Fishing

Oklahoma City operates one of the most comprehensive urban fisheries management programs in the nation, including:

• Operation of the H.B. Parsons Fish Hatchery
• Management of three City lakes and eight Close to Home fishing waters.
• Aquatic education and community outreach programs

Each year, staff at the H.B. Parsons Fish Hatchery rear about 500,000 fish to be stocked in local Oklahoma City waters. These include walleye, striped bass hybrids, channel catfish, and hybrid sunfish.

The program also actively monitors and maintains the lakes and fishing areas — covering more than 7,230 acres of fishable waters — to ensure they remain healthy, productive, and enjoyable for anglers. Education and outreach efforts help build an informed and engaged local angling community. The program is funded by revenue from City fishing permit sales, directly supporting conservation and recreational fishing opportunities in Oklahoma City.

Oklahoma City Fishable Waters

Fishing by permit is allowed at the following City-owned lakes and waters: 

• Lake Hefner, between NW Grand Blvd and Hefner Road, and Hefner Parkway (SH 74) and MacArthur Avenue. 
• Lake Overholser, between NW 10th and 39th, and North Morgan Road and Overholser Drive.
• Lake Stanley Draper, between SE 149th and Interstate 240, and South Douglas Boulevard and Westminster Road.
• Oklahoma River, between Interstate 35 and Portland Avenue, south of Interstate 40 in downtown Oklahoma City.
• Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge, NW 51st St and Stinchcomb Road.
• Crystal Lake, 6625 SW 15th St.
• Dolese Youth Park Pond, 5101 NW 50th St.
• Edwards Park Fishing Lake, 1515 N Bryant Ave.
• Kids' Lake, 3200 W Wilshire Blvd.
• Kitchen Lake, 5501 SE 119th St.
• Route 66 Park Ponds, 9901 NW 23rd St.
• South Lakes Park Ponds, 4302 SW 119th St.
• Zoo Lake, 2101 NE 50th St.

Accessible Fishing Areas

Fishing docks and piers for individuals using wheelchairs or other mobility devices can be found at the following locations:

Lake Overholser

Hours

Lake hours are also 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., except for permitted activities, such as boating and fishing. Permits allow use of the lakes any time or day.

Permits

A City fishing permit is required for ages 16-61. An Oklahoma state fishing license is also required. Permits are $5 for 24 hours, $10 for three days, or $20 for one year. City fishing permits are sold online and from authorized vendors: Bass Pro Shop, 200 Bass Pro Drive, and Cabela's, 1200 W Memorial Road. 

Permits are not required the first Saturday of each month or during Hooked on Fishing youth classes. Permits are not required for individuals who are legally blind or have a 60% or more disability. For more information on permit exemptions, call (405) 297-1426.

Daily Possession and Length Limits

Fish that are smaller than the minimum sizes listed must be immediately returned to the water. Length is measured from tip of snout to end of tail, with fish laid flat on a ruler, mouth closed and tail pressed together.

Enforcement

The Oklahoma City Police Department Lake Patrol and Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation enforce fishing regulations on City lakes and Close to Home fishing waters. To report a violation, call one of the following numbers: 

• 911
• ODWC Enforcement Office, (405) 521-3719
• Operation Game Thief, (800) 522-8039

Other Rules

• A maximum of three rods and reels per person is allowed, with no more than three hooks per line. This does not apply to artificial lures with more than three hooks.
• Bow fishing is allowed only during daylight hours at Lake Draper, Lake Hefner and Lake Overholser.
• Fisherman floats (tubes) are allowed on the Oklahoma River in coves and tributaries and at Kids' Lake, Kitchen Lake, Crystal Lake, and South Lakes East Pond. Floats may be used only during daylight hours and within 100 feet of any shoreline. Life jackets and watertight waders are required.
• No seines, cast nets or other nets.
• No trot, jug or yo-yo's, or limb lines.
• No spears or gigs.
• No noodling or hands-only fishing, except in the Oklahoma River downstream from the NW 10th Street bridge to the MacArthur Street bridge.
• No snagging, pulling, or jerking a hook or hooks through the water to impale a fish.

Trout Season

The City's annual Trout Season runs December 1 through the last day of February at Route 66 Park and Edwards Park. Fish are stocked at the beginning of the season, then every two weeks until season's end. Stocking dates are weather dependent.

• Fishing from bank only; boat fishing prohibited.
• Fishing is by rod and reel only. One rod and reel per person.
• The daily catch limit is three trout per person.
• Trout caught and placed on a stringer or in a bucket cannot be released back into the water.
• Anglers must put their trout on individual strings, labeled with their name and State fishing license on it. 

Oklahoma City Game & Fish Commission

The Oklahoma City Game and Fish Commission makes policy recommendations to the Oklahoma City City Council about fishing, hunting, and similar activities on City-owned waters and lands. Game and Fish Commissioners advise the City Council on the condition and suitability of facilities at these sites, review ordinances and regulations, provide general policy guidance to staff, and coordinate with state wildlife officials on matters of mutual interest. Commission meetings are at 1:30 p.m. the first Monday of the month at Will Rogers Gardens. Meetings are open to the public.

For more information on the OKC Game and Fish Commission, please call the staff at H.B. Parsons Fish Hatchery at (405) 297-1426.

Aquatic Education

As part of Oklahoma City’s commitment to passing the love of fishing to the next generation, the OKC Parks hosts free “Hooked on Fishing” derbies geared for youths age 5–15. These events offer a family-friendly atmosphere where participants can fish and visit educational booths at their own pace. During derby hours, both state fishing licenses and city fishing permits are waived. Each youth participant receives a free fishing rod and tackle set, generously provided by our program sponsors.

Our 2025 Sponsors:

• Police Athletic League
• Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation
• Lucky Lure Bait and Tackle

H.B. Parsons Fish Hatchery

Located at 10940 N Meridian Avenue, just north of Lake Hefner, the H.B. Parsons Fish Hatchery has been supporting fishing in Oklahoma City since 1983 and is the only municipally operated hatchery in the state. The hatchery consists of six one-acre rearing ponds and raises walleye, hybrid striped bass, channel catfish, and hybrid sunfish for stocking in the City’s Fishable Waters. Fish raised at the hatchery are not sold to the public. The hatchery offers free tours and open houses throughout the year.