dock and restrooms. Primitive camping is available at the lake.

In addition to these areas, the Department also manages year-round trout fisheries at the lower Illinois and lower Mountain Fork rivers. The Department stocks both of these areas with brown and rainbow trout.

Source:  Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation