Matt Gamble, south central region fisheries biologist for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, said he noted heavy trout angling activity after the season first started Nov. 1 where he is stationed at the Blue River Public Fishing and Hunting Area. He said he also expects activity to continue picking up.

"Wintertime trout fishing really offers Oklahomans a unique outdoor getaway," Gamble said. "Trout do well in Oklahoma waters and really make for an exciting way to fish. They put up a good fight, and both kids and adults enjoy the challenge."

According to Gamble, good weather is a plus as well.

"When you get a really nice winter day like we have been having lately, trout fishing just doesn't get much better or more fun."

Wintertime trout fishing is available from Nov. 1 through March 31 at Blue River PF&HA, Lake Pawhuska, Robbers Cave, Lake Watonga, Quartz Mountain and Lake Carl Etling. Additionally, the Wildlife Department manages year-round trout fisheries in the Lower Illinois River from Tenkiller Dam to the Hwy 64 bridge near Gore and in a 12-mile stretch of the Lower Mountain Fork River from the Broken Bow Lake spillway downstream to the U.S. Hwy 70 bridge (of which about five miles lies with Beaver’s Bend State Park).

Trout anglers must possess an appropriate fishing license and a legacy permit as well as a $10 trout license ($5 for youth 17 and under).

For more information on trout fishing, or for descriptions and regulations pertaining to Oklahoma’s designated trout waters, log on to wildlifedepartment.com or consult the current “Oklahoma Fishing Guide.”

News Source: Oklahoma WD - Jan. 06, 2009