Wednesday, April 04, 2007

New Fishing Restrictions in Oklahoma

In March 2007, Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commissioners changed some fishing regulations. You'll want to be aware of these before you go trout fishing in Oklahoma. Below is a quick summary of new regulations.

Lower Illinois River (public fishing area) only allows fishing with artificial flies and lures and requires the use of barbless hooks. However, anglers using hooks size 3/0 or larger may use barbed hooks and natural baits (these anglers are mostly fishing for striped bass).

You're also only allowed to keep one rainbow trout a day and it must be at least 20 inches in length. These new rules apply to the half-mile stretch from the USGS steam gauge station downstream to the gravel pit county road.

Another change affects the Lower Mountain Fork River trout stream. Again, the restriction for artificial flies, lures, and barbless hooks was approved for the Evening Hole/Lost Creek areas. You're only allowed to keep one rainbow trout a day and it must be at least 20 inches.

The previous restriction on that portion of stream from Rough Branch Creek downstream to the reregulation dam were eliminated.

Landrum Wilderness Areas downstream approximately a half-mile was established and will be effective Nov.1-Feb. 29 annually. Artificial flies and lures, barbless hooks-only will be permitted in this area during this period. From March 1 through the end of trout season, this rule will not be effect and the statewide trout limit will apply.

Changing to other fishing regulations took effect as well. So if you also like to fish for black bass or walleye, be sure to check the new rules and regs before you go fishing.

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