Plan a Summer Fishing “Staycation” for the Family

By Oklahoma Dept of Wildlife Conservation

First posted on 06-01-2009

The search is on this summer for activities that are fun for the entire family yet easy on the wallet, and officials with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation say fishing provides the answer.

According to Jeff Boxrucker, assistant chief of fisheries for the Wildlife Department, fishing is about as economical and relaxing as it gets. The start-up costs are minimal — a rod and reel, a little bait and an appropriate fishing license are all it takes — and the sport itself is easy to learn.

“Oklahoma has so many good fishing opportunities that one could never try them all this summer, and fishing is a great way to get away for an in-state vacation or for a one-day outing with the family,” Boxrucker said. “If you combine fishing with wildlife watching, hiking or camping, you can have a full getaway right here in Oklahoma that will be fun and memorable.”

Fishing in Oklahoma normally requires a license and a fishing and hunting legacy permit, which you can purchase at various sporting good vendors across the state. Additionally, trout anglers must normally possess a trout license to fish in designated trout waters in the state. However, anglers fishing June 6-7 can fish without a state license during Oklahoma’s free fishing days. Anglers should note that certain city permits may still apply to specific fishing areas during Free Fishing Days.

Oklahoma was the first state in the nation to offer free fishing days over 25 years ago and has since been followed by dozens of other states that have established similar days.

Free Fishing Days offer one way that families can enjoy an inexpensive day on the water by fishing at lakes and ponds across the state or at one of Oklahoma’s year-round designated trout waters. Anglers should be aware of and abide by all Texas fishing license and permit requirements when fishing the Texas portion of Lake Texoma June 6-7. The Texas Free Fishing Day is June 6, so anglers will be able to fish both Texas and Oklahoma portions of the lake for free that day. On June 7, free fishing will only be allowed on the Oklahoma portion of the lake. Anglers must follow all other fishing regulations.

Families who would like to learn more about fishing together can attend one of several fishing clinics held throughout the summer as part of the Wildlife Department’s Aquatic Resource Education Program. Clinics are held at the Arcadia Conservation Education Area at Lake Arcadia as well as other locations in the Oklahoma City and Tulsa areas. For a full schedule of clinics, log on to wildlifedepartment.com.

Another option to explore for an easy-to-plan family fishing getaway is the Wildlife Department’s Close to Home Fishing program, which offers fishing opportunities in or near urban areas. To learn more or to find Close to Home Fishing areas or other angling opportunities, log on to the Wildlife Department’s Web site at wildlifedepartment.com or consult the current “Oklahoma Fishing Guide,” available at sporting goods stores or anywhere fishing licenses are sold. The sources also include tips for catching and identifying the various species of Oklahoma fish, regulations, fish recipes and more. Fishing licenses and permits also are available for purchase at wildlifedepartment.com.