This is a common question for out-of-state anglers who want to fish in Oklahoma. The answer depends on where you plan on fishing and how you plan on fishing. You cannot fish solely on land that you own in any part of the state. However, you can fish in waters that you can access with a boat, which is usually defined as water over 3′ deep. Additionally, you will need a fishing license for each of the waters in which you plan on fishing. The next table lists the minimum required for each type of fishing and the required seasons for each type of fishing.
Table of Contents
Types Of Fishing In Oklahoma
There are basically three types of fishing in Oklahoma:
- Freshwater Fishing
- Saltwater Fishing
- Offshore Fishing
Each has its own set of rules and regulations regarding the mandatory use of a fishing license, fishing equipment, and where you can and cannot fish. The following sub-sections discuss these issues in greater detail.
Freshwater Fishing In Oklahoma
If you are a resident of Oklahoma and want to fish in its freshwater lakes and ponds, you will need a freshwater fishing license, which is available from the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC). Every year, anglers must renew their license, which is $20 for residents and $25 for non-residents, before April 1st of each year. You also need to have a fishing permit for each lake or pond that you fish in. Additionally, you must have a catch and release permit for each fish that you catch. All of these rules and regulations are contained in Title 69 of the Oklahoma Administrative Code.
Like many other western states, fishing in Oklahoma is primarily a summertime activity. However, you can still fish in its lakes and ponds during some of the colder months if you have a permit for special fishing days and times. For instance, you can fish in frozen waters during the winter if you have a cross-country skiing permit. The following table lists the months that you can swim with the trout and other freshwater fish and the required days and times for each type of fishing license.
Saltwater Fishing In Oklahoma
If you are a resident of Oklahoma and want to fish its saltwater lakes and ponds, you will need the state’s saltwater fishing license. Every year, anglers must renew their license, which is $20 for residents and $25 for non-residents, before October 1st of each year. You also need to have a fishing permit for each lake or pond that you fish in. Additionally, you must have a charter boat license if you want to charter for fish in any of the state’s saltwater lakes or ponds. The rules and regulations for this type of fishing are contained in Title 69 of the Oklahoma Administrative Code as well.
Fishing in Oklahoma is very popular during the summertime as well, but it can be a year-round activity. The state’s marine waters, such as its Gulf coast, are famous for their fish and game fish populations, which draw anglers from all over the world. Residents and tourists can enjoy the beaches and seafood restaurants during the day and take the boat out at night to catch fish for food, which are then cleaned and prepared as soon as they are caught.
Unfortunately, there are many different types of fish in Oklahoma’s lakes and ponds, which means there is plenty of opportunity for the fish to swim away before you even notice they are there. Many landowners in Oklahoma have protected their property from being fished by placing permanent no-fishing signs on their lakes and ponds. If you want to fish on privately-owned land, you must ask the landowner’s permission before you begin fishing.
Offshore Fishing In Oklahoma
If you are a resident of Oklahoma and want to fish its offshore waters, there are several options. First, you can go down to the coast and fish along the shore, which is usually the easiest and also the most popular way to fish in Oklahoma. However, the coast is famous for its treacherous waters and extremely rough surf. Even safety swimmers have been injured or have died while surfing in these waters.
The second option is to fish from a boat. You can get a boat license from the ODWC, which costs $500 for a year. This license allows you to fish anywhere in state waters, including all of its lakes and ponds. To fish from a boat, you need a captain’s license, which costs about $500 annually, and an angler’s license, which is $20 for residents and $25 for non-residents.
The third option is to get a permit from the state’s wildlife department. These permits allow you to fish in offshore waters near marine mammals, such as sea otters and whales. You will need to get a tag for each marine mammal that you want to catch. The cost of these tags is $25 per year.
Any one of these options, or combinations thereof, make for some exciting fishing adventures in Oklahoma. Just make sure that you follow the rules and regulations for each type of fishing, which can be found in its respective sub-section below.